New Keystation Keyboards From M-Audio

M-Audio_Keystation88At 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.

M-Audio_Keystation49Velocity-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.

M-Audio_KeystationMini32Keystation 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

M-Audio_Keystation61Keystation 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.

5 thoughts on “New Keystation Keyboards From M-Audio

  1. 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.

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