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Alesis Q88 88-Key USB/MIDI Controller

$280.03 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (11)

4 Reviews

Find out who is using Alesis Q88 88-Key

2 community setups

2 wishlisted

24 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Price

$280.03 1 available New

$150.00 2 available Used

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Average Price: $215

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, Alesis Q88 88-Key USB/MIDI Controller is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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88-Note MIDI keyboard with the feel of a full-range piano.

The Alesis Q88 is an 88-note MIDI keyboard that has the extended range of a full-size piano. Equipped with 88 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys, the Q88 provides an excellent feel that conveys all the nuances of your playing. Pitch bend and modulation wheels ensure an expressive performance, plus you can transpose quickly to play in any key. At just 22lb, the compact and portable Q88 is equally at home on stage and in the studio.

EXPRESSION ESSENTIALS
The Q-series USB/MIDI controllers from Alesis are the no-nonsense way to add expressive MIDI control to your production and performance. Each controller features USB-MIDI for easy connection to Mac, PC, iOS devices*, and a traditional MIDI jack for connecting to MIDI sound modules, synthesizers, samplers, and more.

The Q88 works with virtually any music software and MIDI hardware devices. Providing the full piano complement of 88 keys, The Q88 is a sleek controller, at home on stage or in the studio. A full array of essential controls is onboard, including pitch and modulation wheels, octave up and down buttons, and an assignable data slider. The Q88 is the perfect choice for controlling hardware MIDI devices. Compact and portable, the Q88 is the ideal foundation for your road ready rig. The Q88 offers a streamlined layout to maximize your sound and performance options. You can even send Program Changes from the Q88's keys to change programs, patches, and more.

ABLETON ENABLED
The Q88 comes with Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software so you can perform, record and sequence music right out of the box. This customized version of Ableton Live provides a fresh and easy way to create music. You'll get audio recording and production capabilities as well as powerful tools for live performance.

Videos

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Pau Di Blu

Unboxing Alesis Q88 MIDI controller (Test and Playthrough)

Pau Di Blu

Alesis Q88 Keyboard @Namm 2013 with DJkit.tv

djkit®

Alesis Q88 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller available at ICON MUSIC

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Reviews

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PROS

Semi-weighted 88-note keyboard suitable for budget-conscious buyers
Impressively lightweight and portable
Minimalist design, saves desk space
Double-function soft keys add versatility
Sturdy build quality
Excellent pitch and modulation wheels
Intuitive MIDI capabilities

CONS

Key action not as refined, difficult velocity control
Lacks extra knobs and sliders for MIDI control
Chassis may bend if not supported properly on an x-stand
Feel is between a cheap and fake-weighted MIDI keyboard

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alesis Q88 88-Key USB/MIDI Controller.

Features and functionality

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The Alesis Q88 MKII does not produce sound on its own; it requires external software to generate audio via MIDI signals.
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The Alesis Q88 features semi-weighted keys, offering a tactile feel superior to synth-action keyboards, enhancing the playing experience.
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Software and compatibility

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The Q88 MKII is class compliant and doesn't require drivers, making it compatible with various DAWs and virtual instrument hosts without additional installations.
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Although bundled with VIP-3 and iLok License Manager, users suggest using alternative DAWs like Reaper or Cakewalk for a better experience.
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Use cases and applications

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For Windows users, Cakewalk DAW is recommended as a free starting point to work with the Q88 MKII, especially for beginners.
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The Q88 is recommended for those who may not require full control features but want an 88-key range, especially if they might upgrade control options later.
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User experience

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Owners emphasize the importance of downloading a DAW and virtual instruments to fully utilize the Q88 MKII's capabilities, as it’s solely a MIDI controller.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners suggest complementing the Q88 with a Korg NanoKONTROL for additional knobs and faders, enhancing control over soft synths without cluttering the setup.
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Comparisons

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The M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 is mentioned as an alternative in the same price range, highlighting that both are suitable for users looking for basic MIDI functionality.
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Value and pricing

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It is highlighted that the Q88 offers good value for its price range, particularly for those seeking a full 88-key experience without additional built-in sounds.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star

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mach4

1256

almost 4 years ago

Convenient, lightweight, no frills MIDI controller

It's a little unusual to find a semi-weighted 88-note controller these days, but for the budget-conscious buyer who is not as fussed about the key action and is in the market for a simple controller, this is a worthwhile contender. Impressively lightweight (which it probably wouldn't be if the key action was weighted), it's easy to pick up and move around, and does not invade much physical space on your desk Basic controller, no extra knobs or sliders for MIDI, but with some double-function soft keys. Really good for studio use, best handled carefully if used live (eg, if you must use an x-stand, put a solid board across it to prevent the chassis from bending)

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Orchestra

ibizzet

213

over 8 years ago

Works well, but bad feel.

Hopped on the 88-key train a little early and winded up with this. It works very well as a midi keyboard, and it built very sturdily, however it's keys can be hard to control velocity wise. It is somewhere in-between a cheap midi keyboard feel, and a fake-weighted midi keyboard.

Anyone looking for a new midi keyboard, I would recommend to save your money up a little longer and get something nicer such as a Roland A-88, Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88, or an Arturia Keylab 88.

Roles:

Music Producer DJ Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Dubstep Trip hop

sole_technician

140

over 9 years ago

Durable And Functional

Great, durable, functional, and overall fantastic midi controller. The pitch and modulation wheels are amazing, and the 88-key spread makes it ultra useful. Very intuitive midi capability.