M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 review: Is this the best cheap MIDI keyboard with 88 keys in 2022?

[@Martin_WDSK]

Very positive review with great rewiever and good vibes.. :) I bought the older MK2 model from second hand, and Im excited to try it out :) Keep up the great work!

[@frankelda9403]

Thanks a lot for your kind words, that's very encouraging :) I hope you will enjoy using the MK2! What do you plan to play on it?

[@Martin_WDSK]

@@frankelda9403 No worries sir. Im planning to use it for FL Studio, specifically for creation of EDM and Rave genre.

[@frankelda9403]

​@@Martin_WDSK Cool :) Will you include piano parts in your music? Having 88 keys is tempting ;)

[@Martin_WDSK]

@@frankelda9403 Always dreamt of this, will see what I can create and put together :)

[@frankelda9403]

@@Martin_WDSK That's exciting! Please share your creations, I would love to hear them!

[@switchlaserflip9243]

I've had my M-Audio Keystation 88es for 7-8 years and it still works great! M-Audio makes reliable keyboards. I can't wait to try their Hammer 88.

[@frankelda9403]

Wow, that's great! I feel that I will keep this keyboard for years :) I was quite tempted by the Hammer 88, but not in my budget at the moment ;) If you try it, I would be interested to get your impressions.

[@sigimike]

I have hammer 88, its 100 times better like this haha. Here u can hear the springs beyond the keys, haha, its only good for playing loud Instruments. Hammer 88 is super silent. I never buy a half weightet again 😇 U played now already on it?

[@pedrosilvaproductions]

@@sigimike I mean, it's more than double the price, it has to be somewhat decent. If you're a guy like me who composes orchestral stuff you don't really need the keys to be silent, but it always give a little feeling of "cheapness". I'm still pondering on which one to get since my objectives will be mainly based on composing orchestral things. I have a nektar SE49 which is good but sometimes I need the extra octaves for different controls on the instruments and I have to click on the button for that

[@michaelmichaelson8861]

I have a 61 key version, I think it's great for studio/home recording, feels great most of the time if you set the velocity in the plugins you're using... however, it can be more difficult to be even when playing these keys, because the mechanism is not the same and the feeling is quite different. So it needs some getting used to... but if you're recording, it's still usable because you can edit the velocity and other parameters of the notes in your DAW. I find recording other instruments like drums and synth sounds very nice on this one. Only the classical piano is a bit harder to record because of the different feel of the keys on this keyboard.

[@frankelda9403]

Thanks for your interesting feedback! I agree with what you say. I experienced this issue with the keys and made a video about it ;)

[@Maloi198513]

You may remember that I wrote about the creaking of springs. I understood what was going on . The spring has a shape that resembles the image of a wormhole in astrophysics. The spring itself has the property of shifting at the top point. When the spring was released and compressed, sooner or later, due to displacement, the same stretching at the edges of the spring rubbed against the key. In total, this resulted in a micro-jerk of individual edges, which leads to the impact of one edge on the other. I solved the problem with a very thick and non-fluid lubricant-we fill the spring, so that the lubricant fills the intercostal space of the spring. Firstly, the lubricant will improve the sliding of the spring against the wall, secondly, the lubricant serves as a vibration dampener, filling the empty space in the spring and thirdly, if micro-breaks occur, the spring ribs hit the grease on the grease, and not metal on metal. Based on the design, this problem will happen to you sooner or later. Maybe this will help you. Nothing complicated, not the gods make pots. The only point is that the springs on the left side are located above the control board and you need to choose the lubricant in such a way that if it is warm (in summer), then it does not start to flow on the board.

[@frankelda9403]

Wow, you went the whole way on that one. Thanks for sharing this! This makes total sense to me indeed. But right now it is still ok. What lubricant did you use precisely? It seems that silicon or teflon based lubricant would work the best, while not flowing into the keyboard. What do you think?

