All user reviews of 4/5 for the M-Audio Keystation 88es

I chose this product because of its color black grey and white it matched the color theme of my Macbookpro and my audio interface Steinberg UR44.

This unit is very simple. It has 88 semi-weighted keys, which will give you more like playing an acoustic piano and it has a midi ins/out similar to other controller but i use the USB connection because the cable is much more cheaper

I use the m-audio sustain (sp1) and its compatible


UTILIZATION

Setting this up was very simple, just plug in play.

i use macbook pro ( mid 2012) 4 gig ram 2.66 quad-core running at osx 10.9.4 and it works very smoothly. my audio recording software that I use is Cubase 7 and theres no compatibility issues

I didnt have time to read the manual because of its thickness. but the unit itself is a plug and play so everything will just work fine

OVERALL OPINION

The Cheap plastic feel of its casing irritates me. sometimes i hear crackles when i move it to one place to another. this unit might crack if you fell it accidentally. you must place it to a flat and solid flat-form for the plastic not to squick

I tried Casio keyboard before but my heart is in the m-audio because of its simplicity and support and integration

Pros
- Natural feel of keys
-cheap
- for home studio use

Cons
- cheap plastic feel
- it doesn't feel sturdy
-some keys squeaks

88 keys, USB and understated design ... nice to work with some sound banks (Kontakt ...). on the other hand is a bit cumbersome.

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use across the keyboard. The affected semi-weighted: as its name suggests it is better than a half synth hit "plastic" and it is half good as a real heavy hit ... Nothing new under the sun, what!

OVERALL OPINION

I used it for a few months and then resold for my needs and my config had changed. So, I regret a little ... I think that the ideal is to have a static 88 notes at home and a 49 nomad (I'm not a keyboardist for info ...). The strong point of this keyboard, for me, is its price / quality ratio ...

What characteristics have motivated your choice?
88-key semi-weighted and touched

What connection (MIDI pedals ...)? ...
usb power supply (optional when connected usb), midi, sustain pedal, volume pedal

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is it enjoyable?
I'm not a pianist, but I did not want to touch a soft synth. This one suits me but may be able to divert a pianist

Is it your use?
I use Linux, it is recognized without problem.

The general configuration is it simple?
yes, in my case nothing to do

The selection of MIDI channels, patches is easy?
I do not use these features

The manual is clear and sufficient?
Has not been read ...

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?
6 months
What is the particular feature you like best and least?
most 88 keys, price, simplicity

Have you tried many other models before buying it?
This is my first master keyboard

How would you rate the quality / price?
Very good

With experience, you do again this choice? ...
Yes unless you have a bigger budget to take a close heavy touch of a real piano

I was looking for a keyboard 88 keys for a very reasonable price.

UTILIZATION

The semi-weighted touch is perfect for me because I'm not a pianist at the base and I was looking for a versatile keyboard that also allows to do anything other than the piano. good is not a heavy touch but very suitable for synths and even the piano is playable.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had three weeks.
It was also a Clavinova at home that has a touch heavy piano, obviously this is not the same but in the living clavinova not within reach of the home studio.
I appreciated the drivers for the Keystation 88es windows 7 64bit no pb has not been reported. Highly regarded keyboard switch which can leave the USB plugged and permanently switch to activate at the keyboard at the request, think about doing it before running cubase ... otherwise it will not be recognized as all devices noon (Akai MPD etc ...) also steinberg should do something to recognize the Peripherals midi 'hot' as it is a bit annoying to have to close and reopen if cubase we did not think to turn his Peripherals noon before launching Cubase.
Returning to the Keystation 88es, a truly unbeatable value for money! and finally able to have the 88 keys to control banks of sounds with orchestral keyswitch all directly accessible, and undeniable comfort this little keyboard I love him already!
Attention to the size of the keyboard may seem surprising at first that it is very long (1.30 m) when you have used me as a 5-octave keyboard for decades

conclusion: the feel is average, but frankly quite enough for a synthesist like me, guitarist at the base, and who just wants to compose for a pianist must see keyboards more sophisticated (DOEPFER LM2 or LM4 +, Kurzweil PCK, Fatar or other Nano or Acuna) but also much more expensive! and largest in volume level (counts!), so it would have to repeat this time I do it again this choice until we have a more suitable room and opt for a DOEPFER but that it will be in my dreams more later ...

The M Audio Keystation 88es comes with the very basic features that you expect from a decent midi controller keyboard, including MIDI ins and outs, USB, a DC in port (but no included wall wart, which is no loss since the unit can be powered by the USB cable), an input for a damper pedal and one other footswitch. Otherwise, it's a fairly sparse, no-frills controller with only pitch bend and modulation, a volume slider and a pair of buttons that implement the octave up/down function in case you have a Bosendorfer sample or some other reason to expand beyond 88 keys. That's in stark contrast to the Pro 88, which has yards of knobs and faders that should let you control everything from your VST instrument to your DAW mixer to the small appliances in your kitchen. This is not the only significant difference, though. I played the fully weighted keys of the Pro 88 at a local retailer, and it is more pleasant than the semi-weighted keys of the 88es, which feel stiff and decidedly plastic and synth-like, more so even than my old synths, like the M1 and Juno 60.


