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

A good heavy touch keyboard, 88 keys, MIDI IN / OUT, 4 ZONES, full of possibility to parameterize the keyboard in the DAW environment.

UTILIZATION

Very nice touch, no manual, but it is found on the M-Audio website. Setup is simple and intuitive, but it can go very fast in
complete settings for DAW, moreover, on the M-Audio website there is a software that when installed the keyboard automatically rule in by selecting your DAW.

OVERALL OPINION

I use more because I sold it. I was looking for a heavy touch keyboard WITH option AFTERTOUCH that this keyboard does not have. Otherwise, the quality / price ratio is
excellent, despite the weight (for a tour is not recommended) this is a very key
helpful in the studio.

The motivation for my choice is simple, I had a limited budget and needs much précis.Emulation B4, CS80. Also, I tried to Apple Expo, it was decisive.
Configuration: MAC G4 quicksilver GigaDésign 1.470 GHz single processor,
Mem 1.5 GB
Radeon 9800 128mb ddr mem,
Sound card MiaMIDI
Systeme 10.35
Note bench: 112
Keystation Pro 88, a volume pedal

UTILIZATION

The semi-weighted keyboard instead (or semi-light, hi) will fit may not be a concert pianist, but for me playing the organ for years, Welson to drawbars of 1967 (still works) DX7, Yamaha PSR 7000 is a compromise rather pleasant.
We can connect the three classic pedals, sustain 1 and 2, vol.
I loved the site M-Audio is clear and in french, (still rare).
I use Cubase and Native B4 is virtually automatic (the Mac!), The B4 is also directly on the Keystation Pro 88 with no problem after updating 1.13 of Native B4 (important) that the site is not in french, unfortunately.
M-Audio website is clear and french him! , (Still rare).
After downloading the two docs in french and the Enigma software 1.1 (essential), which allows you to save any configuration desired, this is a super set.

OVERALL OPINION

I own this keyboard for 2 months, and I find practices, including reversible drawbars for the B4. The very short latency on my config. The setting options in large numbers, the large LCD screen playback, the spit into 4 zones.
In practice I prefer to be in Midi rather than USB (not micro-cuts, separate power supply).
The black keys sink too, but I myself do use. As I sometimes usb notes omitted, but not south. I hope M-Audio will create more free software on Mac like they have on PC, like database ect ...
In the same price range in 88 notes, I tried to Studiologic SL-990xp, and in a range well above my means the Fantom X-8 Roland, it follows a value for money, quality, performance, unbeatable.
If it again .... M-Audio released we can be another good surprise by then. I am happy ....

Moi makes me smile when plutt critique the touch of a keyboard of 88 keys with an impressive array of programmable CONTRL ... less than 600 euros.
OK it's not a Steinway ... I use it personally (thanks Programmable ... splits her) at the same time chords to play little riffs or solos, and dclencher samples. Well I'm not a virtuoso, but more reason, if I can have the impression that I can play it plutt good sign. I will not go into dtails all features (see feature lists elsewhere). Again, plutt impressive.

UTILIZATION

I will not touch on (see above).
Otherwise, the faders are not motoriss, pots and programs are not endless. Again, there is talk of a keyboard 88 keys in addition to all these CONTRL ... to 500 euros (if your friends with the seller).
It's true ergonomics program lets DSIR, the manual is poorly done and not always clear, but there is software that helps to configure (not the gnial yet, but has earned time).

OVERALL OPINION

Clearly, the strength of this product is to combine a 88-key too cheap (though some say) with an area of ​​programmable CONTRL for less than 600 euros. I had a problem with the pitch bend wheel, so I could test the VAS M-Audio. And the hat, they'll have a new one sent back without question (I do not know if they will do is to everyone but of amrita be signal.
Overall if you need the functionality of KSPro88 and your budget does not Exceeds 600 euros is far from being a bad choice.

