Oh, my goodness. I wish I was sitting in your studio with my eyes closed, listening to you play that thing! Your fingers glide over those keys. Sounds like heaven! Love, love, love. Made my morning.
I am buying this baby , thank you M-Audio. I decided to buy this 88 key baby for the scales and chords features over other manufacturers because it helps you with your music theory. Thanks for laying it out honest and simple, I will be making a lot of music with this keyboard.
I really appreciate the honest review. You cover what you think is great, what could be better, and what others do a better job at. This makes it much easier for a beginner like me to pick and choose the right equipment for me. I did manage to snag a focusrite scarlet solo and an M Audio mini. Already built a few songs familiarizing myself with the software!
You're very blessed sir for having that kind of talent... Im also an aspiring singer and song writer but i dont have the capasity to buy all of those quality tools for me to make my songs and record my voice... However, i am happy and blessed watching your vlogs which is very informative and useful to others that have a stuff like yours... You are very blessed sir...
Dang it! finally decided what keyboard im going to get and now I have to reconsider because of this new M Audio. All complaining aside it dose look like a great keyboard and your high quality videos really help to show it off
Love your style. It doesn’t even have to be something I’m particularly interested in. Your conversational style is engaging. Plus you just seem like a genuinely nice dude. Respect ✊
Hi Sanjay I just upgraded my phone to a Moto G 5G ! it's Android 9 and my M-Audio keystation mini 32 just won't work :( any tips...?? anyone had the same problem with other usb keyboards and Android 9 my Korg, Yamaha and Kawai all works find !
I just got the m audio oxygen pro 49 and I love it it’s one of the best midi keyboards I have ever had and great job on reviewing this keyboard man keep up the good work
Was just about to go for the NI S88 ... as a pianist I really value weighted keys and I’m jumping between piano and midi keyboard quite a bit and my current M-Audio 61key has such noisy and hard to play keys. But now this M-Audio Hammer Pro has arrived (can’t find it for sale in the UK though yet) it’s very tempting esp with the faders too. I use Logic and a lot of orchestral sample libraries for media composition so having really touch sensitive keys is useful to get a broad dynamic range. I do use NI but mainly for Kontakt and have watched your video in the S-88. But I’m back to square one as far as making a decision! Thank you for making your brilliant videos. It’s so helpful. Best wishes, Kate (London, UK)
Hey Kate. Glad you enjoy my videos. If you use Kontakt and Komplete Kontrol a lot, then the S88 may be a good choice for you. Just make sure it supports the DAW you're using as well.
Great job M-Audio. I just ordered it. It’s the best keyboard for chords and scales. Do another version with hi end quality M-Audio. I am waiting for it.
@@SanjayC Well, I use my Yamaha clavinova CLP-330. It's work pretty well with Mio Conector in ableton but nothing like this. And I use roli seaboard too.
Managed to score a brand new, still in original box M-Audio hammer for $400 bucks of OfferUp... super excited! Your review was very helpful, thank you Sanjay.
Just perfect. Real good to hear the improvements. God bless. Love and regards from Antonio, Goa, the state of India. Keep on making more videos like these.
Excellent review Sanjay! The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro certainly looks like a digital piano. I love the fact that they have included knobs, faders & 16 drum pads. Its ability to work with most DAWs is amazing. The Arpeggiator, Chord and scale features are awesome. Overall, I think this keyboard is value for money.
Interesting to see the premium approach to this controller. I like how M-Audio is sticking to their roots of bringing quality products at a reasonable price. I do wonder if the market exists for a full-scale controller at this price?
Great video, I’d like take the time and say thank you Sanjay c for making my introduction to music production much easier. If it weren’t for your helpful videos , I don’t think I would be doing music production anymore, Thank you
Thanks for the interesting review. The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro looks good, but it's not quite the cheapest 88-note controller keyboard with weighted action. The Studiologic SL88 Studio is much cheaper in the bare bones format, or slightly cheaper after adding the optional fader unit. Dunno which is the better buy, but they are both economical ways into sequencing or playing VST instruments.
UA-cam was created by guys like Sanjay C. I think I am sure of not buying this keybaord but I watched from beginning to finish....damn, I like ya vids man
Hi Sanjay, thank you for your excellent review. I just bought the Hammer 88 Pro and the EX-P Expression pedal. The EX-P has no effect whatsoever when plugged into the Expression jack, regardless of the polarity switch position. No help at all from m-audio. Wondering if there is an additional driver for the EX-P but can find no info. anywhere. Help greatly appreciated!
Hey Sanjay, nice review! I am glad to see m- audio built a quality keyboard. I really love my native instrument s88 keyboard but I was a bit disappointed of the built quality. Cheers! Keep making those video you love.
I hit like before I heard my DAW though (as is tradition for your videos lol; I just click the button when it starts XD). But there it was, my beloved Bitwig :D Great and extensive review as always!
