Fatar StudioLogic SL-880 Controller

They don't come much easier than this - just hook it up and go.
It took me about 5-10 minutes to figure out how to configure it,
and for anyone with even the slightest experience in this sort of
thing, there should definitely not be any problems.
I'd have preferred a dedicated keypad for the settings but
using the pianokeys does work well too, so I guess I shouldn't
complain.

The technical features are what you pay for. No sounds and only
the most basic settings, although it does have 4 split zones.
The keyboard action is the BEST. Once I start playing, I just can't
take my hands off it. I don't know if it'd be possible to make
an electronic product much more acoustic-feeling than this.
Some kind of LCD instead of the LED:s, to see the current settings
might have been nice, but it would undoubtably raise the price.
You don't really need it anyway, since there really aren't that
many settings to keep track of. If you need more features, get
one of the two more advanced (and more expensive) models instead.

This unit really does feel like it enhaces your existing sound
modules. I hooked it up to an XP-30 to try out some layering, and
was really amazed when I realized many of the patches acually
sounded a lot better than with the XP-30s own keys.
A review below bitches about the keys being too sensitive.
Hey man, ever try fiddling with the velocity curve settings?
For soft to medium piano playing I'd recommend you try curve #2,
which is well suited for this sort of thing.
Some reviews also state that the action is too hard. Initially I
thought so too, but after a month or so I've gotten quite used to
it, and I really wouldn't have wanted it any softer.

Feels really dependable with its full metal body.
I haven't carried it around much, but I wouldn't hesitate to do so.
The power cord could definitely use some work, though.

I've had no reason to contact Fatar, so I really couldn't say.

I would buy it again. If I could afford it, that is.
Definitely worth the price, and the hammer action is probably the
best you can get. I've played a number of different pianos over
the years, and this is right up with the best of them.
The only thing I hate about it is the cord, which is way to thin.
I checked out the Roland A-33 as well, before I decided on the
Fatar. The action of the A-33 sucks badly in comparison, and I'm
really glad I put in the extra cash for the SL-880.
If you want a really good hammer action controller with basic
but sufficient functions, this is a great choice.

Few features but the most necessary is included. Non exhaustive list :
split, for each zone : pitch bend on/off, sustain on/off.

This implie few keys in front panel an quick access to functions.

Less compared to other products but really enough to do want I wanted
to do with this keyboard : play with an expander and somtimes
record into a sequencer.

Key action is catastrophic. Unless you press the key very, very,
very slowly, you will get velocity = 128.

The keyboard had to be changed two times before I got
one working correctly. The first two had key with locked hammers
and the second also had front panel keys some times remaining stuck.
The third I got worked OK for the 8 months I kept it. But :
- some keys are a little bit lighter than others,
- 3 times, memory wiped out.

The first two keyboards were changed within 2 days. Excellent.
I sent a letter to have explantions about keys a little bit
lighter than others. I got no anwser.

Key action is to bad to get pleasure on this keyboard.
Note however that I rather play piano parts than synth parts.
I didn't try it enough on the store and when I got it,
I realized I had been wrong purchasing this product.

The only attractive point is : the price. But I strongly
recommand to wait a little and buy, for example :
a Technics SX P30 or a Yamaha P80. And a little bit later,
again for example, a Roland A33 to have a synth keyboard,
pitch bend and modulation wheels.

This controller is very simple to use. It has all the basic features-A bad thing is that you're not able to change sones when you're playing. You'll have to release all keys. That is a minus.

This is a controller only. It has no internal sounds and is therefore ment to hook up to soundmodule. It has two midioutputs for 32 channels.
There are no built in effects.
The keyboard action is great, or even the best. You'll find the same keys on giant workstations like Kurzweil 2500 to 5 times the money. The keys are quickresponding and the velocitycurve is adjustable. The pianofeel is almost acustic. It's like playing a consert grand piano. The aftertouch is very good, maybe a it hard.
There are no expansion capabilities on Fatar SL-880. It has no memory for presets except for the four sones. I recommend a soundmodule that is easy to use, or a soundmodule hooked up to a PC with controllersoftware, like SoundDiver.
A summary: the feeling is the greatest. If you want memory for presets: buy SL-2001.

This controller gave my soundmodule new life. The music reponds perfect to my touch. The keys beats a lot of ather 88-key synths, like Alesis QS-8 / QS-8.1. These keys does not feel like plastic. You can really feel the hammer touching the strings. Great for piano. But...for fast phrases you need muscles like Sylvester Stalone.

This controller is perfect stable. I've had no problems what so ever.

Never had any use of them

If my SL-880 were stolen I would probably buy a SL-1100 or SL-2001 to get the memory for presets. But these models have the same keys and the same touch. SL-880 is very much for the money. I love this controller.

If you understand midi and sound modules, it shouldn't be too hard to
use the panel for splits and/or layers.

more than enough for a controller. I use my module anyway (korgx5dr)
to program heavy layers etc.

The slope and velocity feature has a wide range of settings for dynamic
classical music or rock.

