The M-Audio Keystation 61 - What it is vs. What it isn't

[@theJaronamo]

Thanks for checking out my video on the keystation 61. If you want to know how to choose a MIDI controller here are my three tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHOZqZ-gp9qth8k

[@kserra9112]

@3:05 best KZbin face reveal of 2018

[@theJaronamo]

lol! Thanks

[@navjotbaskar]

It’s actually 3:066 to be exact

[@batoilyin7345]

LMAOOO

[@greggeverman5578]

How has this vid not gotten a thousand likes yet??? This was great!

[@theJaronamo]

Thanks!

[@drjthornley]

Hey. Liked the video. The 61 is what it is. May I suggest that you use wrist flexion to get your velocities up. Atm. You have rigidity in your arms and it's holding you back my friend.

[@avc7137]

thanks i was looking for that my whole life on youtube :D

[@theJaronamo]

haha Glad your quest has come to a satisfying end =)

[@TheRealFlapman]

Very helpfull for me. Thank you for this review!

[@theJaronamo]

You're welcome =)

[@superkycs97]

nice demo! Would you recommend it for recording piano parts for home studio tracks? p.s. i'm not a pianist, i don't have to do big articulated things with it.

[@theJaronamo]

Thanks! I would definitely recommend it for recording piano parts, as I have done that many times.

[@hv8546]

The info I was looking for, thanks ps. The video sound was a bit low

[@theJaronamo]

You're welcome :-) yeah, it probably was low-- it's been awhile since I listen to that video. I think I decided to go for the built-in mic that day.

[@shaneprinsloo9421]

Love those chords at 2:23!

[@theJaronamo]

Thanks

[@wales3396]

frrrr what i'm sayin

[@ContactingTheDead]

2:43 *What's with the random jump cut?*

[@theJaronamo]

I don't know. That was a couple years ago--at least

[@theJaronamo]

Yeah I just watched it at the timestamp-- I still have no idea. I didn't cut the video there maybe it glitched

[@recourseconsulting5064]

what's your recommendation for a weighted keyboard - close in price range preferably this brand? thank you

[@theJaronamo]

First I would say that weighted keyboards (and keyboard controllers) are typically 88 keys and cost more. If you want one in the same brand I would recommend the Hammer 88. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a MIDI controller: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHOZqZ-gp9qth8k

[@fa-oj5dh]

i have no knowladge about midi keyboard so does it work as keyboard for kontakt and fl studio

[@theJaronamo]

A midi keyboard, or keyboard controller, is meant to play virtual instruments within any DAW (like FL Studio, Ableton, Logic, Reason, etc) or 3rd-party virtual instrument (like Kontakt). On its own it contains no sounds. Think of it as a peripheral--like a mouse or computer keyboard.

[@violeman]

Thank you very much, for such a great review!! Just got one of these for me (My X-mas gift to myself). I didn't want to spend BIG bucks on something that I may not use very much but hopefully, I do lol. I have so much invested already in gear well over 80K so I hope this will help inspire me to write again. And eventually, start using more of my other gear again. Hope to see more tips and tricks & good software to use with this controller for an Industrial background filler for, a newer age heavier type of metal that I will mix my guitar into & write drum tracks with. Thanks again, Bud!! +1

[@theJaronamo]

You're welcome! Good thinking! I wish you well 👍

[@robertsteinberger5667]

so what is your experience so far with the m audio 61?

[@yassin5989]

Is it normal that the keys are so clicky and noisy

[@theJaronamo]

Yes, but realize that the phone I used to record this video makes them more obvious. In person, when playing, they're not as noticeable and the clickiness is easily overpowered by turning up your computer speakers.

[@arash5550]

I once had this midi. But mine the keys were noisy ! Like you could hear the spring noise. Had to sell it. Maybe I'll buy something else in future

[@theJaronamo]

So which MIDI controller did you buy?

