M-Audio ProKeys Sono 88

(Originally written by Yjanet/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Features:

- 88-key half-weighted keyboard

- USB/MIDI master keyboard

- Internal sound presets (GM standard = 128 instruments + percussions) for laptop or standalone applications

- USB audio/Midi interface

Connections:

- Inputs: 1/4" jacks, RCA and XLR audio inputs (no phantom power so don't try to connect a condenser mic)

- Outputs: two 1/4" jacks plus two headphone outputs on the front

- Midi output

- USB

- Sustain pedal connector (auto-detect mode on power on)

UTILIZATION

- Pleasant playing feel compared to the current "light" keyboards, but it's still far behind the quality of the first GHS system for example...

- Extremely easy general configuration if you only use the main controls : direct access to seven sound presets, reverb and chorus on/off, etc. It starts getting more complicated if you want to control more things because advanced functions are not very user friendly. Why are the advanced functions not labeled on the buttons? To solve this problem you'll have to label them yourself with tape. It would also be nice to know what you're doing on an LCD display.

- Very easy installation on a PC with generic drivers (the keyboard is automatically detected by Windows). Installing the drivers provided results in more editing possibilities.

- The PDF user's manual is very short but clear.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been owning it for a few weeks and I use it every day.

Cons: advanced editing i not user friendly. MIDI sounds are quite bad, except for the seven "high-quality" sound presets that you can use in case of urgency.

Pros: audio inputs with comprehensive connections and rather good mic preamp (I thought it would sound awful). Other pros: light weight and compact size.

I tested many other models that didn't match my needs: either a simple master keyboard without standalone operation (useless when I travel without my rack) or much more expensive digital pianos and synths without comprehensive audio/USB interface.

As a summary, I consider it an all-round tool even if I prefer to use virtual synths (Timidity++) that sound much better.

right now I'm involved in schools, which means I'm tired of lugging my p 140 which is 17 pounds. I purchased this keyboard to save my back three times a week. He is 7 pounds and it is my back says thank you! it can connect a microphone, an instrument, a pedal (but does not half pedal), has two inputs and outputs (mono or stereo so) mono jack and two headphone entered (which does good to me).

UTILIZATION

good touch ...... is depressed generally plastic, only plastic, very disconcerting at first for the pianist that I am confirmed. but I did not say like all pianists "yuck this sucks". I adapted to the beast, and his expressiveness surprised me compared to some notice on the machine. I even allowed to make progress at the incredible techniques 4 and 5 because we need to link more than three times on a well-tuned acoustic piano sound to work (work is all relative of course on digital). So I continue to play! configuration is zero but anyway I do not use it in some depth, therefore, no interest for me. the manual is clear but too limited. the driver is well integrated, but I use asio4all which is still outstanding for adjustment of the latency on my old laptop.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 4 months and I'm happy. it also allows me to write my compositions mao (I navigate between musescore and sonar in the style of composition, more orchertale or more for such rock group or French songs) in addition to its use in the field. I tried full: real keypads, keyboards masters touch heavy or light, I had a roland ep 760, p 140 I have a yamaha home, a u1 (acoustic piano, I also tried of samicks, Dec. c3, a steinway, kawais of rights and tail short, I have a little experience with keyboards. to be honest, what I like least, what are the so-called built-in sounds of high quality that are worth nothing. built-in piano sound, I would use it even in troubleshooting, what a shame, too bad. I prefer to use a virtual piano, Pianoteq, the best I've used by far more realistic than its integrated m audio.

value for money is honest, nothing more. yes I would do this choice, I am limited in budget. good for little portable pianos are very expensive so no choice. again, to repeat the children is enough. for concerts with enfatns, I carry my p 140 (it's always better even if there is nothing like a real acoustic).

conectivité usb noon and 88 notes

UTILIZATION

the config is basic and simple to use one branch we play point.
the South are manip moyennent better go via a PC

OVERALL OPINION

concert pianist and former piano salesman, I Fallais a MIDI keyboard to play with no place to host an acoustic piano. At the time of my purchase I was very limited in terms of budget and I could not exceed 300 euro, which has seriously reduced my choix.J 'so I choose without trying it on that prokey sono.Sachan nothing beats a real piano touch for the same or digital piano keyboards very high quality, I wanted an instrument to play every day. I use it on stage and coupled to a laptop i 2.4 mghz core 5a (600 euro). The prokey walk very well use in home studio and on stage. easy to transport and install, connecticque asser complete, internal sound card of good quality but I have to change an m audio externe.Coter soninterne supplied with the keyboard you forget they are crap. The keyboard responds well whatever keys move a little sideways. it remains a weighted keyboard and not heavy.
Overall I'm happy I will change the keyboard for a studiologicvmk 188 for a heavy touch now that I Aiun little over average.
I would do this choice without hesitation.

Touch keyboard (semi) heavy
88 keys,
USB connectivity
Audio interface 2-2
7 built-in tones

UTILIZATION

I use this keyboard in the classroom for learning.
Most:
88 keys, touch heavy, compact, two headphone jacks

the -:
sounds !!!!!!!!! Bof bof from home!

OVERALL OPINION

I did buy 14 of these keyboards for my college, and I am satisfied, they seem quite robust, easy to use and compact.
For cons, I was told that if they really pleased me, I would buy for my little one to be repeated '(given the light weight of the beast, it would have been nice !)...

But the piano sound is pretty bad !!!!!!!!!
Quite enough to start, but next to a RD300SX, it does not measure up .........