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M-Audio Keystation 88ES 88-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Semi-Weighted Keys

 
M-Audio Keystation 88ES 88-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Semi-Weighted Keys
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M-Audio Keystation 88ES 88-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Semi-Weighted Keys

4.0(91 customer reviews)
List Price: $249.99
Our Price: $219.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
You Save: $30.00 (12%)
SKU:

612391710309-9900-50832-00

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Description:

If you appreciate the full range of a piano keyboard in a lightweight package, the 88-note Keystation 88es is for you. You get great-feeling, semi-weighted action that's velocity-sensitive, to convey all the nuances of your playing to your computer and most popular music education and studio software. The pitch and modulation wheels plus slider and buttons make it a great controller for playing and programming synths, samplers, drum sounds and more. At just 22 lbs., the Keystation 88es is equally at home on stage and in the studio. Class compliancy with Windows XP, Vista (32 bit), and Mac OS X ensures easy plug-and-play setup. It's even bus-powered, so one simple USB cable is the only connection you need.

Features:
•

88 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keysPitch bend and modulation wheels


•

Advanced function button for programming


•

Sustain and expression pedal inputs


•

Assignable data up/down buttons


•

Built-in USB MIDI interfaceMIDI out jack routes MIDI signals from keyboard or computer to external devices


•

Powered via USB or 9V DC adapter (sold separately)Mac OS X and Windows XP class compliant


Product Details:
Product Length: 53.0 inches
Product Width: 4.0 inches
Product Height: 9.5 inches
Product Weight: 24.75 pounds
Package Length: 56.3 inches
Package Width: 13.19 inches
Package Height: 6.3 inches
Package Weight: 24.78 pounds
Average Customer Rating: based on 91 reviews
Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Review: 4.0 ( 91 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

118 of 121 found the following review helpful:

5The keyboard I always wantedSep 29, 2006
By Wacharaboy
I'm an amateur musician, and I always wanted a big keyboard, something close enough to a piano, but the big keyboards were always so expensive. In top of that, they always come with lots of knobs and features that I never wanted to learn or try. I just wanted a piano-like keyboard to play.

When I saw this keyboard for first time, I loved its 'minimalistic' style: no knobs, no screens, no buttons. Just the 88 keys and the minimum necessary controllers (3 buttons, 2 wheels and 1 slider), all in a beautiful and solid silver case. When I checked its price, I suspected maybe its quality was poor, but I had good references for the M-audio brand. So I decided to give it a chance and I'm still very proud of my purchase: just plugged it into the usb port of my PC and it was inmediately recognized. I was using FL Studio, but right now I'm trying Sonar and it works flawlessly. The keys offer some resistance to pressure, so it almost feel like piano keys.

If you're interested on this keyboard, I strongly recommend it. But if you don't to know that much of keyboards (and you don't want to, anyway), you have to know this keyboard is not a exactly a toy, nor is the kind that comes with lots of sounds and rythms. It is a controller, which means you have to use some kind of software or synth device for it to produce any sound. If you know exactly what you're buying, I don't think you will ever regret of buying this keyboard. It's great!

25 of 25 found the following review helpful:

5Great with Garage BandSep 15, 2008
By Karl
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.

32 of 36 found the following review helpful:

5Wow !Jan 08, 2007
By Eddie Landsberg "My 10th year as a reviewer ! ! !"
A full and affordable lightweight 88 key MIDI controller... what more could one ask for...

How about semi-weighted key ??? Done deal !

Here's the catch - - mutch to my delight, the action is almost exactly like that of a Hammond Organ - - my main organ and coincidentally I use it with the Native B4.... The feel is so B-3 like I actually prefer the action to any of the other Hammond Clones I owned.

Of course, most people aren't going to be buying it for that purpose, but I can tell you... the feel is really nice...

If you grew up in the era the affordable MIDI keybaords = junk era, this little baby will change your mind.

Good enough for a pro... affordable enough for the serious student who needs all 88 keys.

