I’ve owned the Hammer 88 for two months now (bought new). I think potential buyers should be made aware of an issue. My Hammer 88 is starting to develop that well known “sticky keys” problem that M-Audio controllers are well known for. It wasn’t present until recently. I’ve not experienced a stuck key yet, but all the keys now have that initial sticky click when you press them. I’m hoping it doesn’t get worse, but that sticky click is now present after only two months. It confuses me as this is a hammer action and not a semi or synth action. It’s a completely different action. One of my keys has also developed a rattle within the chassis. Just wanted to share this.
I've had their cheapest 88 key controller - the Keystation 88 (Mk2?) for around 5 months now and have no such issue. I'm thinking of upgrading, however, when I get my holiday bonus next year. I'm struggling with choosing between this, the Casio PX5S, Korg D1, Studiologic SL88 Grand, Doepfer PK88 GH and any other potential candidates because all I want is a great feeling controller
It seems like QC issues. My m-audio Keystation 61 came with a single wonky key, which doesn't bend into place. It seems like a metal tang issue behind the key. It works fine, just looks crooked. And also, the velocity is WAY too high on about 3 keys. But this is a cheaper option
I watched this video last June 2018. I was looking into the M-Audio Hammer 88. You're review sold me on it and I bought one at a discount on Amazon someone had returned. It came with all of the software you mentioned, and I could not be happier with the action. The keyboard is quiet and feels very much like a real piano. If you're on a budget, but don't want to compromise too much, you can't go wrong.
This thing plays like a DREAM. The ONLY thing I wish they would have added was an escapement sensor, because playing fast repeated single notes kinda doesn't work with this keyboard.
Hello Sir, what u mean? I think i buy this.. aaa... My problem is, i have a M-Audio Keystation 88, its ok to play loud, BoogyWoogy or Trancethings. But i hate it to play Classic on the Keystation 88. Now i ask what u mean? i don't want to be disappointed if i buy it. I ask experienced musicians for experience. Is there a better fully weighted midi piano for this price? Thanks in advance.
@@sigimike this is the best fully weighted keyboard for its price. You won’t find a better one. My comment about the escapement was mainly to say that if you want to play repeated, fast notes on a single key, that may be a little more difficult. But apart from that, the keyboard is fantastic and it feels great.
I see potential for lining up Roland Boutique boxes across the top of that thing, and/or a monster fridge magnet poetry set to help with your songwriting.
Great review, very informative. After working 90% with hardware instruments pretty much since day one I have only recently been looking into midi controllers with more interest so this presentation was useful. A lot of brilliant content on this channel, thanks and keep it up.
Sold a keylab 88 and got this about three years ago. I have no regrets. It still feels like it did when I bought it. I have yamaha, korg, roland and kurzweil boards and this has taken more abuse and remained more consistent. Kind of a draw between this and an old Kurzweil K2000. Different actions but both very consistent.
@@MrGotem-gw2pv I have an MX88 and like it a lot. The two feels are different. I think I prefer the MX88 for acoustic piano and the Hammer88 for Rhodes type sounds. The keybed on the M-audio has had fewer issues and a key velocity issue I had on the MX88 went away after jostling it around a bit. There both good. Got the MX because I went to Korg and missed some of the Yamaha sounds. When you think about sound, portability and playability the MX is a great board.
@@eedleate thanks! You have made my decision. I mainly play Rhodes sounds thru midi with a reface cp. Just returned a mx88 today because the high c and a flat keys all did not work. It did sound great though.
14:45 It's not to remind you what you are using, it is to inform the rest of us who are watching. Nike is the worst, you can't go a single day without seeing their logo on someone (myself included).
Good morning ! I have a similar one since 2 years ago but I do not get all the performance it allows. The manual seems little bit complicated to me. Question: how do you raise / lower the halftones across the whole keyboard and restore values to normal? Thank you very much for your valuable contribution.
I know this comes a bit late, but I’m trying to decide between the Yamaha p115 and this M-Audio Hammer 88. The built in sounds of the Yamaha are a bonus, but not critical. I’m looking for the most piano like on the keys. Your opinion?