[@RalfS777]

Hello Jaron, I just bought this keyboard a couple of days ago and a little frustrated... I have the Ablseton standard and lite utilities on my computer. I bought this because my Yamaha DGX500 is a little heavy and cumbersome for playing gigs. With the Ableton i'm not getting the piano, organ, sounds i'm accustomed to (and Need!!). What software are you using to get some good Piano sounds!!!!

[@theJaronamo]

So if I'm understanding you correctly the piano sounds in Ableton don't sound as real as you want them to. I use a few instruments for piano; the first one I'd recommend is 88 ensemble ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqKom5mLgdWJfs0 ). For Organ sounds I'd recommend free Kontakt Player, have a nice Hammond like organ with a Leslie.

[@wereinthelastdays8628]

It’s sad they didn’t make semi weighted keys for the m audio 49 MK3

[@theJaronamo]

Oh they didn't? Are they synth action instead?

[@knase253]

is this good for learning to play keyboard/piano i have never played before is this reccomended? and also is this good to use in fl studio?

[@theJaronamo]

You could absolutely learn to play on this! Like I said, it doesn't feel like an acoustic piano, but I think if you really want to learn piano/keys, you can learn on anything.

[@jac3763]

Are the keys semi-weighted? Do you feel much resistance?

[@theJaronamo]

They are semi-weighted and there is some resistance. I don't consider it to be very strong, but I'm used to playing fully weighted keys and acoustic pianos as well. I think it's enough to play expressively. This entire session was recorded using my keystation 61: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHezc2qXZauVmLs

[@jaykeyztutorials6225]

Hello... im looking into buying my first midi controller and I have two questions about it 1. What are all the outputs on it? 2. Is there any possible way I could plug the midi controller into my p-125 and let the sound play through there?

[@jaykeyztutorials6225]

Nice vid by the way👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@jaykeyztutorials6225]

I mean... if I were to buy it I’m not really gonna use it to make or create music... I was just use it as kind of like an auxiliary keyboard since I recently found out I can use the korg app on my IPad Pro and use it to connect to the keyboard using a MIDI to usb and a camera adapter...

[@theJaronamo]

Hey, so yes you can plug the keystation into a keyboard, or a sound module as a controller--but you would need to purchase the optional power cord.

[@theJaronamo]

Thanks!

[@jaykeyztutorials6225]

Jaron Belboda wait so what your saying Is I can plug it to my iPad and plug it to the other keyboard???

[@julioamador2199]

I want to learn how to play piano on midi keyboard. Would 49 version be enough or should I get 61?

[@theJaronamo]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppDZgp-mjtp3hsk

[@Pi-redman]

Can you tell me it's condition now? It would really help me because I wanna know how it's durability is.

[@theJaronamo]

I'd say overall It's a solid controller - mine's in good condition - though it's been semi-retired for the last couple years. I've heard of people having problems with velocity, or dead sections -- I have had no such issues during the 3½ steady years I used it.

[@Pi-redman]

@@theJaronamo Thanks for the information man. I have subscribed to your channel.

[@zafeiriskartsios7103]

How does this compare to nektar se61? I just want to learn to play the piano. Thanks

[@theJaronamo]

Full disclosure I have not played the nektar se61, so I looked it up. Based on the specs I would not recommend it for learning piano as the keys are synth weighted which means basically no weight. That being said with determination you can learn piano on just about anything. If you're asking if you should buy it this is my advice: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHOZqZ-gp9qth8k

[@lukasmuller3894]

Hi, i bought the M-Audio Keystation MK2, connect it to Ableton, the signal(sound come out from Ableton) is much weaker compared to my AKAI LPK25. Someone can give a advise to solve that problem ? Thanx

[@theJaronamo]

Sounds like a software issue, but I'm not sure

[@susanlukose6673]

The modulation wheel It automatically comes down or it works like slider

[@theJaronamo]

It works like a slider.

[@AdzzVR]

Does it need a power cable to power it or does it work just via midi ? And are the keys weighted ?

[@theJaronamo]

The keys are semi-weighted. It can work with the usb midi connection. If you want to connect to an iPad or synth module you will need the power cable.