My only issue (and its a minor one) is that the USB connection is on the far left hand of the keyboard... logical if you're going to be setting it up in front of the computer... but I don't think I Macintosh G5 and 88 key controller are going to fit on most desks... as a result I got a keyboard stand to set it up to my left, however, since the connection is where it is the cable doesn't reach. Nevertheless, not the end of the world... All in all this is one fine blessing from the Gods of Computer Music !

18 of 19 found the following review helpful:

4More then I expectedSep 18, 2009
By P. Brown "PBrown"
I am what you would call a 'piano snob'. I never, ever play anything but real instruments (electric keyboards have always felt and sounded completely ridiculous to me). Recently, however, I found myself without a piano (living in an apartment too small for one). I decided to find the cheapest 88 key keyboard I could find because I refused to invest any real money in what I consider to be very poor substitutes for the real thing.

I chose the Keystation 88es because it was the cheapest thing I could find.

Knowing it wasn't a proper keyboard but a midi controller I wasn't expecting much. I imagined myself playing with the sound off just to keep my fingers limber and used to the motion and all that.

What I got was much more then I expected. Initially I used the software that came with the Keystation and this was a frustrating experience at best. While the keys felt acceptable (semi-weighted but feels so much better then other keyboards of this price feel), the sound was completely terrible. The lower register was soft, soft and the higher register was abnormally loud. The only sound choices (electric piano) were poor.

I decided to invest in different software and suddenly I went from mildly disappointed in my product to completely pleased.

Don't make the mistake I did and blame poor sound on the keystation itself! The keystation is a controller and is not the source of bad sound! With different software then what came with the product I now have an instrument in the Keystation that I can truly enjoy in the absence of my piano!

The end of my story is if you're willing to invest in the keyboard itself as well as GOOD software to create a more pleasing piano sound then this is a good buy!

55 of 66 found the following review helpful:

5M-Audio's explanation for theJul 03, 2007
By als3rd
First, I want to apologize for the length of this post, but the content demands it.

After my review, I have two emails that come straight from M-Audio that address the "lead paint and dangerous chemicals" issue. This information goes out to Donald Sosin "farmhouse41, and anyone else that is concerned about this issue. I bought the 49e version because it's size is perfect for my space as a secondary keyboard, but this information applies to all models.

I have a Korg Triton Pro in my home studio, and bought the 49e version of this excellent keyboard to use in my living room. It operates flawlessly with my Mac G5 and Garageband, which was truly a plug and play experience. I opened Garageband, turned on the Keystation and the midi device was immediately recognized, and I began to play. It was just that easy. In short.. I love it!

Now for the "Product contains lead and chemicals causing cancer and birth defects" issue. I will post two responses that I received from M-Audio yesterday after I sent them a single email that clearly and strongly questioned every aspect of this "Warning". In my email I wanted to know where the lead was used and if it could harm my family and me. My primary concern was that they had used lead in the silver paint or anywhere on the exterior of the keyboard. Here are the two responses from my single email:

"Al,

This warning label is now required on all electronics devices that contain lead. The keyboard contains lead soldering on the circuit board, which is something you will never come in contact with under normal use. If you ever take the unit apart, which we don't recommend, you'll just want to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards. This will remove any trace of lead that may have rubbed of on you. We understand the concern that such a label would cause, but we can assure you that you are not in any danger while using this product as intended.

Best Regards,

Name withheld for privacy. Here is the second response from another M-Audio employee:

Hi Al,

Just to chime in here...

The warning posted in our 49e Keystudio manual is also found in the manuals for all of our other electronic products. We are located in California, where we are required by state law to use this warning on any product containing even minute, trace amounts of lead (et al). The warning is State of California boilerplate.

Since the RoHS act (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) was passed in the European Union, our products are safer than ever. We have updated the components and materials in all of our current products to comply with the standards set forth therein. [...]

Also, don't hesitate to contact us with any further questions you may have regarding this matter.

All the best,

Name withheld for privacy.

I suggested that they amend the Warning in the Quick Start Guide to include this additional information. I don't know if they can or will do this, so I'm not holding my breath. I hope this information that comes "straight from the horses mouth" proves helpful in alleviating the concerns that a lot of us experienced and does not keep anyone from buying this excellent line of keyboards.

See all 91 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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