M-Audio Keystation 88es Reviews

4.6/5.0 based on 5 customer reviews

Write your own review for this product

Sort By Date Sort By Rating

Customer Reviews

Herman Brooks
from Norfolk, VA
May 22, 2013Music Background:
Audio Engineer, Recording Artist, Producer, Euphonist

Cheap, but awesome!

I bought this because I grew interested in learning the piano so I could improve my production workflow. I saw the MPK 88 and it was $800. I immediately said no. However, I did want the pads and functions the keyboard had as well, so I bought this and an MPD 26. I'm definitely Pleased with this keyboard. Feels ok under your hands, and you can link a sustain pedal to it. Pretty solid.

Lasonia Rideout
from Sherrill, AR USA
February 18, 2013Music Background:
Gospel singer, composer, and musician

Sweet as Pie!!!

I bought this controller 2 weeks ago and I am glad I did. First of all don't let the price fool you because this is a great controller. Originally before I purchase this controller I consider the mpk 88, but due to the depth of mt studio desk I decided to go with the 88es. What I like about the ES88 is that it is core compliant with Mac OS X. All I had to do is plug it in and begin making music because no driver is required. It works great with pro tools x and studio one 2. The black keys have some resistance even though the are not weighted. The control has a simple layout without all the knobs, pads, or display. I didn't need all the extra features because I have 3 Maschines. So, if you are looking for a simply keyboard controller without the extras featured the es88 should be your next purchase. Also it is light weight.

Joseph Maas
from
March 27, 2013Music Background:
recording engineer/hobbyist

Great piano for a beginner!

This piano syncs right up with software. It is fantastic. It's affordable, reliable, and feels pretty good considering how inexpensive it is. My only beef with it is that the black keys are a bit stiff. But it steers away from all the other great things this piano has to offer. Like I said, it's good for the price. Not the best keyboard you'll ever have, but it will get the job done. In my opinion, it was totally worth the money. It has made a great adition to my studio. And if it's worth anything, I give a great shout out to my sales engineer, Adam Chesi. You're the man bro! Love the customer service here at Sweetwater. Wouldn't have made this decision or any of my other ones without him, and he hasn't steered me wrong yet. Thanks!

Harold
from Oklahoma
March 1, 2013Music Background:
Composer

Nice

Just got this today and I am really happy with it. The feature that sold me was the semi-weighted keys and they do not disappoint. You can simply plug and play using the usb cable. My only complaint is the lack of midi controllers, but I didn't get this keyboard for the controllers, I wanted something that felt a little more like a real piano.

SOC7 Productions
from Jacksonville, FL USA
May 14, 2013Music Background:
Semi-Pro musician

Keystation 88es

Although this product is perfect for what I need, which is a simple 88 key controller with volume, pitch up/down, mod and pitch wheels, I give it a 4 because of lack of additional controls that would be nice if needed such as some extra knobs and sliders which could be used to control the organ drawbars in the B3 AU in Logic Pro. It has the semi-weighted keys, but it still feels somewhat "squishy". Overall, for the price, it is nice, functional for live gigs, and when used in conjunction with other controllers, it works out well.