M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Piano

Muy bueno el teclado

1:01

Arrived in poor -not mint- condition

Not in mint condition as stated has scratches and chipped paint in multiple, front and back has been used many times and not very gently. it was not shipped properly, it was shipped in its original flimsy cardboard container. My cat litter gets put in more secure packaging than this sensitive electronic device!!

Dan Marshall

May 10, 2025

A Good Choice! M-Audio is a 'Go-To' Manufacturer

I have had nothing but good results with M-Audio controllers in the past and this one is the same. This unit doesn't have the 'real keyboard' appearance and stature like the Axioms, but it's well-built and plays/tracks VERY WELL. I'm getting clean midi takes and no double notes...!

I wish it had a MIDI out instead of the USB only out, but for the price (and my budget) - I'm super happy with my decision.

Especially, if you are trying to decide between this controller and a mini sized 25-key controller, then CERTAINLY buy this one!

Every producer has their own work flow, but with mine, if this unit had 24 pads and a bunch of faders and knobs, most likely I would never touch them. Realistically, this is all the controller I will ever need, but I will probably get the Keystation 61 that DOES have the MIDI out.

Best jazzy keyboard

Quality so good i love it and soft

0:07

Logic Pro and user friendly!

Size is great. Fits a slim desk I have in my living room and I can even fit two large speakers and my iMac! I’ve had this for about 3 years now and never had any problems. The keyboard feel is super sleek and sound quality is 10/10. The software I use is Logic Pro and it is a must for me when creating music.

0:23

Sin duda de las mejores opciones ha un precio invatible.

La mejor opción hasta ahora por su precio, lo recomiendo mucho

Satisfecho

Excelente compra, puntualidad en la entrega, todo super bien.

0:08

Lightweight, perfect size for my needs.

I was looking for a medium size keyboard, not so big not so small and this 49 keys has the perfect size for on stage performance.

If I need higher or lower notes I can use the octave buttons or even can use software to assign some keys to play larger chords.

D.K. White

November 16, 2023

Serves It's Purpose For Composing-Recording

As an old school Midi composer getting back into music after a long break, I only bought this MK3 61 Keystation Midi Controller as a necessity when I learned my trusty old Kawai X-D 40 with the 5 Pin Din Midi OUT connection I used since '94 had gone out on me. For me, the "Midi OUT" cable option I could connect to my USB Audio Interface, was THE selling point.

I am personally using this for composing, NO fancy Midi control functions/tweaking.

That said, it serves it's purpose as a Midi Controller with no built-in sounds strictly for recording/composing with whatever loaded software, hosted vst sounds, or synth modules you use. In my opinion, this is NOT at all for musicians looking for authentic key action for practice or live gigs, the keys are just too physically clumsy & noisy for that, even though they're velocity sensitive.

Contrary to some confusing answers I saw in the product's Q&A, there IS an on/off switch, & you CAN use a power adapter as an alternative to USB computer or hub connected power; an eBay search will quickly reveal an appropriate 9v Power Supply Adapter to use with either this MK3 61, or the 88 MK3 Keystation for under $15.00.

I got the compatible M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal to complete the new setup.

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In wanting to use my Keystation solely with my MacBook's (Mojave) Logic Pro X Score Editor for actual note step input on visible staves, the corresponding paper & online MK3 manual is lacking for the proper instruction on how to configure things, along with M-Audio's phone support. So based on my extensive online research, the below guides are to help you save time & tears of frustration towards thinking the keyboard doesn't work.

A. For ALL 'MIDI OUT CABLE' ONLY USERS.

"If you want the MIDI output to act like a traditional USB-to-MIDI interface, engage “MIDI Out” mode by carrying out the following 3 steps:

1. Press the Advanced button to engage Edit Mode.

2. Press the black key representing “MIDI OUT" until the two lights turn from red to green.

3. Click the white key to the left to "Enter", then the Edit Mode will disengage for you to use with a Midi cable only connection.

The keyboard is now able to send data received from the computer via its MIDI OUT jack only to whatever device is connected. In order to use the MIDI output, select your Keystation MIDI Out or the interface it's connected to as the MIDI output device in your sequencer."

B. FOR ALL LOGIC PRO X USERS.

" 1. Go to "Control Surface", "Setup", "New", then "Install".

Now this may seem crazy, but PLEASE trust me on this;

2. On the list, select "MackieDesigns- MackieControl-LogicControl", then click the"ADD" button down below.

3. A device icon will appear; in the "Device" menu, either choose the MK3 for both your "input" and "output", or whatever interface you connected it to. If you use a networked computer setup as I do, choose whatever external sound connection you've hosted on the other computer for your "output", in order to hear the sounds you play as you compose"

Follow the above steps, & like me, you'll be making music with your MK3 in no time!

