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

Product Information

Let’s dive right into the question you wanted to see answered: what’s the best 88 key keyboard on the market right now? If you’re looking for a MIDI keyboard to give you more control over sample libraries and the space to play with both hands, then the S-Series is for you. These MIDI keyboards feature aftertouch for extra expression and variation in your playing, as well as features like the Light Guide. The built-in sounds are great as well, especially the acoustic piano sound (which uses Korg's EDSx sound engine). There are good electric piano and clav samples, along with a drum kit. Finally, of course, the actual controls and keyboards are also tested to see how responsive they can be. Keyboards, particularly at the lower price point, can be very cheap in feel so we also test how well they play for velocity (volume) and aftertouch (when you press the keys down further to trigger different sounds and effects).

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. Another plus is USB MIDI connectivity. You can plug this into your computer and use the keyboard as a MIDI controller for Ableton or Logic. Note Repeat allows you to hold down any of the custom-made M-Audio performance pads and hear a repeated rhythmic pattern at a selectable note division. The Note Repeat feature can be activated momentarily or can be used in Latch mode. If you choose Momentary, holding the Note Repeat button will make the note played by the pad automatically repeat. If you choose Latch, pressing any pad will cause its assigned note to repeat without you having to hold down the Note Repeat button. The first of the buttons you will find on the top of the keyboard is the Perform and Edit section. Here you will be able to edit and control the Smart Play features such as scale and arpeggiator features. The buttons here include Shift, Scale, Arp, Undo, Quantize, and Auto (for activating/deactivating automation). Below is the Transport section, which has Loop, Metro, Tempo, Play, Record, and Stop buttons that control the transport of supported hosts when Komplete Kontrol is used as a plug-in.When you press a key, the sound engine springs into action, selecting the right sound based on the velocity and force of your touch. 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. The action is another important factor to consider. Genuine piano action is great for all players, but beginner weighted MIDI keyboards often use semi-weighted action instead. Instead of fully weighted MIDI alternatives, this provides a bit of resistance for a synth-like feel. It’s a good substitute for beginners, although dedicated piano players might prefer fully weighted keys.

Looking like a stretched RD-64 stage piano, the A-88 can be powered by USB or an AC adaptor, and supports true sostenuto and half-dampering when combined with the optional RPU-3 triple pedal unit. Connections are basic: Two continuous and one switch input, plus a single MIDI Out port to supplement the USB. There are three plastic buttons above the pitch and mod wheels, octaves down and up, and the advanced button. The octave buttons serve to change octaves but can also be assigned to control MIDI functions. The advanced button takes you into edit mode. Above these are the directional (DAW) buttons and the Stop, Play, and Record transport buttons made of a rubber material. By having eight buttons, two screens, and eight knobs, the control section allows for highly integrated parameter adjustments. The buttons and knobs adapt their assignment to the mode that’s been selected. These high-quality knobs are endless in rotation and touch-sensitive; therefore, you can tap them. The displays are pretty large and give you information about the product shown or mode selected and show the functions and parameters assigned to the buttons and knobs. 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. If you want a non-U.S. spec car or a leg of Iberian jamón, you pay a registered importer through the nose. If you want the ultimate pianistic MIDI controller, you pay Friedrich Lachnit.

The Portable Controller That Plays Like a Grand

There are plenty of models to choose from. You can opt for a compact MIDI keyboard that fits comfortably in a bag, or you can go all-in with a full-size 88-note model with weighted hammer-action keys. Most options we recommend here also come with additional features such as knobs, pads, buttons and faders to boost creativity and give you even more control over your software. Most MIDI keyboards include good value software bundles too, and we have listed the highlights with each keyboard. Many of the best MIDI keyboards also come with mapping templates for the most popular DAWs - Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, etc - making it easy to get up and running and start producing music right out of the box. This applies to key count as well. If you’ve never played the piano before, 88 keys will confuse you. A smaller 49-key keyboard will be much easier to control. If you're a beginner looking to get started with a full-size keyboard, don't look further than the Alesis Recital 88-key keyboard. As before, there’s a Fatar keybed and Light Guide, and in our tests we welcomed the arrival of proper pitch and mod wheels rather than touchstrips. That said, a single horizontal touchstrip is supplied and can be used for additional expression. If you liked the idea of Komplete Kontrol the first time around, the good news is that there’s even more to like about it now.