StudiologicSL73 Studio Midi Controller

+ build of the enclosure is sturdy+ keys are plastic but don't feel cheap or plasticky when played+ the weight of each key can adjusted to your preference in software (wow)+ the velocity curve can be adjusted to your preference in software+ key triple sensor and low rebound time enable consistent and quick key repetitions+ up to 4 pedal inputs for standard sostenuto, damper, and soft pedals+ felt lining on the back of the keys is a nice touch+ total weight is lighter than the competition considering the quality of the keybed and is still portable+ SL Editor UI is organized and easy to navigate- aftertouch requires too much pressure to activate and the sensitivity curve is too drastic- lack of detailed descriptions in SL Editor and software documentation- lack of more granular input for adjusting velocity and key weight curves

I needed something I could gig with that wasn't too expensive. I only use VSTs during gigs, so onboard sounds were not important to me. This thing is built like a tank. The action is on the heavy side (old EP type action) so if you are looking for a true piano like action, look elsewhere. But you can modify velocity parameters so that you don't have to dig your fingers into it if heavier actions bother you. So far, keybed is quiet. Overall, great keyboard.

I own a lot of controllers, from the Kawai VPC1 (ultimate piano controller) to the Akai MPK261 (superior synth action and controls). I had one hole in the inventory: a truly portable controller with 73 keys. The objective was to make it easy to play live gigs without a ton of gear and in limited stage space, but without sacrificing keyboard feel.The SL73 is meeting my expectations in all but one regard (see below). The action is excellent (Fatar knows their stuff), the 73 key Rhodes-like format reduces size and weight and is adequate for most live situations, and the build quality is very high. The LCD-based configuration takes a little getting used to but is quite good. I have yet to try the SL Editor on my Mac.My only gripe (and therefore 4 rather than 5 stars) is that depending wholly upon joystick controllers was a poor design decision. They are very handy for many things (instrument crossfades in particular), but a pair of wheel controllers for pitch and modulation would have recognized the fact that every MIDI controller of any quality ever made includes two wheels. I have perfected my "wheel technique" through many years of performance, and trying to reproduce that with a tiny little joystick that moves freely in all directions is, well, an unnecessary hardship. Perhaps future SL controller designers will remember that technique takes time to build, and cute features are not a viable substitute for motor memory.Otherwise, highly recommended and the only 73-note controller worth consideration.

It took a couple of weeks for my hands and fingers to adjust to the heavy action, that is, to be able play without tiring quickly. I haven't played serious classical music in a while and it's really nice to do so on this. Whether it's a Beethoven sonata or a Bach toccata, this has a lovely feel, once you get accustomed to it. The extra weight of the action helps with muscle memory and accuracy. I should have had a keyboard like this when I was young. Also, it seems 73 keys is adequate, at least so far.I have the Komplete library on my computer, and use Reaper software. It's easy to switch between multiple setups, that have different split points using the big knob that sits in the middle of the keyboard. It's all relatively intuitive to use and set up.One strange thing is that the 'Velocity Curve' setting seems to work opposite to what you'd expect. I use the 'Soft Velocity Curve' setting to get a faster velocity. Normally, one would expect this result from using the 'Hard Velocity Curve' setting. So, it may be inverted. This is actually important point, since the default 'Standard Curve' doesn't really allow one to get the best sound out of the virtual library. You will definitely need to adjust the velocity curve. It also allows for custom curves using the USB, but I haven't tried that yet.

Love the weighted Fatar keybed. I’ve been looking a long time for a smaller size weighted keyboard and this certainly fits the bill. Also really like the metal frame because i can use magnetic things on it like my iPad cover and Pencil. Quality feels amazing and it shipped quickly.

I use this keyboard when I have a cramped stage. Works as described and I find the action on the keys good. It's not light weight, but it's got a metal exterior which will make it durable for the gigging musician!

Been playing concerts with this board for about 18 months, roughly every two weeks. Lots of moving in and out of venues, putting gear in and out of my car. I have almost nothing but good things to say about this board - It is Great! The action is excellent, the weight is perfect, and the controls are very good. However...The Power Button is Garbage! The damn thing broke and fell into the board as I was setting up for a show. We had to crack the board open and solder the connectors together to get it to work again. The engineering of that button is very poor, it should be replaced with a Much more sturdy button, or just removed all together.Another small gripe is the three control sticks are too flimsy. They work, and are not terrible, but they don't feel 'good' when I'm playing. Like the power button, they should be reengineered with more solid and sturdy controllers.So overall, it's an excellent board with a few flaws. I still use it as my main board when playing concerts, now that the power control is soldered. If another version of this board was released with the upgrades I suggested, I would buy it and recommend it in a heartbeat. :)