I started my journey with piano with m-audio Keystation 88 since I didn’t know if I’ll keep playing. I learned my first songs and fell in love with playing. This is a great keyboard for the beginners and it’s quite cheap. After few years I switched to fp-30x since I needed something better to start my own yt channel and I gave keystation to my friend who is also starting his journey with piano :)
Thanks a lot! Great you are reviewing 88-key MIDI-controllers now. That's a very good idea since many keyboarders/home studio owners are using those in combination with VSTs instead of a digital piano. Would be great to have the following MIDI-controllers tested: Studiologic SL88 Studio, M-Audio Hammer 88, Studiologic SL88 Grand, Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk II, Native Instruments S88 and M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro.
I'd love to see how the Kawai VPC1 contrasts with the NV5 / NV10. Meanwhile, I was able to know that PianoTeq and Ravenscroft were featured as the pianos in this video.
Yes, when I was thinking "I need to see it from the top..." there it was. Stu, when you talk about control buttons, wheels, and so on, touch them and give us a view from the top (a little pantomime is very helpful). I suspect that you could say a few warm words about the keypad in the elevator and find a musical use for them too :)
6:30 absolutely agree! Here's my personal experience with the Keystation 88 mk2. I tried it, I liked it, I bought it, I returned it. The springs are too stiff making velocity control impossible. Spring actions need to balance key return for quick riffs with dynamic expression for smooth pianississimo to fortississimo. It's very tricky and most 'semi weighted' actions fail it being too stiff. To my surprise and endless joy the M-audio keystation 61 mk3 has a much better action than its big brother. Yes it's lighter and takes some getting used to but I can play almost as fast and almost as smooth as on my korg RH3 action.
Did you try the Roland A88? I find the key to be really heavy! I tried the Roland 701 a few weeks ago and it was a Bliss, everything perfect But too expensive for me right now
Antony, this model is somewhat like the MK3 model or more like the older versions with that 'synth' action-like? I had a MK3 once and the action was ok but I'd never tried this model before.
Very interesting. I just bought the Keystation MK3 and I'm finding I really like it. I was surprised to see all the "meh" reviews of the 88 (good value but cheap feeling keybed). I didn't think there would be a difference in the keybed between the 88 and the 61, but after reading your post, there obviously is.
Great video Stu! You should keep using the nv5 just for simple comparisons/demo instead of the rd2000. I really really want one. I feel like its the perfect digital piano for casual users. I want to hear and see more of it. It motivates me. It would also be great if you use a decent mic so we can somewhat have an idea how it sounds in a room on some of the demo. Youre set up right now is going to be how most owners will have it, in a room with furnitures and not in a studio or massive show room floor. Im sure other people would be curious about it too and possibly notice some nuances that can really help out. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for covering the Midi controller family. I'd really like you to cover the M-Audio Hammer 88, it has fully weighted hammer action keys or even the new Nektar Impact GXP88 (different beast I admit). Thank you and one more happy subscriber here. BTW, your playing is magistral. Cheers
I bought the 61 key version of this last week to play live in a band because it's so very light and portable. I agree with Stu the velocity sensitivity isn't that great, but in a live situation when your competing with guitars and drummers and everything else it doesn't have to be perfect I don't think even when playing a piano part.
That is a very good point! The "ideal" sound that a piano player has in mind from the perspective of playing solo piano is very different than the "ideal" sound in context of a live mix with a band or larger ensemble.
I would say Roland A88, Arturia MK2 88; and maybe the studiologic ? Thanks for this video i'm more into those controller so i'm glad you guys are covering them ^^
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the suggestion! The VPC1 has been out for a little while now, but it is still widely considered to be one of the best MIDI controllers in existence. I will certainly pass on the suggestion to our production team. :)
I think you should review M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro, coz so many people said this can reliable. (I also want to know what will you say)😄.And if you make review series for popular MIDI controllers, we will be very happy.
