Arturia KeyLab 88-Key Hammer Action MIDI Controller

It probably doesn't have a "designer" ACT surface like the A-800 but the plain ACT surface works well with just about any controller.

Thanks guys. Yes, azslow3 I've had a look at yours and it's a bit intimidating.
 
I was hoping to get some feedback from Sonar users who actually using this midi-keyboard. Obviously from what you are saying re its integration with Sonar, it's not going to be straight forward. Perhaps the Roland A-88 Weighted 88-Key Midi Keyboard Controller will be a better option, but it appears to have limited sliders/dials for similar interaction like the the A-800Pro.
 

Yes, thanks Mike...good idea. 

Why? You getting kickbacks from Aturia? lol!

No worries Dana...have to buy it first and I was hoping to get some feedback about it on the forum before shelling out $. Sorry to hear about the MAudio :(

Yes, the Nekar looks good for the money...semi-weighted keys. Has Sonar compatibility. Not available in Australia yet:(

I had the Keylab61 not the 88 keys so take this with a grain of salt. You have to use act or generic surface to map sonar to the Arturia. The generic surface works better for me. All the knobs, faders, control work fine and very easy to map. I customized a bunch of VST plugs and sonar just remembers the settings when you make the plug active, very cool. The downside and the reason I returned the Arturia controller is it's very badly built. I have dead keys and broken mod wheels within the first week, and the pads are useless as they are very stiff. There is basically no support from the company either.

Hi,
 
I have the Arturia Keylab 88 and im very happy with it.
Dont compare this Keylab with the smaller Keylabs; they have a completely differnt keyboard. The 88 has fully weighted hammer action, the smaller ones dont
 
Interaction with Sonar is fine only have some trouble sorting out the transport buttons, for wich ill make another thread.
 
Peace
F.

Alan, how is the "key travel" and "bounce" on that Nektar? I am looking at one myself at the moment, as I am getting sore joints in my fingers now when I play for extended periods on the fully weighted keybeds.
 
Dennis

The Arturia 88 is AMAZING!!! As a university student of music (classical piano major, music technology minor) I can say this is the best midi controller I have yet encountered. The keybed is incredibly realistic. I went to about 5 shops around Melbourne and tried all the digital and stage pianos as well as midi keyboard (priced $500 up to $8k) (including the roland A-88) and this has by far the most realistic piano feel!!! The A-88 was my second choice, but this was the best hands down. Chopin's Aeolian Harp sounded incredible on it! The keys are heavy, but no heavier that a heavy piano. The software (Pianoteq 5 and Arturias own synth plugin) it comes with is worth almost $500 in itself. The board is 12 kg, making it extremely portable. It comes with a detachable stand, and a detachable rubber extension of the board on which to sit your computer (a major help if you're planning on playing live sets from your DAW while playing piano.) Looks beautiful Buy it!