Your video on the Hammer Pro,was instrumental in my decision to cancel my preorder I had made on the Korg Nautilus(also due in part,to the shipment being continually delayed for the last 6 months.) I've never been capable of relinquishing my love for hardware keyboard workstations entirely....but now...I fell madly in love with this controller & purchased it,along with a monster PC and I am super confident that I made the right choice...thanks for your amazing review!
I have been waiting for this!! I have tried lots of keyboards, and have been with a hammer 88 the last couple years. The downside is that it doesn’t have any other controls. So this is absolutely perfect. Thanks for posting this vid so I know it’s available!
Hi, I have the oxygen pro 61 in my studio and it is impossible to use the knobs inside Reaper. I also tried to create a user preset for my daw but nothing to do. I have time to return it until April 5th and I believe I will. In the meantime I also ordered the hammer 88 pro, but if it has the same problems I believe I will return it too. Also, the start guide is really insufficient to fully exploit all the qualities of the keyboard. It's amazing how those at m-audio thought about making a good product and then don't care about compatibility and creating a decent manual.
Thank you for the review sir. Ironically, I just bought a Keylab 88 MKII, with my decision based mostly on your review from last year. 😁 I do prefer the heavier feel though.
I hope in your next video you also show the dynamic velocity range because that is a selling factor some might be looking. But thanks for this great review
I love M-Audio's keyboards - the only reason I'm not buying this one is because I already bought a Roland A 88 some years ago and am very partial to it: it seems quite similar to the M-Audio 88 in many ways, even the build quality and hammer action, but M-Audio is in a class of its own when it comes to compatibility.
A great review, thank you, Sanjay! (Interestingly your reviews have helped me in several buying decisions so far.) I would love to see the Hammer 88 Pro’s keyboard compared with the Roland FP-30x. I know - apples and oranges, but the price is the same and if I wanted to learn piano and have $800 to spend (and also have an iPad with several pretty good piano modules), this actually becomes a valid comparison.
great review. I had the old (think 15+ years ago M-Audio 88 key "weighted" keyboard...piano players hated it. I am a bit hesitant with m-audio in general now. My Roland Rhodes MK-80 finally died after 30 years (I picked it up for 200 10 years ago). so i need a new weighted controller. Trying to decide on NI, Arturia, M-Audio or Roland's A-88 Since you have the NI, and have now demo'd 3 of them and are classically trained on piano, if you were to come into a studio and had to use one, which would you be happiest to see? Which do you prefer? And why...thanks
I'm loving this thing! I want the S88 MK2, but can't justify $1100.00 for a midi controller for hobbyist. I really wish Novation made an SL88 MK3. The LCD readout really is a smart design and hence why the NI S88 really stands out! Knowing what the knobs do without looking up at screen is wonderful!
Hello SC, nice review, as always. 4:36 : Studio one DAW mode does not work for me either (SO 5.2-Win10-64). Transport buttons dead. Customer service doesn't care to answer my questions...
In Studio One - try both Mackie HUI and Mackie Control when you set it up. Only one of those work. And I think I had to create another setting just for the keyboard. But it worked in the end. (I"m on Mac though)
❤️Thank you for the review! But I have some questions. 1.can I actually half pedal just like an acoustic piano can, using a damper pedal with M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro ? Does it support half pedal damper? 2. And can I connect the 3 pedals/the soft pedal (or una corda), the sostenuto pedal, and the sustaining pedal (or damper pedal) all at once, does it have inputs for all of them at once? Thanks.
I actually prefer the original. The only reason I got interested in an 88-Key keyboard is because I wanted to get the most realistic piano feel and look. It's simple and while not a piano; let's me focus on playing. This pro version is great if you wanted a NI alternative and you wanted the bells. and whistles. I specifically got mine because it is plain and simple.
@@SanjayC Correct me If I am wrong. I have the feeling that the black keys are more light than the white keys. I find that the white keys are perfectly weighted but the black keys are too light.
Thank you for a nice review, when you said that the keybed is a little lighter i need to check this one out because i have a very old Roland MKB-300 which keybed is between a full 88 keybed and a semi weight keybed.
Has anybody ever thought about combining all these features in a digital piano as well? I'm searching for a digital piano / midi controller with all these knobs, faders, pitch bend and mod wheel, but which also comes with built-in sounds. Does something like that even exist? If so what do you guys recommend? Thank you
It's a little pricey, but the *Roland RD 2000* is a pretty advanced piano. It has faders, as well as pitch & mod wheels. I don't think it has internal percussion nor finger tapping pads.
Thank you so much for your great reviews! I'm just getting back into music and it turns out I have a *lot* to learn before I start! You've given me *so much* information! *Question:* When electronic keyboards (or keyboard midi controllers) transpose keys, do they transpose them correctly? In other words, do they retain the same relative scale tuning as the original key or do they map the new scale tuning to what an actual piano's tuning would be? C minor and A minor sound different to the human ear because the *relative* tuning of the notes in the scale differ slightly.