Not being a piano player, and at 224$, it’s great for covering input of all the orchestra groups. No control over velocity curves. You can clean up velocity Quickly with logical editor in cubase. Not a deal breaker at that price.
A suggestion... Not great as a main instrument even for a most beginners. But... If you get the 61 key version instead, you've got a cheap lite instrument useful for practice and travel where small size and light weight are at a premium. Its too bad about the uneven MIDI output. You can pick up decent used vedions of the 61 key for around $100 USD. For that I'll use it in situations where my regular board won't go, and not worry much about it, or the very real imperfections. (I actually got more consistent MIDI from a tiny key Arturia MiniLab)
I originally had an idea (or rather conviction) that digital piano did not make any sense for me and I would rather use a MIDI controller (I had both M-Audio Hammer 88 and Roland A88 mkII). Unfortunately, perhaps with the exception of ancient Kawai VPC1), no MIDI controller has a really great keyboard action so I gave up and got Roland FP-90X
Thanks Michael, that was super helpful. I was/am in the same "conviction", as I'm doing some music with computers/DAW and some controllers. I currently own a NI KK A61 which is far from being close to a piano feel. Basically, my aim is to learn piano (I'm primarily a bass player. hobbyist not pro) to find a new musical adventure. So I thought, well, I have a few great plugins (Arturia, NI Komplete) with great piano sounds and much more, why not getting a good MIDI controller with graded hammer keys like the M-Audio Hammer 88, which is still on my radar. You convinced me to go towards the Roland family. Personally, I'll go with the FP-30X. Thank you
How about reviewing the midi implementation on the accessible entry-level digital pianos? I would love to know if I can buy something from Roland or Yamaha with decent onboard sounds for practice but also be able to record better sound with good VSTs.
If I may suggest you to consider - for the future MIDI controller reviews - the following ones, not in a particular order: Kurzweil KM88, Doepfer PK88, M-Audio Hammer 88, Roland A-88 MKII, Kawai VPC1, Studiologic SL88 Grand
I love that idea! We will definitely add it to the list of potential video comparisons for the future. I think a proper MIDI controller shootout would be awesome. Thank you for the suggestion! :)
@@JoeLinux2000 The VPC1 is a digital piano that uses a VST as its sound engine. There are no knobs and no wheels, and the only thing it stores is the setting for the target platform for its key velocity curve (e.g. Pianoteq, Alicia's Keys, Ivory). Its raison d'etre is to emulate, as closely as possible, an acoustic piano, as expressed through a VST and external speakers. IF THAT IS WHAT YOU WANT, the VPC1 has no competition. IMHO! :-)
Your review left me perplex. As far as I know all digital pianos use Midi signal internally , and render the sound using sampling or modelling ( Roland) , so the difference in sound quality is not in that department. lot of midi keyboard are cheap and are not designed to reproduce piano action as such but are used for synth/studio work Now if you use a Kawai VPC1 or S88 Mk2 they are different beasts and their key action is better than a lot of digital pianos . The top notch combo is the VPC1 specially tuned for Ravenscroft ( nearly 5000$ though :( ) . I had the chance to play a bit on it at the NAAM when it was released. It beats anything on the market in that space.
A definate difference between the midi piano and one with real strings. Same goes with my Yamaha midi. It has a "Grand Hammer Design" action and fits in just a bit higher than the 2 levels mentioned above. I presume it has 2 out of 3 sensor response. Maybe nearly 3.
I wonder what what you would think of the old Yamaha KX-88 a controller from probably 30 years ago. In it's day it was king for being similar to an actual piano action. I think the DGX-670 has a very similar feel to it. I know for a fact that the KX-88 has a lead weight at the front of the key and a single small leaf spring under each key that controls the touch and return response of the action. I took mine apart one time and flipped all the springs upside down. The DGX feels very similar although somehow they figured out how to add a very subtle escapement feel. I played the PF-10 at Costco again yesterday and absolutely hated it. I can't believe people think that's a good action. That instrument is horribly unresponsive, completely lacking in all nuance. The most important thing for any controller is to be able to store set-ups. Inother words the voices and instruments that go with a particular performance number. I had to end up using a Roland MC-500 MIDI sequencer which looked something like an old adding machine. I had two sitting side by side in case one failed. It stored data on 3.5" diskettes which and it was sensitive to temperature changes in the room. If it sat too long in an air conditioned hall you could have trouble loading songs.