[@crpth1]

@@frankelda9403 - Waiting for the delivery of a second hand 88MKIII just like this one. Now I don't have absolutely any kind of experience with pianos, keyboards, or the likes. But I do have more than 35 years of experience in mechanics, both design and fabrication. And a lot of meddling around the subject. ;-) The thickest silicone paste applied in a light film should do the trick. Although as the OP correctly mentioned, heat /flow might create some potential issue. I would cover the board just in case. Either case silicone paste is not a conductor, but can do a bit of a mess. Now this is a subject that most probably I will re-visit sooner than later. Cheers

[@frankelda9403]

@@crpth1 Good to know and thanks for sharing your expertise! I'd be curious to know how it goes :)

[@zeclare1558]

hey, nice video, i gonna start learning piano, and i'm gonna take this one, thanks you for the video, by the way your accent sound french, c'est sympa :)

[@frankelda9403]

Thanks for your kind words, I am French indeed :) What do you want to play on the piano? What method/app will you use to learn?

[@randyzeroth4098]

Thank you for this honest review. It was very helpful. I got one so that I could use it with Kontakt 7.

[@frankelda9403]

Thanks for your comment, I'm glad it helped!

[@fernandorolandelli4800]

Nice to meet you and very nice review. Have you noticed a difference in the action in the "white" keys compared to the "black" ones? That's a common fault of these kind of keyboards. Thank you!

[@frankelda9403]

Nice to meet you and thanks for the kind words! I did notice that and made a video about the key. Quite fun to dive deeper into this issue! Check it out!

[@bigvin1970]

Very nice review . Thank you .

[@frankelda9403]

Thank YOU for watching Jason :)

[@frankelda9403]

Are you looking for an affordable 88-key MIDI keyboard that allows you to play the piano?

[@TheaDragonSpirit]

9:27 - I enjoyed listening to this bit.

[@frankelda9403]

It is a bit overplayed, but one of my favorite piano piece :) Thanks for your kind comment!

[@TheaDragonSpirit]

@@frankelda9403 I just felt it showed the kind of sound I wanted from the keyboard. If it can do that, then I'm fine with it.

[@frankelda9403]

@@TheaDragonSpirit That's a good point! You can use many sounds with it. I was using the miniGrand app included with the keyboard. There is a nice selection of piano sounds. But you can use any sound you like, the joy of MIDI :) If you want to order it, check out the links in the description to support my channel (affiliate links) ;)

[@davidnollmusic363]

Thanks for your helpful video. I just ordered the Keystation MK3 today.

[@frankelda9403]

Thanks for watching and for your comment, I am glad it helped you! Will you use it to play the piano?

[@glamorusmefashion]

Great video! Want to get one as a present. They have a Windows 11 laptop and a MIDI cable. Where does the music come from? Does it have its own speakers? Is it better if we get a DC Power Adaptor than use the power from the USB (save the laptop battery?). Thank you!

[@frankelda9403]

Thanks! You need to connect it to the laptop to generate the music: it is produced using a software and you need to use either the speakers of your computer (not great) or external ones. I made another video about the speakers I bought (still very happy with them!). For the software, you can use anything that handle MIDI keyboard (this is what it is, not a piano) and it comes with a good one that I use myself.

[@and01280165]

It's a very nice way of speaking. I want to buy someday.

[@frankelda9403]

Thanks for the kind words :)

[@and01280165]

@@frankelda9403 When I start playing the piano again, I will refer to your video.

[@frankelda9403]

@@and01280165 Thanks!

[@davidnollmusic363]

Thanks very much for your helpful video.

[@frankelda9403]

Glad it was helpful!

[@miraloke8622]

thank you very much for this review!! :]

[@frankelda9403]

Thanks for watching and your comment :)

[@lg9961]

Hello, at first thank you for the vidéo! I have a question can we put a mic?? And headphones? Thank you

[@frankelda9403]

Hi, thanks for your comment! No, you can't use a mic or headphones on this keyboard. This is a MIDI keyboard, which means that it doesn't produce any sound by itself. It needs to be connected to a computer or a device. You should look for an arranger keyboard or a workstation to do this. You can find more explanations and a few models in my guide here: www.guide2music.com/guide-to-buy-piano-keyboard/

[@MichaelBegelspacher]

Thanks for this video.

[@frankelda9403]

Thanks for watching!

[@Istansau]

I am beginner can you please tell me which software you used in M audio for basic piano sound

[@frankelda9403]

I use the included software MiniGrand.

[@pedrosilvaproductions]

0:02 "I won't give you my first impression of the M-Audio Keystation 88" - Oh well, this was disapointing then Jk, great review

[@frankelda9403]

LOL, thanks for the comment :)

[@MohamadmoeinShahbazi]

Always it need a laptop?

