At Musikmesse 2014: M-Audio is introducing four new models in their Keystation keyboard series. The new Keystation keyboards, designed as simple solutions for sequencing music and playing virutal instruments, feature new functionality, a virtual piano instrument, music production software and new colors.
Velocity-sensitive keyboard controller. The Keystation Mini 32 features synth-action mini-keys, octave shift, and sustain and modulation buttons. The Keystation 49 (pictured, right), 61 and 88 offer an extended physical octave range and full-size keys, for use both with a DAW in the studio or in a live performance setting. New for the Keystation 49, 61 and 88 are transport and directional controls, for simple DAW operation without a mouse or track pad. A 6.3mm (1/4-inch) sustain input jack is included on each.
Virtual piano instrument. Also included with the larger Keystation 49, 61 and 88 models is the Eighty-Eight Ensemble from SONiVOX. This virtual instrument is an authentic capture of a 9-foot CD327 Steinway. Ableton Live Lite music creation software is also included.
Keystation Mini 32 Highlights:
- 32 velocity-sensitive, synth-action mini keys
- USB powered: a single cable provides power and MIDI connectivity
- Pitch bend, sustain, and modulation buttons
- Octave-shift controls
- Includes Ignite music creation software by AIR Music Tech
- Works with Apple’s iPad Camera Connection Kit (not included) for use with iOS devices
Keystation 49, 61 and 88 Highlights:
- 49, 61 or 88 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys
- Transport and directional controls to operate your DAW from the keyboard
- USB powered: one cable for power and MIDI connectivity
- Includes SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble virtual piano instrument
- Includes Ableton Live Lite digital audio workstation
- 6.3mm (1/4-inch) sustain pedal input
- Works with Apple’s iPad Camera Connection Kit (not included) for use with iOS devices
Pricing and Availability. The M-Audio Keystation keyboard models will be available this summer. The Keystation Mini 32 will retail for a “street” price of $49.99. The Keystation 49 street price is $99.99; the Keystation 61 and Keystation 88 retail prices are $169.99 and $219.99, respectively. More information at the M-Audio website.
Nobody cares about these. Another bland controller from M-audio. Nothing to see here.
The 88key is very cheap though. Probably both in price and build quality.
I’m surprised 88 key is not even semi-weighted like the last gen one.
Yeah, the bundling of a piano plugin isn’t a major feature really.
However, I like the idea of this Mini 32. I have a small format 25 that I can bring in a laptop bag for roaming, but 25 is really not enough keys, Just a few more would be really helpful. Also the PB and MW, but what does it mean to say PB is a pair of buttons? Are they pressure sensitive? Or do they just do some sort of fixed point bend when pressed, which is not great.
They look exactly like the Prokeys 88 SX and mini keystation a few years ago!