The dgx series has outstanding action but the only dgx models that sound like a real piano are the dgx620 and up, all of the earlier dgx models than the 620 sounded like an early 90s Casio board, with that said, the kx88 is a wonderful machine, my church bought one brand new in 1985 and it's still being used every Sunday to this day, the only things that have changed are the sound modules that we use for it, very very very tough board and built like a tank
You're very welcome James! While a fully-weighted keyboard action will provide a more authentic touch for technique development, this could certainly serve as a potential starting point for your piano journey as well. :)
Hi! Brent here! You will need to connect your Key Station 88 MIDI controller to a computer/laptop and run a VST (virtual instrument) to control the sound. There are a number of excellent piano plugins you can try such as Pianoteq. Keyscape, and more. :)
Great video, thanks for that - i (might) missed one part, do you think this midicontroller could be a good choice for someone just starting to learn to play on 88-keys? Like a greenhorn, trying to get into pianoplaying. Thanks have a good week.
You're very welcome! We're glad that you enjoyed the video! :) A MIDI controller (particularly one with a good, weighted key action) can serve as an excellent instrument to begin learning to play piano on. As long as you are comfortable with connecting the instrument to VST software or some type of hardware synth that has piano and instrument sounds you can control, MIDI controllers can certainly be viable choices.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the fast reply. I don't need that controller for recording or any other fancy stuff, i was just thinking about to hook it up with my DAW and some piano VST so i can learn (from scratch) on 88-keys and play some really basic stuff, wich i think is the way to go, isn't it? Is there any other low budget thing you could recommend?
@@givetofu- One year later and I guess I'm on the same boat. Last night I bought a second hand M Audio Keystation 88 MKIII. Price was the main reason for this choice. For a 54 years old guy who never touched any keyboard/piano. I'm convinced it will do just fine... So if all goes well sometime next week I should receive it. Let's see if an upgrade will be needed any time soon. ;-) My original choice was going to be the Yamaha PSR E373 (new). Or the Kawai ES120 (new). Totally different animals. But way less than half the price for the 88. I was sold on the spot. ;-)
Hi just got mine to learn to play on it seem's great for me but guessing that why I am beginner . Nice review. Thanks any free software for my keystation 88 as mine second hand ?
You're very welcome! Glad you found the review helpful! Unfortunately, we do not have any free software to use in conjunction with the Keystation 88 on our website, but you should be able to track some down by searching the web and exploring various piano forums. :)
😂 Only thing is this keyboard controller requires a spring style sustain pedal ( I built a soft contact switch to off on very quickly) in order to control the trailing ends of the basses vs the high notes when using it for multi synth VSTi setup.
It sounds like you've made an innovative compromise! Some sustain pedals are certainly better than others; and more accurate to the feel and control of an acoustic piano's damper pedal.
@@MerriamPianos Yes I actually built a click off on pedal before but the issue was I had to press it again for note sustain off. I could not time the off sustain so the basses were always killing the music vibe. I play some Vangelis type multiple VSTi synths so you have to be able to sustain off an on very rapidly before your right hand plays any keys higher than the bass notes on the left hand. So I made momentary small push down switch pedal that I hover my left foot over and can lightly touch the soft contact switch and barely rise the foot to turn off. So I turn on-off multiple times during the live playing of these multiple synths. Since there are like 6-7 synths going at once I off-on sustain dozens of times during some of these songs so basically short hold sustain on the basses ( left hand runs) and hold longer for right hand higher notes as those don't muddy the runs, only the basses. Vangelis had to be using this similar style of pedal in order to quickly do long-short sustains. I time the hold and lift foot pressing by listening to which area needs more hold right hand vs left hand chords or notes. This pedal type is perfect for Vangelis type music, cost 2$ to make lol.
