M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 – 88 Key Semi Weighted MIDI Keyboard Controller for Complete Command of Virtual Synthesisers and DAW parameters

Product Information

Behind the casing, you will find some ports which consist of 9V DC XLR pin output (power supply sold separately) and a USB port to connect to your computer. A MIDI OUT (must be connected to the MIDI IN of a sound generation unit with a suitable MIDI cable), footswitch (Sustain and Soft Pedal), and foot controller connection inputs.

Since we first reviewed the S88, NI introduced the NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) protocol, enabling third-party developers to take advantage of the same browsing and parameter-mapping integration. Companies that have signed on include Arturia, u-he, Heavyocity, Spitfire, and XILS, among others. We found the aluminium case to feel reassuringly robust, and the Pro-Feel keybed felt fantastic, delivering excellent sensitivity across the full range of velocities. The metal pitch and mod wheels are light and responsive. KeyLab MkII is operationally intuitive, with three distinct modes: DAW, Analog Lab and User (there are ten user configurable presets) - selected via dedicated mode buttons in the centre.You can use the encoder for panning and jogging the start point when the jog button is pressed. You can change velocity curves instantly on iMap software instead of navigating your way through the buttons to do this, which alleviates time and pressure. Keys are somewhat between semi-weighted and synth-action, making them have a particular feel that you would need to adjust to. Also, all the controls are on the far left instead of being in the center of the keyboard. Whether you are a skilled pianist, semi-pro, or are still in the early learning stage and would like to get used to learning to play on a vast keyboard to enhance your skills, then you should find something suitable for your needs with some of these recommendations. While they were immensely popular earlier, hardware synths (either analog or digital) have become something of a niche buy recently. Modern software synths are so much more powerful than what even the best hardware synth can accomplish. You can usually get much better results by plugging a MIDI keyboard into your DAW and using a software synth like Serum. Essentially, a digital piano is a pseudo-synthesizer that focuses on reproducing pre-loaded sounds.

A88MkII has a great design, with Ivory Feel keys, 3-sensor key detection and key-specific progressive hammer action, which all deliver the feel of a real piano. Overall we found this to be a very capable and a competitively priced update, but its winning feature is that the piano action is class-leading at this price point. Given that this isn’t the sort of unit one changes that regularly, it’s also great to be future-proofed with MIDI 2.0 support. The strong and sturdy casing makes it a rugged keyboard, and it is relatively light, weighing in at about 8.5kg, considering the frame into which it is built. The pads have an excellent velocity response, and endless encoders and faders work well for you to get your automation done nicely. For its quality and selection of features, the price you will pay is a good deal. Oh, and did I mention that you get a whole range of Roland's classic electric piano sounds to choose from? This ranges from the 1976 Suitcase Rhodes to the Model 200.

MIDI Keyboard Controller

MIDI controller or keyboard is an umbrella term for instruments used to control MIDI notes on a computer. These might be in the form of a series of buttons (a la Ableton Push). Or they might be in the form of a keyboard. Importantly, MIDI keyboards or controllers don’t produce any sound of their own. Swissonic, having been around since 1998, supplies various musical products from studio monitors to streaming equipment. The touch strip is unique and saves a lot of space for your keyboard. Also, the price is reasonable for what you get out of it.

The two high-resolution color displays are incredible, as you can navigate presets, modify sounds, and view the notes recorded when you play in record mode on the keyboard. Also, the software you get includes Komplete Select (which includes Massive and Monark). The high-quality hammer action keyboard is probably one of the essential features of the PK88. The keys have freely swinging hammers and give you real piano-style action for the mobile pianist who needs a quality keyboard when moving around to gigs. A wide range of software is included with this keyboard, such as Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats, 80 Effect Plug-ins from AIR, Mini Grand, DB-33 Tonewheel Organ, Velvet, Eight-Eight Ensemble, AiR TubeSynth, AIR Electric, AIR Bassline, Hammer 88 Preset Editor, and also a three-month subscription with Skoove (interactive online piano lessons). It is compatible to play with your iPad using the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Connection Kit, thus giving you more freedom in mobility. Good for you if you need to have many octave ranges. It is light in its weight also and very budget-friendly; probably one of the most affordable 88-keys around. To start with, you get a bright and responsive 7-inch screen. Everything you need to control can be accessed here. You can change the instrument, add effects, and access the sequencer. The controls are intuitive and the screen is large enough even for the fat-fingered. Tap a parameter and you can adjust it with the large data dial to the right of the touchscreen. Hold on anything for a second and you get a pop-up with fine controls.

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Along with a DAW, the best MIDI keyboard controllers include virtual instrument plugins . These offer sampled instrument voices — usually pianos, synths and strings — that you can play directly through your MIDI controller keyboard. They’re perfect for new players starting to build their library of virtual instruments and plugins. If you just want a device to play plugins from your DAW, you might only need a MIDI controller. These keyboards don’t offer onboard oscillators to generate sound, but they provide outstanding touch for playing virtual instruments. Because they’re not standalone instruments, they’re often cheaper than real synths as well. You would need to spend some time playing around on the keyboard to get used to its layout and the feel of the keys, but it will boil down to preference once you do. 7. Doepfer PK88 GH In our opinion, the Fatar-sourced hammer action skews a bit on the heavy side—pianists might consider this a plus—but can be lightened up via the 11 velocity curves. Aftertouch, which is also adjustable, had a wide sweet spot and was responsive to subtle changes in finger pressure. The key tops are textured, the keys sit tightly with no lateral wobble, and we just can’t over-emphasize that this action feels far more expensive than it is. The drum pads feel good enough that MPC purists just might not wrinkle their noses here. MIDI controller keyboards not only enable you to play and record tunes into your computer, they also let you control software - and in some cases, other studio hardware - so have become one of the most essential items for the modern music producer alongside an audio interface and laptop or PC. They can be plugged directly into your computer or laptop via USB - or, in some cases, operate wirelessly over Bluetooth or connect to iOS devices to control apps. They are mostly used to let you play and record with your DAW's software instruments and any VST synth plugins you might have installed.