All user reviews for the M-Audio Keystation 88es

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.

88-key semi-weighted
MIDI volume control, pitch and modulation
USB and MIDI out
Port Sustain pedal and expression
USB powered

UTILIZATION

Easy installation, super grip simplistic.
The USB power avoids the additional connections.
The end of this manual in the package is not sufficient to consult the online documentation.
The sensitive semi-weighted feel is not worth a piano, but it's still nice (and the weight difference is feeling 12kg500 for 88 keys is rather light!)

OVERALL OPINION

For my part, I was looking for something to work in my little studio university, and I'm happy with my choice. I finally have 88 keys, I'm not embarrassed to work on certain pieces that exploit the range of the piano. I have a cable to connect to my PC, launch Reason and go! And sensitive semi-weighted because the fingers ^ ^

One may regret the total absence of faders / pots MIDI keyboard but it remains an excellent choice for its quality / price ratio (paid € 169 in a store in Paris).

- USB
- Semi-weighted
- 88 keys
- No buttons everywhere just the keys necessary!

UTILIZATION

Nice touch, perfect for my use
Super simple setup mac and logic pro 8
No need for manual

OVERALL OPINION

Use for 3 months no problem to report
I have quoted a alesis photon X25 for the nomadic side
What I like best is that I hardly need to walk across the octaves
Least, it takes place
Value for money ideal!
With the experience I would do this choice because that's what I was looking for a master keyboard with 88 simple but key to avoid sailing in octaves.

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.

motivated your choice: 88 notes, simple, lightweight USB

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is nice? Should your use?:
touch called "heavy", well ok, it's not soft, it's harder than a keyboard synthesizer, but it is not weighted or hammer is the recall / spring.
In my use, typed synth, I'm fine, I preferred the month "hard" and Plue "weighted".

Configuration: simplissime, ditto for the use of channels and other controls.

OVERALL OPINION

Used for 2 years, tried several keyboards of this type store, this one interested me most in 88 notes (but I much prefer the feel of the newest pro axiom, which is unfortunately not 88 notes, so I will keep the 88es)

I love the most: simplicity, we plug the USB is lit, it is recognized immediately and is operational.
Fewest: ha if I had touched the axiom pro 61 ...

* What characteristics have motivated your choice?
First the 88 key semi-weighted
second usb and midi
opportunity to put two pedal if veus substain and volume for example


UTILIZATION

* The touch keyboard is it nice? Should your use?
lester semi touch is perfect for just computer music, not too pure for the piano .. also a bit noisy to my taste, one senses the spring too
but otherwise it is
the manual is complete and clear enough so far
cate configuration yes, it's simple

OVERALL OPINION

it must be 4 years I know longer made, but I use it the more I went on a Yamaha S90 XS
I try other less expensive and more expensive and not good excellent but too expensive ...
most are made affordable seeding the 88 key weighted, it is simple
Least quality keys that over time make noise ..
value taken, it is not good for very expensive ...
I refrigerant choice, yes, because it is excellent for someone who starts in computer music

The features on this controller are limited to a mod wheel, pitch bend, volume control and octave shift. They are well placed and useful for my applications.

Price paid: $124.99

UTILIZATION

The controller is very easy to use and user friendly. In most applications it just plug and play. We friendly to most host applications, even Pro-Tool's digidesigns which usually doesn't play well with others. I would change nothing.

The finished product seems well built. I would have no problem transporting this unit outside my studio with a large enough gig bag.

OVERALL OPINION

I really like this unit. I was in the market for a controller and was going to go with a 61 key. For the price I couldn't resist the 88. I always wanted a 88 key controller so I could have the full oktaves at my fingertips.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: dutty (January 1-, 2005)