I've got a number of key stations (61s and one 88) that I use as midi controllers with software not requiring velocity control, e.g. Hauptwerk (worth a review) to play organs, harpsichords (these often require more than 61 keys) as well as other instruments and I like them when playing these type of instruments. I agree that these controllers aren't optimal for piano, but they're perfectly fine for e.g. ensemble or choir accompaniment during rehearsals.
I have to say that it is difficult for me why MIDI controller would have an inferior piano MIDI signal output to a digital piano (they are after all not necessary meant to be MIDI controllers themselves). Do we really need to get redundant stuff (such as piano sound modelling, amps and speakers) to have a decent MIDI controller for, let’s say, Pianoteq?
I have an oxygen 61, and I've had multiple m-audio controllers. It's the velocity curve that's pretty bad, on all levels. It goes softest soft medium and than immediately to the max velocity possible.
I'm sorry, Stu. If you're looking at MIDI controllers that are supposed to work like a piano, why wouldn't you start with the VPC1? I mean, it's the natural starting place, no? I don't own one, but from what I've read, the M-Audio 88 isn't even in the same league as the VPC1 (which I *do* own, and love)...
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The Keystation 88 is still a very solid MIDI controller! I had one not too long ago and found it to be an excellent studio companion. :)
Hi Stu, it's the end of the year, it's tim for top ten, best action of the year, some prizes, som summarizations. I expect something special for Christmas from you :-) (this kind of stuff boosts views like nothing else). By the way, some Canadian dude "weeped up" his way for the nice prize here, congratulations! ruclips.net/video/UcOjKXIR8Iw/видео.html
My experience with the first version of this product was that after 1 year of playing, the keyboard makes so much noise when you press a key (plastic noises, spring metallic noises) that you just want to throw it in the trash. And the dynamic range is ridiculous: too difficult to play a pianissimo, too easy to reach the max velocity of 127. Your piano playing will be very inconsistent on this keyboard. But, I have to say, thanks to this cheap MIDI controller, I convinced myself to buy a Kawai digital piano which I still use with satisfaction today, so somehow it was useful... 😀
Click-bait. Again... you SAY in the title "review" of a product... NO... all you did was show off, put a mic close to the M-AUDIO KEYS TO PICK UP THE "CLICKY"...then went and sat down at your much pricier upright... to show off some more. Do a proper review next time.
Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am sorry to hear that you feel that way. Stu dives into quite a few details about the Keystation 88 in this video and the intention of playing the NV5 was to capture and compare the MIDI data against that of the Keystation 88. Given that the Keystation 88 is specifically a MIDI controller, the accuracy of its tracking of velocity and performance nuances is a critical component. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your feedback!
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I started my journey with piano with m-audio Keystation 88 since I didn’t know if I’ll keep playing. I learned my first songs and fell in love with playing. This is a great keyboard for the beginners and it’s quite cheap. After few years I switched to fp-30x since I needed something better to start my own yt channel and I gave keystation to my friend who is also starting his journey with piano :)
As an absolute newbie that is an awesome piece of information. Last week bought one in second hand. But never connected it, yet. ;-)
Thanks a lot! Great you are reviewing 88-key MIDI-controllers now. That's a very good idea since many keyboarders/home studio owners are using those in combination with VSTs instead of a digital piano. Would be great to have the following MIDI-controllers tested: Studiologic SL88 Studio, M-Audio Hammer 88, Studiologic SL88 Grand, Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk II, Native Instruments S88 and M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro.
Thanks for the much more nuanced discussion of what semi weighted is than the usual "oh it means you can't do glissandos" salesperson explanation
You're very welcome! I'm glad you found the deep dive helpful! :)
I do appreciate your honest reviews. You're the man!
You are really good at this.