[@derrikbrookins6061]

How download the driver for m-audio keystation 49es

[@theJaronamo]

Is that an older or newer version of Keystation? 'Cause mine was plug and play. Though I think www.m-audio.com/ would be a good place to start if you're looking for drivers.

[@михаилткаченко-д4з]

Can USB and external power supply be connected at the same time?

[@theJaronamo]

Yes! In fact using the power cord is necessary if you you're connecting to an iPad as it doesn't have enough power to power the Keystation.

[@boussagmanmorad9473]

is it okay to use it with a normal computer no profesional things like sounds card or i dono im new in piano i want to buy a midi to learn cuz the real piano prices are too hight ( will the sound be good ?)

[@theJaronamo]

It's okay but you'll experience some delay between when you press the keys and hear the sound

[@boussagmanmorad9473]

@@theJaronamo really ! thats so bad im about to buy m audio keystation 61 mk3 so whaat to dooo

[@theJaronamo]

@@boussagmanmorad9473 well, but that's only true if you don't use an audio interface (like the Scarlett Solo, or 2i2 with zero latency playback). Playback from your computers built in sound card will always have some delay. You can make it really short on the settings. Maybe this would be easier to show than tell 😏

[@boussagmanmorad9473]

@@theJaronamo i didnt understand a thing ? do i need to buy something else or what

[@boussagmanmorad9473]

i dont want te record i just want to play piano u understand ? im not going for midi cuz i want to produce music im going for midi cuz they are cheaper than reall piano

[@miguelpereira7793]

is it possible to practice with earphones? thanks

[@theJaronamo]

Yes. you're welcome

[@theJaronamo]

But if you mean plugging headphones into the keystation 61 then no, it's just a controller. All instruments sounds come from the computer software it's controlling.

[@Palashpalangwar]

Is this keyboard plays without any software or computer

[@theJaronamo]

No.

[@reynaldguibone4859]

Hello Jaron Belboda. Happy New Year! I have a question. 1. Can we play synth in this product? 2. Can we play it live. I mean is there an output jack to play it directly to PA?

[@theJaronamo]

Hi, there are no sounds in the keystation. It exists to play sounds from other sources (computers, and maybe synth modules) and so does not have an audio output.

[@Samvatsara]

Hey jaron, which ones better nektar gx61 v/s this midi...,?

[@theJaronamo]

I don't know I've never tried a nectar GX61. In general most midi controllers do the same thing - some have extra features like sliders or pads, or rotary knobs. Which one is best depends on what you need for the type of music you create.

[@taibuianh7147]

What piano software do you use on your computer?

[@theJaronamo]

Right now I have 6 piano instruments in my library. The Maverick, the Gentleman, the Grandeur, the Giant, Una Corda, and Noire. The one I was using in this video is 88 Ensemble. When I switched computers I wasn't able to continue using it 🙁

[@UpdraftStormFuel]

Hey man does this piano work without a computer or better yet do I need a computer to use the keyboard at all?

[@theJaronamo]

+keith richardson Hey bro, technically it isn't a piano--it's a midi controller. Which means it doesn't have any sounds built into it; its main purpose is to control virtual instruments on a computer or, if you like, an iPad using GarageBand or a similar app.

[@UpdraftStormFuel]

Jaron Belboda thanks for the reply, really big help👊👊

[@theJaronamo]

+keith richardson no problem =)

[@ryzettov1819]

Can I use this keyboard with the intent to learn keyboard as a beginner? I'm not really interested in using apps just playing the instrument in my price range or is it not recommended?

[@oliverwright6215]

can i play it straight out of an amp or speakers

[@theJaronamo]

If the amp is plugged into your computer's audio output

[@ignacio.n.s403]

Does it need to be plugged into the computer all the time while playing?

[@theJaronamo]

Yes, unless you have another sound source. As a controller it does not have any sounds inside of it.

[@ignacio.n.s403]

Jaron Belboda Thanks!!!!!