Had m-audio gear for quite a few years now which includes the evolution range of the past. My current equipment is the prokeys sx, axiom air 25 and the axiom 49 along with the trigger finger pro. One thing I would say about them is how user friendly they are and brilliant for most windows os. When it comes to midi controllers I'd always come back to them.
How did it age? I am a student and on a really tight budget, I'm not planing on buying another one in a year or so. Could you let us know how long did it take before it started going bad?
Funny you mention about the branding on the keyboard as I wouldn't have found this video/ideal keyboard for me had I not seen the branding in another video. Great video. Thanks.
the old keystation pro 88 had more knobs faders and programmable buttons than most people were ever going to use. The action was a bit heavy and noisy but a lot of people really liked it, including myself.
Hey Woody I have a question for you what is your current controller that you’re using that you own. I saw that you had that Roland a 500 pro for a while would you recommend that?
a49 is my go-to controller, just because it takes least space on the desk and it does the job. a500pro keys feel much nicer though and better features of course.
coulda shoulda done that perhaps, on the other hand, i'm not receiving any payment or freebies for producing this video, it's not sponsored, not an ad, no strings attached and therefore no obligations for me to disclose anything. i'm doing this in my own time and not making a cent. i'm open for debate if you feel strongly otherwise and thanks for the suggestion. i think this was an unbiased and fair review, hope you agree.
Yes, Woody-Piano-Shack-incredibly-helpful-guy-giving-of-his-own-time-and-gaining-nothing-from-any-major-dealer!!! I think it’s HIGHLY irresponsible of you NOT to mention this at the start and your failure to do so is probably going to have catastrophic and far reaching repercussions for all of us watching; none of which I can actually think of right now but hey!!!!! It’s going to be catastrophic. Epic. Far reaching. Ongoing. Devastating. Did I mention catastrophic? I can just feel it. 😉
Question. With these Midi controllers you always have to go via the PC for producing sounds, so USB is occupied. But what if you like to add a iPad App that requires Midi control (e.g. interactive piano learning lessons). How can you run both the IPad App (with Midi) and Sound Producing (Midi to PC)? thanks for an answer
Nice, detailed review, covering all the main points I would have wanted to see in a musical instrument review . . . except for the main one. What does it SOUND like?
I have a korg krome 61 key model .but I need 88 keys Synth to practice my piano stuff, can I experience the same weighted action on this midi keyboard ??
LOL I knew you'd ducked out to get a fridge magnet. 😀 After I purchased the moXF6 I realised I missed the hammer action and had a little buyers remorse over not buying the moXF88 which has the GHA keyboard. But as luck would have it, an *_M-Audio Oxygen 88_* came up on ebay a year ago at runout pricing from the Australian distributor for half price. About $450USD. It seem to weigh a ton! Although when I recall the Rhodes ... It's almost identical to the hammer 88 but has shed loads of sliders and knobs and a LED display. The old DIN5 MIDI port is handy as I just plug it into the stacked moXF6 and *_VIOLA!_* best of both worlds! Its' a bit noisy but disappears with the foldback monitor OK. They're cheap and cheerful but I'm happy so far. Cheers
lol right back at you, funny that you could read my mind. yeah, tge oxy88 looks interesting, and i do see them used from time to time. i liked my old oxy49. i too have wondered if a moxf88 could replace both my moxxf61 and any future weighted 88 controller. perhaps so.
I need the mod wheel, etc. Others have mentioned that they couldn 't find a velocity curve they were happy with. What's your take? Myself, I would use it with my Daw most of the time.
mann that's nice but do you know of any 88 controller with wooden keys? I mean if I want to play piano I'd rather have wood keys like a real piano otherwise it's really noticeable...
The Kawai VPC1 is a basically a Kawai grand piano action in a box with USB and MIDI. For feel alone, it's probably the best option out there short of retrofitting MIDI I/O onto a real piano. As you might expect, it's insanely expensive, too. You can sometimes get deals that bundle it with Pianoteq and/or Ivory. It wouldn't check a lot of the items on Woody's list, though, so it's definitely not for everyone. But if *all* you care about is getting the right feel, then this is it.
To me personally, the ultimate weighted action keyboard is Roland RD-1000. I make do with the A-80 and XV88 for now, but when a MINT RD-1000 shows up on eBay, I will make space for it.