Stu is awesome and we're very lucky to have him! Thanks so much for tuning in! :)
I'd love to see how the Kawai VPC1 contrasts with the NV5 / NV10. Meanwhile, I was able to know that PianoTeq and Ravenscroft were featured as the pianos in this video.
best dang reviews always. well done
Thanks so much! We really appreciate that. :)
Yes, when I was thinking "I need to see it from the top..." there it was. Stu, when you talk about control buttons, wheels, and so on, touch them and give us a view from the top (a little pantomime is very helpful). I suspect that you could say a few warm words about the keypad in the elevator and find a musical use for them too :)
6:30 absolutely agree! Here's my personal experience with the Keystation 88 mk2. I tried it, I liked it, I bought it, I returned it. The springs are too stiff making velocity control impossible. Spring actions need to balance key return for quick riffs with dynamic expression for smooth pianississimo to fortississimo. It's very tricky and most 'semi weighted' actions fail it being too stiff. To my surprise and endless joy the M-audio keystation 61 mk3 has a much better action than its big brother. Yes it's lighter and takes some getting used to but I can play almost as fast and almost as smooth as on my korg RH3 action.
Did you try the Roland A88?
I find the key to be really heavy!
I tried the Roland 701 a few weeks ago and it was a Bliss, everything perfect
But too expensive for me right now
Antony, this model is somewhat like the MK3 model or more like the older versions with that 'synth' action-like? I had a MK3 once and the action was ok but I'd never tried this model before.
Very interesting. I just bought the Keystation MK3 and I'm finding I really like it. I was surprised to see all the "meh" reviews of the 88 (good value but cheap feeling keybed). I didn't think there would be a difference in the keybed between the 88 and the 61, but after reading your post, there obviously is.
Great video Stu! You should keep using the nv5 just for simple comparisons/demo instead of the rd2000. I really really want one. I feel like its the perfect digital piano for casual users. I want to hear and see more of it. It motivates me. It would also be great if you use a decent mic so we can somewhat have an idea how it sounds in a room on some of the demo. Youre set up right now is going to be how most owners will have it, in a room with furnitures and not in a studio or massive show room floor. Im sure other people would be curious about it too and possibly notice some nuances that can really help out. Keep up the great work!
NV5s is probably best but not transportable.
Would love to see Studiologic SL88 Grand Hammer action vs. SL88 Studio vs. Studiologic Numa X Piano
Thank you for covering the Midi controller family.
I'd really like you to cover the M-Audio Hammer 88, it has fully weighted hammer action keys or even the new Nektar Impact GXP88 (different beast I admit).
Thank you and one more happy subscriber here.
BTW, your playing is magistral. Cheers
I bought the 61 key version of this last week to play live in a band because it's so very light and portable.
I agree with Stu the velocity sensitivity isn't that great, but in a live situation when your competing with guitars and drummers and everything else it doesn't have to be perfect I don't think even when playing a piano part.
That is a very good point! The "ideal" sound that a piano player has in mind from the perspective of playing solo piano is very different than the "ideal" sound in context of a live mix with a band or larger ensemble.
I would say Roland A88, Arturia MK2 88; and maybe the studiologic ?
Thanks for this video i'm more into those controller so i'm glad you guys are covering them ^^
looking forward to MIDI controller reviews
Hi Stu, I know by now its probably old tec, but I would like to see a review of the VPC 1.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the suggestion! The VPC1 has been out for a little while now, but it is still widely considered to be one of the best MIDI controllers in existence. I will certainly pass on the suggestion to our production team. :)
I think you should review M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro, coz so many people said this can reliable. (I also want to know what will you say)😄.And if you make review series for popular MIDI controllers, we will be very happy.
Not being a piano player, and at 224$, it’s great for covering input of all the orchestra groups. No control over velocity curves. You can clean up velocity Quickly with logical editor in cubase. Not a deal breaker at that price.
A suggestion... Not great as a main instrument even for a most beginners.