Man i wish i had your knowledge of video production, the clips are just super gorgeous! And your room/apartment must be a nice inspiring place to play and practice to haha, look awesome
For half the price of the M-Audio you can get the very excellent 88 key weighted hammer action Studiologic SL88 Studio. Admittedly it doesn't have the bells and whistles associated with DAW integration but if you want a quality feel hammer action midi controller keyboard on a very tight budget the Studiologic is a great choice. 💥 🔥 👏
Great Review, thank you. I will tell you where you win now though, is technically. Your resolution, means I can make full use of the up to 8x zoom feature of youtube, they just dropped on us (dunno if maybe it was only on ‘premium’ before?). I was looking at a res the other day, of a software synth review, and it was around 680 or so, and couldn’t be upped using the YT ‘settings’. This may be the idea of course, to push content creators to up the quality. Anyway, the pro has its emphasis on piano proper, it seems. The other M-Audio might not be in the shade though, they could be better if you mainly play synth-sounds? Horses for courses, up to a point, but once you plump for one or the other - I see from the backdrop behind that you avoided making a singular decision! - you’ll play around any characteristics you meet. Thanks again, take care all. Music, not war.
I had an M-Audio hammer action keyboard years back. Eventually saved up and replaced it with a Yamaha. I'm not tempted to try an M-Audio again, despite the cheap price.
Same, Keystation 88 Pro. Build quality wasn't that great, and the action was weird - all fully-weighted keyboards I've tried, no matter how good, have a bit of a "click" to the action at the beginning, but its click was especially heavy. Annoying, but decent enough as a cheap late-night practice piano, I guess. Hopefully the Hammer 88 Pro is better, seeing as it costs twice as much.
Ended up returning the arturia after finding the keys too heavey. Definitely enjoying the m-audio more. They seem to have hit a sweet spot. Although I miss the slimmer profile, laptop stand, and aesthetics from the arturia.
@@ehsankabirirahani9733 we are using these on stage, so we just have a separate stand for the iPad we are using to drive them. And we use whatever speakers are installed in the venue.
I was very happy with M-Audio Axiom Pro (all until traded it in to local GC to clean up desk for new synth. Week after it was sold) if I ever get 88 hammer action, it will be likely Arturia (for V Collection integration .... and wood :)
Hi Sanjay, do you happen to know the difference in the keys weight/feel between Roland FP-30, Yamaha CLP 700 series and this M-Audio 88 Pro? I have the FP-30, but the keys are too heavy and "bounce" back up too slowly. The CLP 700 series have pretty much identical keys to a real Grand piano and I absolutely loved them when I tested them in a showroom, but they cost $3000-4000. Does the M-Audio 88 Pro at least have better (faster keys) and more realistic feel than the FP-30?
Hey Sanjay, just stumbled across your channel and so impressed by the quality of your videos and presentation. The new M-Audio looks fantastic, but what I'm trying to do at the moment is find a new controller keyboard which also has internal sounds/speakers. Do you know if anything like that exists?! Ideally something which also has controller wheels & aftertouch. Cheers, Neil
If you're looking for a DAW controller with speakers, I don't know of any. But if you just need to play software instruments, you should be fine with anything with a USB MIDI port (many digital pianos these days)
@@SanjayC Thanks for your reply Sanjay. Maybe someday one of the manufacturers will make one! I find when I'm in the studio I want to quickly check an idea on the keyboard or check tuning etc. Having something with speakers is just the quickest way (rather than wiring it to a VST etc). I'm trying to find a keyboard that can bring all these things together.
Am I old news here still using Sonar Platinum? I never hear anyone talk about that one. haha I love it! I wanted to start learning another DAW, but I've been told by many that if Sonar does exactly what I want, then why bother.
What about Poly Aftertouch? Do you ever find yourself wishing you could make just one note turn outright unruly, like Vangelis would often do? Or is it really just as easy to go back and record the lead part on a separate track? Poly Aftertouch is what makes me keep waiting before buying an 88-key controller. Hydrasynth, maybe? (I know the Hydrasynth isn't 88 keys, but it's probably as close to the cs80 as I'll ever see)
One review I saw from Guitar Center said he had notes getting stuck or something randomly, so after research and troubleshooting, he ordered another one and had the same problem…………anyone else experience this?
I tried the the keyboard today and the action is very nice. In the same way that Kawai VPC1 is nice. I can’t speak to the velocity curves or black/white key balance. I own Studiologic SL88 Grand and it’s a controller to drive people around you nuts. Hammer 88 Pro on the other hand, has a very quite action. I hear it’s a Medeli K6S keybed so you can look for alternative boards that use it. I personally did not find the keyboard to be premium looking, but oh that action.
You are essentially buying a CONTROLLER that controls things like software that has sounds. It is not a DIGITAL keyboard/arranger/workstation where they DO have internal sounds.
Hey Sanjai, why is it, do you think, that they still aren't adding motorized faders to all this midi controllers? I might just get the Behringer X-Touch or maybe jump straight into the SSL UF8. . . . . I want it for my automations. . . and also, just to fancy some animated fader during my channel browsing. . . . i don't really need it, its just an infatuation I suppose.
