Product Description

The M Audio Keystation 88es is an 88-key, semi-weighted action USB MIDI controller with velocity sensing thats perfect for performance, computer-centric recording, and education. Space-age design and rugged construction deliver incredible feel and stability in a package that is light enough for pros to carry under one arm, yet elegant enough for home environments. The Keystation 88es is compatible with all standard music software on both Mac and PC, and class-compliancy with Windows XP and Mac OS X ensures the simplicity of plug-and-play. Drivers are also included for Windows 98SE/Me/2000. The built-in USB-to-MIDI interface and USB bus-powered operation eliminates the need for additional gear or cables.M Audio Keystation 88es Features88-note velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted actionPitch bend and modulation wheelsVolume/assignable control sliderAdvanced function button for programmingSustain and expression pedal inputs (pedals sold separately)Assignable data up/down buttonsBuilt-in USB MIDI interfaceMIDI out jack routes MIDI signals from keyboard or computer to external devicesPowered via USB or 9VDC power adapter (sold separately)Mac OS X and Windows XP class compliant for plug-and-playProgramming OptionsOctave ShiftTransposeProgram ChangeBank LSBBank MSBMIDI ChannelMIDI Out from USBReset All ControllersWheel AssignSlider AssignM Audio USB MIDI ControllersThe mobile keyboard controller revolution began with M-Audio's release of the Oxygen8 - and the rest is history. Now there's a mobile controller to fit every size and budget need. The M-Audio Ozone even has a built-in audio interface.Controls in M-Audio keyboards aren't buried mysteriously in obscure menus. The keys have a second layer of functions, allowing you to program MIDI control information directly from the b

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #270 in Musical Instruments
• Brand: M-Audio
• Model: 9900-40832-00
• Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 26.80 pounds

Features

• 88-note velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted action
• Pitch bend and modulation wheels
• Volume/assignable control slider
• Advanced function button for programming
• Sustain and expression pedal inputs (pedals sold separately)

Amazon.com Product 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.

88-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller

Pitch bend and modulation wheels are ideal for controlling synths, samplers, etc.

Easily assign the control slider to different parameters of sound modules or software.

88-note velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted action
88 keys means no constant hitting of an octave switch, an annoyance with smaller controllers. The semi-weighted action gives you a piano feel, and since it's velocity sensitive, your dynamic playing is accurately sent as data.

Pitch bend and modulation wheels
These are ideal for controlling synths, samplers, etc.

Volume/assignable control slider
Easily assign the control slider to different parameters of sound modules or software, for further control over your sound.

Advanced function button for programming
When the Advanced Functions button is pressed, the keyboard goes into "Edit Mode." In Edit Mode, the keys on the keyboard are used for selecting functions and entering data. Black keys are used for selecting functions, while the white keys are used for data entry and channel selection.

Sustain pedal input (pedal sold separately)
Add a sustain pedal, such as the M-Audio SP-1, for piano-like pedal control of your notes' duration.

Built-in USB MIDI interface
Easily interface with most MIDI software using the built-in USB MIDI interface. The standard MIDI "out" jack routes MIDI signals from the keyboard or computer to your external devices.

USB Powered
The 88es grabs power from the USB port on your computer. You can also purchase a 9VDC power adapter.

Mac OS X and Windows XP class compliant
Enjoy plug-and-play operation with both Mac OS X and Windows XP. Ableton Live Lite music production software is included, so you can make music right away on either platform.

What's in the Box
M-Audio Keystation 88es USB Keyboard, USB Cable, User's Manual

Customer Reviews

The keyboard I always wanted
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!

Wow !
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 !

M-Audio's explanation for the
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.