But... If you get the 61 key version instead, you've got a cheap lite instrument useful for practice and travel where small size and light weight are at a premium. Its too bad about the uneven MIDI output. You can pick up decent used vedions of the 61 key for around $100 USD. For that I'll use it in situations where my regular board won't go, and not worry much about it, or the very real imperfections.
(I actually got more consistent MIDI from a tiny key Arturia MiniLab)
Thanks so much for the insights and tips! I know our community members here will appreciate them. Thanks so much and happy playing! :)
VPC1 please, of course.
I originally had an idea (or rather conviction) that digital piano did not make any sense for me and I would rather use a MIDI controller (I had both M-Audio Hammer 88 and Roland A88 mkII). Unfortunately, perhaps with the exception of ancient Kawai VPC1), no MIDI controller has a really great keyboard action so I gave up and got Roland FP-90X
Thanks Michael, that was super helpful. I was/am in the same "conviction", as I'm doing some music with computers/DAW and some controllers. I currently own a NI KK A61 which is far from being close to a piano feel.
Basically, my aim is to learn piano (I'm primarily a bass player. hobbyist not pro) to find a new musical adventure. So I thought, well, I have a few great plugins (Arturia, NI Komplete) with great piano sounds and much more, why not getting a good MIDI controller with graded hammer keys like the M-Audio Hammer 88, which is still on my radar.
You convinced me to go towards the Roland family. Personally, I'll go with the FP-30X.
Thank you
How about reviewing the midi implementation on the accessible entry-level digital pianos? I would love to know if I can buy something from Roland or Yamaha with decent onboard sounds for practice but also be able to record better sound with good VSTs.
Thanks for the idea! I will pass it on to the production team. I think that would be a great topic to cover in a video. :)
If I may suggest you to consider - for the future MIDI controller reviews - the following ones, not in a particular order: Kurzweil KM88, Doepfer PK88, M-Audio Hammer 88, Roland A-88 MKII, Kawai VPC1, Studiologic SL88 Grand
I love that idea! We will definitely add it to the list of potential video comparisons for the future. I think a proper MIDI controller shootout would be awesome. Thank you for the suggestion! :)
I hope you'll check out the Casiotone Ct-s1 someday and maybe compare it to an instrument of a similar price (200$)
Arturia Keylab 88 MKII would be interesting.
Please... I hope you'll be showing the Kawai VPC1, the Roland A8i MkII and the StudioLogic (any of them ) grand or numa X gt
Thanks Stu
All good choices. Can the VPC1 store set-ups? I'm under the impression it has no knobs.
@@JoeLinux2000 The VPC1 is a digital piano that uses a VST as its sound engine. There are no knobs and no wheels, and the only thing it stores is the setting for the target platform for its key velocity curve (e.g. Pianoteq, Alicia's Keys, Ivory). Its raison d'etre is to emulate, as closely as possible, an acoustic piano, as expressed through a VST and external speakers. IF THAT IS WHAT YOU WANT, the VPC1 has no competition. IMHO! :-)
Your review left me perplex. As far as I know all digital pianos use Midi signal internally , and render the sound using sampling or modelling ( Roland) , so the difference in sound quality is not in that department. lot of midi keyboard are cheap and are not designed to reproduce piano action as such but are used for synth/studio work
Now if you use a Kawai VPC1 or S88 Mk2 they are different beasts and their key action is better than a lot of digital pianos . The top notch combo is the VPC1 specially tuned for Ravenscroft ( nearly 5000$ though :( ) . I had the chance to play a bit on it at the NAAM when it was released. It beats anything on the market in that space.
What about M-Audio Hammer 88?
A definate difference between the midi piano and one with real strings. Same goes with my Yamaha midi. It has a "Grand Hammer Design" action and fits in just a bit higher than the 2 levels mentioned above. I presume it has 2 out of 3 sensor response. Maybe nearly 3.
I'm interested in the kawai vpc1 and the studiologic grand, it would be great to have a review from you. Your reviews are awesome!
How about the Akai MPK Road 88? A very respectable and robust contender but maybe hard to find these days.