Master keyboard with pitch bend heavy touch

UTILIZATION

Well just have to stop with the notes can becaufe the pro tape 88 which ZERO and 88es (which is really really cheap) gets 10 ... NO COMMENTS
it's a touch entirely correct below of most of the big keyboard (korg / yamaha) but above any other merdouilles.
I have 10 years of piano and synth almost 10 now. and touch is compared to its price, if you have 300 euros more to make, feel free. Otherwise, do not hesitate, if certain keys do not work well ... well to do like everyone else, must go to the store and yell for you it replaces.

OVERALL OPINION

6 months I use it, no problem. pitch bend very useful to me (go find one on a Korg ...) this was actually an element of my choice.

I love his face, it is stable, there's room on the keys and around, believe me it's important (if not made a test with the 88es ... to win in concert with hmmm ... it's good luck) and has a normal weight (he is not obese despite the size).

quality / price ratio good, just between the big heavy keyboards too expensive, small keyboard and too light.

I chose him because he had me touch a keyboard master with a heavy pitch bend for use with my triton rack and my North g2.
So I repeat: if I had 300 euros more I would have taken a more ben bo keyboard (but I would not have had the pitch bend ...) ... and then even after reflection, with 300 euros Moreover, j'me would take one or two effects pedals ...

Finally, all that to say this is a good product, never j'donne my opinion, but usually good there ...

I was looking for a master keyboard with 80 keys a touch heavy, I have pedals with a M-Audio, in order to compose music on my computer via virtual instruments.

UTILIZATION

I practice the piano since I was 5 years old, I possde a baby grand piano kawai, and for the feel of the pro88 Yes ... I'm happy it's not a real piano keyboard! But I come to play Studies on Chopin's over!
The default is the big dlicatement dificult to play: This is the mcanique of the keyboard there is a dual exhaust but far too "dry".
In addition, the keyboard is too lgrement float (I do not know how better than with the adjective dcrire what I feel with my hands)

OVERALL OPINION

I use this keyboard for 8 months and I am satisfied This now:

The pros: The price, feel pretty raliste, keyboard 88 keys, rglages possible
The -: Some aspects of touch, the complexity to use the knobs and faders

In conclusion, with a budget of about 500 I think this product has no gal.

Everything has already been said ...

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard, a big sore spot about this keyboard, dissenting opinions ... misery to locate themselves in all this ...

I also have an upright piano from 1910 Klein brand, and compared with respect to this one.

There have several defects listed below the more uncomfortable the more futile:

- Sinking of the white keys for the Keystation 13mm, 10 mm cons the cons klein ...
- The effort to exert pressure on the button:
-Klein constant until the exhaust is just before the stop button
- Keystation: Big trouble at this level, inability to play pianissimo, let me explain ... The keys "stick" to their rest position, as they are not played for a long time, and when they are played, it can stick a less but still stick! So basically the pressure is: Strong at first then very lightly until it stops, or the power given to a note! What is very disturbing to put the expression in his game ..
- The keys back too fast, as fast as a touch of synth, stuffing it, they bang on every ride!
My solutions:

I removed all my stuff and found out why and how and I saw a very clear ...

Some things I do not understand:

Hammers although any metal, which is a good indicator breakages on various other models, not based on anything in the off position, so they continuously support the key with their own weight, which that the key "sticks" after a while ...
The hammers are also smaller for the black keys, why, I wonder, what an idea ... on a piano hammers are smaller for the black keys ... In short, I did not understand the logic of the manufacturer!
Well what I did:

I removed the spring return button (only for white, black being low enough to rise due to the low weight of the hammers) to get a softer rebound and put a damper on that annoying noise that the with you! It works niquel, although the repetition is very fast as possible but hey, what a piano

Regarding the height of the hammers and keys that stick, I'll test it (just the white) the application of a stop button, and a stop hammer that goes with the aid of door seal sold at 3 meters from the DIY store, it could walk, see ...
Manual:

Not bad, I peeled too, with Reason all buttons / faders / pots are definable in (learn) from this side it works nickel, in contrast to Cubase, I have not found happiness, and downloads on Presset the site are not convincing for Cubase 5!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for two weeks

I have not tried many styles but I just wanted a cheap midi keyboard versatile, and can have a piano moved.
What I like most ... Versatility!
What I like least .... His touch that out of the box is really "CHEAP"
Value for money more than enough considering the price of the occasion, and then, after all, I might be doing a good digital piano with enough patches

(Originally written by Micky201/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Specs: see manufacturer's website and other reviews.

