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

Product Information

The fader controls are a gem for when you play sounds that you prefer to do dynamics or expression controls, such as orchestral sounds, which prevents you from buying a separate fader control.

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. The Casio Privia PX-360 is the elder sibling of the bestselling PX-160. It boasts much of the same features but better build-quality, nicer keytops, and a standout touchscreen.

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

With a MIDI controller, you can get the feel of a genuine grand piano and the sound of any virtual instrument. To use one of these weighted MIDI keyboards, you’ll need access to a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for virtual instruments and voicings. This is a keyboard meant for stage performers. So you don't just get a standard 88-key keyboard; you also get programmable faders and buttons. A big new feature is the built-in Bluetooth which gives you wireless MIDI. This greatly enhances the keyboard's capability. Use it as a replacement controller for Ableton or Logic without worry about plugging it in.

I’ve often seen beginners buy expensive keyboards only to later realize that they can’t fully utilize them. Although the LED display shows you the edit settings and parameters, it is still only 3-character and 7-segment in its display function. Also, the fact that it is 88 keys means that you would probably want to buy it as someone who knows their way around a piano or keyboard, so more weighty keys might be more suitable. Acoustic pianos are expensive and difficult to maintain. You can’t move them around much. And God forbid if they get out of tune – you’ll have to call in a tuner who’ll take half your salary for half a day’s work.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. A88MkII has a great design, with Ivory Feel keys, 3-sensor key detection and key-specific progressive hammer action, which all deliver the feel of a real piano. Overall we found this to be a very capable and a competitively priced update, but its winning feature is that the piano action is class-leading at this price point. Given that this isn’t the sort of unit one changes that regularly, it’s also great to be future-proofed with MIDI 2.0 support. A MIDI keyboard is a keyboard that plugs into a computer and helps you control a DAW. Think of it as a physical interface for your DAW. The three-foot pedal that comes with it has slippery metal pedals that your foot slides off easily when resting on it. If they put rubber on the ends, it could solve this. However, it is also really heavy, at around 65 lbs/29.5 kg, and it is more on the high end in the price for those who are just into MIDI keyboards. 10. Swissonic ControlKey 88 Because they’re meant to control a DAW (or a hardware synth), MIDI keyboards usually have poor quality keys. You’re unlikely to play them the same way as a conventional piano. Thus, you’ll rarely, if ever, find fully-weighted, piano-like keys on a MIDI keyboard.