I AM FURIOUS THAT THIS IS NOT THE STANDARD. it is such a let down that THIS is not a main consideration, for any person who us composing and automating orchestral (even synths/wat ever else) instruments getting a real trackable physical way to interact with tracks is such a huge move foward.
@@beenmicrophone5817 i would bet in this new MIDI 2.0 ..... it will certainly bring more hardware to the DAW.... I want those faders (orchestral I use some knobs and pedals.... and then in post, I draw it..... I really don't need the mechanical faders but, I must have them!! ) I will go for the X-Touch and if I like it... then jump to the SSL. 👍
@@SanjayC The keyboard is great. Really M-Audio has covered everything in this. But my dream 88 key keyboard would be S88 by Native Instruments. I just love that. But this one is great too and I am having a little confusion about which to buy. What would be your opinion ??
We used to have an m-audio oxygen ‘graveyard’ in college filled with their 25 key synth keyboards. Can anyone confirm that this model is more dependable?
No mention of my DAW Cakewalk. Been using Cakewalk since MSDOS...
Cakewalk is awesome!!!
Oh, my goodness. I wish I was sitting in your studio with my eyes closed, listening to you play that thing! Your fingers glide over those keys. Sounds like heaven! Love, love, love. Made my morning.
Wow, thank you!
Glad to be here early . I never get tired of hearing your calm voice explaining everything in detail . Like a knowledgeable sage .
So nice of you! :-)
I am buying this baby , thank you M-Audio. I decided to buy this 88 key baby for the scales and chords features over other manufacturers because it helps you with your music theory. Thanks for laying it out honest and simple, I will be making a lot of music with this keyboard.
More than a year later anything you want to mention to someone thinking of buying one.
I really appreciate the honest review. You cover what you think is great, what could be better, and what others do a better job at. This makes it much easier for a beginner like me to pick and choose the right equipment for me. I did manage to snag a focusrite scarlet solo and an M Audio mini. Already built a few songs familiarizing myself with the software!
I'm so glad you liked the video. Glad to hear you're already making music with your keyboard and the Scarlett.
You're very blessed sir for having that kind of talent... Im also an aspiring singer and song writer but i dont have the capasity to buy all of those quality tools for me to make my songs and record my voice... However, i am happy and blessed watching your vlogs which is very informative and useful to others that have a stuff like yours...
You are very blessed sir...
Thank you, Jay. So kind of you to say that
Thanks so much for the demo. I had a hard time finding demos with pianists using a range of dynamics. I’m sold on this, thanks.
Dang it! finally decided what keyboard im going to get and now I have to reconsider because of this new M Audio. All complaining aside it dose look like a great keyboard and your high quality videos really help to show it off
Thank you, Future Sounds! If you're looking to save some money, this is a good keyboard to consider
You are the best Sanjay on UA-cam. Definitely better than other Sanjays I've seen before.
Sounds like you hate a certain sanjay
Love your style. It doesn’t even have to be something I’m particularly interested in. Your conversational style is engaging. Plus you just seem like a genuinely nice dude. Respect ✊
Hi Sanjay
I just upgraded my phone to a Moto G 5G ! it's Android 9 and my M-Audio keystation mini 32 just won't work :(
any tips...?? anyone had the same problem with other usb keyboards and Android 9
my Korg, Yamaha and Kawai all works find !
I wish I knew...I don't have an Android :-(
I'd help you...but I'm too broke to afford a midi keyboard I'm using fl mobile cause again too broke 🤣🤣
Maybe the Moto G doesn't supply enough power? Try finding an otg adapter that can use a power supply maybe. What was your previous phone?
What DAW are you using.
@@crisbowman trying to run the Synthesia App...
I just got the m audio oxygen pro 49 and I love it it’s one of the best midi keyboards I have ever had and great job on reviewing this keyboard man keep up the good work
Hey thanks so much. And congrats on the new keyboard!
@@SanjayC thank you so much I’m using it for looping videos can’t wait
I love the music you make! And wow, the way you play- those hands 🙌🏾💋 The music background to this video is just sooo dreamy!😍
My wife is my inspiration!
@@SanjayC who may that be??
@@aarushlal3702 😂😂
lmao
@@lanmichaelmix2818 😅
That looks pretty cool. I’m most interested in the hammered touch. But the other knobs and buttons look useful too.
They are...you should check out the others in the Oxygen Pro line
Was just about to go for the NI S88 ... as a pianist I really value weighted keys and I’m jumping between piano and midi keyboard quite a bit and my current M-Audio 61key has such noisy and hard to play keys. But now this M-Audio Hammer Pro has arrived (can’t find it for sale in the UK though yet) it’s very tempting esp with the faders too. I use Logic and a lot of orchestral sample libraries for media composition so having really touch sensitive keys is useful to get a broad dynamic range. I do use NI but mainly for Kontakt and have watched your video in the S-88. But I’m back to square one as far as making a decision!