[@InDiscrust]

Could you recommend me a hammer-action keyboard? I already have strong fingers from playing guitar for 10+ years, would that maybe make a difference? I really like the look of this keyboard and mostly want one to learn to play piano and would like 88 keys.

[@frankelda9403]

I have played the guitar for many years as well :) On a piano though, it seems that you don't use the same strength or at least not the same way. It is funny for me to see that my left hand is quite fast on a guitar and slow and clumsy on the piano! IMO, you really need to get used to the key action of the keyboard you buy. They won't be the same as an acoustic piano anyway. The closest would be to get a (very expensive) hybrid digital piano that you connect through MIDI to a computer. It depends on your goal... I have written a guide to help you choose a MIDI keyboard, and there a few ones with hammer action: www.guide2music.com/best-midi-keyboards/ There is also a model from M-audio, the Hammer 88. The design won't be the same. I really like the shape of the Keystation and its elegant simplicity :)

[@maxime2929]

The M-AUDIO Hammer 88 is the best price/quality ratio you will find. Next to that, I would recommend Studiologic, but it is a bit more expensive.

[@aestheticlife2042]

Thank you for this helpful video! Is it possible to play with head phones on to not be heared by others?

[@frankelda9403]

The keyboard itself doesn't produce any sound thus there aren't any headphone connectors on it, but since it works connected to a computer (or tablet or phone), you surely can use headphones! I was looking for a model with quiet keys and this one is indeed among the quietest. You have to know that you will still make some mechanical noise when playing. But a bit less than tapping with your fingers on a table to give you a reference.

[@KarloTheFighter]

Is it good for studio?

[@frankelda9403]

Yes, I bought it for this sole purpose 😊

[@MagicALCN]

Is it great to learn piano using this one ?

[@frankelda9403]

It depends on what you want to play, but in general I wouldn't recommend it to learn the piano because of the key action which is not as a "real" piano. I have made a few more videos on this keyboard if you want to learn more. I would recommend that you get a digital piano or a hammer action MIDI keyboard such as the M-Audio Hammer 88. You will find lots of explanations and a selection of model in my guides here: www.guide2music.com/gear/

[@jdvlogss1608]

is semi weighted feels better to other keyboard that have only synth action keys or light keys?

[@frankelda9403]

Yes. I have a smaller keyboard with mini-keys and synth action and it is another world! It is a much better feel. The way the keys respond, come back into position. Quite a change! In the end, it depends on what you want to play. I have made two other videos talking about the key action and if you can play classical piano music on this keyboard. You might be interested :)

[@general_ahab]

thank you great introduction.... im gonna buy one....!!!!

[@frankelda9403]

Thanks!! You can use the link in the description if you want to support this channel ;)

[@nickvledder]

Or consider the “hammer”-version.

[@rafsza]

Thank you for your video. It is very helpful. Now I don´t hesitate to buy one. It is exactly what I need. I will be able to play Ave Maria by Charles Gounod again.

[@frankelda9403]

Happy to help! Let me know how it goes :) Also, you can order directly from the links in the description if you enjoy this channel :)

[@ThisismeMargauxOfficiel]

good presentation! thank you!! now i know that i will can use it with abletone!! i will buy it !

[@frankelda9403]

Thanks for your kind words! What kind of music do you want to do with it? By the way, if you want to support the channel, you can use the links in the description :)

[@ThisismeMargauxOfficiel]

@@frankelda9403 you’re welcome ! I will make pop music, some music like electro ( for this I’ve already The akai mpk mini mk2) but this one will be very cool for when I play and sing !

[@frankelda9403]

@@ThisismeMargauxOfficiel Sounds great! Indeed, you will feel more like playing the piano compared to the Akai. To accompany yourself when you sing, having 88 keys will change your life. I started with an M-Audio mini32. Nice, but limited. I am glad I have this one now. I keep the mini to play on the go (or on the couch!).

[@ThisismeMargauxOfficiel]

@@frankelda9403 exactly I think it will be a real good investment 😆

[@williamriker7637]

Hi, I get 88es. How can I play different instruments, with left and right hand? Tnx

[@frankelda9403]

You may need to use software with this "split" feature. I think that the Arturia Analog Lab allows this, but you will want to test this with your keyboard. You can install a trial version for free to make sure it does what you want. The sounds are amazing by the way!

[@williamriker7637]

@@frankelda9403 I will try. Thanks for reply 👋

[@Hope4thebroken1]

How does one connect headphones to this unit as to play without disturbance to others?

