Topic by RobertS

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  • RobertS
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  • Registered: 09-03-2010
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Topic: M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3

I just wanted to share with fellow piano players some information about this new keyboard that is missing in the M-Audio site. I was tempted to get one of this because the low price, low weight and minimal size to be my master keyboard for pop productions and very occasionally for Pianoteq pop productions. So the fact that it has no note off velocity and it is semi weighted for my purpose these were acceptable shortcomings.

However, I was surprised to find out that the velocity curve can not be changed. But the major surprised was to find out that it is impossible to score velocity levels of less than 15. No mater how soft you play the minimum velocity will be always 15!. For me that I like to play ppp and pp this is a major drawback and am returning it.

Reply by MrRoland

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Re: M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3

Sad to hear that they still produce inferior quality keyboards. I tested the mkII version and also returned it. In my case there was a major velocity difference between the white and black keys.

RobertS wrote:

I just wanted to share with fellow piano players some information about this new keyboard that is missing in the M-Audio site. I was tempted to get one of this because the low price, low weight and minimal size to be my master keyboard for pop productions and very occasionally for Pianoteq pop productions. So the fact that it has no note off velocity and it is semi weighted for my purpose these were acceptable shortcomings.

However, I was surprised to find out that the velocity curve can not be changed. But the major surprised was to find out that it is impossible to score velocity levels of less than 15. No mater how soft you play the minimum velocity will be always 15!. For me that I like to play ppp and pp this is a major drawback and am returning it.

Reply by Pianoteqenthusiast

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Re: M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3

I have a M-Audio keystation 88 ( had an 88 es before, older model) and I can’t find any differens in features with this my 88 and the 88 MK 3). Only that some nobs on the right on my, is on the left on MK 3 (dont have to use mouse nobs). I feel too, that there is a major velocity difference between the white and black keys. But strange, I can get velocity levels less than 15, if I try very soft on one key, it go almost down to zero in the Ptq velocity window. But I’m banging hard when playing, it’s my problem, has been always The keyboard before broke I don’t like this keyboard, but didn’t have more money. When I can afford a new one, it is probably Kawai MP 11 SE, it cost 2189 euro now in Finland.

Reply by Beto-Music

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Re: M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3

Just to avoid open a new thread, look what Robert (Living Pianos) did.  He used a real piano key and actions as a midi controller:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZUoZFlfzWU

Reply by budo

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Re: M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3

i don't know anything about the MK3, but i'm familiar with the lowest note on velocity = 15 situation.  that's also true for my dinosaur keyboard, the Yamaha KX88.  for me it causes no problems because i just adjust the ptq velocity curve to kill anything with velocity <=15.  i've never felt like i experienced any shortcoming because of this, but of course others might have a different opinion.

i've thought about upgrading my keyboard for a long time, but haven't tried anything in person that i really liked.  plus this one seems indestructible

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Reply by ZeroZero

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Re: M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3

budo wrote:

i don't know anything about the MK3, but i'm familiar with the lowest note on velocity = 15 situation.  that's also true for my dinosaur keyboard, the Yamaha KX88.  for me it causes no problems because i just adjust the ptq velocity curve to kill anything with velocity <=15.  i've never felt like i experienced any shortcoming because of this, but of course others might have a different opinion.

i've thought about upgrading my keyboard for a long time, but haven't tried anything in person that i really liked.  plus this one seems indestructible

Check out the Arturia Keylab 88 - the best controller keyboard on the market with huge software bundle, and very intuitive controller features

Z