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

Product Information

It is slightly sluggish when playing bass and repeated notes like drums or trumpets in fast succession, and that is due to the weighted hammer action (because it is designed more for the pianist). But overall not much to say negative about this keyboard. 12. Nektar Impact GXP88 Playing style and feel can vary between different MIDI keyboards . For performers who need hands-on control over instruments and effects, encoders are perfect for dialling in sounds. The M32 is a MIDI USB keyboard, which is great if you’re on the go, or working with a smaller setup and other MIDI controllers. WHY DO OUR MIDI KEYBOARD CONTROLLERS STAND OUT? The keyboard is not, strictly speaking, a piano-like action. It certainly is weighted, going beyond the usually euphemistic sense of “semi-weighted” to what this term shouldmean. Like the VAX-77, the feel is in the sort of “expensive weighted synth” territory of classics like the Rhodes Chroma and Yamaha CS-80; which is to say, substantial and extremely expressive. It is always good when a music electronics company offers a series in a particular collection, and in this case, we have the largest of Nektar’s GXP series.

And finally, for musicians and producers seeking the best of both worlds, the semi-weighted keys of the A-Series features intuitive pre-mapped control for hundreds of KOMPLETE and NKS plug-ins and offers musicians the perfect balance between MIDI keyboard controller and professional piano. WHAT MAKES A GREAT MIDI KEYBOARD? The giant smart keyboard controller in the Native Instruments S-series it’s not just the greatest in its size but also its integration. This keyboard’s MIDI Note messages range from 21 to 108 (because of 88 keys) with a velocity consisting of 127 steps. It transmits MIDI note events with velocity on MIDI channel 1. When you connect a double footswitch, which is used to transmit Sustain and Soft Pedal (uses MIDI controller #64 and #67). The foot controller is used for Volume (MIDI controller #7). These foot controllers are sold separately.

Roland’s latest controller keyboard is feature-packed and potentially future proof…

Built into the Hammer 88 Pro are features that are essential to creating modern pop, electronic, hip hop, and dance music. Note Repeat and the built-in Arpeggiator open up a world of precise music production and live sound techniques to make your music sound professional. For all its complexity under the hood, the user interface is relatively simple and focused on playing dynamics. Via two front-panel knobs, the curve is continuously variable, and can be skewed to favor the bass, middle, or treble range. Then, the Dynamics knob acts as a sort of “compressor” relating finger velocity to sensed velocity. This may not seem as granular as a key-by-key software editor, but musically, it gets results as good and arguably more fluidly. Pitch and mod wheels are on hand, as is one assignable pot. Zoning for splits or layers? You’ll want to handle that on the receiving end.

The MKII is a pleasure to work with too, with its impressive build quality and assured touch lending itself to live and studio environments. Its onboard arpeggiator, and chord memory and zoning capabilities make it something of a workhorse, able to perform well on the stage and under the lights or as a studio-bound master controller." The easiest way to ruin your music journey (and your finances) is to buy an instrument you’re not really ready for yet. For simple inputting of drum beats, simple bass and melody lines and basic chords, smaller MIDI controllers with mini keys should do the job just fine. These have the advantage of being cheaper and more portable than their larger brethren and take up a smaller footprint on your work surface. These days, some people find that mini keys can be just as responsive and easy to play as full-size versions. You will receive licenses for Steinberg’s Cubase LE music production software (which comes with Halion Sonic SE and includes 180 instrument presets), Retrologue 2 VST synthesizer, and the Nektarine plug-in allows for you to get sharp integration with the hardware and the DAW. Nektarine is a plug-in host that serves as library control software and can work standalone on OSX and Windows. As you evaluate each MIDI keyboard controller, you’ll need to keep a few main factors in mind: the number of keys, the action, the extra controls and the inputs and outputs.With this feature, you can split the keyboard into sections to control different MIDI parameters. The LX88+ can send MIDI notes on a layer and split zone, providing a combination of three zones to send data on a different MIDI channel. This feature is convenient if you have a multitimbral sound module, numerous synthesizers, or work on a multitimbral software instrument on your DAW. You have access to all advanced functions with this button. Here the keyboard goes into Edit mode, whereby the keys are used for selecting functions and entering data, such as transposing, selecting MIDI channels, etc., and thus gives you more out of the keyboard. For MIDI control, note repeat, and Nektarine software features, these LED buttons include repeat functions (rate from ¼ – 1/64), sync, tempo, accent velocity, accent interval, and swing (moves every second note closer to the following note, resulting in a shuffle rhythm). They can also be assigned to send MIDI messages. In Nektarine mode, all buttons are dedicated to Nektarine controls.