M-Audio midi keyboard

Somehow, I didn’t send this. This week, the usb port fell inside the case, could you send me a diagram which screws to open the unit up without damaging the unit. If not, I will ruin it. I really like this, it still great, some glue or fastener failed. Thank you.m- audio

Just an excellent product. It has the Fatar keyboard bed. No clickity-clack. I have had about a dozen plus strap-ons since the early eighties. This one is the first sit down I’ve had since then. I just wish, one time some manufacturer could make the stop, play, record buttons work and the bank, prest change work.

I even read the manuals. I've had every major brand and none of them work. I would appreciate a new buyer would include a link that point out what I’m doing wrong. I use Apple OS. Probably that, huh?

Luna Olson

June 30, 2023

Really good for the price

I use the volume fader as a second mod so I can have one control vibrato and another control resonance or something like that.

Jeff Hoogmoed

January 6, 2023

Very pleased with this purchase!

This was a VERY solid purchase for my modest setup.

I'm sure a more professional/accomplished keyboardist may want more, but this is great for my needs.

Something affordable that brings quality

I love the product but I didn’t like the package it came in. It had a big whole in the front of the box. But other than that this product is sounding great and the keys feels great as well. It is also easy to use and it’s not heavy at all. It was very affordable for my home studio I’m building.

0:22

Gregory Harris

June 12, 2022

Seamlessly interfaced with my system, luv the pressure sensitive keys.

Price & Portability is super nice!

I first purchased the M-Audio Hammer 88 (standing in the background), hoping to use this as my "gigging" controller, but it is much too heavy for that; so I went "controller shopping" again. I love and trust the M-Audio brand and decided to try out this Keystation 88 MK3 (owned the 49 key in the past). Very nice! It is way light! Perfect for taking around on gigs, and fits perfectly in the Road Runner Slim 88 keyboard bag as well. I give it 4 out of 5 stars only because of the semi-weighted keys. I wish they were a tad bit more solid - just feels too light and "plastic" in the true sense! But...overall, I really, really do like the board.

Joel Fernandez Rosa

June 7, 2021

Excelente

Muy excelente calidad, M-Audio excelente.

Buen teclado, pero pésimo embalaje.

El controlador llegó en el tiempo indicado, pero el embalaje fue pésimo, la caja llegó rota por varias partes cuando la vi, pensé que el controlador también estaba roto, pero gracias a Dios esta en perfecto estado y funcionando, todas las teclas están bien y sus botones. Deberían mejorar el embalaje, porque lo empaca muy mal y en el camino el teclado podría romperse o dañarse por un golpe.

61 key - works without dedicated power supply, spring action barely-weighted keys

This review is for the Keystation 61 MK3. I purchased it used for $80, and even at that price I feel I've been scammed. M-Audio calling this "semi-weighted" is completely misleading. Each key has an extension spring opposite the fulcrum, and the "weight" is a very tiny piece of metal. The high C key only weighed 27 grams. The key action does not feel any different then a synth action keyboard. Overpriced - should be about half of what it's going for. M-Audio sold good stuff in the past, now I wouldn't trust anything they make as being a quality piece of gear. I would buy something used that actually has true semi-weighted keys, or even hammer action.

I bumped it up to 2 stars just because it is indeed plug-and-play, despite what other reviews say. Works fine as long you don't have an underpowered USB port. My works flawlessly on a old Mac Pro, USB cable only.

Better workstation better results

I wanted to post both workstations ( old and new) next to each other. Shorter depth in keys and overall workstation itself. gives room for more features. Still key weighted. Better component design. Simple to use. Glad I moved up on my simple set up with more punch and less stress on my artist pocket.

Unhappy

I was very surprised that the packaging on this expensive keyboard was done very poorly. This is a gift and I do not feel comfortable giving this to them in this condition. I hope the keyboard works. With the damaged box I am thinking the product is damaged as well..

Exactly what I needed

This keyboard is just about the cheapest 88-key MIDI controller out there, and it serves the purpose exactly as designed. I've had zero experience with these devices previously, so I'm not sure if others out there are more compact, but, as you can see from the picture, it doesn't take up too much space on my DAW desk. The action is somewhere between a real piano and a non-weighted synth keyboard, making it fine for my needs. (I'm a sore excuse for a pianist -- if you are a real pianist with traditional grand piano feel expectations, you should spend more money.) Since it gets its power from the USB connection, you don't have yet another power chord to add to the inevitable technology snake pit. It supposedly comes with downloadable software allowing it to produce lots of great sounds through your computer, none of which I've tried (I have my own software), but know that this thing makes not a sound without that.

jatniel cuevas

October 24, 2020

El producto llegó intacto

Llegó tarde pero es buen producto le doy buena categoría porque el producto es bueno

Oby

June 16, 2020

It gets the job done

Feels solid , good quality. Keys feel great. I use Ableton live 10 I will assign buttons to VSTs , stand alone with a Vst or at least the one I’m using the selector cross is just reading notes , I’ll try later the ones it came with .

0:51

Keys get stuck. Cheap product.

Cheap and poorly made. The keys get stuck and feels really cheap when you play.

0:36