The power switch seems to be touchy. When i lightly press it, the L.E.D.
lights flicker. It looks like the switch is bad.

The keys are hard to press and the keys are full size and wider than my old spinet, so you better practice your scales and get
your finger muscles strong. Although, I notice the pain in my fingers
after playing for a long time, especially ragtime. This board is one of
the hardest I've played, but I'd rather have the action hard than soft.

Very easy to use this controller. Straightforward design, but limited MIDI implementation. No presets, just a controller. Manual is very brief and more than sufficient.

ANother review states 28 note polyphony. This is false, as this is a controller only - no limit to notes played except by your sound source. In other words, this keyboard will play as many notes simultaneously as your module can dish out. After touch is a bit hard, but the velocity curves and shapes available make this very playable. For piano sounds, I would suggest velocity 4+ and shape #2.

The expressiveness of this keyboard beats all the other weighted 88 note controllers, with or without sounds, hands down. Nothing feels as much like a real acoustic piano as this that I have tried, and I have tried many! One of it's best features is its' weight - 44lbs. Very transportable, and yet very solid when playing. It doesn't move on a good, sturdy stand. The velocity settings are very good, and with the shape feature I mentioned earlier, I can't imagine anyone not being able to find a combination of settings that is very comforatable for them.

As reliable as can be. I'm not in the habit of taking spare keyboards to gigs, unless touring with someone who requires it. I can't imagine this going down for any reason, other than the hideous power supply. This is the Fatar's only downfall. It is the cheesiest cord I've ever seen on a pro product. I will be replacing it soon with a beefy cable.

The 1-800 line has a very helpful and knowledgable staff. I've only called a couple times, but they are very supportive and friendly.

I have been playing piano for thirty years. I have owned and used everything from pianos to Rhodes EPs to Yamaha electric grands to 88 note pianos and synths of many makes and models. This action is far superior to any elctronic product I have ever had. I use it to control a rack with many different sound sources and they all feel great and sparkle. The touch is fantastic, allowing you to hammer like crazy or play very gently and come up with just the right results. You forget you are playing electronics, if your piano sounds are good, and get back to the music. I can't think of any other way to express how much I enjoy playing this keyboard. The only problem is the crappy power supply. Plus I wish they had a dedicated keypad instead of having to use the keys themselves to make controller changes. THe graphic on the front is kind of dumb, but these are very small grievances. If you need sliders and more MIDI implementation, the SL-1100 and SL-2100 are available. They cost more, but have the same keyboard action. The SL-990 does even less, is cheaper, and somehow feels inferior - like a different keyboard. I use MIDI mappers and only require patch changes, which the 880 does very simply. Just what I needed. I haven't enjoyed playing piano on a controller as much as this ever.

This is my first 88-Key controller and I LOVE it! I use Cakewalk ProAudio 7, and it is a breeze to hook up, mostly because it is just a controller. There are no patches to worry about.

This action is the best I have seen. I have had the keys for nearly a year now, and I would recommend it! It feels just like my Yamaha Conservatory grand. One problem though - it is a bit heavy, and not good for glissando (i.e. - organ stuff). It has four zones, each VERY EASILY customized with velocity, shape, midi channel, patch. The only problem I have with it is its lack of expression support. The only pedals you may use are sustain and volume. It has pitch/mod wheels, and controls my rig great! I give a 7 only because there are no onboard sounds.

There are no onboard sounds/effects/etc. The velocity/aftertouch is okay. Personally, I don't think it is sensitive enough. You can edit the velocity sensitivity for each zone, but it doesn't go far enough. Sure, if you play harder it is louder, but it is harder to play soft. A volume pedal is a must-have.

It is definitely reliable. Not a single problem in an entire year so far. It has held up well. I transport it to every single gig, and use it with my PC at home.

I have not had to contact FATAR.

If I had to go around again, I would buy something more along the lines of a PC88mx or XP80. Here is why: I use a Kurzweil MicroPiano, and an Alesis NanoPiano as sound modules. They sound great (i'll save that for another review), and I have each on a different zone. It is just plain annoying to change zones rather than hit a patch change button. It is WONDERFUL for use solely as a controller for a studio or something, but I would prefer other products for gigging.

Cakewalk Pro DOS

28 not polyphony, I think No effects - just a controller No expansion possible Has 4 programmable zones, channel aftertouch and of course, is velocity sensitive No on-board sequencer

NO internal sounds VERY VERY responsive - the weighted hammer-action is MARVELLOUS I wish my piano felt as good!! (no, I don't work for the company!)

has been very reliable so far would NOT use it as a gigging instrument - it's too valuable in my studio I use a 1989 Casio CZ-1 as a controller and a Yamaha PSR 410 in the church where I play

VERY GOOD tech support - even before I bought it!

Worth what I paid - I'd buy another - the action is fantastic and I am a trained pianist I had a Yamaha KX-88 for a while - this is amazingly a better-feeling unit (although not as programmable - but the KX-88 is SO OPAQUE that I'd dare ANYONE to try!!!!!!)