Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $485
Standard/Professional
$200
$501+
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Based on price data from 7 merchants for "M-Audio Hammer 88 MIDI Keyboard Controller". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Experience the tactile elegance of a grand piano with the M-Audio Hammer 88 MIDI Keyboard Controller. Designed for pianists who crave authenticity and precision, this controller marries traditional piano feel with modern digital versatility. With 88 fully-weighted, hammer-action keys, it captures every nuance of your performance, providing the rich, responsive touch of a classic grand piano.
Whether you're performing live or crafting compositions in your studio, the Hammer 88 is equipped to enhance your creativity. Its intuitive design includes pitch and modulation wheels, as well as assignable buttons and a master fader, allowing for dynamic expression and control. The keyboard supports USB-MIDI connectivity, making it compatible with both Mac and PC, and also offers a 5-pin MIDI output for integrating with other devices. For iOS enthusiasts, connect seamlessly using the Apple Camera Connection Kit and bring your music apps into the mix.
Unleash the full potential of your virtual instruments with this robust controller, and enjoy the included premium software suite, which offers a variety of sounds and tools to inspire your musical journey. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an aspiring student, the M-Audio Hammer 88 is your gateway to a new level of expressive performance.
Key Features:
- 88 fully-weighted, hammer-action keys
- USB-MIDI connection for controlling virtual instruments and music software
- 5-Pin MIDI output for external MIDI hardware
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels, volume fader, and assignable +/- controls
- Multiple keyboard zones for layering, splits, and single-key chords
- Inputs for sustain, expression, and soft pedals
- USB-powered with plug-and-play connectivity for Mac/PC
- iOS compatibility via Apple Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
- Included premium software suite, including Ableton Live Lite and AIR instruments
- Music rest included
Product specs
| Type | Keyboard Controller |
| Number of Keys | 88 |
| Type of Keys | Weighted Hammer Action |
| Velocity Sensitive | Yes |
| Other Controllers | Pitchbend, Mod Wheel |
| Zones | 4 |
| Pedal Inputs | 3 x 1/4" (sustain, soft, expression) |
| MIDI I/O | Out |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| Software | Ableton Live Lite (download code), Hammer 88 software editor |
| OS Requirements - Mac | OS X 10.8 or later, iOS (iPad camera connection kit required) |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 7 SP1 or later |
| Power Supply | USB bus powered, 9V DC 800mA power adapter (sold separately) |
| Height | 5.0" |
| Width | 55.9" |
| Depth | 11.9" |
| Weight | 38.5 lbs. |
FAQs
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Does the M-Audio Hammer 88 have weighted keys?
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Yes, the M-Audio Hammer 88 features 88 fully-weighted, hammer-action keys, providing an authentic piano feel ideal for both practice and performance.
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Is the M-Audio Hammer 88 compatible with iOS devices?
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The M-Audio Hammer 88 is compatible with iOS devices using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit, which is sold separately.
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What connectivity options are available on the M-Audio Hammer 88?
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The M-Audio Hammer 88 offers USB-MIDI connectivity for virtual instruments and recording software, as well as a 5-pin MIDI output for external MIDI devices.
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Can the M-Audio Hammer 88 be used without a computer?
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Yes, the M-Audio Hammer 88 can be used in standalone mode with a 9V DC 800mA power adapter, which is sold separately.
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What software is included with the M-Audio Hammer 88?
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The M-Audio Hammer 88 includes Ableton Live Lite, AIR virtual instruments, and a 3-month subscription to Skoove for interactive piano lessons.
Videos
Woody Piano Shack
M-AUDIO HAMMER 88 unboxing and review
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional hammer action mimics a grand piano, ideal for trained pianists.
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Solid construction, described as "built like a tank".
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Minimalistic design with essential controls only, avoiding unnecessary clutter.
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Quiet key operation, suitable for late-night playing.
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Affordable price for the quality and features offered.
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Plug-and-play functionality with no complicated setup required.
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Heavy, weighted keys enhance the realistic piano feel.
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Versatile software compatibility, including Reason Studio and ProTools.
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Three pedal inputs allow for expanded control options.
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Simple design with USB power, requiring no additional power supply.
CONS
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Some users report keys not triggering sound if not hit properly.
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Issues with the USB jack looseness, resolved by replacing the cable.
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No built-in sounds; requires computer software for use.
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Some reports of keys becoming non-functional over time.
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Heavy weight makes it less portable for gigging musicians.
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about M-Audio Hammer 88 MIDI Keyboard Controller.
Features and functionality
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Users report that the Hammer 88 Pro can unexpectedly enter chord mode and shift octaves without input, indicating a potential firmware or hardware flaw.
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The Hammer 88 Pro automatically maps to certain DAWs, providing a seamless integration experience for users.
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The Hammer 88 Pro's inclusion of aftertouch and drum pads is highlighted as a key advantage for users interested in both piano and music production.
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Setup and maintenance
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Some owners resolved erratic MIDI behavior by switching from USB 3.1 power to a dedicated power supply, suggesting a possible power issue.
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Build quality
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The use of a cheap LCD screen in the Hammer 88 Pro reportedly leads to burn-in issues, which the company attempted to mitigate with a distracting firmware update.
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The keybed is noted for requiring significant initial force, impacting dynamic playability by necessitating constant forceful key presses.
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User experience
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A firmware update inadvertently added an unwanted "Vegas mode" that triggers distracting light animations, which cannot be easily disabled or reverted.
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Some users experience repeating notes at irregular intervals, which affects the overall performance consistency during use.
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Some users experience noticeable velocity deviations on certain keys, impacting the uniformity of play and dynamic response.
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Software and compatibility
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The erratic MIDI issues are noted to occur across different DAWs, suggesting the problem is hardware-related rather than software-specific.
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Comparisons
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Owners suggest that standalone DAW controllers may function better than the integrated controls in the Hammer 88 Pro.
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The Roland FP-10 is suggested as a superior alternative for piano play, offering more precise key action and natural feel compared to the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro.
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Arturia and Novation MIDI controllers are recommended as good alternatives for users seeking integration with Ableton and additional control features.
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