Thank you for making your brilliant videos. It’s so helpful.
Best wishes, Kate (London, UK)
Hey Kate. Glad you enjoy my videos. If you use Kontakt and Komplete Kontrol a lot, then the S88 may be a good choice for you. Just make sure it supports the DAW you're using as well.
What an amazing review Sanjay!!
Thank you, Pradeep
Great job M-Audio. I just ordered it. It’s the best keyboard for chords and scales. Do another version with hi end quality M-Audio. I am waiting for it.
How are your keys after 9 months?
I think it's been a while since you did a keyboard review. This was fantastic. Unfortunately, I was late because I was birthday shopping.
Hey Andrew....thanks for coming! :-)
M-Audio sounds great, but I have just had my NI KK S88 and I'm so happy with it!
Sanjay. You are THE GURU of Music!!! It feels as if I'm sitting on my favorite classroom (over 30 years ago)!!! It's so delightful!
Welcome to the Sanjay C classroom! Thanks so much! You're too kind.
WoW!!!!! It's looks absolutely awesome!! I wish I had space enough. Thanks for the video, great as always!!!
Yeah, its VERY nice. What keyboard are you using now?
@@SanjayC Well, I use my Yamaha clavinova CLP-330. It's work pretty well with Mio Conector in ableton but nothing like this. And I use roli seaboard too.
Love your piano playing! Studio is coming along amazingly!
Yeah, man...but I need some assistance making the videos look better. i kinda look like I have a tan!
Managed to score a brand new, still in original box M-Audio hammer for $400 bucks of OfferUp... super excited! Your review was very helpful, thank you Sanjay.
Glad you got a great deal!
Been watching the channel for awhile. Love how easy you make decisions with your in depth guides! thank you!!!
Thank you John H!
Just perfect. Real good to hear the improvements. God bless. Love and regards from Antonio, Goa, the state of India. Keep on making more videos like these.
Just One Thing WoW ♥️
😊
Excellent review Sanjay! The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro certainly looks like a digital piano. I love the fact that they have included knobs, faders & 16 drum pads. Its ability to work with most DAWs is amazing. The Arpeggiator, Chord and scale features are awesome. Overall, I think this keyboard is value for money.
Yeah, I completely agree. Great value for sure.
Interesting to see the premium approach to this controller. I like how M-Audio is sticking to their roots of bringing quality products at a reasonable price. I do wonder if the market exists for a full-scale controller at this price?
Yeah, they've done a great job with this keyboard for sure.
Great video, I’d like take the time and say thank you Sanjay c for making my introduction to music production much easier. If it weren’t for your helpful videos , I don’t think I would be doing music production anymore, Thank you
You are too kind. It makes me happy that I've been a part of your music journey.
You deserve 1 million subs Sanjay. Keep it up😍👏
Thanks for the interesting review. The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro looks good, but it's not quite the cheapest 88-note controller keyboard with weighted action. The Studiologic SL88 Studio is much cheaper in the bare bones format, or slightly cheaper after adding the optional fader unit. Dunno which is the better buy, but they are both economical ways into sequencing or playing VST instruments.
UA-cam was created by guys like Sanjay C. I think I am sure of not buying this keybaord but I watched from beginning to finish....damn, I like ya vids man
That's so nice of you
Hi Sanjay, thank you for your excellent review. I just bought the Hammer 88 Pro and the EX-P Expression pedal. The EX-P has no effect whatsoever when plugged into the Expression jack, regardless of the polarity switch position. No help at all from m-audio. Wondering if there is an additional driver for the EX-P but can find no info. anywhere. Help greatly appreciated!
Hey Sanjay, nice review! I am glad to see m- audio built a quality keyboard. I really love my native instrument s88 keyboard but I was a bit disappointed of the built quality. Cheers! Keep making those video you love.
MTMYL my friend! High Build quality is harder and harder to come by.
I hit like before I heard my DAW though (as is tradition for your videos lol; I just click the button when it starts XD). But there it was, my beloved Bitwig :D Great and extensive review as always!
LOL! Thanks for the pre-like! :-D
Im in love with that one 💯💯
Haha...yeah its great
Your video on the Hammer Pro,was instrumental in my decision to cancel my preorder I had made on the Korg Nautilus(also due in part,to the shipment being continually delayed for the last 6 months.) I've never been capable of relinquishing my love for hardware keyboard workstations entirely....but now...I fell madly in love with this controller & purchased it,along with a monster PC and I am super confident that I made the right choice...thanks for your amazing review!
Your videos are comforting
I have been waiting for this!! I have tried lots of keyboards, and have been with a hammer 88 the last couple years. The downside is that it doesn’t have any other controls. So this is absolutely perfect. Thanks for posting this vid so I know it’s available!
