I gave this 3 stars even though for a ling time it was worth 5. Why? Because recently, for no reason I can explain it started switching keys and playing all sorts of weird glisses etc.
I should explain that I used it strictly as a controller to create midi music on my protools. So what you expect is that once you have created a track it should playback the same way every time. Instead it started playing back in different keys and it started playing back all sorts of musical effects. I tried everything - there is a "reset" button that is supposed to fix this sort of problem - it didn't. I read everything available on the m-audio website but I had to give up.
The irony is that I will probably buy another one just because it was so easy to use - a real plug n play start. And it did work for a few years - I guess , for the price, you can't expect more than that.

I bought the MK3-61 to use with a Mellotron micro which has a 2 octave keyboard and an octave switch for an octave lower and higher. The MK3 allows me to access all the keys when playing the Mellotron....no octave switch needed. For the price, its a great way to expand the Mellotron micro keyboard. It works as intended, seems to be solid and built well. I'll only be using it in my home studio so I expect it to last. It doesn't come with a power supply and since I don't use USB in my studio, I had to find an after market supply that worked. I was able to find one so now it works perfectly.

I'm truly pleased with the M-Audio Keystation MK3. It is the perfect fit for my needs. Setup was a breeze.

However pulling myself away from it was another matter. The keys feel great and it seems quite solidly built.

As always it arrived quickly & in perfect condition.

Also, though I didn't require his assistance on this purchase, thumbs up for my great sales rep, Dennis Konicki!

A very nice and fairly comprehensive controller. Easy to set up and use. Just be advised that M-Audio has made this with studio use in mind only. If you want to take it to a gig, you'll have to use the box. M-Audio doesn't make a case for it. And there is no third-party keyboard bag that fits it - believe me - I spent hours trying to find one. What does "work" is this: it fits in the On Stage MSB6000 microphone bag (barely - length-wise), or in their longer microphone bag (with room for a small box of cables, etc.). These seem to be the only options.

I must chime in regarding the aforementioned pitch bend problem. I have 8 mk3s in my classroom, and MOST of them exhibit this problem: the controller sends random pitch bend data and often gets stuck in between pitches.
Yes, filtering this with your DAW helps, but there also needs to be a MIDI reset to correct already impacted files. Bottom line is, this product has a manufacturing defect and should be avoided until M-Audio acknowledges it and announces that it has been corrected in the factory.

I got one to add a lower keyboard to my Hammond SK Pro via MIDI. It gets its power via USB from the Hammond, so I don't need a separate power supply. One unexpected benefit -- the stock piano tones from the SK Pro (which sound thin and don't have great dynamics) all sound SO MUCH BETTER played from the M Audio's keybed! That's likely due to the semi-weighted keys and having a different trigger point. I didn't expect this, but it has really improved the Hammond's piano sounds. A side-by-side (upper-to-lower) test is really convincing, and I'll be playing more piano "from the Hammond" than ever before.

Received my M-Audio keyboard 3 weeks ago. Have had some problems with M-Audio not turning on when connected to my Mac. Dakota helped me with that. Still having some unexpected situations with M-Audio and Finale that will take me some time to figure out. If I need help I'll let you know. You have very dependable service personnel. Otherwise, for a "barebones" keyboard it performs very good.

Overall good... the action is decent for semi-weighted. The springs are maybe just a bit stronger/tighter than I'd like, but it's playable. A good value overall.

My only complaint is that the black keys are a little hard to play when you're all the way up toward the back of the keys (as is necessary for some chords). Of course, it's different from an acoustic piano, which has the pivot point farther back on a key that extends back into the instrument. Here, you don't have the right leverage when pressing that part of the key.

That's pretty normal for semi-weighted keys, but combined with the fact that the keys on this controller are about 1/4" shorter than a typical acoustic instrument, it feels like it takes extra effort when playing in that upper part of the black keys.

It's still a great tool, and it's super compact. I'd be happy with another inch or two of depth if it improved the action.

I've gone through about 6 of these (61 and 88 keys) and all of them kept dropping the power. I kept two of them for parts, then my two new ones also went down after just a couple years. Finally done with these pieces of crap.

As it has been reported elsewhere in the reviews, this is a great keyboard to use with a DAW via USB, but the MIDI aspect of the keyboard is not really as advertised. I've tried every possible configuration and cannot get the MIDI outputs to work on my external synths. I would not have bought this product had I known that, so I figured I would warn others through this review.

