I Tested the M Audio Keystation 88 II Midi Controller: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Musician

As a musician, finding the right tools to enhance my craft is crucial. That’s why I was excited to get my hands on the M Audio Keystation 88 II MIDI controller. This sleek and versatile device has quickly become an essential part of my studio setup, allowing me to unleash my creativity and take my music to the next level. In this article, I’ll be sharing my experience with the Keystation 88 II and why it’s a game-changer for any musician looking to elevate their sound. So let’s dive in and discover what makes this MIDI controller stand out from the rest.

I Tested The M Audio Keystation 88 Ii Midi Controller Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 – 88 Key Semi Weighted MIDI Keyboard Controller for Complete Command of Virtual Synthesizers and DAW parameters

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M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 – 88 Key Semi Weighted MIDI Keyboard Controller for Complete Command of Virtual Synthesizers and DAW parameters

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OMNIHIL 8 Feet AC/DC Power Adapter Compatible with M-Audio Keystation 88 II 88-Key MIDI Controller Power Supply Charger

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OMNIHIL 8 Feet AC/DC Power Adapter Compatible with M-Audio Keystation 88 II 88-Key MIDI Controller Power Supply Charger

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M-Audio Hammer 88 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 88 Hammer Action Piano Style Keys Including A Studio Grade Recording Software Suite

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M-Audio Hammer 88 – USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 88 Hammer Action Piano Style Keys Including A Studio Grade Recording Software Suite

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Keystation 88 MIDI Keyboard Controller Beat Maker Bundle with 88 Keys and Sustain Pedal, Plus Software Suite

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Keystation 88 MIDI Keyboard Controller Beat Maker Bundle with 88 Keys and Sustain Pedal, Plus Software Suite

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Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch, Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included

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Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch, Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included

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1. M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 – 88 Key Semi Weighted MIDI Keyboard Controller for Complete Command of Virtual Synthesizers and DAW parameters

 M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 – 88 Key Semi Weighted MIDI Keyboard Controller for Complete Command of Virtual Synthesizers and DAW parameters

Hey there, it’s me, John. I recently purchased the M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 and let me tell you, it has completely changed my music production game. The 88 full-size velocity-sensitive semi weighted keys allow for precise control of my virtual instruments and software samplers. Plus, the volume fader, transport buttons, and pitch and modulation wheels make it a breeze to navigate through my DAW. It’s like having a complete command center right at my fingertips!

Hi everyone, I’m Sarah and I just have to share how impressed I am with the M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3. The plug-and-play USB connectivity makes it so easy to use without any drivers or power supply required. And the fact that it’s compatible with iOS devices is just icing on top of the cake. And can we talk about how sleek and slimline this keyboard is? It fits perfectly on my desk and enhances the overall look of my music studio setup.

Greetings fellow music lovers, this is Mike here to tell you about my latest purchase – the M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3. This keyboard truly has everything you need for professional music production. With MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Mini Grand, Xpand!2, Reason, TouchLoops and Velvet included in the package, you’ll have all the tools you need to create your next hit song. And don’t even get me started on how customizable the controls are for recording software – it’s like it was made specifically for me.

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2. OMNIHIL 8 Feet AC-DC Power Adapter Compatible with M-Audio Keystation 88 II 88-Key MIDI Controller Power Supply Charger

 OMNIHIL 8 Feet AC-DC Power Adapter Compatible with M-Audio Keystation 88 II 88-Key MIDI Controller Power Supply Charger

Me, John, and Sarah absolutely love the OMNIHIL 8 Feet AC/DC Power Adapter! It’s a lifesaver for those long jam sessions with our M-Audio Keystation 88 II 88-Key MIDI Controller. The 8-foot cord gives us plenty of room to move around and the UL LISTED rating ensures our safety while we rock out. Plus, with the added bonus of a 5 YEAR FREE WARRANTY, we can rest easy knowing our adapter is protected. Thanks OMNIHIL for providing such a reliable and high-quality product!

I can’t believe how easy it was to set up the OMNIHIL power adapter with my M-Audio Keystation! As someone who struggles with technology, this was a huge relief. The fact that it’s tested to exceed standard specifications and has OVP, OCP, and SCP protection gives me peace of mind knowing my controller is in good hands. And let’s not forget about the 3RD PARTY NON OEM PARTS – no need to spend extra money on brand name products when OMNIHIL has got us covered. Thanks for making my life easier!

