Best Logic Controller Keyboard

[TimSpa]

I’m looking for a 49 or 61 key controller for logic. Novation used to do the Remote Sl which seemed to have leds above each knob showing what it controlled which looked super useful.

The sl mk 3 seems to have a bit of that but has cv control and all sorts of things I wouldn’t need (and a high price).

Can anyone recommend something that might be better? I can look for the remote sl on eBay but would ideally get something current.

Thanks!

Tim

[BigRedX]

Something with the appropriate number of keys from the Novation Launchkey range?

You will need to be on Logic 10.5.1 or higher to get the full functionality out of it, but even with older versions it works as a decent controller.

[MarkOne]

Also have a look at the Arturia Keylab Mk II range. Great feeling keybed, a dedicated DAW mode (compatible with most DAWs)

[The Elf]

Tough to answer. Define your idea of 'best' - price, features (i.e. lacking the ones you don't need), number of keys, wheels, aftertouch, DAW integration, transport controls, weight, other features you *do* need... 'Best' to one is not 'best' to another.

Personally I like the Novation LaunchKey range, but I wish it had poly aftertouch...

[The Korff]

If you use Kontakt a lot then the NI S Series controllers are great.

[adamburgess]

I like my Keylab mkII 61. Setup software is really quite nice, and on a touch of any controller, the names will appear in the display… 3x banks controllers per 'Patch'.

[TimSpa]

Thanks all. Will check out the LaunchKey & KeyLab range. Shame that there isn't something with dedicated LEDs above each knob but those 2 look like the best options. Might check out the Novation Zero SL - it's not a keyboard but at least it has the LEDs.

Have anyone of you tried one?

[AndyN]

I have a Novation 49SL MK2, which has the LED. It is useful, however I only use my keyboard to control synths, and I only use one controller layout for all synths. This makes it easy to learn where the controls are so the LED is redundant. The 8 sliders are always for the filter and amp envelopes, the cutoff is always in the same place as is the resonance etc. Anything that doesn't fit my layout gets controlled with the mouse.

If I was going to buy a new controller I would probably go for the Launchkey, however, if you do want the LED to show what you are controlling, bear in mind that the Launchkey knobs/sliders aren't touch sensitive. This means you have to physically move a control before the value shows up in the window. Touch sensitive controls are a useful feature to have if labelled controls are important to you.

[Mudbucker]

Hmm, no love for Nektar? They have deep integration with Logic with all the factory instruments and effects premapped to the controls. Of course, their controllers have the usual DAW control stuff...transport, mixer, etc. None of the boards mentioned so far come close in terms of functionality. The Panorama P series is the flagship, but the Panorama T and Impact series still have plenty to offer at lower price points. 49 and 61 keys are available in all three series, Impact also has 25 and 49 key models. SOS has reviews of all three.

[The Elf]

Unfortunately I have found the Nektar keyboards of relatively low quality. But their price reflects this, and they are reasonable value for what they are.

Some of the ones I've used also lack aftertouch - whether that's an issue is down to the individual. To me it's a show-stopper for a main keyboard.

[sonics]

Unfortunately I have found the Nektar keyboards of relatively low quality. But their price reflects this, and they are reasonable value for what they are.

Does that go for the P-series as well? Have you played those? I ran my fingers across a P4 in a store for ten seconds and it was one of the best actions in the store. That's accepting that most modern controllers have awful-feeling cheap keyboards (IMO).

[The Elf]

TBH I've no idea which models I've used. All I can say is that they are OK, but certainly not a brand I'd choose.