Audio Science

M-Audio’s Keystation Pro88 was one of the first fully weighted MIDI controllers to be available in the sub-$600 price range, but really cuts into a class of its own with 59 fully assignable MIDI controls, not to mention incredible splitting, zoning, and programming versatility.

I have owned this controller for over 2 years now, and am enjoying every minute of using it. 2 years ago I decided to make the switch from using a normal workstation synthesizer, a Korg Triton LE, to a sampling system for live use. I picked up a big Akai S5000 sampler on eBay for $450, the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 for $450, and a $200 Keystation 88es for light gigging use (just 20 lbs, compared to the 47 lbs of the bulky Pro88). The whole setup, with cases & stands, is well over 100 lbs, making a definite gear hauling impact.

I’m now transitioning completely to software for sound generation, but the old-school setup is a lot of fun, and is very durable. The Akai S5000 and S6000 models each take up to 256mb of RAM - mine has 138mb. I’ve loaded up my S5000’s 20gb hard drive with all sorts of sounds - pads, EP’s, sampled synths, and an excellent sounding yet small grand piano sound. If you’re a hardware sampling person and you want a fantastic, real piano for the size, go for the Prosonus Grand Piano, a beautifully rich & wide Steinway grand in 16, 32, 64, and 128mb versions for different size needs. I was totally amazed how good the 64mb version sounds. I use it exclusively live. In the home studio, I actually often use the 128mb version instead of other 1 GB and 10 GB pianos that I own for sound!

Programming

This keyboard is rather deep for a MIDI controller, but once you get the hang of it, it is very intuitive. You can split the keyboard into 4 different ranges, each with the option of separate MIDI channels, transposing, and octave shifts. Every single control can be quickly assigned to a different MIDI CC#, and can be sent on different MIDI channels.

There are only 10 memory slots for saving your presets, and those come pre-filled with presets for different programs. While it would have been smart for M-Audio to go for about 10 times that number, it’s not likely that you’ll even need 10, even if you’re a keyboard programming geek. If you do happen to need more, you can use the Enigma librarian software, which allows you to store an unlimited number of presets on your computer.

The controls

With 59 MIDI controls onboard - 24 knobs, 22 buttons, and 9 faders - this controller just begs to tweak some software. 10 onboard presets and quick MIDI CC# programming make the meaty job of assigning all those controls much easier, but tight integration may take a little work.

With this controller’s low price, one can’t expect incredible quality with the controls, but even here M-Audio manages to squeeze in a good amount of quality. The rotary encoders (knobs to the uninitiated) glide smoothly enough, but have slightly varying start and end points. The MIDI changes don’t kick in right as you start turning the knob from the left extremity of its range, and the middle 64 value points vary slightly, but thankfully those discrepancies are usually not noticeable. The buttons push easily but decidedly, and are quite tactile thanks to their rubber material.

The faders are similar in quality, having suitable glide but without being too sticky to move quickly. The faders are a little tighter in MIDI control quality than the rotary encoders, and have a good even response.

Jumpin’ the 88’s

The feel is excellent - very piano-like, similar in weight to an old Steinway grand piano. It isn’t exceptionally precise, weighing in decidedly at the heavy end of the scale. The action is quite deep, which is perfect for really sensitive playing, but can get in the way of fast runs. It’s one of those things you notice slightly in the studio, but not on stage. Many times I notice during a set just how perfect the feel is for what I’m doing. This keyboard is a great live axe, especially for those of us who pound most keyboards to pieces during energetic live performances.

Some have experienced quality discrepancies with their Pro 88’s, but I have had none of that with mine. The quality is very even across the keyboard, and there is virtually no key noise besides the normal hammer-action sound involved. If you are concerned about quality, I recommend that you go to a music store and if possible, try out the one you are planning to buy to make sure it meets your criteria.

Overall

The Keystation Pro 88 works wonderfully with any setup. For example, synths, samplers, and computers often have dissimilar velocity sensitivities, making playing them more of a challenge. The Pro 88 has quickly accessible velocity curve switching, with 12 different velocity curves. I often use the most sensitive setting, and have at times felt that M-Audio should have put in a more sensitive preset, but every time I have learned that I didn’t need a preset that sensitive anyway. I feel that if M-Audio were to make an update to the Pro88, they couldn’t really go wrong adding a more sensitive velocity curve.
Another example of its flexibility is its pedal inputs. It has an expression pedal input and not one, but two sustain pedal inputs, and accepts pedals of both polarities.

Octave switching is extremely fast, with controls right in front of you for that function and the display showing the octave + or - amount you have set. To transpose, hit both the octave + and - buttons at the same time and then set your transpose amount, up to +/- 12 semitones.

The unit itself is very solidly built, and looks amazing. It has a great stage presence aesthetically, and has looked great in every venue I’ve played in. While it is serious lift at 47 lbs (that doesn’t include the case you’re going to need), it isn’t a 80-lb forklift job like that $3,200 88-key workstation ROMpler you might be looking at.

Conclusion

I immensely enjoy using this controller, especially for its incredible versatility and flexibility. At times I have used almost all of the onboard controls live, and it is amazing just how much immediate control I am able to have over a complicated set. If you need a MIDI controller with great action, and you also find a need for MIDI hardware control, I would highly recommend getting your hands on this keyboard.

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