My old keystation 61es have sluggish action too. Maybe is a m-audio thing?. But the build quality is very good, even in the low-range controllers. Mine has survived 3 cats and a lot of drops.
Guys, can someone help me out? Why my M-Audio pedal, which I connected to my hammer 88, doesn't work? it has been working working 2 years with another AKAI controller.....
You mentioned the importance of the keys being acoustically sound. That's been a problem I've had with making a UA-cam video. The DSLR that I used to make the recording a lot of times picked up the noise from the keys. So, how do you control that?
or pull all the video/audio recordings onto separate tracks in your DAW, sync them up, and then edit them them in the DAW, export the mixed audio. you can use side-chain compression to automate the process somewhat, but whichever way you cut it, it's a lot of work. and too much to describe in a comment, you'll just have to experiment and learn.
Ohhh, it looks amazing, and for your comments it fells very well. I think it's a very nice option to Be buyed. And for. The starting package I. Think it's a good idea if you can demonstrate them! Good job Woody. Regards from Mexico (the winter it's finish here)
i bought this but am having an insane amount of struggles getting anything to function. every tvideo on it just shows the keyboard, and then *bam* they're magically playing it. nobody goes over how to set it up because it doesn't seem to function properly like a lot of other keyboard. i'm using fl studio 12 and have checked for drivers, checked for software, checked my settings, and nothing. would love some help if you or anybody notices this comment, because it's been a week and i still have yet to be able to play my new keyboard even once, and i'm about to return it if i can't get anything functioning
Only question I have is in what situation would someone use that DC input? It seems the piano only functions when it’s connected to a computer since that’s how you get sound, so I’m just a bit confused about that
if you were connecting it to a synth, to play the piano sounds on a nicer keyboard, then I guess you won't be powered from USB and will need the wall wart.
@@WoodyPianoShack ah I see, thanks! :) mine arrived today and I’m loving messing about with it, really great for classical playing even on garageband default piano sound. The action makes a huge difference
Woody, I would love to see more about the software. I was looking at the Alesis Q88 which does not have weighted keys. I am looking forward to a follow up video. :)
That slider on the top left - I don't think that's assignable and rather a master volume knob for the midi out signal. Dunno. Maybe I got it wrong. I have a Yamaha DGX-640 digital piano that I sometimes hook up to my PC for piano runs when I feel like it. But rarely so. For a studio, I need my knobs and sliders more than the 88 keys. 49 are OK, but 61 is sufficient for a studio environment IMHO.
it just sends a cc message, by default volume, yeah, but assignable in the editing software. trouble is with 88s they take a lot of space in a small studio, hence my preference for weighted 76. but sure, for majority of stuff 61 synth action is fine!
I agreed to return it in same condition... :) I wouldn't recommend that anyway, all that dust, and a lot of work on so many keys and it would probably end up looking terrible.
Please do a video of the included VST sounds with this board! It would be nice to see this compared to the Studiologic SL73 as they are similar priced controllers. Great video 👍
would love to try the studiologics, but sadly not intending to demo the included software, as i have more than enough vsts on my pc right now, sorry, i know I said I would... i think there are other demos out there.
Hmm. Needs an MPC style controller sitting on one side (to add some knobs and pads), and an iPad on the other (for some portable soft synths), and you're off to the races. (OK, maybe an audio interface for the iPad, not just the headphone jack to your amp)
I’ve still got my wonderful Oberheim MC3000 controller which I bought new in 2000. Have had it up for sale recently but no takers. Shame, as it’s an unbeatable piece of kit.
it is better no trust in M-Audio. They don't have a costumer service. If you have any problem better throw the device to trash. Don't waste your time. M-Audio costumer service doesn't exists anymore.
Great video, Woody! I've always liked M-Audio's keyboard controllers, they always feel really nice to mee. But I'm not really a fan of weighted keys though. I'm sticking to my Yamaha DX11 as a master MIDI controller :).
Woody Piano Shack:
Let's go over my requirements one more time.
