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M-Audio Keystation 61es 61-Key Keyboardby M-Audio
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Features
- Powered by USB.
- Programming Options include: Octave Shift, Transpose, Program Change, Bank LSB, Bank MSB, MIDI Channel MIDI out for USB, Reset all controllers, Wheel assign, Slider Assign.
- 61 note full-size velocity sensitive, semi-weighted keyboard.
- MIDI Out socket. USB to MIDI OUT interface. DC power input for stand-alone use (adaptor not included)
- Function button for programming. Assignable data up/down buttons.
Product Description
M-Audio Keystation 61e is a 61-note USB keyboard with velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys that is designed to easily integrate in any computer music environment. Class compliancy with Mac OS X and Windows XP delivers true plug-and-play setup. The Keystation 61e is also compatible with many music education and music creation software titles, making it ideal for classrooms and studios alike. More advanced users can control software synths, external sound devices, and more with the assignable slider, and pitch and mod wheels. This sleek, compact keyboard is USB bus-powered and requires no external power supply.Reviews
Good value 'semi-weighted' keyboardI was surprised at the low price of this keyboard considering it has 61 semi-weighted keys. I thought maybe it wouldn't be such great quality but I was pleasantly surprised.
I thought at first that the keys were a little bit "springy", but I soon got used to them. So much so that when I went back to my old Yamaha keyboard (not weighted), the Yamaha felt terrible. This M-Audio lets you play nice and subtle.
There's not much to this keyboard, just a couple of very smooth acting wheels (pitch and modulation), a volume slider and a couple of function buttons. It all seems well-made and the keyboard is heavier than I expected.
I was pleased to find that when I took it out of its box, plugged in the USB cable and opened GarageBand, everything worked perfectly, immediately. No messing about.
It works well with GarageBand (not tried it with anything else), and being powered by the USB cable means it's dead easy to plug in and start playing.
At this price, I can't see how you can go wrong.
Music on a BudgetWhile 170 bucks might not sound "budget priced", for the quality of this keyboard, you're definitely getting what you pay for. The affordable Keystation 61es can hold a candle to keyboards twice its price. The "plug and play" feature works exactly as advertised. Plugged in to the 'ol iBook, and GarageBand worked just fine. On a more professional note, the keyboard also works well with Reason 3 (although the lack of extra control surfaces, i.e. programmable knobs and sliders, was a bit annoying). And for a more do-it-yourself approach, the Keystation is also equipped with a MIDI out port. All in all, I was very impressed with M-Audio on this one. Whether you're a musician who needs a keyboard lying around, a student working with music and audio, or just an everyday joe who wants to mess around with music and synthesis, you could opt for the cheaper 41 key version, but I highly recommend you spend the few extra dollars and get the 61es. You definitely won't regret spending a little more money for a lot more quality.
