It's been a while since I purchased ANY keyboard. Currently using an aging Alesis Quadra-Synth Plus Piano with its limited number of keys. I'm interested in a full 88 key controlling keyboard.
How about M-Audio's Keystation Pro-88? Besides having a full 88 keys, it also has "hammer action". That would suit me well. Does it mimic the feel of a regular piano nicely? It also has lots of bells and whistles. Not too concerned about those "bells and whistles" (lots of assignable controllers, etc.). But if they work well with SX and other midi/audio recording software, that would be an added plus. Do the assignable controllers work well with the SX program? (I currently have the SX 1.06 program. Haven't done the upgrade to SX2.something yet.)
If not M-Audio's Keystation Pro-88, what full lengthed controlling keyboard would you recommend?
Thanks ahead for you input!
Ted
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Ted Fiebke, RN
Too Live Nurse
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Just want to say "thank you" for the thoughtful response. Glad
Just want to say "thank you" for the thoughtful response. Glad that the Keystation Pro 88 is working out well for you. :D
Do plan on checking out a few keyboards before purchase. Unfortunately, the nearest music store with a decent variety of keyboard controllers is 120+ miles away (Sam Ash in NYC). I plan on making a trip down to the "Big Apple" soon, though.
Any more thoughts about any other 88 Key keyboard controllers (weighted) greatly appreciated! :)
Ted
I just got a Keystation Pro 88, and I like it a lot. It's very
I just got a Keystation Pro 88, and I like it a lot. It's very good considering the price. But if you aren't interested in having lots of knobs and faders, or if you're looking for something that is as heavily weighted as a real piano, then you should take a look at Fatar and Studiologic controllers. I find the Keystation to be more in the "medium" range of weightedness--great for synthesists, but the hardcore piano players probably won't like it.
The Keystation has kind of a "bouncy" feel; some people don't like this but I happen to think it makes it feel more like you're playing a real piano. I find that you really can't judge a keyboard controller unless you go into a store and try it out yourself. Everybody has different playing styles and preferences.
The velocity curves on the Keystation feel a little bit weird/unnatural to me, but that's probably because I'm still getting used to it after 8 years of playing my Korg X5. Again, YMMV.
Also, on a Mac, I can't seem to get the Keystation to show up in the multirecord input list in Digital Performer, though the keyboard works just fine in single-input recording. Strange, but useable.
Minor problems aside, I really like the Keystation. I like that you can power it over USB; only one cable required! It's very well constructed and will probably be useful to me for many years.