Me: *oh god no*
Damm wish i could have that many subs😥
I like the sound……
4:13 why do I relate to that so much😅 throwing something in the air then realizing what it's about to land on
Cause you stick at throwing
I’ve owned the Hammer 88 for two months now (bought new). I think potential buyers should be made aware of an issue. My Hammer 88 is starting to develop that well known “sticky keys” problem that M-Audio controllers are well known for. It wasn’t present until recently. I’ve not experienced a stuck key yet, but all the keys now have that initial sticky click when you press them. I’m hoping it doesn’t get worse, but that sticky click is now present after only two months. It confuses me as this is a hammer action and not a semi or synth action. It’s a completely different action. One of my keys has also developed a rattle within the chassis. Just wanted to share this.
I've had their cheapest 88 key controller - the Keystation 88 (Mk2?) for around 5 months now and have no such issue. I'm thinking of upgrading, however, when I get my holiday bonus next year. I'm struggling with choosing between this, the Casio PX5S, Korg D1, Studiologic SL88 Grand, Doepfer PK88 GH and any other potential candidates because all I want is a great feeling controller
Thank you. You saved me a lot of trouble!
It seems like QC issues. My m-audio Keystation 61 came with a single wonky key, which doesn't bend into place. It seems like a metal tang issue behind the key. It works fine, just looks crooked.
And also, the velocity is WAY too high on about 3 keys. But this is a cheaper option
I watched this video last June 2018. I was looking into the M-Audio Hammer 88. You're review sold me on it and I bought one at a discount on Amazon someone had returned. It came with all of the software you mentioned, and I could not be happier with the action. The keyboard is quiet and feels very much like a real piano. If you're on a budget, but don't want to compromise too much, you can't go wrong.
great to hear that james, there are better actions available, but you're hard pushed to find a better at this price :)
I rewound the video to listen to you say "BOOgie WOOgie" like 10 times.... nice review
This thing plays like a DREAM. The ONLY thing I wish they would have added was an escapement sensor, because playing fast repeated single notes kinda doesn't work with this keyboard.
Hello Sir, what u mean? I think i buy this.. aaa... My problem is, i have a M-Audio Keystation 88, its ok to play loud, BoogyWoogy or Trancethings. But i hate it to play Classic on the Keystation 88. Now i ask what u mean? i don't want to be disappointed if i buy it. I ask experienced musicians for experience. Is there a better fully weighted midi piano for this price? Thanks in advance.
@@sigimike this is the best fully weighted keyboard for its price. You won’t find a better one. My comment about the escapement was mainly to say that if you want to play repeated, fast notes on a single key, that may be a little more difficult. But apart from that, the keyboard is fantastic and it feels great.
@@casualintrovert207 Thank you for quick answer. Okay then i order now, Thank you.
Hi Woody, new subscriber here. Love the videos and your enthusiasm for everything you do. Keep up the good work!
welcome onboard! glad you found us :)
The outdoor landscape is like in Siberia in winter! ) The keyboard and review is good. Thank you!
Ive used mine with Studio One Pro for a few years now but just got the Roland Integra 7. I'm excited to go full audio with this thing.
I see potential for lining up Roland Boutique boxes across the top of that thing, and/or a monster fridge magnet poetry set to help with your songwriting.
two great suggestions! i recently threw out a box of fridge poetry. fiddlesticks.
Yeah I got this - piano - wonderful for any musician looking to get the closest feel to a grand piano feel.
Nooo
Great review, very informative. After working 90% with hardware instruments pretty much since day one I have only recently been looking into midi controllers with more interest so this presentation was useful. A lot of brilliant content on this channel, thanks and keep it up.
very kind of you to say so, thanks Jack
Sold a keylab 88 and got this about three years ago. I have no regrets. It still feels like it did when I bought it. I have yamaha, korg, roland and kurzweil boards and this has taken more abuse and remained more consistent. Kind of a draw between this and an old Kurzweil K2000. Different actions but both very consistent.
How would you rate this against a Yamaha mx88’s key feel? I liked the feel of that but 1100 is too much for it. Hoping to get this and use keyscape.