I wonder what what you would think of the old Yamaha KX-88 a controller from probably 30 years ago. In it's day it was king for being similar to an actual piano action. I think the DGX-670 has a very similar feel to it. I know for a fact that the KX-88 has a lead weight at the front of the key and a single small leaf spring under each key that controls the touch and return response of the action. I took mine apart one time and flipped all the springs upside down. The DGX feels very similar although somehow they figured out how to add a very subtle escapement feel. I played the PF-10 at Costco again yesterday and absolutely hated it. I can't believe people think that's a good action. That instrument is horribly unresponsive, completely lacking in all nuance. The most important thing for any controller is to be able to store set-ups. Inother words the voices and instruments that go with a particular performance number. I had to end up using a Roland MC-500 MIDI sequencer which looked something like an old adding machine. I had two sitting side by side in case one failed. It stored data on 3.5" diskettes which and it was sensitive to temperature changes in the room. If it sat too long in an air conditioned hall you could have trouble loading songs.
The dgx series has outstanding action but the only dgx models that sound like a real piano are the dgx620 and up, all of the earlier dgx models than the 620 sounded like an early 90s Casio board, with that said, the kx88 is a wonderful machine, my church bought one brand new in 1985 and it's still being used every Sunday to this day, the only things that have changed are the sound modules that we use for it, very very very tough board and built like a tank
Thanks I may buy one to learn play on is this good enough?
You're very welcome James! While a fully-weighted keyboard action will provide a more authentic touch for technique development, this could certainly serve as a potential starting point for your piano journey as well. :)
I have one m-audio key station 88
no speakers so no song , and get nothing,how to set up that to get the voice,please
Hi! Brent here! You will need to connect your Key Station 88 MIDI controller to a computer/laptop and run a VST (virtual instrument) to control the sound. There are a number of excellent piano plugins you can try such as Pianoteq. Keyscape, and more. :)
Great video, thanks for that - i (might) missed one part, do you think this midicontroller could be a good choice for someone just starting to learn to play on 88-keys?
Like a greenhorn, trying to get into pianoplaying. Thanks have a good week.
You're very welcome! We're glad that you enjoyed the video! :)
A MIDI controller (particularly one with a good, weighted key action) can serve as an excellent instrument to begin learning to play piano on. As long as you are comfortable with connecting the instrument to VST software or some type of hardware synth that has piano and instrument sounds you can control, MIDI controllers can certainly be viable choices.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the fast reply.
I don't need that controller for recording or any other fancy stuff, i was just thinking about to hook it up with my DAW and some piano VST so i can learn (from scratch) on 88-keys and play some really basic stuff, wich i think is the way to go, isn't it?
Is there any other low budget thing you could recommend?
@@givetofu- One year later and I guess I'm on the same boat. Last night I bought a second hand M Audio Keystation 88 MKIII. Price was the main reason for this choice. For a 54 years old guy who never touched any keyboard/piano. I'm convinced it will do just fine...
So if all goes well sometime next week I should receive it. Let's see if an upgrade will be needed any time soon. ;-)
My original choice was going to be the Yamaha PSR E373 (new). Or the Kawai ES120 (new). Totally different animals.
But way less than half the price for the 88. I was sold on the spot. ;-)
Hi just got mine to learn to play on it seem's great for me but guessing that why I am beginner . Nice review. Thanks any free software for my keystation 88 as mine second hand ?
You're very welcome! Glad you found the review helpful! Unfortunately, we do not have any free software to use in conjunction with the Keystation 88 on our website, but you should be able to track some down by searching the web and exploring various piano forums. :)
😂 Only thing is this keyboard controller requires a spring style sustain pedal ( I built a soft contact switch to off on very quickly) in order to control the trailing ends of the basses vs the high notes when using it for multi synth VSTi setup.
It sounds like you've made an innovative compromise! Some sustain pedals are certainly better than others; and more accurate to the feel and control of an acoustic piano's damper pedal.
