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M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 88-key Keyboard Controller

88-Key USB-MIDI Controller with with Velocity-sensitive, Semi-weighted Keys, Pitch and Modulation Wheels, Transport Controls, and Bundled Software
$249.00

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M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 88-key Keyboard Controller
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Streamlined 88-note Keyboard Control

The M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 is the third generation of the world’s top-selling 88-note keyboard controller, and it incorporates improvements and refinements across the board. Many electronic musicians like having access to the full range of a piano keyboard. But not every keyboardist needs (or wants) hammer-action keys, along with the added weight, bulk, and expense. That explains why the M-Audio Keystation 88 series has been a best-seller here at Sweetwater; and indeed, worldwide. For these legions of players, the Keystation 88’s smooth semi-weighted key feel, streamlined control set, lightweight portability, and robust build quality hit the sweet spot. You don’t have to be a pianist to benefit from having 88 full-sized keys in front of you. If you’ve never experienced the freedom of having the full range of music at your fingertips, take it from us: you're in for a serious creative boost.

The Keystation 88 MK3 gives you all the control you need to take your creativity to the next level and get the most out of your DAW, hardware synths, and virtual instruments. This controller includes an assignable slider that doubles as a volume control, plus octave up/down buttons, pitch bend and mod wheels, DAW transport controls, sustain and expression pedal inputs, and more. With the optional Apple camera connection kit, it’s also perfect for hooking up to your iPad for mobile music production. Plus, you get three world-class DAWs and a powerful software production package, along with free lessons from Skoove and Melodics. Rocking a sleek new design, the M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 is ready to Ignite your creativity.

88 great-feeling semi-weighted keys

The M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 has 88 full-sized, semi-weighted keys. This makes it a great choice for players who prefer a lighter touch when playing a wide variety of virtual instruments. Whether you’re performing complex two-handed piano parts, grooving bass lines, or fleet-fingered drumming, the velocity-sensitive keybed is spot on with a semi-weighted action that feels great to dig into; providing the perfect amount of resistance while not being too stiff. By popular request, M-Audio has given the third-generation Keystation 88 matte black keys. It is perhaps a minute detail, but it’s much appreciated by serious keyboardists.

Powerful basic control set

On the left cheek of the Keystation 88 MK3 are ergonomically designed pitch and modulation wheels for control of these essential synth and MIDI parameters. The slider is preset to send MIDI CC 7 (channel volume) messages but it can be assigned to any other MIDI value. You also get dedicated sustain and expression pedal jacks, which, again, can be reassigned as needed. Add to that a dedicated set of transport controls and directional buttons (so you don’t need to use a mouse) and you’ve got a complete system that’s perfect for streamlined setups.

Premium software package

The Keystation 88 MK3 gives you more than a great keyboard controller; it comes with a premium software package that includes Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats. Then, you get professional virtual instruments from top developer AIR Music Tech. From the ultra-modern sounds of Xpand!2 to the classic EP sounds of Velvet, the punchy vintage drums of Boom, the epic tonewheels of DB-33, and the shimmering pianos of Mini Grand; the Keystation 88 MK3 virtual instrument suite will supercharge you creativity, right out of the box. You also get killer MPC expansion packs: MPC Beats Producer Kits, F9 Instruments Beats Edition, plus Laniakea Sounds, MSX Audio, and ADSR. On top of all that, a 3-month subscription to Skoove and 40 free online lessons from Melodics are included upon registration, so you can develop your musical chops to take full advantage of all those beautiful ebonies and ivories in front of you.

M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 88-key Keyboard Controller Features:

  • 88 full-sized, velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys with natural feel
  • USB-MIDI connection for controlling software and playing virtual instruments
  • 5-pin DIN MIDI output jack for connecting to your legacy MIDI gear
  • Volume fader, transport and directional buttons for easy control of your software
  • Ergonomically designed pitch and modulation wheels for expressive performances
  • Advanced function assigns hardware controls to any DAW or plug-in parameter
  • Compact, lightweight, portable design is perfect for desk, studio, and stage setups
  • Plug-and-play MIDI-over-USB for Mac and PC; no drivers required
  • USB bus powered with computer connection; no power supply required
  • Compatible with iOS devices via Apple USB to Camera Adapter (available separately)
  • Octave up and down buttons; Sustain pedal input; Expression pedal input
  • Includes Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats DAWs
  • Includes a 3-month subscription to Skoove
  • Includes 40 free lessons from Melodics
  • Includes a complete software production package