[@frankelda9403]

It is not possible but his keyboard doesn't make any sound by itself. You need to connect it to a computer.

[@Hope4thebroken1]

Thanks for the info

[@marcoagius6926]

Hi! Can you use this keyboard to use via the midi out to control the roland JU06a module? Thanks

[@frankelda9403]

Hi! Yes, it should work with a MIDI cable between the MIDI-out of the M-Audio to the MIDI-in of the Roland. I haven't tested it, but I don't see why it shouldn't work.

[@marcoagius6926]

@@frankelda9403 okay thanks very much

[@isaacrigby]

Is it plug and play, like can I plug it into a wall, put headphones on or not, and jam all night?

[@frankelda9403]

No, you can jam only if it is plugged into a computer with a software to generate sounds. You are probably looking for a stage piano and you can read my guide to help you choose one here: www.guide2music.com/guide-to-buy-piano-keyboard/

[@isaacrigby]

@@frankelda9403 Thanks so much for your help.

[@nsajwani6919]

Heyyy can u please tell me that... It's compulsory to have sepreate speakers for this?? Bcz I as I saw there is no audio speakers

[@frankelda9403]

@@nsajwani6919 ​ @N sajwani Yes it is. You need a computer, a software (included) and speakers on your computer since it doesn't generate sounds by itself and it not equipped with speakers. It is a MIDI keyboard, not a regular keyboard or piano. I hope this makes sense 😊

[@ignemiuz5159]

What plugin/program is the sound at 3:31 from?

[@frankelda9403]

I was using GarageBand. If I remember well I was just using one of the integrated sounds, but I can't tell which one exactly. Sometimes I use also Native Instrument free plugins, they have very cool sounds!

[@danielsekovski9544]

Does the velocity response is 0 to 127, have you tested it?

[@frankelda9403]

I tested it with Garageband and I get values between 15 and 105. It might be changed but I haven't tried yet. In the miniGrand application which comes with it, you can change the dynamics, ie the velocity curve and I am quite happy with the note dynamics I get when playing classical piano pieces.

[@danielsekovski9544]

@@frankelda9403 Ty for your response. It's quite good for the price actually, I hope it will have good durability as well.

[@frankelda9403]

@@danielsekovski9544 It seems sturdy overall. Probably a few keys will start to fail are some point, but let's hope not too soon!

[@frankelda9403]

Just an update about the velocity: for white keys, I could measure 15 to 127 and for black keys from 15 to 108. I made a new video about that and the mechanism of the keys if you are interested.

[@danielsekovski9544]

@@frankelda9403 Hey Frank, thank you for the info, I think that's a thing even in much more high priced midi controllers (Casio PX 1000/3000 DP aswell). Do you find the keys to be durable, did any key broke or makes some problems, like is the dynamic response even on all the keys?

[@Sandy-i9p4f]

Est-ce qu'il dispose d'une sortie casque audio?

[@frankelda9403]

Non, il faut le brancher a un ordi pour generer du son.

[@Sandy-i9p4f]

@@frankelda9403 entendu, je vous remercie pour votre réponse.

[@dannysmusic9330]

I have a question, is the music comming out the keyboard or do you need a other music box?

[@frankelda9403]

This sounds comes from the computer. You need a software to generate the sound and speakers connected to the computer.

[@Sam_imman]

Is it possible to transpose keys

[@frankelda9403]

Yes, you have a transpose function accessible using the advanced edit and octave buttons.

[@ABE2000]

In the future, I would like to use it, cause it's nice.

[@frankelda9403]

I hope you will have the opportunity to do so.

[@ABE2000]

@@frankelda9403 Agreed. :)

[@bartmuz]

Does it contains expression pedal input?

[@frankelda9403]

Yes. It is on the back of the keyboard.

[@bartmuz]

@@frankelda9403 thanx very much! (no information about it on official M-audio site)

[@bartmuz]

btw. thank you for your video of course! :)

[@frankelda9403]

@@bartmuz Happy to help! Thanks for your kind words :)

[@terkimbiloho5259]

Sir I need this but Don't have money to get it

[@frankelda9403]

I feel you. I had to wait before affording it. I hope you will find a way to make enough money (I can help also with that by the way)

[@JorgeLuisFP]

los sustos ocultos de Frank Elda jajajajaja

[@frankelda9403]

😅

[@danielpeter8351]

Can I connect headset?