Overall, a good MIDI controller with piano-size keys. However, it sends pitch bend changes when a wheel is at a default position, changing pitch up to a half step. Trying to "roll" it back into a neutral position doesn't work. The only work around is to filter out a pitch bend in a DAW midi settings.

All the right connections and great feel. Sweetwater is amazing. Got this thing in 2 days. Can't beat the service. I love this Keystation61 mk3

I like the feel of the white keys than the black keys but it's good overall for the price. Nice purchase.

I am using this on my home PC with Yousician and Playground sessions to learn to play the piano and I love it. My two negatives are that it claims to come with Pro tools, and pro-tools does not support this anymore. It does not come with that software. The Velvet and the Mini Grand pulgins are great, but no Pro-tools. Additionally I can't figure out how to program the play and stop buttons to my software, which is not super important, but it would be nice. I have used it with MPC beats, and it is mostly supported.

I wanted an affordable MIDI keyboard that would have to trigger a hardware module. I also like simple designs. This fit the bill. Minimal buttons, no pad things, nice big easy to access pitch and mod wheels and it has 5 pin MIDI out as well as MIDI over USB. And yes, w/ the correct settings it can control a hardware module. So it has me covered in terms of features.

The build quality seems pretty decent given the price. Yeah, the keys can be a bit 'clacky' when played with some force......but I can live w/ it. I have a Korg D1 for pianos.......this is for synth stuff. I would not buy to use as a piano.....maybe to learn would be ok.

The software bundle really makes it a bargain. I've just gotten everything loaded and haven't started exploring, but it's gonna be fun. Abelton Live Lite, which is fully functional, several really nice plug ins especially the Air stuff. Cool for me to have Abelton, because, well like the name says, it is also designed to use for live performance, not just recording. I'm putting together a jam studio where amateur player can hang out and have fun.

The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is the 9V power is center positive, which is non std. and requires purchase of a converter. Just weird choice, but maybe a reason. But a bit frustrating.

Only had a few days, I guess we'll see if it holds up. But not a pro player. This will not get transported or even played all that much.

Impressed so far.......especially for the money. Might be a stretch for the hardware alone, but w/ the software......yeah.....nice bit of kit. Zero regrets on this purchase.

Thanks Richard W. my sales rep for all you help.

After looking at a lot of MIdi controllers, I decided on this model. So far it has been great and user friendly. I basicly wanted it to use the Keyboard sounds in my Presonus Studio One Pro V5 and it has worked great. Keys are a little different feel from other semi-weighted keys, but I adapted fine to it.

Just got my keyboard and couldn't get it working when directly connected to a hardware module (no computer). Found some disturbing comments that it wouldn't work that got me worried. However, it's quite simple.

In case google finds this place for someone else:
all you have to do is to turn on the MIDI OUT by hitting "Advanced" - "MIDI" - "Enter" (the latter two on the keys).

Quoting the manual, page 14, which (incorrectly) states that the MIDI OUT is enabled by default:

MIDI Out

The MIDI Out port is located on the back of the keyboard, and can be used to connect the keyboard to an external sound module or MIDI keyboard.

By default (when you switch the unit on), all controller data is sent out via the MIDI output as well as the USB out. If you want the MIDI output to act like a traditional USB-to-MIDI interface, engage "MIDI Out" mode by carrying out the
following:
1. Press the Advanced button to engage Edit Mode.
2. Press the black key representing "MIDI OUT."
3. Edit Mode will disengage.
4. The keyboard is now able to send data received from the computer via its MIDI OUT jack to whatever device is connected.

In order to use the MIDI output, select the Keystation USB MIDI Out as the MIDI output device in your sequencer.

I've been using Arturia keyboard controllers for many years - both their fancy version and the essential version. I like their software but their controllers seem to miss the mark for me. I got annoyed of the flimsy keys and all the extra knobs and sliders that I didn't need. I was looking for a full size key on a key-bed and something that wasn't too deep so it could fit on my desk (ie, no extra knobs and sliders). Before buying this, I also checked out the Alesis that is comparable to this. The Alesis keys were too stiff and slight smaller. The Arturia Essential keybed on their 88 size (the only one that has the larger keys) had hollow and cheap feeling keys. The M-Audio keybed feels wonderful and it doesn't feel cheap at all. The little volume slider also responds well to quickly assign to random midi controls (like cutoff filters). I haven't been this satisfied with a midi controller for a while. I wish Arturia would build something like this with the Keystep 37 features. Maybe M-Audio could do that!