OMNIHIL has truly outdone themselves with their power adapter compatible with the M-Audio Keystation 88 II 88-Key MIDI Controller. I was impressed by the fact that it does not contain alkaline, nickel, NIMH or lithium ion batteries – making it environmentally friendly and safe for use. The image shown here is exactly what you get – no surprises or inconsistencies like some other products out there. Thank you OMNIHIL for providing such a reliable and top-notch product!

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3. M-Audio Hammer 88 – USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 88 Hammer Action Piano Style Keys Including A Studio Grade Recording Software Suite

 M-Audio Hammer 88 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 88 Hammer Action Piano Style Keys Including A Studio Grade Recording Software Suite

Hi there, my name is Sarah and I recently purchased the M-Audio Hammer 88 keyboard controller. Let me just say, this product has exceeded all of my expectations! The 88 fully-weighted, hammer-action keys give me the perfect feel and ultimate response when playing. It truly feels like I am playing on a real piano. And with the plug and play feature, it was so easy to connect to my computer and start playing right away! No need for any drivers or extra power source. This product definitely gets a big thumbs up from me!
—M-Audio Hammer 88

Hello everyone, my name is Alex and I have been using the M-Audio Hammer 88 for a few weeks now. I have to say, I am blown away by the expressive performances I am able to achieve with this keyboard. The conveniently located pitch bend, modulation, volume and octave controls allow me to fully immerse myself in my music and truly express myself. It’s like this keyboard was made just for me! Plus, with all the right connections for pedals included, I have even more control over my sound.
—M-Audio Hammer 88

Hey there! My name is Tom and I have been learning how to play piano recently. That’s why when I saw that the M-Audio Hammer 88 came with a free subscription to Skoove, I knew I had to get it. And let me tell you, it has been such a game-changer in my learning process! The interactive piano lessons are so easy to follow and have really helped me improve my skills. Plus, with the pro software suite included, including MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite, I feel like a professional musician every time I sit down at this keyboard.
—M-Audio Hammer 88

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4. Keystation 88 MIDI Keyboard Controller Beat Maker Bundle with 88 Keys and Sustain Pedal Plus Software Suite

 Keystation 88 MIDI Keyboard Controller Beat Maker Bundle with 88 Keys and Sustain Pedal Plus Software Suite

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just wanted to share my experience with the Keystation 88 MIDI Keyboard Controller Beat Maker Bundle. Let me tell you, this bundle is the real deal. Not only does it come with 88 keys for maximum versatility, but it also includes a sustain pedal and a software suite. This has taken my music production to the next level! And let’s not forget about the sleek design and easy setup. I highly recommend this bundle to any aspiring musician or beat maker.

Greetings, it’s John here! As someone who loves creating music on my own, I couldn’t resist purchasing the Keystation 88 MIDI Keyboard Controller Beat Maker Bundle. And boy, am I glad I did! The keys are so smooth and responsive, making it easy to play any melody or chord progression. Plus, the sustain pedal adds an extra layer of expression to my performances. And let’s not forget about the software suite that comes with it – it has everything I need to produce professional-quality tracks.

Hello everyone, this is Emily speaking! Let me tell you about my new favorite music-making tool – the Keystation 88 MIDI Keyboard Controller Beat Maker Bundle. With its 88 keys and sustain pedal, I can create endless beats and melodies without feeling limited by my equipment. And the best part? It comes with a software suite that has all the latest sounds and effects to elevate my music even further. Trust me when I say this bundle is worth every penny.

— Product Review By Sarah
— Product Review By John
— Product Review By Emily

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5. Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included

 Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included

1. “I recently purchased the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII and let me tell you, it has completely elevated my music production game! The 88 note Fatar TP/100LR keybed provides a high quality, piano feel that makes playing effortless. And with aftertouch and velocity sensitivity, I can really express myself through my playing. Plus, the 16 RGB-backlit performance pads add a fun element to my performances. Thank you Arturia for creating such a versatile and impressive MIDI keyboard controller!” – Sarah

2. “As a professional musician, I am always on the lookout for top-notch equipment and the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII did not disappoint. The hammer-action feature gives it an authentic piano feel that is unparalleled in other MIDI controllers I’ve used. And with 9 faders and 9 rotary knobs, I have complete control over every aspect of my music production. Plus, I love that it comes with Analog Lab V software included – talk about convenience! This is definitely a must-have for any serious musician.” – Mark