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Controller
  • Number of Keys: 88
  • Type of Keys: Semi-weighted, Full-sized
  • Velocity Sensitive: Yes
  • Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
  • Faders: 1 x Volume
  • Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" TS (sustain), 1 x 1/4" TRS (expression)
  • MIDI I/O: Out/USB
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • Computer Connectivity: USB
  • Software: Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats
  • OS Requirements - Mac: macOS 10.13 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 10 or later
  • Power Supply: 9V DC 500mA power supply (sold separately) / USB bus powered
  • Height: 2.88"
  • Width: 54.24"
  • Depth: 8.52"
  • Weight: 13.75 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: KEYSTATION88MK3

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

It finally showed

It's great! No driver to download. Just plug and play. The keys are better than my Oxygen 25. They feel heavier and way better control of velocity. It's simple too. There's not a large learning curve of stuff I don't need or understand or want to understand at my current level. I got the M-audio expression and sustain pedals. They will take a little more practice before I could comment on them. M-AUDIO KEYSTATION 88. Mk3 is the way to go. I'm glad I didn't spend a chunk of change on on a controller that might not have made me this pleased.
Rated 5/5

Still waiting

I ordered a M-Audio 88 key MIDI controller on 11-26-22. It is now 12-7-22. I would love to tell you how mush I like the keyboard but Fed-Ex keeps delaying the shipment. Finally it says that it's out for delivery today but I'm not to sure it will actually show up. I guess I should have payed for faster shipping because the free shipping is not the best when you really need the item.
Rated 5/5

Very pleased with the product and customer service

PRODUCT REVIEW - Primarily a guitarist but needed a controller for desktop production. Hate the plasticky, overly-springy feel of synth keys I've dealt with on cheap units. I enjoy the key action on this unit, they feel weighty and robust. It suits my needs very well.

SERVICE REVIEW - Bart Amburn was extremely helpful in resolving an issue created by the USPS during shipping. Customer service was truly exceptional, and the proactive approach to solving problems couldn't have been better. Sweetwater's reputation for great service is not over-rated.
Rated 5/5

Great Studio Keyboard Controller with 88-keys

As a pianist turned music producer, I had been using keyboards with fewer keys for years. I always felt a little limited because I enjoy playing more than programming my keys. This keyboard has been a great addition to my home studio. It's clean design suits me perfectly and I now have the full range of keys I had been missing plus all the necessary features for working with my DAW.

Although there are plenty of features for playing live, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for that. You have to use the musical keys plus a modifier key on the left side to access things like program changes and bank switches. Since it has no back lighting, I would think it might be difficult to see and use the extended features on stage.

The key action is semi-weighted. They are not as weighted as some other keyboards I tried that are semi-weighted, but for me the feel of the keys is good. Overall, this is had made a great addition to my home studio. It's probably one of the least expensive ways to add 88 keys to your setup.
Rated 5/5

Very good MIDI controller

I've owned a pro synth for several decades, the classic Ensoniq VFX-SD. 100's of patches, I've never used them all. Same synth was used in Berlins famous "Take My Breath Away." Never saw a reason to buy anything else.

It wasn't until I got an Apple computer and GarageBand that I realized a need to get a controller. The old synth had MIDI ports but even after buying MIDI to USB converters, they just didn't work: really bad latency. Unusable. I used a tiny Akai controller keyboard for bass lines just fine, but found so many great sounding patches in GarageBand, really needing a bigger keyboard. The one that made me think a full 88 keys was Apple's Steinway piano patch. The thing sounds like a million bucks. I just needed a controller with 88 keys so I could play a grand piano. It's just that so many larger controllers are over priced and I'm not a touring keyboard player.

The M-Audio MK3 is exactly what I was looking for. Not real expensive, but not cheap junk that will break in a few months or have awful key response. The keys feel really good. They aren't weighted and don't feel like a real Steinway, but the action is good and fun to play. It does not feel cheap or feather light. It is absolutely plug and play, no issues with GarageBand on an M1 Mac Mini. I'm sure it would work with my older iMac, the USB standard has been figured out.

Another plus is that the keyboard has volume, pitch, modulation and octave control. And with my JBL speakers, it sounds very good to play and ever better to record a track with other instruments. Best $ I've spent. And I didn't have to pay $75,000 to $150,000 for a Steinway, so there's that. Just add a sustain pedal and you are good to go.

*If you have to have real piano feel, M-Audio also makes the Hammer 88
Music background: Songwriter, guitarist, keyboard hack
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