I'm not a music pro, just a hobbyist. I'm also not a great keyboardist; I play mostly stringed instruments. What I'm really saying is I don't know that much about keyboards and synths. I have a Yamaha YPG-635 with USB capabilities, but it's hard to operate a DAW on my computer while sitting a distance at the piano. I wanted a keyboard that would fit on my workstation desk. The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 fulfils my needs nicely. I use it for recording, just to add different sounds to the mix. It comes packed with Lite versions of Ableton, Reason and Pro-tools. I've been using Mixcraft Pro, and the keyboard works fine with it. Mine isn't the full sized model, but 61 weighted keys are enough for me. The optional M-Audio sustain pedal has a squishy feel, so I would recommend the KSP-100 pedal, which responds much more naturally. I have one with my Yamaha and much prefer it. Connecting to a computer is super easy. Just plug into a USB slot and wait for your OS to recognize it. No special drivers to download. The bundled software may require a learning curve if you are new to DAWs, but they also include plenty of useful tutorials. I took some piano as a kid, and I can mess with chords and simple arpeggios, but I don't sight read. Buying this keyboard has inspired me to start online keyboard lessons!

I can't stress enough how happy I am with this keyboard. I have smaller midi controllers with drum pads, knobs, faders, etc. and I just wanted a simple weighted (to any degree) piano to use alongside them. This thing is exactly that, and it fulfills its simple purpose flawlessly.

The AIR Music Mini Grand plugin that comes with it is surprisingly rich & lush as well.

I *highly* recommend picking this thing up.

Wasn't expecting too much from this controller. Just needed a simple controller that would work with Logic X to operate various midi instruments. WOW! The key bed on this Mk3 feels and reacts far better than what I was expecting. Doesn't feel like a cheap toy. Plug and play was a bonus! You can also assign keys to do additional commands.

Exactly what I needed. Specs match what I received. I'm satisfied.
Great customer support. Fast delivery...

And it came with Sweets! (No joke)
Thumbs up to Sweetwater for enabling musicians around the globe to be able to create the music they want to share when the need to.

Thanks guys

I bought this mainly as a 'lower' keyboard for my nord electro 6d. The short front end lets me stack the two keyboards organ-style which gives me simultaneous access to the full range of both upper and lower nord splits. The keyboard action of the keystation is almost identical to the nord 6d so it is not distracting to play one hand on each.

Other reviews point out a confusion about external power when not connectng to a computer. I connected the usb power to a power strip, BUT you also have to configure the keystation for external midi.

I needed a simple midi keyboard for my home studio to use with Logic Pro. This one fit the bill perfectly. I had an issue with my last board and the sustain pedal not holding notes correctly. I chatted with my awesome sales engineer Craig Mills and we discussed some of the reasons why. This one works great, no issues. I'm pleased with this purchase.

There have been countless severely negative reviews of this keyboard on Amazon. I'd like to provide my feedback. I have connected it to my Windows 10 laptop to use Piano Marvel, a good piano learning app. In the past few days, I've been exploring DAWs again, after a gap of months. Cakewalk tells me I have inadequate memory when I try to connect this Keystation 61, and Ableton Live won't make a sound. So today I uninstalled McAfee as one support rep at M-Audio said it may interfere with the USB connection. Then Windows Defender asked me whether I want to allow Piano Marvel to work, and I said no. Well, after that, Ableton Live worked fine and so did Cakewalk! But after I ran Piano Marvel again, the connection to the DAWs was lost. I wish M-Audio would explore more into Windows 10 and fix the issues. These errors happened with a new Microsoft Surface Pro 7 too.
As to the keyboard itself, the keys are indeed semi-weighted. The white keys are 1/2" shorter than on my upright Steinway but the black keys are the same length. The key length does not bother me. The keyboard feel is surely lighter than on the acoustic, but not as bad as what is called a "synth action" keyboard. I suspect that there are fakes of this keyboard being sold across the world, creating angry people on Amazon!
So in summary, I realize that either I can have my piano lessons with Piano Marvel or DAW access using this keyboard, and not both! It could be that McAfee antivirus was interfering as well, but I'll be replacing that with the Spectrum Security Suite. Windows 10 is really a complicated animal, needs more evolution! And M-Audio needs to evolve with it! Having experienced all this, I wish I had chosen to buy some other keyboard, but on the other hand, my main focus is the piano lessons so I'm planning to keep this keyboard which I purchased 6 months ago. Its construction is quite solid and there are no manufacturing defects on the keyboard and keys. When I'm ready to record music, in a couple of years, I'll just get a good digital piano!

