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M-Audio Hammer 88 88-key Keyboard Controller

88-key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Hammer-action Keys, Pitch and Mod Wheels, Octave/Transpose Buttons, Data Fader, and Sustain/Expression/Soft Pedal Jacks
$499.00

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A Controller Keyboard for the Pianist

Are you a pianist who uses virtual instruments and sound modules? We should talk. If you've been looking for a value-packed, no-compromise keyboard controller with realistic piano feel, check out the M-Audio Hammer 88. Sporting 88 velocity-sensitive, fully-weighted hammer-action keys that faithfully convey all the subtle nuance in your playing, the Hammer 88 provides the unmistakable response of a traditional grand piano. Weighing just 38.5 pounds, the Hammer 88 is an ideal controller for live gigs. Its top deck is clutter-free and piano-like, but it's equipped with the essentials for expressive performances: pitch and mod wheels, a data fader, and sustain, expression, and soft pedal jacks. It supports multiple zones for layering, splits, and lets you play 4-note chords with a single key press! It's also USB-powered, so no power supply is required. Factor in the included premium software suite and gentle price tag, and the M-Audio Hammer 88 is a no-brainer.

Everything you need for expressive performances

The Hammer 88 is lean and mean, yet it has the essentials for expressive performances. Pitch and mod wheels, a master fader, and two assignable buttons are ergonomically positioned on deck. The mod wheel and fader are mappable to any MIDI parameter, for easy sound sculpting on the fly. Use the up and down buttons to select programs, FX, MMC messages, to jump octaves, and more. M-Audio designed the Hammer for serious keyboardists, so naturally, they included a complement of pedal inputs that let you articulate your performances like a pro.

Full integration with your studio and gig rig

If, like many Sweetwater musicians, you use hardware synths, sound modules, and drum machines in addition to virtual instruments, you'll appreciate the Hammer 88's 5-pin DIN MIDI output. Of course, there's a USB-MIDI port for connecting with your computer. Add the optional Apple Camera Connection Kit, and you have access to your favorite iOS music apps! And for the ultimate in convenience, the Hammer 88 is USB-powered and class-compliant, so there's no power supply to misplace! It's available separately, however, if you need one for stand-alone use.

M-Audio Hammer 88 Features:

  • 88 fully-weighted, hammer-action keys
  • USB-MIDI connection for playing virtual instruments, controlling music software, and more
  • 5-Pin MIDI DIN port for triggering external MIDI hardware
  • Pitch bend and modulation wheels, volume fader, and +/- controls for expressive performances
  • Multiple keyboard zones for layering, splits, and playing 4-note chords with a single key press
  • Sustain, Expression, and Soft pedal jacks
  • USB-powered; power adapter available separately for stand-alone use
  • Class-compliant, no drivers required, plug-and-play connectivity with Mac/PC
  • iOS compatibility via Apple Camera Connection Kit (available separately)
  • Included Hammer 88 Controller Editor and premium software suite
  • Music rest included

Included Software Bundle:

  • Ableton Live Lite music performance and creation software
  • AIR Mini Grand acoustic piano
  • AIR Velvet vintage electronic piano
  • AIR dB-33 tonewheel organ simulator
  • SONiVOX Eighty Eight Ensemble piano instrument
  • 3-month trial with Skoove — interactive piano lessons from beginner to advanced

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Warranty Info

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Controller
  • Number of Keys: 88
  • Type of Keys: Weighted Hammer Action
  • Velocity Sensitive: Yes
  • Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
  • Zones: 4
  • Pedal Inputs: 3 x 1/4" (sustain, soft, expression)
  • MIDI I/O: Out
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • Software: Ableton Live Lite (download code), Hammer 88 software editor
  • OS Requirements - Mac: OS X 10.8 or later, iOS (iPad camera connection kit required)
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 7 SP1 or later
  • Power Supply: USB bus powered, 9V DC 800mA power adapter (sold separately)
  • Height: 5.0"
  • Width: 55.9"
  • Depth: 11.9"
  • Weight: 38.5 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: HAMMER88XUS

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

M-Audio Hammer 88

Very impressive. The hammer action feels so good. Built like a tank. No build in synth to go obsolete in a few years. Was plug and play. Using an Ipad and a PC. I built a desktop to slide the keyboard into so that I could have a shelf to put speakers and computers on. See photo
Music background: Music Composer.
Rated 5/5

Minimalistic & Straight forward

Most keyboards have hundreds of knobs & sliders, which is great for those who need them. I like to have the most minimalistic setup possible so I wanted something with a good key bed, weighted keys and at least 1 modulation wheel. This checks all of my boxes. It's kind of tall since it's hammer action but I managed to tuck it away under my desk.

Works great, feels great and does what I need without requiring an involved setup process. Plug it in, get to work. I hope it lasts for the long haul.
Rated 5/5

My 2nd

This is the second one of these I've bought. 'Nuff said.
Rated 5/5

Exceptional Minimalist Controller

I have owned too many weighted stage pianos over the last 25 years, Kurzweil PC/SP's, Roland RD's, Korg SV1/GrandStage/Kronos, Yamaha CP/Motif. Several years ago I decided to try the controller + VST instrument route. I owned 88 key controllers from Arturia, Nektar, and Novation before trying the Hammer 88. Bingo! I have been using the Hammer 88 for the last several years (a record for me) and here is what I like about it:

1. The Action - a surprisingly authentic "grand piano-ish" type of feel that is definitely not too light but heavy enough to push back a little for powerful playing technique. I would say the feel is heavier than an acoustic upright like a Yamaha U1, heavier than a Yamaha C Grand, but slightly lighter than the feel of a Kawai grand piano...so just right for a controller IMO. The action buries the super light Arturia's and Roland's I have played.

2. The Simplicity - Some of the stage piano/workstations I have owned are amazing instruments, but just too darn much fuss for what I want to do. It does not get simpler than this. 2 wheels, 2 buttons, and a fader. Simple.

3. The Editor - The software editor for adjusting the settings is plain and simple to use, but also gives the options to adjust the velocity curve (although better done in your VST settings), functions, and zones of the controller.

4. The build - MDF base, Metal Body, Plastic End caps. Very solid construction with metal!.

5. The Look - It's a black slab like other controllers, but with a little more shape, height and substance.

6. The Price - Enough said

7. Midi - USB and 9 pin outputs

8. VST Intruments - The bundled VST instruments did nothing for me. Let me make this simple for you...go get PianoTeq with the Steinway and Electric Piano packs. Done.
Rated 5/5

Happy Grandson

My grandson has advanced his skills as a violinist and pianist into the area of composition--mostly classical style. His parents and I were concerned that he only kept the compositions in his head and never wrote anything down. His dad works at a university and visited with a professor in the music department. Along with advice from Nich at Sweetwater, we decided to get him a piano-realistic keyboard midi controller and some notation software. Nich recommended the M-audio Hammer 88, and that is what I got my grandson for Christmas. After expected delays and frustrations with software installs, Dad and Grandson got the new gear working and the Grandson is delighted. Therefore, I am delighted.
Thanks to Nich (and the other sales engineers) for his advice and patience.
Music background: High school band tuba player, church choir member
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