UTILIZATION

The keyboard only transmits a fixed release velocity. That in itself isn't unusual--most of them do--but it unfortunately transmits a value of 0 (instead of a more common 64). If you have presets that respond to release velocity, you may find them acting peculiarly.

OVERALL OPINION


Overall, this is a good 88-key controller for under $200. There has been some criticism about this product because the keys do not have "piano action", but it is more responsive and has a better feel to me than my FantomX. If you are looking for an 88-key controller and don't need the frills of some of the pricier full-sized boards, you can't go wrong with this one!

- What technical specifications motivated your choice?

its 88 keys
its simplicity of use (it plugs into the PC and its progress ottoman)
weight (less than 15 hg)
its price (150th in aprfait OCCAZ of State)
- What connector (MIDI pedals ...)?...

1 MIDI / USB
Between 1 to sustain
Between an expression pedal
1 MIDI output

UTILIZATION

- The touch keyboard is it enjoyable? Should you use?
the only weak point is his, I was told a very close touch the piano, not bin,
we have a synth with just a touch more durea push buttons.
there is also the problem of curve Veloci very insensitive but hey it's on my pc queja must manage a. ..

- The configuration gnrale Is it easy?

incredible! I plug my keyboard, I started Fruity Loops, I indicate which perif to use his walk and ottoman!
just after setting latency masi nothing!

- The select MIDI channels, patches is easy?
I do not know I made from Fruity Loops

- The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
I do not look at the manual, and it was my first MIDI device, so to say it was easy!

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?
a short week

- What is the particular feature you like best and least?
+ The simplicity of use, the price of the 88 keys

- The touch and velocity curves

- How do you report qualitprix?
a new and 200th of 150 OCCAZ it really has nothing to say

- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...

pffff I do not know,
I have no one that the dosh is easy women to own
2 not at all like his touch

I pence I would choose a piano keyboard touch ave

right after a concert I can tell you what to expect in a live condition:
So as usual connected to my pc in fruity: A very yucky but hey its the keyboard has nothing to do, just a random image sensitivity even after adjustment. some notes did not come out while others went out too hard.
I had used on the Beatles yesterday, tight enough to make the entire piece, my focus was primarily on the target sensitivity of the game, not the music itself ...
if not a little weird thing I noticed, I feel like a game mechanic too, as if the track was divided able to re-divide it even thirty-second notes, and notes must stall in and not really playing stack when I play myself.

basically a good keyboard for the studio to the stage I would prefer a real piano touch for the piano parts, or parts or the game must be fast.
except for parts of synth why not ...

Edit: I recently engaged in a t the group Children of Bodom solo piano so fast enough, the race really galre the keys is quite large which is rather vague on the amounts and down it quickly becomes chaotic.
the game has no fluidity. speed mixture prevents the race to have a homogeneous feel we end up very quickly with notes piano or fortissimo which saturate fruity.
therefore for a quick game as keyboard really limits

I bought this keyboard because I had a Roland GR20 guitar for me, and I did not need a master keyboard ...

USB (very convenient to connect on computer) MIDI (also very practical to connect the GR20)

There's also the input for external pedals, but I control everything from the gr20 so I do not use them.

UTILIZATION

So I trained pianist ... and touch is trs trs Different. It's better than a synth, but difficult to compare a piano, even bad. Especially since the keys have a strong tendency "hang" a little bit. Trs is minimal and does not impede the game, but a disturbing ...
I biensur AIM better feel, but that price, I knew what to expose myself.

The configuration is fairly simple. There There's just two or three things to learn if we can push a little the config (channel selection, ect ...) but still simple. It just needs a little guts to say what we do.
The manual is clear trs, the only thing I still do not understand is the use of the keyboard as "adaption usb / midi", which I would trs useful since I have patched the GR20.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for several months. I like his point, its ease of use ...
I tried a lot of MODEL in fact, none of this range, so to compare, it is quite difficult.
Report quality price, quite excellent ...

While some tips ...
As for the GR20 (PDAL Originally Designed for electric guitar, playing the synth with the guitar, especially in my case, a godin XTSA) and of the use of KS88es with is simple (it works right away) and then they can just walk in CONTRL ... and it was the quality of its high-end Roland, so that happiness ... And bonus, it can control two or three things from the guitar (like volume, the sample set chosen ect).
Comfort and sound quality ... gnial absolutely. What's more, possibility to connect the usb at the same time, and therefore use the banks of the computer, or software that modulate or craient images based on a MIDI instrument. ..

Real stuff after all ...

USB keyboard and MIDI matre 88 key semi-weighted.
Two knobs and pitch bend modulation.
A volume fader (MIDI Controller)
Two buttons to grate the octaves.
Gray plastic body.
Connectivity: USB, MIDI in / out, sustain, portamento
No diet book, it is powered by USB.