Hi, I have the oxygen pro 61 in my studio and it is impossible to use the knobs inside Reaper. I also tried to create a user preset for my daw but nothing to do. I have time to return it until April 5th and I believe I will. In the meantime I also ordered the hammer 88 pro, but if it has the same problems I believe I will return it too. Also, the start guide is really insufficient to fully exploit all the qualities of the keyboard. It's amazing how those at m-audio thought about making a good product and then don't care about compatibility and creating a decent manual.
Thank you for the review sir. Ironically, I just bought a Keylab 88 MKII, with my decision based mostly on your review from last year. 😁 I do prefer the heavier feel though.
I'm sure you're loving the keyboard and Analog Lab!!!
Very nice video and polite reviewer. Good job.
Sounds amazing!
And that's with the included piano plugin!
I hope in your next video you also show the dynamic velocity range because that is a selling factor some might be looking. But thanks for this great review
I love M-Audio's keyboards - the only reason I'm not buying this one is because I already bought a Roland A 88 some years ago and am very partial to it: it seems quite similar to the M-Audio 88 in many ways, even the build quality and hammer action, but M-Audio is in a class of its own when it comes to compatibility.
best reviews on UA-cam no question🙌🏾
Thank you Ron Sparkes!
A great review, thank you, Sanjay! (Interestingly your reviews have helped me in several buying decisions so far.)
I would love to see the Hammer 88 Pro’s keyboard compared with the Roland FP-30x. I know - apples and oranges, but the price is the same and if I wanted to learn piano and have $800 to spend (and also have an iPad with several pretty good piano modules), this actually becomes a valid comparison.
I want to know as well about the key differences.
great review. I had the old (think 15+ years ago M-Audio 88 key "weighted" keyboard...piano players hated it. I am a bit hesitant with m-audio in general now.
My Roland Rhodes MK-80 finally died after 30 years (I picked it up for 200 10 years ago). so i need a new weighted controller. Trying to decide on NI, Arturia, M-Audio or Roland's A-88
Since you have the NI, and have now demo'd 3 of them and are classically trained on piano, if you were to come into a studio and had to use one, which would you be happiest to see? Which do you prefer? And why...thanks
I'm loving this thing! I want the S88 MK2, but can't justify $1100.00 for a midi controller for hobbyist. I really wish Novation made an SL88 MK3. The LCD readout really is a smart design and hence why the NI S88 really stands out! Knowing what the knobs do without looking up at screen is wonderful!
Hello SC, nice review, as always. 4:36 : Studio one DAW mode does not work for me either (SO 5.2-Win10-64). Transport buttons dead. Customer service doesn't care to answer my questions...
In Studio One - try both Mackie HUI and Mackie Control when you set it up. Only one of those work. And I think I had to create another setting just for the keyboard. But it worked in the end. (I"m on Mac though)
❤️Thank you for the review! But I have some questions. 1.can I actually half pedal just like an acoustic piano can, using a damper pedal with M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro ? Does it support half pedal damper?
2. And can I connect the 3 pedals/the soft pedal (or una corda), the sostenuto pedal, and the sustaining pedal (or damper pedal) all at once, does it have inputs for all of them at once? Thanks.
Why does Cakewalk never get love by MIDI controller manufacturers? :'(
I actually prefer the original. The only reason I got interested in an 88-Key keyboard is because I wanted to get the most realistic piano feel and look. It's simple and while not a piano; let's me focus on playing. This pro version is great if you wanted a NI alternative and you wanted the bells. and whistles. I specifically got mine because it is plain and simple.
I was looking forward for this excitement of you. I think this is the ONE for me!
Awesome. Hope you enjoy it!
@@SanjayC Correct me If I am wrong. I have the feeling that the black keys are more light than the white keys. I find that the white keys are perfectly weighted but the black keys are too light.
OMG!!!!!! I LOVE THIS KEYBOARD ALREADY
Thank you for a nice review, when you said that the keybed is a little lighter i need to check this one out because i have a very old Roland MKB-300 which keybed is between a full 88 keybed and a semi weight keybed.
Has anybody ever thought about combining all these features in a digital piano as well? I'm searching for a digital piano / midi controller with all these knobs, faders, pitch bend and mod wheel, but which also comes with built-in sounds. Does something like that even exist? If so what do you guys recommend? Thank you
Yessir! Look at the Casio Privia Px-5S. Excely board for a criminally low price...all the features you'd ever want or need.
It's a little pricey, but the *Roland RD 2000* is a pretty advanced piano. It has faders, as well as pitch & mod wheels. I don't think it has internal percussion nor finger tapping pads.
@@AlexFlavell
Casio has really stepped up their game over the past few years.
@@lloydtucker5647 Yeah, it doesn't have the pads. It seems like there's no such thing I need with internal sounds, which I find pretty odd
Wow so much information in just a few minutes this is cool , i like it
Omg I want! I currently use M Audio Keystation pro 88 ... I love it it's like 300 lbs but hey its metal and wood.Excited about the fully waited keys.
Gotta get it!