@@MrGotem-gw2pv I have an MX88 and like it a lot. The two feels are different. I think I prefer the MX88 for acoustic piano and the Hammer88 for Rhodes type sounds. The keybed on the M-audio has had fewer issues and a key velocity issue I had on the MX88 went away after jostling it around a bit. There both good. Got the MX because I went to Korg and missed some of the Yamaha sounds. When you think about sound, portability and playability the MX is a great board.
@@eedleate thanks! You have made my decision. I mainly play Rhodes sounds thru midi with a reface cp. Just returned a mx88 today because the high c and a flat keys all did not work. It did sound great though.
14:45 It's not to remind you what you are using, it is to inform the rest of us who are watching. Nike is the worst, you can't go a single day without seeing their logo on someone (myself included).
Good morning ! I have a similar one since 2 years ago but I do not get all the performance it allows. The manual seems little bit complicated to me. Question: how do you raise / lower the halftones across the whole keyboard and restore values to normal? Thank you very much for your valuable contribution.
Are the keys graded ?
I know this comes a bit late, but I’m trying to decide between the Yamaha p115 and this M-Audio Hammer 88. The built in sounds of the Yamaha are a bonus, but not critical. I’m looking for the most piano like on the keys. Your opinion?
zcrubanditz go p115.
the best MIDI keyboard controller review I ever seen....great video!!!
high praise indeed, the bar was already quite low, sadly :D
Had m-audio gear for quite a few years now which includes the evolution range of the past. My current equipment is the prokeys sx, axiom air 25 and the axiom 49 along with the trigger finger pro. One thing I would say about them is how user friendly they are and brilliant for most windows os. When it comes to midi controllers I'd always come back to them.
hey woody, thanks for the helpful video!
does it need the power input or can it just run from the usb?
thanks!
Thanks och tack for the review Woody!
Does M Audio update the drivers of the controllers regularly?
How did it age?
I am a student and on a really tight budget, I'm not planing on buying another one in a year or so. Could you let us know how long did it take before it started going bad?
my was only on loan to me for 2 weeks... no clue.
Funny you mention about the branding on the keyboard as I wouldn't have found this video/ideal keyboard for me had I not seen the branding in another video. Great video. Thanks.
the old keystation pro 88 had more knobs faders and programmable buttons than most people were ever going to use. The action was a bit heavy and noisy but a lot of people really liked it, including myself.
Hey Woody I have a question for you what is your current controller that you’re using that you own. I saw that you had that Roland a 500 pro for a while would you recommend that?
a49 is my go-to controller, just because it takes least space on the desk and it does the job. a500pro keys feel much nicer though and better features of course.
Do you still have your novation Controllers?
yes I use it with Ableton, but didn't find myself using the controller features other than transport controls.
A suggestion: please put the disclaimer about the product being on loan from M-Audio, at the start of the video, not the end. Cheers.
coulda shoulda done that perhaps, on the other hand, i'm not receiving any payment or freebies for producing this video, it's not sponsored, not an ad, no strings attached and therefore no obligations for me to disclose anything. i'm doing this in my own time and not making a cent. i'm open for debate if you feel strongly otherwise and thanks for the suggestion. i think this was an unbiased and fair review, hope you agree.
why do you even give a fuck? surely at the end is better?
Yes, Woody-Piano-Shack-incredibly-helpful-guy-giving-of-his-own-time-and-gaining-nothing-from-any-major-dealer!!!
I think it’s HIGHLY irresponsible of you NOT to mention this at the start and your failure to do so is probably going to have catastrophic and far reaching repercussions for all of us watching; none of which I can actually think of right now but hey!!!!!
It’s going to be catastrophic. Epic. Far reaching. Ongoing. Devastating.
Did I mention catastrophic?
I can just feel it. 😉
12:31 is there a crack in one of the keys (left side, the D)?
No thats not the crack. All the piano has that mark.
It's a great keyboard. But I am an avid Keystation Pro88 user. Love my Pro 88
Thanks for the video.
Do you recommend this keyboard stand? Which model is it?
Thanks
Ok
Thanks for the weather report.
Question. With these Midi controllers you always have to go via the PC for producing sounds, so USB is occupied. But what if you like to add a iPad App that requires Midi control (e.g. interactive piano learning lessons). How can you run both the IPad App (with Midi) and Sound Producing (Midi to PC)? thanks for an answer
Nice, detailed review, covering all the main points I would have wanted to see in a musical instrument review . . . except for the main one. What does it SOUND like?
