M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 88-Key Semi-Weighted USB-Powered MIDI Controller

The M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 is a MIDI keyboard controller designed for sequencing music and playing virtual instruments on a Mac or Windows computer. It features 88 full-size, semi-weighted, and velocity-sensitive keys for a natural, piano-like feel. The Keystation 88 MK3 sports a series of controls that expand the range of playable notes, while providing expressive capabilities as well.

Assignable transport and directional controls allow for playing, performing, and recording with music software without using a mouse or trackpad. If you’ve got your own sustain pedal, you can plug it into the Keystation 88 MK3 via its 1/4″ sustain pedal input.

Lightweight and durable, the controller is USB-powered, class compliant, and supports USB-MIDI connectivity. A 5-pin DIN MIDI output facilitates use with your favorite, compatible synthesizer, so it can receive messages from the Keystation 88. Additionally, the unit supports iOS connectivity using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (available separately), enabling one to perform and compose with audio apps on an iPad or another iOS device.

The Keyboard comes with a variety of software, including DAWs such as Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, and Akai Professional MPC Beats performance/recording software, plus five MPC Beats expansion kits. Also included is AIR Music Technology Xpand!2, a multitimbral all-in-one virtual instrument that lets you stack up to four individual sounds to create your own unique-sounding patches.

Keyboard sounds can be achieved via three included AIR Music Technology soft-synths: The Mini Grand, with seven acoustic piano sounds, and the Velvet, which gives you five vintage electric piano sounds. DB-33 is a virtual Hammond B3 organ with rotarty speaker cabinets, while Boom is a slick drum machine that pays homage to the most popular vintage drum machine of the past. Additional software includes Skoove and Melodics. The keyboard comes with a USB Type-A to USB Type-B cable.