I'm real new to all this MIDI stuff! My first keyboard controller in years...I did own an 88 Key Fatar keyboard about 15 years ago and it had fully weighted keys. This keyboard is superb as regards the weighting of the keys, not too heavy and not too light. All I've played around with for years is my 42"upright piano so I was anxious as to how the keys would feel on this keyboard. I'm very relieved. Plus, the keys are so well engineered; they are pretty quiet and without clickety-clacking. I wanted this narrow width keyboard just to learn piano without all kinds of fancy drums, pads etc. So it slides a bit on the usual X-leg keyboard stands. So I close my piano keyboard lid, spread a folded sheet on it, and put this keyboard on that, with my laptop in Tablet mode on the sheet music rest! The space there is tight so I got a right angle USB B to A cable. The velocity sensitivity is very good. Nothing more I can say right now, except I'm quite delighted with it. At first it would not work, and the tech from M-Audio found that my McAfee antivirus was blocking the MIDI function. Weird. Now it is fine.

The keystation 61 is a nice addition to my home studio. I needed something as small as possible but big enough for two-hand playing. (For me less than 61 is too limiting.) I wanted transport buttons for convenience when recording, but have other control surfaces so didn't want the size/weight that would be added by having faders/knobs/drum pads. I like the semi-weighted keys, which seem to be rare on smaller keyboards.

I like the feel of the keyboard. I notice that it has slightly less dynamic range than other keyboards I've used. What I mean is -- it tends to play full volume with less physical force, and I don't feel there is as much detail/control when I'm playing softly. (That is, nuances between p/pp are harder to achive on this keyboard.) I think the keyboard would benefit from having a choice of velocity curves, although I can use my DAW to adjust the velocity response if needed. I expect to adjust my playing to get the most out of it. It'll work well for most things I do, but maybe not perfect for when I want the most detailed expressive response.

So basically -- a good, comfortable and playable keyboard but not a great one from the performing point of view, a good buy for the money, and a Goldilocks selection of size/features for me -- that is, just the right balance of small size, large enough keyboard, most needed controls but no more than that.

I use one of these as a midi controller to control a Yamaha Motif ES8 Rack and it works great. I programmed 16 of my most used sounds in the Yamaha to the 16 midi channels on the M-Audio so that I have 16 sounds in front of me at the touch of a button.

These keys feel awesome. I love pressing them even when keyboard not turned on. If you are looking for keys that feel solid this is it. DOES NOT FEEL LIKE FLIMSY PLASTIC like many other smaller, affordable midi keyboards. Great semi-weighted keys that feel solid. I make Hip-Hop instrumentation with it and it is a lot of fun. I've had mine for a couple weeks now and has let me do a lot more with internal software patches which in turn has improved my game.

After 2 years it starts to send random midi control message.I disconnected pitch wheel and modwheel cable from motherboard,and does not help at all. -

I"ve been building a virtual pipe organ. Bought one of these to use for the Great manual (from another source) and was very pleased with it, so I bought a second one to use for the Swell manual. They run Hauptwerk very efficiently.

Pretty good controller..I have the MK2 . I like the MK3 better. Good feel. I don't use it with a computer so I can't say how it interacts with any DAW. but it works pretty good with my Akai MPC X. Someone mentioned you can't use it as a stand alone..not true..read the instructions it'll tell you how to set it up. You will need to use a power plug ..not a usb plug to power the unit.. go into advanced mode .. press the black key that says midi out.green lights means midi mode is activated..red lights mean midi mode is not activated....press the white key that says enter.. and it'll now be in standalone midi mode .. no computer needed.. pretty easy set up..with alot more advanced functions.. a lot better than the mk2..

Is this true? It certainly seems to be, and it's bizarre the company/vendors wouldn't make this clear to prospective purchasers. A major design flaw if it is in fact the case - I tried everything in the manual, returned a unit thinking it was faulty, and now am discovering that just may be the way it's built...be aware that this is really just for studio use and is not intuitive.

To the reviewer saying you have to connect to the computer to use the MIDI out... no you don't have to do that, you just have to use an AC adapter to power it when it's not USB powered (just like any other midi controller).

The controller is good for what it is.

WARNING! After receiving this unit I found out that you cannot use the MIDI DIN output as expected to send MIDI to an external synth or device. It has to be connected to a DAW and the MIDI data has to come from the DAW and back into and then out of the keyboard and into the external device. This is a terrible workflow and very confusing. I will be returning this ASAP. Do not get it you plan to use as a standalone MIDI controller.