There is no sound within the keyboard, it is purely a MIDI controller, and NOT a piano or synthesizer.
how do the keys feel? are they slippery plastic?
Is there a way to change the midi channel to e.g. 16 and it stays there or will it always return to 1 ?
i am sure that can be done, check the manual
I have a korg krome 61 key model .but I need 88 keys Synth to practice my piano stuff, can I experience the same weighted action on this midi keyboard ??
LOL I knew you'd ducked out to get a fridge magnet. 😀
After I purchased the moXF6 I realised I missed the hammer action and had a little buyers remorse over not buying the moXF88 which has the GHA keyboard. But as luck would have it, an *_M-Audio Oxygen 88_* came up on ebay a year ago at runout pricing from the Australian distributor for half price. About $450USD. It seem to weigh a ton! Although when I recall the Rhodes ...
It's almost identical to the hammer 88 but has shed loads of sliders and knobs and a LED display. The old DIN5 MIDI port is handy as I just plug it into the stacked moXF6 and *_VIOLA!_* best of both worlds!
Its' a bit noisy but disappears with the foldback monitor OK.
They're cheap and cheerful but I'm happy so far.
Cheers
lol right back at you, funny that you could read my mind. yeah, tge oxy88 looks interesting, and i do see them used from time to time. i liked my old oxy49. i too have wondered if a moxf88 could replace both my moxxf61 and any future weighted 88 controller. perhaps so.
No, keep the moXF6. If you're a B3 organ grinder, high speed percussion fiend or Glissando lad you'll be sorry to be stuck with the moXF8 GHA.
This might be a stupid question... that red wire / rope at the end of the keys... Is it design or does it have a function?
it's red felt, a luxury detail to dampen the key rebound!
@@WoodyPianoShack Thank you!
Do you know any triple pedal units that are compatible with this?
Thanks, great video. I order it now.
excellent video friend. which model is the piano stand? Where can I get it
it's a roland, don't know the name or where you can get one.
What stand do you recommend for this Hanmer 88? I have this exact keyboard.
Can you play it standalone? Or does it need a computer? I'm only curious because of the 9v power plug.
it's powered by usb when connected to PC. and you need to connect it to something, as it has no sounds.
My Kurzweil is showing some age, and I like this a lot. Did the AC adapter come with it?
yes, it did! i would also consider a digital piano, you can get them at similar price point, like yam p45, korg d1.
I need the mod wheel, etc. Others have mentioned that they couldn 't find a velocity curve they were happy with. What's your take? Myself, I would use it with my Daw most of the time.
I'm. interested in the "sluggish" action. Does this mean its heavy action or very spongey?
I think it just meant that the keys come back up a bit slow, meaning it'd be hard to play fast.
HOW ARE YOU GONNA DO A REVIEW AND NOT EVEN PLAY IT BRUH???? I AM HEATED.... THATS AN UNDERSTATEMENT I AM ENRAGED AND FURIOUS HECK YOU..
i'm sorry for your anger, but are you not aware that this keyboard does not produce any sounds?
The silent review…. shhhh
Does this keyboard need a Computer with VSTi instrument or does it come with instruments sounds already?
Requires VSTI's...no onboard sounds
What is the piano stand you are using?
it's a roland, don't know the model number
This is like an unboxing and asmr video all at once 😂😂
seeing him press the keys with the cellophane on made me confused and have a sickly feeling in my belly.
@@5amiam813
𝓔𝔁𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓵𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓦𝓱𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓗𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓪𝓼𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼.
Hello,one question, it have
sensitive keys?
mann that's nice but do you know of any 88 controller with wooden keys? I mean if I want to play piano I'd rather have wood keys like a real piano otherwise it's really noticeable...
studiologic grand is the only one i know of, never tried one, but I'm with you, it surely must be nice
The Kawai VPC1 is a basically a Kawai grand piano action in a box with USB and MIDI. For feel alone, it's probably the best option out there short of retrofitting MIDI I/O onto a real piano. As you might expect, it's insanely expensive, too. You can sometimes get deals that bundle it with Pianoteq and/or Ivory. It wouldn't check a lot of the items on Woody's list, though, so it's definitely not for everyone. But if *all* you care about is getting the right feel, then this is it.