[@frankelda9403]

Not directly since it is only a MIDI interface that can't create any sound by itself. It works only connected to a computer or a device with software. Then you can of course connect a headset to the computer. Hope this helps :)

[@danielpeter8351]

@@frankelda9403 Wow, wait :D Im new to this. So if I buy like this, i cant use without a computer?

[@frankelda9403]

​@@danielpeter8351 Ahah, yes that's right. It is not a piano. The sound comes from my computer running software that reproduces the sound of a piano. MIDI keyboards are mostly used to create music on a computer. Maybe you are looking for a piano. You may then be interested in this guide: www.guide2music.com/guide-to-buy-piano-keyboard/

[@danielpeter8351]

@@frankelda9403 Thank you!

[@danielpeter8351]

@@frankelda9403 Well, this is what i can get according to its price. Could u share me ur thoughts about it, please? Alesis Recital

[@Hexspa]

Good job

[@frankelda9403]

Thanks for the kind word!

[@Hexspa]

@@frankelda9403 BTW I just got mine lol. It's pretty nice - especially for the price. Way longer but slightly nicer action than I expected.

[@frankelda9403]

@@Hexspa Great! I am glad you like it. I was also nicely surprised by the action :) I forgot to talk about the size, I wasn't very happy about that, to be honest. What will you do with your keyboard?

[@Hexspa]

@@frankelda9403 Ya it's very long. I actually set it on top of the foam blocks that were in the box. This way I have my qwerty keyboard and mouse beneath it - there's no other way! While I'm not a trained pianist, now that I can fit a keyboard on my desk in front of me, I plan to use the Skoove trial to see if that gets me more into playing keys. Mainly, I'm a songwriter/producer so I mostly use the keyboard for writing, composition, voice exercises, ear training, and studying harmony. What about you?

[@frankelda9403]

@@Hexspa I had to buy a stand for it. I wanted to put it on my desk, but it is too large. In the end, it is better like that because I can adjust the height and have a good posture. On my desk, it would have been too high. I am using it to play the piano and teach the piano here ;) I tested Skoove and had a lot of fun with it. If you like it, you can use the (affiliate) link to support my channel (no cost for you!): www.skoove.com/#a_aid=skoove_g2m I want to use it for composing as well. Up to now, I used my 32-key keyboard, but I was missing a few octaves and mini-keys are a bit small for my big hands. Have you released a song yet?

[@leonardomariotti3807]

The keys have the same feeling of a real piano?

[@frankelda9403]

No, you would need a keyboard with at least hammer action keys for that. But the feel is not bad and you can be quite expressive on them. I play classical music and it does the job. Not ideal of course, but for the price and the other benefits, it is a really good deal :)

[@latarnik1979]

I will to have in tuesday. I hope is ok :)

[@frankelda9403]

Cool! After month of daily use I am still happy with it, I hope you will too :) What will you use it for?

[@latarnik1979]

@@frankelda9403 grand piano music I think. Also for electronic music, but grandpiano music more.

[@frankelda9403]

@@latarnik1979 That makes sense on a full-size 88-key MIDI keyboard ;) Have you released any music yet?

[@latarnik1979]

@@frankelda9403 I will receive the package tomorrow, currently I have a video with pieces in a different release.

[@theoderathe9414]

Bonjour, j’ai remarqué votre accent français, j’ai reçu ce piano hier et impossible de le faire marcher, je ne comprend pas comment pouvoir jouer si le son de sort pas quand je clique sur les touches. Pourriez vous m’aider?

[@frankelda9403]

Bonjour, C'est un clavier MIDI, il ne produit pas de son par lui-meme, il faut que vous le branchiez a un ordinateur (il y a un cable USB fourni). Ensuite vous pouvez utiliser un des logiciels fournis dont j'explique l'installation dans la video. N'oubliez pas d'allumer le clavier. Ca m'a surpris au debut, mais il y a un petit interrupteur sur l'arriere a gauche. Dites-moi si vous y arrivez ou si vous avez besoin de plus d'aide!

[@jairopiano3273]

Blablablablabla.. y no toca nada.. 🤦🤔

[@frankelda9403]

The aim of this video is not to showcase my piano skills or teach anything. It is to review this keyboard. But you will find other videos showing you how to play cool simple tunes. I hope you'll like them better :)