I encourage you to try the Kawai VPC1 (I own it.) Makes all other key-beds feel like toys (a lot more expensive though.) Love your tutorials!
Sure, I'll give it a try! Thanks for the suggestion!
Thank you. Great review!
Thanks
Do you need to plug it into a computer to use the keyboard?
I've been scouring the internet for a while trying to figure out the right controller for me and I think this may finally be the one!
I’m glad I know where my Stimulus Check will be going. Lol 🎹
hahaha!
to grammarly?😜☺️
@@epicstaxis360 wym
How do the keys on the maudio 88 pro compare to the maudio 88, are they the same?
Thank you so much for your great reviews! I'm just getting back into music and it turns out I have a *lot* to learn before I start! You've given me *so much* information!
*Question:* When electronic keyboards (or keyboard midi controllers) transpose keys, do they transpose them correctly? In other words, do they retain the same relative scale tuning as the original key or do they map the new scale tuning to what an actual piano's tuning would be? C minor and A minor sound different to the human ear because the *relative* tuning of the notes in the scale differ slightly.
Man i wish i had your knowledge of video production, the clips are just super gorgeous! And your room/apartment must be a nice inspiring place to play and practice to haha, look awesome
Great video as always...lovely keyboard
Thank you kindly!
Love your keyboard background!
Thank you!!
For half the price of the M-Audio you can get the very excellent 88 key weighted hammer action Studiologic SL88 Studio. Admittedly it doesn't have the bells and whistles associated with DAW integration but if you want a quality feel hammer action midi controller keyboard on a very tight budget the Studiologic is a great choice. 💥 🔥 👏
I really want to try the Studiologic
Great Review, thank you. I will tell you where you win now though, is technically. Your resolution, means I can make full use of the up to 8x zoom feature of youtube, they just dropped on us (dunno if maybe it was only on ‘premium’ before?). I was looking at a res the other day, of a software synth review, and it was around 680 or so, and couldn’t be upped using the YT ‘settings’. This may be the idea of course, to push content creators to up the quality. Anyway, the pro has its emphasis on piano proper, it seems. The other M-Audio might not be in the shade though, they could be better if you mainly play synth-sounds? Horses for courses, up to a point, but once you plump for one or the other - I see from the backdrop behind that you avoided making a singular decision! - you’ll play around any characteristics you meet. Thanks again, take care all. Music, not war.
Thanks Sanjay. I'm interested in this one but saw on other reviews the keybed mechanical noise is very loud?
I had an M-Audio hammer action keyboard years back. Eventually saved up and replaced it with a Yamaha. I'm not tempted to try an M-Audio again, despite the cheap price.
Same, Keystation 88 Pro. Build quality wasn't that great, and the action was weird - all fully-weighted keyboards I've tried, no matter how good, have a bit of a "click" to the action at the beginning, but its click was especially heavy. Annoying, but decent enough as a cheap late-night practice piano, I guess. Hopefully the Hammer 88 Pro is better, seeing as it costs twice as much.
Ended up returning the arturia after finding the keys too heavey. Definitely enjoying the m-audio more. They seem to have hit a sweet spot. Although I miss the slimmer profile, laptop stand, and aesthetics from the arturia.
I wanna decide between these two. So now where do you put the laptop. Also what type of speaker you suggest?
@@ehsankabirirahani9733 we are using these on stage, so we just have a separate stand for the iPad we are using to drive them. And we use whatever speakers are installed in the venue.
@@CalebOlshefsky sorry for too many question. I jist ordered M Audio Pro. I didnt onow even ipad drives it. What DAW on iPad you use?
Not a daw. An app called Sunday Keys we are suing this in a church context.
*using
I was very happy with M-Audio Axiom Pro (all until traded it in to local GC to clean up desk for new synth. Week after it was sold) if I ever get 88 hammer action, it will be likely Arturia (for V Collection integration .... and wood :)
That's cool
The gameplay is nice. I want to consult whether the keys are good or are there some problems ... and thank you
Hi Sanjay, do you happen to know the difference in the keys weight/feel between Roland FP-30, Yamaha CLP 700 series and this M-Audio 88 Pro? I have the FP-30, but the keys are too heavy and "bounce" back up too slowly. The CLP 700 series have pretty much identical keys to a real Grand piano and I absolutely loved them when I tested them in a showroom, but they cost $3000-4000. Does the M-Audio 88 Pro at least have better (faster keys) and more realistic feel than the FP-30?
Hey Sanjay, just stumbled across your channel and so impressed by the quality of your videos and presentation. The new M-Audio looks fantastic, but what I'm trying to do at the moment is find a new controller keyboard which also has internal sounds/speakers. Do you know if anything like that exists?! Ideally something which also has controller wheels & aftertouch. Cheers, Neil
If you're looking for a DAW controller with speakers, I don't know of any. But if you just need to play software instruments, you should be fine with anything with a USB MIDI port (many digital pianos these days)
@@SanjayC Thanks for your reply Sanjay. Maybe someday one of the manufacturers will make one! I find when I'm in the studio I want to quickly check an idea on the keyboard or check tuning etc. Having something with speakers is just the quickest way (rather than wiring it to a VST etc). I'm trying to find a keyboard that can bring all these things together.