To me personally, the ultimate weighted action keyboard is Roland RD-1000. I make do with the A-80 and XV88 for now, but when a MINT RD-1000 shows up on eBay, I will make space for it.
My old keystation 61es have sluggish action too. Maybe is a m-audio thing?. But the build quality is very good, even in the low-range controllers. Mine has survived 3 cats and a lot of drops.
Can I connect it also to a workstation? For example the Yamaha psr-s970 or something?
Guys, can someone help me out?
Why my M-Audio pedal, which I connected to my hammer 88, doesn't work? it has been working working 2 years with another AKAI controller.....
Thanx, Woody. Weather here in the UK is very cold, too :-)
Nice video! Is it possible to play the MODX6 through this controller just connecting both by a MIDI cable? (I loved you using Notepad ++ 😄)
hi rob, yeah i think so, if hammer has the round midi out connector, the modx has round midi in.
Great video, clear, methodical, engaging and relevant. I wish you'd stop opening the door, though, I can feel the draught from here (England).
haha, i will make note of that feedback!
Deciding between this or saving up for the sl88 grand or vpc1.
Thanks for the review!
You mentioned the importance of the keys being acoustically sound. That's been a problem I've had with making a UA-cam video. The DSLR that I used to make the recording a lot of times picked up the noise from the keys. So, how do you control that?
it's a constant struggle. unless you painstakingly edit the mic track to fade in and out the levels, you just got to live with it.
@@WoodyPianoShack MovieMaker doesn't give much latitude as far as that goes. Do i need to consider something else?
or pull all the video/audio recordings onto separate tracks in your DAW, sync them up, and then edit them them in the DAW, export the mixed audio. you can use side-chain compression to automate the process somewhat, but whichever way you cut it, it's a lot of work. and too much to describe in a comment, you'll just have to experiment and learn.
Do you have any info on how to replace the keys when they break
no, but I hope m-audio can help you.
ua-cam.com/video/JXQrU7NRw34/v-deo.html&ab_channel=GospelProgressionsUniversity
Ohhh, it looks amazing, and for your comments it fells very well. I think it's a very nice option to Be buyed. And for. The starting package I. Think it's a good idea if you can demonstrate them! Good job Woody. Regards from Mexico (the winter it's finish here)
Can I plug a Synth and use it as a controller? I'm new in this MIDI world so my plan is to buy a Korg Minilogue and this M-Audio... is that possible?
if the H88 has midi out and the Korg has midi-in, then yeah it's doable. But why would you want to control the korg with an 88 piano controller?
i bought this but am having an insane amount of struggles getting anything to function. every tvideo on it just shows the keyboard, and then *bam* they're magically playing it. nobody goes over how to set it up because it doesn't seem to function properly like a lot of other keyboard. i'm using fl studio 12 and have checked for drivers, checked for software, checked my settings, and nothing.
would love some help if you or anybody notices this comment, because it's been a week and i still have yet to be able to play my new keyboard even once, and i'm about to return it if i can't get anything functioning
Thanks for the warning about the sharp edges. I hate that, and I'll steer clear of this keyboard.
Only question I have is in what situation would someone use that DC input? It seems the piano only functions when it’s connected to a computer since that’s how you get sound, so I’m just a bit confused about that
if you were connecting it to a synth, to play the piano sounds on a nicer keyboard, then I guess you won't be powered from USB and will need the wall wart.
@@WoodyPianoShack ah I see, thanks! :) mine arrived today and I’m loving messing about with it, really great for classical playing even on garageband default piano sound. The action makes a huge difference
Really good video/review!
Let's hear it, Woody!
It's a controller, it doesn't have any onboard sounds :)
I know, but I still want to hear how it plays.
:) I'm still watching the video. Just got to the bit where he said about the camera failing and that the playing bit is missed off!
Yeah, what a tease! :)
yeah my playing footage was lost, but hope to record something this evening!
