Korg KeyStage Review // MIDI 2.0 finally works - let’s see what it can do
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 Published On Oct 24, 2023

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► Cool Holographic scopes?

The scopes I use aren't real - I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle.

How does KeyStage (KS) compare to NI's Kontrol MK3 (KMK3) - as of the making of this video:
► KMK3 is more expensive than KS
► Both have polyphonic aftertouch that feels more or less the same, maybe slightly finer control on the KMK3
► Key action is softer, quieter and with less travel on the KMK3
► KMK3 has touch-sensitive endless encoders, a better choice for automapping parameters compared to KS's pots. The pots also seem to have lower resolution.
► KMK3's screen is way better, larger, has color graphics, letters are bigger, clearer
► KMK3 is quite larger in terms of depth, leaving less room on your desk
► Currently MIDI 2.0 is implemented in way fewer places than NI's NKS, and therefore NKS is more useful
► Ableton Live integration has device controls on KS but no levels/sends, and vice versa on KMK3 (I'd prefer device controls, personally)
► KMK3 doesn't support MIDI 2.0 currently, but has that option in one of the settings menus, so there's a good chance NI might support it - though not clear which part of it and whether NI will support property exchange
► KS has on board arp and chord modes, KMK3 doesn't yet, but NI has committed to implementing it.
► More pedal inputs and touch slider on KMK3
► KMK3's build feels more premium (buttons, encoders, wheels)


TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:15 Overview
2:55 MIDI 2.0
4:15 Wavestate
5:40 Gadget
7:15 Poly AT
9:05 Keybed
9:25 Ableton
11:40 Arp
14:05 Chords
15:55 MIDI CCs
16:30 Scenes
16:55 I/O
17:15 The plate
17:35 Pros, cons
19:00 Outro

Submit review and video ideas here (sorry I don’t offer 1x1 sessions/setup/purchasing advice):

► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com

NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links to stores like Amazon, Sweetwater, Thomann and others. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

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