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M-Audio Keystation 88ES Midi Controller

M-Audio Keystation 88ES Midi Controller

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Brand: M-Audio
Category: Musical Instruments

List Price: $249.99
Buy New: $183.04
You Save: $66.95 (27%)



New (18) Used (1) from $155.00

Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars 18 reviews
Sales Rank: 679

Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 56.2 x 13.7 x 6.4
The Keystation 88es is an 88-key, semi-weighted action USB MIDI controller with velocity sensing that's perfect for performance, computer-centric recording, and education. Space-age design and rugged construction deliver incredible feel and stability in a package that is light enough for pros to carry under one arm, yet elegant enough for home environments.

MPN: 9900-40832-00
Model: 9900-40832-00
UPC: 612391710309
EAN: 0612391710309
ASIN: B0006676A0

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Features:
  • 88-note velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted action
  • Pitch bend and modulation wheels
  • Volume/assignable control slider
  • Advanced function button for programming
  • Sustain and Expression pedal inputs (pedals sold separately)

Accessories:

  • Gator 88 Key Slimline ATA Keyboard Case

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
M-Audio Keystation 88es is an 88-key, semi-weighted action USB MIDI controller with velocity sensing that's perfect for performance, computer-centric recording, and education. Space-age design and rugged construction deliver incredible feel and stability in a package that is light enough for pros to carry under one arm, yet elegant enough for home environments. The Keystation 88es is compatible with all standard music software on both Macintosh and PC, and class-compliancy with Windows XP and Mac OS X ensures the simplicity of plug-and-play. Drivers are also included for Windows 98SE/Me/2000. The built-in USB-to-MIDI interface and USB bus-powered operation eliminates the need for additional gear or cables. Assignable data up/down buttons Built-in USB MIDI interface MIDI out jack routes MIDI signals from keyboard or computer to external devices Powered via USB connection or 9VDC power adapter (sold separately) Is Mac OS X and Windows XP class compliant for plug-and-play Includes Reason Adapted Express software studio


Customer Reviews:   Read 13 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars Keyboard   November 12, 2008
Benedicte Cazalets
I bought this piano keyboard and I'm satisfied with it. It's easy to play and thanks to the softwares, we have many possibilities to create. So good choice :)


2 out of 5 stars :(   October 28, 2008
Alyssa
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

it probably would have been great but I didn't have a compadibal system for it. :(


5 out of 5 stars Great with Garage Band   September 15, 2008
Karl (Bozeman, MT USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Great to have a velocity sensitive keyboard controller with full 88 keys at this price! I purchased based on the other reviews here which helped me understand what to expect.

The keyboard is completely plug and play with OS X and works well with Garage Band.

The velocity sensitivity is not the greatest. Even adjusting the sensitivity in Garage Band preferences, I cannot be anywhere near as expressive in my dynamic range as I can be on a real piano. But, I discovered that some aspect of this is in the digital instrument that the keyboard is controlling, and not the keyboard itself.

I purchased the GarageBand Symphony Orchestra Jam Pack after using the keyboard for a couple of days. Apple Garageband Jam Pack: Symphony Orchestra The Steinway grand in this Jam Pack not only sounds better, but has better sensitivity response than the standard piano. I still lack as much dynamic range as I would have on a piano - some notes not playing and others not being loud enough if I use the same relative force. But, I'm happy with the value for the price, and with all of the other fun stuff one can do in Garage Band.

I purchased the M-Audio sustain pedal at the same time as the keyboard M-Audio SP-2 US65010 Sustain Pedal Piano Style Sustain Pedal for Keyboards and recommend that for anyone for whom simulating a piano is a prime consideration. Here, too, the standard Garage Band piano vs the Jam Pack Steinway perform differently, the sustain sounding more like a real instrument with the Jam Pack Steinway. (But, it does only sustain the depressed keys with Garage Band - it does not result in induced harmonics from the other released strings, lest I get anyone too excited. Again - this keyboard is merely a controller. With other software, other results are possible.)

Re: the posts about lead. See the other posts - there is no more lead in this than any other electronic component.

Re: USB socket on left and short cord. This keyboard can be plugged into a USB hub without problem - I'm using one of the plugs on my Apple keyboard - but you can also use a USB extension cable (or replace the included cable with a longer one) without problem, as this is a low data rate device. So, not a big deal.



3 out of 5 stars Disappointed   April 28, 2008
J. Konno (Nevada, USA)
0 out of 3 found this review helpful

I didn't expect to come to a software so confusing, so I haven't been able to upload sounds on to the machine. Now, that I have already opened the software, I may have to sell this and drop the price, because it says that it can be installed onto only one machine. It does look nice and feel nice and it was a good price when I purchased it, so I just hope that someone will buy it and can make it work.


1 out of 5 stars DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT   March 31, 2008
S. McAndrews
3 out of 19 found this review helpful

This came with a warning sticker stating that this product contains chemicals, including lead, which can lead to cancer and other diseases/defects. I personally find this sickening that Amazon would sell a product that requires such a warning. I am returning it immediately. The only reason I gave it even one star was because Amazon would not let me post this review without at least one. Please be careful!

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