Excellent ! Love it ! You are the best ! Love your music and video and guidance! This helps a lot !!!!!!!!!!!!🤗❤️
Thank you SO much! :-D
Good morning Sanjay! I like your videos very much! Thank you so much! Have a good day God bless you
Thank you, Kenny. So happy you like them.
Nice video Sanjay ..😍😎
I'm here early!! YAAY! Good morning.
Wow...you must like Tuesdays!! :-)
@@SanjayC LOL much better than Mondays!
Same to you!
Am I old news here still using Sonar Platinum? I never hear anyone talk about that one. haha I love it! I wanted to start learning another DAW, but I've been told by many that if Sonar does exactly what I want, then why bother.
Wow...blast from the past!!! Hey, if it works, you're good :-)
Thanks for the review.
Cake Walk? Band labs?
What about Poly Aftertouch? Do you ever find yourself wishing you could make just one note turn outright unruly, like Vangelis would often do? Or is it really just as easy to go back and record the lead part on a separate track? Poly Aftertouch is what makes me keep waiting before buying an 88-key controller. Hydrasynth, maybe? (I know the Hydrasynth isn't 88 keys, but it's probably as close to the cs80 as I'll ever see)
I'm going to have to try that.
One review I saw from Guitar Center said he had notes getting stuck or something randomly, so after research and troubleshooting, he ordered another one and had the same problem…………anyone else experience this?
I tried the the keyboard today and the action is very nice. In the same way that Kawai VPC1 is nice. I can’t speak to the velocity curves or black/white key balance.
I own Studiologic SL88 Grand and it’s a controller to drive people around you nuts. Hammer 88 Pro on the other hand, has a very quite action.
I hear it’s a Medeli K6S keybed so you can look for alternative boards that use it.
I personally did not find the keyboard to be premium looking, but oh that action.
So it doesn’t have a sound of itself? U need to connect it with a preset from your DAW in order for it to play a sound?
Yes
Or to a midi sound module if you need something more immediate.
You are essentially buying a CONTROLLER that controls things like software that has sounds. It is not a DIGITAL keyboard/arranger/workstation where they DO have internal sounds.
Thank you for making this video it’s very helpful.
Awesome review👌
Thanks so much
Hey Sanjai, why is it, do you think, that they still aren't adding motorized faders to all this midi controllers?
I might just get the Behringer X-Touch or maybe jump straight into the SSL UF8. . . . . I want it for my automations. . . and also, just to fancy some animated fader during my channel browsing. . . . i don't really need it, its just an infatuation I suppose.
I AM FURIOUS THAT THIS IS NOT THE STANDARD. it is such a let down that THIS is not a main consideration, for any person who us composing and automating orchestral (even synths/wat ever else) instruments getting a real trackable physical way to interact with tracks is such a huge move foward.
@@beenmicrophone5817 i would bet in this new MIDI 2.0 ..... it will certainly bring more hardware to the DAW....
I want those faders (orchestral I use some knobs and pedals.... and then in post, I draw it..... I really don't need the mechanical faders but, I must have them!! )
I will go for the X-Touch and if I like it... then jump to the SSL. 👍
which one should I buy for my daughters piano learning ?.
#sanjaygang here to support our teacher. Thanks sir for the review
Thanks so much! So glad you came. What do you think of the keyboard?
@@SanjayC The keyboard is great. Really M-Audio has covered everything in this. But my dream 88 key keyboard would be S88 by Native Instruments. I just love that. But this one is great too and I am having a little confusion about which to buy. What would be your opinion ??
Can you please compare the Akai Mpk 261 and the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61? 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Awesome as always ... incredible channel!!
Wow, thanks!
We used to have an m-audio oxygen ‘graveyard’ in college filled with their 25 key synth keyboards. Can anyone confirm that this model is more dependable?
Yup! One of the reasons I don’t think I will ever buy another M-Audio ever again. I simply don’t trust them any more.
Oh wow. Same here. Every product I’ve ever bought from them has just fallen apart for no apparent reason.
@@iAmTheSquidThing Same, my oxygen 49 just died with no reason.
Looking at the wall behind you: instant Juno envy, and is that a CZ-101?
Just saw your new home set up. Beautiful!
What kind of studio desk is that?
Thanks! Here's a video I made about the desk ua-cam.com/video/Opg9p1SwXMs/v-deo.html
Damn! I would definetely buy it, if I didn't have a midi keyboard already.
Yeah, its pretty nice...but if you've got a keyboard that works fine...thats ok too
@@SanjayC may I ask is this better than the Native Inst 88 key? Tnx 🙏
@@corinasechelariu1307 Tnx for the info
@@alexanderdelacruz9249 NI s88? I want that thanggg especially because it comes with kontakt🔥