@@MerriamPianos Yes I actually built a click off on pedal before but the issue was I had to press it again for note sustain off. I could not time the off sustain so the basses were always killing the music vibe. I play some Vangelis type multiple VSTi synths so you have to be able to sustain off an on very rapidly before your right hand plays any keys higher than the bass notes on the left hand. So I made momentary small push down switch pedal that I hover my left foot over and can lightly touch the soft contact switch and barely rise the foot to turn off. So I turn on-off multiple times during the live playing of these multiple synths. Since there are like 6-7 synths going at once I off-on sustain dozens of times during some of these songs so basically short hold sustain on the basses ( left hand runs) and hold longer for right hand higher notes as those don't muddy the runs, only the basses. Vangelis had to be using this similar style of pedal in order to quickly do long-short sustains. I time the hold and lift foot pressing by listening to which area needs more hold right hand vs left hand chords or notes. This pedal type is perfect for Vangelis type music, cost 2$ to make lol.
I've got a number of key stations (61s and one 88) that I use as midi controllers with software not requiring velocity control, e.g. Hauptwerk (worth a review) to play organs, harpsichords (these often require more than 61 keys) as well as other instruments and I like them when playing these type of instruments. I agree that these controllers aren't optimal for piano, but they're perfectly fine for e.g. ensemble or choir accompaniment during rehearsals.
I have to say that it is difficult for me why MIDI controller would have an inferior piano MIDI signal output to a digital piano (they are after all not necessary meant to be MIDI controllers themselves). Do we really need to get redundant stuff (such as piano sound modelling, amps and speakers) to have a decent MIDI controller for, let’s say, Pianoteq?
I have an oxygen 61, and I've had multiple m-audio controllers. It's the velocity curve that's pretty bad, on all levels. It goes softest soft medium and than immediately to the max velocity possible.
I'm sorry, Stu. If you're looking at MIDI controllers that are supposed to work like a piano, why wouldn't you start with the VPC1? I mean, it's the natural starting place, no? I don't own one, but from what I've read, the M-Audio 88 isn't even in the same league as the VPC1 (which I *do* own, and love)...
IS it still worth in 2022 ??? getting it for £80
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The Keystation 88 is still a very solid MIDI controller! I had one not too long ago and found it to be an excellent studio companion. :)
I had the 49 and 61 key versions
They're not bad at all. If you're getting it for £80, especially if it's new, that's not a bad deal at all
Hi Stu, it's the end of the year, it's tim for top ten, best action of the year, some prizes, som summarizations. I expect something special for Christmas from you :-) (this kind of stuff boosts views like nothing else). By the way, some Canadian dude "weeped up" his way for the nice prize here, congratulations! ruclips.net/video/UcOjKXIR8Iw/видео.html
Native instruments S88 MK2
My experience with the first version of this product was that after 1 year of playing, the keyboard makes so much noise when you press a key (plastic noises, spring metallic noises) that you just want to throw it in the trash. And the dynamic range is ridiculous: too difficult to play a pianissimo, too easy to reach the max velocity of 127. Your piano playing will be very inconsistent on this keyboard. But, I have to say, thanks to this cheap MIDI controller, I convinced myself to buy a Kawai digital piano which I still use with satisfaction today, so somehow it was useful... 😀
Wierd... my 20j old ancient fatar studio 1100 weighted keyboard is still ace. 20kg though....
BOARDING AREA
Thank you for tuning in! :)
Click-bait. Again... you SAY in the title "review" of a product... NO... all you did was show off, put a mic close to the M-AUDIO KEYS TO PICK UP THE "CLICKY"...then went and sat down at your much pricier upright... to show off some more. Do a proper review next time.
Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am sorry to hear that you feel that way. Stu dives into quite a few details about the Keystation 88 in this video and the intention of playing the NV5 was to capture and compare the MIDI data against that of the Keystation 88. Given that the Keystation 88 is specifically a MIDI controller, the accuracy of its tracking of velocity and performance nuances is a critical component. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your feedback!