[@Thegreatswr]

This keyboard can use withe focusrite ??

[@theJaronamo]

Yes and no depending on what you mean and which focusrite you're using. If it's the Scarlett 2i2, and you're asking me if you can plug the key station into it, my answer would be no. Other focusrite interfaces (like the Scarlett 2i4 and the Clarett series) do have MIDI I/O. This means you could potentially connect the key station to them yeah, but it would probably require an AC power adapter to run. If your question was whether or not you can use a focusrite to hear sounds controlled by the keystation, the answer would be yes for Scarlett, the Clarett, or any audio interface really

[@XxStonedImmaculatexX]

I have a Yamaha E263 but I want to upgrade to a keyboard that has dual voice split and the pitch/mod knobs. Does this thing have a multitude of voices like my E263? I know if t has a pitch and mod knob and can do split voices?

[@theJaronamo]

No, the Keystation does not have a multitude of sounds. The sounds come from the software which runs on your computer. This video talks about the difference in more detail. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2i4p5eFYtWim9E

[@XxStonedImmaculatexX]

@@theJaronamo thanks!

[@XxStonedImmaculatexX]

@@theJaronamo so what model is put there that has a pitch and mob knob as well as various built in voices?

[@dirtierdog]

I'm looking into this keyboard. I'm torn between this, the Alesis V61 and the Behringer UMX610. Would you recommend this keyboard? Just looking for a controller with a good feel, long life and good velocity.

[@theJaronamo]

Yes, I would recommend it. It all really depends on what you like best as those other controllers are also good, I've heard. I guess the point of this video was that it's not a piano controller it's a multi-purpose one. But I will add that it's good at what it does and has lasted me 3 years with no problems.

[@cjasz622]

Does it work with Windows 7?

[@theJaronamo]

The PC OS requirements say Windows 7 or later.

[@calikokat100]

so its not for piano players? :(

[@theJaronamo]

I wouldn't say that. It just doesn't have a piano feel. It's still a good feel - I just wanted people to be aware that it doesn't have the same weight and response of piano.

[@BB-so5ho]

Can you use this keyboard in a band?

[@theJaronamo]

Yes. It would need a sound source, like a synth module or a VST on a computer.

[@kevinpaz1055]

I use Logic Pro should I download the ablonton live lite, xpandai, and eighty eight assemble

[@theJaronamo]

That really depends on how you like to work. If you use Logic, then you probably don't need Ableton Live unless you want to learn that DAW. Now as far as Eighty Eight Ensemble and Xpand! 2, they work on both mac and pc, so they should work inside of Logic Pro.

[@frederikoadr]

How about the key compared to keystation 49 mk3

[@theJaronamo]

I don't know from personal experience, but I've heard the keystation 49 Mk3 keys are not semi-weighted

[@solomonking3385]

You always need a computer or an ipad with this?

[@theJaronamo]

Yes. Or a synth module.

[@solomonking3385]

@@theJaronamo thank you sir

[@MrKockabilly]

Can you use it without a DAW?

[@theJaronamo]

Yes, if you use it to control a synth module.

[@theJaronamo]

You can also connect it to an iPad using a camera connection kit - however most instruments on an iPad are in Garage Band - which is a DAW.

[@MrKockabilly]

@@theJaronamo Thanks. But what I mean is can you use it stand alone with just an external amplifier good-to-go

[@theJaronamo]

No. It doesn't have built-in sounds

[@MrKockabilly]

@@theJaronamo Thanks

[@ChristopherBlake596]

What if you cannot afford a fully-weighted keyboard and NEED to resort to this to learn piano/keys?

[@theJaronamo]

Well if you want a fully weighted keyboard, hopefully saving up for one is an option. If not, you can definitely start with the Keystation.

[@ChristopherBlake596]

@@theJaronamo I want one BUT saving isn't an option at the moment as I need something for my health.