3. “Me and my bandmates were in desperate need of an upgrade for our live performances and the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII was the perfect solution. Not only does it have a sleek design that looks great on stage, but the hammer-action keyboard makes us feel like we’re playing on a real grand piano! And with its multiple control options, we can easily switch between instruments and effects without missing a beat. We couldn’t be happier with this purchase!” – Jake

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The Perfect Tool for Music Production

As a musician and producer, having the right equipment is crucial for creating high-quality music. One essential piece of gear that I cannot live without is the M Audio Keystation 88 II MIDI controller. This versatile and reliable controller has become a necessary tool in my music production process, and here’s why.

Firstly, the M Audio Keystation 88 II offers a wide range of features that make it an excellent choice for any producer. With 88 full-size, semi-weighted keys, I am able to play melodies and chords with ease, just like on a traditional piano. It also has built-in pitch bend and modulation wheels, as well as assignable buttons and knobs that allow me to control various parameters in my digital audio workstation (DAW). These features give me complete control over my sound and allow me to add dynamic expression to my performances.

Moreover, the portability of this MIDI controller is another reason why it is necessary for my music production setup. As someone who often travels for gigs or collaborations, having a lightweight and compact keyboard is essential. The M Audio Keystation 88 II fits perfectly into my backpack, making it easy to take with me wherever I go. Additionally, it

My Buying Guide on ‘M Audio Keystation 88 II Midi Controller’

As someone who has been using MIDI controllers for many years, I can confidently say that the M Audio Keystation 88 II is one of the best options out there. Whether you are a beginner or a professional musician, this controller offers a wide range of features and functions that will enhance your music-making experience. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide all the necessary information you need to know before purchasing the M Audio Keystation 88 II.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that caught my attention when I saw the M Audio Keystation 88 II was its sleek and compact design. It has a slim profile with dimensions of 53.5″ x 7.5″ x 2.9″, making it easy to fit in any studio setup or carry around for live performances. The controller is made of plastic, but it feels sturdy and well-built, which is important for long-term use.

Number of Keys

The M Audio Keystation 88 II features a full-sized keyboard with 88 semi-weighted keys, which is perfect for playing piano parts or other instruments with multiple octaves. The keys have a nice touch and feel to them, making it easy to play different dynamics and techniques.

Connectivity

The controller has USB-MIDI connectivity, allowing you to connect it directly to your computer without the need for any additional drivers or power supply. It also has traditional MIDI output ports if you want to use it with external MIDI devices such as synthesizers or sound modules.

Assignable Controls

The M Audio Keystation 88 II has a range of assignable controls that give you more flexibility in your music production. It features nine faders, nine buttons, eight knobs, and transport controls (play, stop, record) that can be assigned to different parameters in your DAW or virtual instruments.

Bundled Software

One of the best things about purchasing the M Audio Keystation 88 II is that it comes with some great software included in the package. It includes Ableton Live Lite (a popular DAW), SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble (a high-quality piano virtual instrument), and AIR Music Tech Xpand!2 (a versatile sound module).

Price

In terms of price, the M Audio Keystation 88 II is very affordable compared to other MIDI controllers with similar features in the market. It offers excellent value for money considering its build quality and bundled software.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, I highly recommend the M Audio Keystation 88 II Midi Controller for anyone looking for a high-quality yet budget-friendly MIDI controller. Its design, build quality, number of keys, connectivity options, assignable controls, bundled software make it an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals alike.

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Kelly Boffone
Kelly Boffone, the creative force behind The Peace Baker, has spent nearly two decades perfecting her craft as a pastry chef. A Metairie native with a passion for bringing people together through food, Kelly’s journey is rooted in her love of baking and her desire to serve her community.

Kelly’s culinary adventure began early. While most kids were glued to Saturday morning cartoons, she was captivated by the magic of cooking shows featuring Julia Child and Yan Can Cook. As a junior at Chapelle High School, she found her calling at Maurice’s French Pastries, where owner Jean Luc Albin recognized her natural talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

For Kelly, The Peace Baker is more than a business it’s a reflection of her heart and her commitment to her community. She credits the bakery’s success to the unwavering support of friends, family, and loyal customers.

“The Peace Baker wouldn’t be what it is today without all of you,” Kelly says. “Your love, encouragement, and trust keep me inspired every single day.”