Studiologic SL88 Studio

Product Information

The rear of the SL88 provides straightforward connectivity. Two pedal inputs can accommodate typical sustain-type pedals, a third pedal input supports continuous controllers, and a fourth pedal input supports either continuous controller pedals or multi-functional pedals such as the optional SLP3-D Triple Pedal. The SLP3-D provides Half-Damper functionality on the right pedal, Sostenuto in the middle, and Soft on the left pedal. Clearly, the SL88’s available foot control can easily eclipse your ability to step on everything. The keyboard is not, strictly speaking, a piano-like action. It certainly is weighted, going beyond the usually euphemistic sense of “semi-weighted” to what this term shouldmean. Like the VAX-77, the feel is in the sort of “expensive weighted synth” territory of classics like the Rhodes Chroma and Yamaha CS-80; which is to say, substantial and extremely expressive. Another huge selling point for this controller is the more than ample connectivity. It offers CV in/out, which is rare for most MIDI controllers. If you want to create a hybrid setup with MIDI and analog gear, the KeyLab 88 Mk2 is perfect.

I was really impressed with this element of the keyboard. You can have different responsiveness settings for each zone you set up, so if you’re using a zone for triggering samples for example, and you want very limited responsiveness so the samples trigger at the same velocity, except for one quieter sample note – you can set that ONE NOTE to trigger higher velocity. Brilliant!! The keys are a touch heavy for synth-style playing, but combined with so much real-time tweaking, it’s the best of both worlds. The software is a bit confusing and there's not a lot of documentation or tutorials on how to use it properlyAgain there are factory settings, but you can create a library of user settings, where you can adjust each and every key to fit your playing/distinct instruments. These controls all get smarter when the A-88 is connected to a Roland SuperNatural-based instrument such as the Integra-7 module or Jupiter-50/80 synthesizer, automatically mapping to key parameters on a per-sound basis as well as enabling sound selection directly from the unit. Since many unweighted Roland synths now offer a SuperNatural internal piano sound, the A-88 could be a great addition if you intend to use that sound much. The action is smooth and seems to register more realistic velocity reading for piano playing. You can literally play super soft passages and full on loud. It’s very quiet especially compared to the Keylab88.

Adding to the hands-on workflow is a small but handy OLED screen that means less time looking at a computer. It’s a legitimate all-rounder. Each key lifts a hammer (the weight you feel), which passes through an optical sensor. A long skinny triangle cut into the hammer is what disrupts the light path, the state of which is read over 200,000 times per second. Both channel andpolyphonic Aftertouch are supported, the VAXMIDI being the only piece in this roundup that senses the latter. High-resolution MIDI velocity can be output as well.Feel of the keyboard suits us guys who are not entirely piano players but want a piano like action (I am a synth, and organ player primarily and piano alternately) With its compact profile, the SL88 STUDIO is an extremely portable professional controller. Thanks to a perfect integration with the TP/100LR keyboard, it weighs less then 14 kilograms. The SL88 STUDIO is studio and stage ready with a rugged full metal casing. Sculptured endcaps made of a highly resistant synthetic material help shield the premium TP40 wood keybed perfectly and provide a safe grip when handling and transporting. The SL88 Grand weighs just under 46 pounds (21Kg), comparable to other premium keyboards of a 76- or 88-note variety. Looking like a stretched RD-64 stage piano, the A-88 can be powered by USB or an AC adaptor, and supports true sostenuto and half-dampering when combined with the optional RPU-3 triple pedal unit. Connections are basic: Two continuous and one switch input, plus a single MIDI Out port to supplement the USB.