[@theJaronamo]

@@ChristopherBlake596 Okay. So I'm hearing you say that you need something for your health, and so you cannot save for a fully weighted keyboard. That's fine, like I said you can start with the keystation. As I said in the video, it has to be connected to a computer for you to hear any piano sounds - or any other sounds for that matter - because it's a controller for software instruments. If you want a keyboard with built-in sounds, then something like the Yamaha Piaggero NP-12, or the Casio Casiotone CT-S300 might work for you.

[@ChristopherBlake596]

@@theJaronamo No I'm good with this. I like the idea of saving space. And I'm a beginner. I should learn something small before big.

[@theJaronamo]

Yamaha Piaggero and Casio Casiotone are also 61-key -- like the Keystation 61. But yes, if you want the Keystation, get the Keystation.

[@amr4g588]

Is keys heavy or soft ?

[@theJaronamo]

Semi-weighted.

[@rezamehrzad]

Man i was like he's gonna break that shit going harder and harder looool

[@theJaronamo]

Lol! I had to demonstrate 😁

[@daznugal92]

does it have brass sound? or sounds related to reggae music? im wondering to buy this..

[@theJaronamo]

The Keystation itself contains no sounds. It's the bundled VST software that has the instruments. If it still ships with Xpand!2, then yes it has brass sounds.

[@daznugal92]

Jaron Belboda thanks for the response.

[@theJaronamo]

No worries

[@javellenig3489]

Can i learn to play piano on this keyboard?

[@theJaronamo]

Yes, just remember it will take some adjusting when you go to play an acoustic piano. Also the keystation does NOT contain sounds. It has to be connected to a computer with VST software, or a synth module

[@OnlineMD]

To learn piano which I'm doing too, you'd connect this keyboard to a computer then run a program like FlowKey or Playground Sessions. I just started with Flowkey a couple of days ago. I use a Galaxy Tab on my acoustic piano but will get this M-Audio 61. I believe it will do better. Will see.

[@convergeph]

Does it have built in sounds?

[@konradnaglik2858]

No

[@neoaureus]

Nice attempt at breaking the keyboard !!!

[@theJaronamo]

Thanks 😅

[@aronszalai4899]

Hy. Which software is this you use?

[@theJaronamo]

Hey, as far as the DAW I use Reaper kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIa8lGCBn5V3oLc and for the piano I use kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqKom5mLgdWJfs0.

[@aronszalai4899]

Jaron Belboda Thank you man!

[@theJaronamo]

+Áron Szalai You're welcome =)

[@therealjackfisher]

Wow do you need to borrow a hammer? 🤣Thanks for the review.. i am looking for some keys, not too expensive, but reliable.

[@theJaronamo]

lol! I think between my playing and the semi-weighted keys, my key station has enough hammer action 😄 You're welcome, glad the review was helpful.

[@AmatullahK]

Keys are way too noisy.

[@AndersonSDAChurch]

Doesn't matter so much with a MIDI controller, imo

[@raihannadzira]

chill dude chill, dont mess up ur keystation

[@theJaronamo]

😄 I blame my piano teacher for teaching me to play strong.

[@gtamediaproductions1]

Wow very clicky noisy keys! Nope!

[@theJaronamo]

They're not actually that loud 📢 - my camera's mic happened to be closer to the keys than it was to the speakers 🔊 That being said there are many other great options for MIDI controllers - this just happens to be the one I bought so I made a video about it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHOZqZ-gp9qth8k

[@gtamediaproductions1]

@@theJaronamo Hey thank you bud for that information 👍🏻 And also thank you for demonstrating this keyboard. Merry Christmas to you and yours! 🎄

[@theJaronamo]

You're welcome, and thank you! Merry Christmas to you and yours as well! 🎄

[@jessepinkmanonpills]

Hey bro thanks for the video I have yamaha psre353 and it has a midi port. Is it useful for me to buy this one too? Considering both are gonna work the same anyway what would you suggest?

[@theJaronamo]

Only if you really want to. The MIDI output is capable of sending control signals. For you, you'd probably want a MIDI to USB cable.