Woody, I would love to see more about the software. I was looking at the Alesis Q88 which does not have weighted keys. I am looking forward to a follow up video. :)
i don't think i'll bother with the editor, you can download and read the manual if you are curious about what you can do.
Woody Piano Shack ok :)
That slider on the top left - I don't think that's assignable and rather a master volume knob for the midi out signal. Dunno. Maybe I got it wrong.
I have a Yamaha DGX-640 digital piano that I sometimes hook up to my PC for piano runs when I feel like it. But rarely so. For a studio, I need my knobs and sliders more than the 88 keys. 49 are OK, but 61 is sufficient for a studio environment IMHO.
it just sends a cc message, by default volume, yeah, but assignable in the editing software. trouble is with 88s they take a lot of space in a small studio, hence my preference for weighted 76. but sure, for majority of stuff 61 synth action is fine!
How do I change the midi channel number on this keyboard?
5:50 He walks in, places the cam, walks out and walks in again
You could try giving the edges of the keys a light sanding with 800+ grit paper, then going to 600 if needed.
I agreed to return it in same condition... :) I wouldn't recommend that anyway, all that dust, and a lot of work on so many keys and it would probably end up looking terrible.
This board looks amazing!
Please do a video of the included VST sounds with this board! It would be nice to see this compared to the Studiologic SL73 as they are similar priced controllers. Great video 👍
would love to try the studiologics, but sadly not intending to demo the included software, as i have more than enough vsts on my pc right now, sorry, i know I said I would... i think there are other demos out there.
The Studiologic action is much heavier, but both are nice.
How many piano samples and does it have harpsichord? Thanks
mike, this board has no sounds... just a dumb controller .)
You could lightly file the keys to get rid of the sharp edge.
you could but you shouldn't have to
@WoodyPianoShack It's just an optional idea, Just improvising on the fly.
Hmm. Needs an MPC style controller sitting on one side (to add some knobs and pads), and an iPad on the other (for some portable soft synths), and you're off to the races. (OK, maybe an audio interface for the iPad, not just the headphone jack to your amp)
this is a pretty big piece to lug to the races, get yourself an m-audio oxygen if that's your thing... cheers :)
it is unfortunate that you couldnt show us what it sounds like ! great review anyways :D
thank you, well, it does not have any sounds to play!
Very thorough. Looks a solid controller.
It also looks like Siberia in the UK right about now.
hi alex! yeah, i seen the photos of my family and friends over there. fun for you guys but novelty wore off for me long ago...
I’ve still got my wonderful Oberheim MC3000 controller which I bought new in 2000. Have had it up for sale recently but no takers. Shame, as it’s an unbeatable piece of kit.
Paul Vickers still for sale?
Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII for those extra faders and controllers
Perfect review, mate! Thank you so much.
it is better no trust in M-Audio. They don't have a costumer service. If you have any problem better throw the device to trash. Don't waste your time. M-Audio costumer service doesn't exists anymore.
let me know how the Pro Tools and Hammer-88 Software sounds and works with this?
I saw that you have upgraded you audio setup 2.1 speakers?
it's 2.0, hi-fi stuff!
Great video, Woody! I've always liked M-Audio's keyboard controllers, they always feel really nice to mee. But I'm not really a fan of weighted keys though. I'm sticking to my Yamaha DX11 as a master MIDI controller :).
interesting choice!
lol
It’s not possible to have after touch if it is a hammer action keyboard…..
Great video! I'd have loved to hear it though :)
Your desperation for unboxing easily showed 🤣🤣🤣 However nice video
Still waiting for Komplete S88 MK2 🤙
hi everyone, does anyone know if this keyboard works on Logic 9 without needing to "install" any other programs?
i am trying to use it as a simple controller, to plug it in midi and use it for my virtual instruments VSTs. Please let me know! thanks!
You didn't demonstrate it?
Is this a stand alone keyboard
Looked like a classic Swedish snow covered villa-house block… but you sound British?? Great video..
you nailed it, i'm a brit abroad!
How much is it?
how much?
A bit too heavy to carry to a beach house or on a cruise ship to practice on. yes?? Why do you call it a “controller”?
yes a bit heavy and large to carry around, it doesn't have built-in sounds, hence controller!