Quality keybed at least like komplete control / summit.
Aftertouch, poly is a plus.
Possibility to split, change channel on the keyboard itself.
Standalone
Multiple simultaneous out : midi,usb,cv…
I don’t mind bundled softwares, and pads.
AFAIK, komplete kontrol does not allow split and channel config on the fly, I’m not sure it can send midi to usb and din at the same time (same limitation as mkI) and most importantly, when connected to maschine I’m pretty sure, it won’t be able to play an unfocused instrument…So probably not an option…
Arturia KeyLab MkII 61 ? No split i think.
I have a Keystep 37, I like the keyboard even if it is small but on the other hand nothing is more distant from someone worthy to judge a feeling of touch than me. Otherwise beautiful product and materials, good design, full of features, excellent finish.
SL61 mk3 is a bit expensive but very well worth it, and as far as I can tell tick all your options but Poly aftertouch.
The fact that you can control several keyboard at the same time (e.g. latch an arp on one while sending pads to the other) makes it a real brain for your gear.
OK, everybody knows what i’m going to say, so i won’t actually say it.
I am pretty sure it is the only currently made conventional style keyboard with poly-aftertouch and MPE, that does keyboard splits. It has a synth built-in, but does MIDI as well. Has Local MIDI OFF.
It should be available in one month.
73 keys.
Splits two ways only.
Poly-aftertouch, and MPE, plus sends note-off values.
Built in fancy arpeggiator output MIDI, can run two separate arps simultaneously.
Keyboard is high quality.
I’m not totally sure yet but i think it outputs velocity splits in MIDI as well.
Not totally sure yet but i think the keyboard split on MIDI can fade velocity across split point.
Has both USB and DIN MIDI. Limited amount of CV output built in. Can also send an incredible amount of MIDI CC modulation and custom control output settable by patch.
If you’re looking for a nice keybed and are not too hung up on control elements & CV outs, the Studiologic SL73 is also a nice option for a splittable (4 Zones) master keyboard.
Otherwise I personally like the quality and feature set of the aforementioned Novation SL61 Mk3.
Hey @KaOsphere - I’d recommend the Extra Deluxe MFG. It’s the best keybed I’ve ever owned, and while it does very little - but some of what you ask for, actually - this is also its strength. It’s a very focused kit.
Since they really went for it as far as the Deluxe part goes, though, it has the price tag to match a kit that can almost do nothing but looks like the world anyway.
I’m in waiting for an Osmose as well. EE does show off its controller features too. Splits and both poly-aftertouch and MPE with a pitch bend dimension. They still say available in 2021 on their web-site, if 49 keys is enough for you and you’re able to wait a few months.
The SLM3 works in so many different ways, with built in sequencer, and multi-use capabilities from DAW down to CV. I like mine. The keyboard is quite acceptable, the wheels are solid, and the second DIN MIDI out is nice to have. The five color displays, with the tightly associated encoders, is nice. It even has LEDs on the keys.
I finally decided to let go the 61sl…
The touch is not bad but still feels a plasticky to me…
Hydrasynth which, to me, has exact same feeling keywise, has at least a perfectly nailed aftertouch to compensate !
Unfortunately, not really the case with novation ( had the summit before and sent it back for AT upgrade, got a brand new unit with upgraded AT and been quite disappointed…)
On top of that, I finally find all the features too convoluted to use, I hate using novation element to program all this stuffs and finally I’m not using much of them because I’m leaning to a more spontaneous and intuitive way of playing…
Yes @circuitghost you can look at me now…
Gonna try the studiologic sl73 to see if I can get a better feeling for the keys…The quest continues it seems !
Studiologic is still my main keyboard. Sturdy, no fancy stuffs I don’t use… The keyboard feeling is close to a piano. I like it. As a sidenote, I also have an Osmose, a touché and an exquis when needed.
