M-Audio Keystation Pro 88?

[midinut]

Hey Squids:

Seems like I remember you chiming in a while back that you were borrowing or trying out the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 MIDI Controller. After spending some time with it, what are your thoughts about it?I'm giving it some serious consideration these days. Thanks in advance and keep up the great work!

[jimmyrich97]

for controlling my software synths. My question to the Squids would be, what they know of the new Pro Keys that appears to be the same as the Keystation pro, but with some sounds in it as well. Any info on this Squids since you were at NAMM???

[Squids]

for controlling my software synths. My question to the Squids would be, what they know of the new Pro Keys that appears to be the same as the Keystation pro, but with some sounds in it as well. Any info on this Squids since you were at NAMM???

Well, yes, actually because some of the sounds (particularly the main piano) was done by SR! They don't advertise that (although they should to their advantage especially since it is perhaps one of the largest pianos to show up in a hardware instrument). But, it's pretty much the same as the regular ProKeys but with sounds in it. I don't have one in my possession yet to talk further on it. Plus, I can't reveal details about it beyond what was announced at NAMM (except laying claim to the piano and upright bass in it).

The controller version, however, I like a lot. I mean, for the money it really is a good deal. I also like the 61ES too. I have both. They're just so darn convenient as utility keyboard controllers. I just leave them set up around the house or the office. You plug it into your computer and go. I am a big fan of the midisport series too and use that for my midi hook ups with Yamaha controllers like the Motif ES8. My favorite "feel" is the Yamaha action. But, the ProKeys action is pretty good. It's easy to play, that's for sure (and that might appeal to people). If you are particular about finding the exact action you're looking for then I recommend just going to the store and really comparing. But, otherwise if you are looking for bang for the buck then why not?

Now the only thing I don't know about yet is reliability. I can tell you that I've had zero problems so far. They seem more reliable than previous generation M-Audio keyboards that I've had a few problems with things breaking (of course we ABUSE them! ). The new generation seems more solid. But, Yamaha keyboards seem to never break and I've had those for years. I don't know if these will hold up the same but only time will tell.

Hope that helps.

[janka]

I've had my Yamaha KX88 since 1990 and by then it had probably been abused by other people for a couple of years . It has stood the test of free falling and gallons of hot coffee. I couldn´t live without it...

/Janka

[niversen]

I've got one - it works great. Lots of knobs and sliders, action is fine for a weighted controller - not as good as a top digital piano, but I don't personally care too much - I've got a Steinway across the room when I need good piano action. I use the board both live and in the studio and am happy with it. You certainly can't beat it for the price!

[midinut]

Thanks for the info guys and Squids! I'll go play with one in the store and see how it feels to me. I'm using a Yamaha DGX-500 (88 keys - kinda semi-weighted) but would love to pass that along to my daughter and plus have the extra control that the Keystation Pro has. This new board with onboard sounds - the ProKey 88 - does it have the same controller functionality that the Keystation Pro 88 has? If so (and I totally understand non-disclosure Dave) it might be worth holding out a bit for and grabbing the one with the built-in sounds too! Especially if Squids did the sounds! Hmmmm - anybody from NAMM get an idea on availability dates and prices on the new one? Thanks for the replies in advance!

[Squids]

The new piano one is under a grand. Not sure the exact price but I am guessing street price would be around seven hundred or less.

BTW, I didn't "do the sounds for it" really. Someone else did the compiling and programming. I merely licensed the Sonic Reality Premium Grand C7 plus an Upright Bass. There are other sounds in it that are not mine. But, I think the grand piano alone is worth having. So, I agree that with only a few hundred dollar difference with the one without sounds you might as well get the one WITH them. I think it'll be a hot seller. It's convenient for writing and performing. I believe it has all of the same controls but I don't actually have one yet. So, I don't know for sure. But prohably.

[midinut]

I checked out Sweetwater's web site and they say the MSRP price is $749 and they're selling it at $599. I was planning on the Keystation Pro 88 at $499 so you can bet the farm I'm going to lay out the extra $100 for the one with the sounds! It is listed as a "New" item and they don't mention availability at their site. I'll give them a call and find out. Could I get a fair warning if esounds is going to be offering this item through the "Hardware" section of your web site at some point? If that possibility exists, I'll be happy to wait and give you my money instead of Chuck (no offense to Chuck - Sweetwater is great too). I'd just rather line Dave's pockets cause he's done a great job of taking good care of us!

[spikey]

After touch?

[Cabinfever]

i looked at all the specs and couldn't even see aftertouch mentioned.

i'm looking for a good semi-weighted 76 - 88 controller with aftertouch - but haven't found anything yet ....

[Squids]

I checked out Sweetwater's web site and they say the MSRP price is $749 and they're selling it at $599. I was planning on the Keystation Pro 88 at $499 so you can bet the farm I'm going to lay out the extra $100 for the one with the sounds! It is listed as a "New" item and they don't mention availability at their site. I'll give them a call and find out. Could I get a fair warning if esounds is going to be offering this item through the "Hardware" section of your web site at some point? If that possibility exists, I'll be happy to wait and give you my money instead of Chuck (no offense to Chuck - Sweetwater is great too). I'd just rather line Dave's pockets cause he's done a great job of taking good care of us!

Yeah, we'll carry it on esoundz because it has a signature Sonic Reality piano in it. But, Sweetwater is an excellent company and it is a perfectly good place to buy from. That's all up to you of course. I've purchased products from Sweetwater and had nothing but great service and they give you candy too so... It's all good.

[midinut]

You're right, it's all good! But I'd rather have e-points than candy. Any idea of a time frame on availability at the web site.

[Yossarian]

i looked at all the specs and couldn't even see aftertouch mentioned.

i'm looking for a good semi-weighted 76 - 88 controller with aftertouch - but haven't found anything yet ....

I’ve dropped this link in all other controller-related threads I’ve seen – might as well do it here, too.

http://namm.harmony-central.com/WNAMM05 ... llers.html

I have no first-hand experience with these controllers but they look good for the price.

/Yoss

[krraqk]

I tried the pro88 in the store when I was looking for a new hammer keyboard.

My impression was not very good, the message midi was inconsistent, you never know with precission what veolocity message you get from key to key. Thats not very musical.

That problem has been reported by others also.

Maybe today it is fixed already, I dont know, but I would try before buy.

Hope that help

[Jake Jackson]

I think there was an early batch of these keyboards that had all kinds of problems--sticking keys, bad velocity response. I doubt that M-Audio would want a product out there that has these problems, and I think velocity response would be fairly easy for the manufacturer to fix. I hope so, anyway--I want one, though I'll wait until the one with the sounds is released.

In any case, I liked the 88 I played one for a few minutes at Guitar Center, hooked up to a Motif rack. Didn't notice any problems, but that could have been the ambience...