I wanted an 88-note keyboard that provided a heavier playing feel than a synth.

UTILIZATION

It doesn't provide a piano playing feel. If you're looking for a real piano feel, buy another instrument. The playing feel is heavier than a synth but not too heavy, which means you can reach the highest velocity level (127) without having to hammer on the keys. The several velocity curves provide different feels depending on the sound you're using. But it's always easy to reach the highest velocity.

It's excellent for a keyboard player like me because it allows me to have a more expressive playing than with a classic synth, while at the same time it's easy to play and not tiring at all.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for one month and I'm quite satisfied with it. The Midi controls are very convenient and easy to use. The only cons are:

- Mine has a key with faulty velocity response. But I bought a demo device and I'm expecting to get a new one.

- In USB mode (for operating power and Midi data transfer) the unit uses Windows drivers. It works but they are not very reliable. The smallest voltage variation (for example when my wife uses the microwave or the blender) causes it to crash and I have to reboot my system. I installed my old USB/Midi card again to solve the problem.

The features are good. I guess it's missing after touch though, so that is a short coming. But it has pretty much everything else you could want. Excellent hammer-action keys. Lots of knobs and sliders, and templates for lots of popular software. It's really easy to make your own templates too.

Price paid

$500

UTILIZATION

It couldn't be much easier to use. Just plug it in and start hitting keys, pretty much.

I haven't had any problems yet. Feels really heavy for a MIDI controller, so it must be pretty well built.

OVERALL OPINION

I love it. It's not that great for drums, but it's really great for everything else.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: SaltyDawg ( 8-, 2005)

This keyboard is amazing for synths and pretty good for organs because of the ungodly amount of knobs and buttons and sliders. It is usb bus powered which is very helpful. The hammer action is fantastic for the price. The biggest problem I have encountered is the velocity sensitivity is a little substandard. It is very difficult to make a soft sound it tends to make things sound harder than you hit it. I have experimented with different built-in velocity curves but the problem persists.

Price paid

500

UTILIZATION

The keyboard is very easy to use but the included enigma editor is a little overwhelming and is still an enigma to me. Get it? I made a pun. The keyboard is also amazingly light when you take into account that the keys are semi-weighted.

The keyboard seems well built.

OVERALL OPINION

This is a great keyboard for gigging with my electronica band but I was disappointed on its inability to handle subtle levels of velocity.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: We Are Numbers ( 9-, 2005)

I got this thing a couple years ago because I wanted another MIDI controller for my little synth station. I mostly got it because of the cheap price for the amount of features it has. As for connections, you have a standard MIDI connection and also a power cable. There aren't any sound banks on this so you aren't going to have any audio inputs or outputs. The other nice thing about this is that you can use it to control parameters on software using the faders, buttons, and panpots on this thing. It also has a digital LCD display to make it easier to navigate your selections.

UTILIZATION

The action on this keyboard is very mediocre. It definitely doesn't really feel like a piano, but the keys are weighted so it's slightly more realistic to play than your average keyboard. This works a little bit to its disadvantage though, because in my opinion they over-weighted, and it becomes difficult to play something light and soft and have the velocity values that it outputs properly represent the performance. It is very easy to set up - just get it going into your USB port on your computer and install the drivers if you need to. The channel/patch selection is very easy - there are plenty of buttons other than the piano keys to handle all of that. The manual goes over everything in a little detail, so it's sufficient to get a good working knowledge of the keyboard.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had this for a couple years. I mostly like the fact that it's a full 88 keys - I hate having to use octave scrollers. Obviously the price was a great benefit, and the extra software controllers are nice. It also has worked in good condition and nothing has broken on it. The thing that mainly disappoints me is the action on the keys, they are okay, but definitely feel kind of clunky and cheap. It's a very good value for the price, though. I would get it again.