UTILIZATION

The feel of this keyboard is a bit Drout. These are semi-Leste: so do not expect a piano key, said key hammer. The keyboards are also proposing that much more massive (8 count 10 kg).
Configuration a breeze. You plug, you play (I'm working on a PC running WinXP).
Manual useless.
I have not used under conditions together. However, the absence of external power supply must ask book with a problem given time ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a year just prs.
I am glad trs, its silent prdcesseur a fool quality. However, I have not tried many keyboards matre before I DCID: the portfolio adcid for me.
Yes: a 88-key that the price there is to it (time or j'cris).
So with the small sub I have, I do it again this choice without my wallet hsite.

I was looking for a keyboard matre with good range, and feel decent enough. I use USB (power) and MIDI connections. I took the pedals also as an accessory, which is essential for me.

UTILIZATION

The feel is appropriate, I am not a great pianist, I wanted a keyboard that can make a VLOC correct and it is not bad for a. But if you and your piano that you hold have a touch trs Fidler, it may not be the keyboard for you. When I play, I always touch up on my then VLOC software edition to make the costs more raliste I deprecated for use in live.
Setup could not be more simple, it's plug and play.
Manuel sufficiently clear yes.

OVERALL OPINION

I l "'used for a year before I had a PSR1100 which I sold for acqurir unsimple keyboard matre pass because I am using virtual instruments like computer Vienna Symphnonic Library So I had the intrt use of synth samples.
I would do this choice, I'm happy for trs that I use, it is lightweight, quiet despite its length, the touch is perfect for me because I do not seek perfection, I taps to find a Młoda, arrangement, then I editing on the computer later.
Report quality right price I think, I do not really have a point of comparison, but seems to me reasonable.

the 88 keys (better be more than missed), and basic connectivity (USB and MIDI out) I purchased at the same time a sustain pedal m-audio

UTILIZATION

touching the keyboard for me, I'm not a keyboard virtuoso. I am guitarist and I took some piano lessons during my adolescence, then the ide of midi keyboard tickle me. Manual useless but clear. I use the keyboard on my Macbook Pro with Logic Pro, I plug the USB keyboard, and the turn is played. There's no simpler.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it since April, it's not my usefulness Premire, but I can aisment me create a track using the keyboard drums addictive drums, piano or an Młoda then to improvise with my guitar.
MODEL is the only essay that I and the ratio quality price is more than interesting for me.
What I like most, the ease of connection to computer, and what I like least, well, my level, nothing special.
I would do without this choice hesitate

The M Audio Keystation 88es is a no frills MIDI controller that essentially says to the buyer: "You need a keybed to input MIDI in a more natural way than you could with a mouse and keyboard. I am a keybed that can help you do that."

It does not really give much more. But what it gives, it gives well. First off, the M Audio Keystation 88es has a power switch on the back, a USB connector, a MIDI out connector, a sustain pedal jack, and a power jack if one is not using the Keystation 88es with the USB port but with the midi connection instead. Aside from that, nothing is remarkable about the Keystation 88es. It does have the necessary pitch bend and modulation wheels everyone should be able to expect from a MIDI controller. It has a single volume fader, which is interesting, and two octave shift buttons, as well as another button labeled advanced functions. In my short time with it, I never got to use that button to truly understand what it was, but I do not assume that the Keystation is hiding a special feature from me in any way.

UTILIZATION

I will be honest, despite the fact that the keys are advertised as semi weighted, I found the Keystation 88es's keys to be a bit too springy for my taste. I have noticed this with more M Audio controllers however, so it is not something that surprised me at all. However, it syncs up perfectly with whatever MIDI instrument you are using in whatever DAW you are using, and plays it rather flawlessly, through both the USB and the MIDI connections.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall, you cannot really beat he M Audio Keystation 88es when it comes to having an 88 key MIDI controller for the price. There is not a thing special about the Keystation, but it does its job without fail, so I would say that it is a good purchase for someone who needs to have a full keyboard. Otherwise, I would recommend some of the controllers with more functions, as those will significantly speed up a workflow in a DAW once one is used to their function and utilization.

I was looking for an 88 not too expensive midi notes with a touch intermediary between a synth and a piano, the semi-heavy seemed entirely appropriate. I also wanted to fly VSTi and easily transported, if necessary, said keyboard. Rather light, he did some gigs with no problem.

UTILIZATION

Given the different opinions read here and there, I had some concerns and they have quickly dissipated thereafter. I found what I wanted, it suits me even if the answer key "staccato" requires a particular application ... but I do not do this every day!
Regarding the manual, it is brief, it gives the minimum information, but it's enough.
However, I do not like the system configuration through the keyboard, live, this is not practical, and at home either. And what I miss is the possibility of split the keyboard into zones with different channels.

OVERALL OPINION

Used for almost two years, I always appreciate as much despite the criticisms above. Before buying, I looked at the reviews, forums and not try other keyboards of this type.
The pros: a touch that suits me.
its floor price
lightweight to transport
The -: access to various settings via the keypad
can not split (unless you go through REASON for example)

The price / quality ratio is very correct.
If I were to buy a MIDI keyboard today, I think I will turn to models with faders and pots, more expensive, certainly, but ultimately more practical for my use has also evolved.