88 Key MIDI Controllers
It's true we don't all have to have a full 88 but there really is nothing better, especially if you're a serious piano player in which case you probably wouldn't settle for anything less.
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Akai Pro MPK88
Akai Pro MPK88 is a fully weighted, hammer-action USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
list price $999
Get a 30% discount here
4 star rating average from 10 customers.
The Akai MPK88 is quality made, weighs quite a bit and so it's a good choice for staying in the studio most of the time. Its the best pro model made by Akai. Setting it apart from the other models are the full keyboard and real hammer action keys. Another feature is the pressure and velocity sensitive MPC drum pads which can really help create realistic sounding drum tracks. Works with virtually all MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software.
User Complaints:
"…the ONLY downside is its weight"
"… I can't record with a microphone because I pickup keyboard noise"
"…i was bummed to find no power supply "
User Comments:
"…The biggest selling point for me on this was the action"
"… Compared to the Oxygen 88, I felt this had better feeling keys"
"…If you are looking for a hammer-action MIDI controller with lots of controllability, this is a great buy"
"… Very good bang for the buck if you want a midi controller that is very very sturdy and can do it all"
"… I am very pleased with the hammer-action touch on this keyboard"
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M-Audio Keystation 88E
M-Audio Keystation 88es is a USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with semi-weighted keys
list price – $249.99
click here for a discount at Amazon.com
4 star rating average from over 50 customers – this is a top seller. It's not the best controller on the market but after comparing it's features / price to some other models it's easy to see why so many go for this one.
The M-Audio Keystation keyboards are a USB MIDI Controller with good semi-weighted key action. The Keystation line has the 49, 61, and 88 keyboard. All features in common with both 61es and 88es models are:
* USB or optional 9V adapter powered
* Mac OS X and Windows XP compliant
* Pitch bend wheel
* Modulation wheels
M-Audio Keystation 88 Features:
* Volume/assignable control slider
* Advanced function button for programming
* Sustain and expression pedal inputs
* Assignable data up/down buttons
* Built-in USB MIDI interface
* MIDI out jack routes MIDI signals from keyboard or computer to external
So as you can see a few more bells and whistles on the 88. This keyboard has semi-weighted action which means it won't feel like a real grand piano so don't expect that! It does feel a lot better than a typical synth keyboard or MIDI controller that has just regular plastic keys.
You'll generally find that MIDI controllers won't have the full-weighted action like the high-end electric pianos because they are made for playing at home or in a studio with virtual audio programs so it's not always about playing a piano necessarily. Considering you can buy the M-Audio 88 for under $200 it's gonna feel good enough!
User Complaints:
"… Not all semi-weighted keyboards are created equal and this one proves it"
"… one glaring weakness; the accidentals"
"if you want to power this from an outlet rather than USB, you must order the adapter separately"
User Comments:
"Great to have a velocity sensitive keyboard controller with full 88 keys at this price!"
"… Keys are surprisingly solid and the action is decent"
"Definitely missing the bells and whistles of more expensive instruments, however, if all you need is an easy-to-use MIDI controller, you can't beat the 88ES"
"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"
