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Description

The M-Audio ProKeys 88 Stage Piano and MIDI Controller is a sophisticated blend of digital sound and tactile precision, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned performers and aspiring musicians. This versatile instrument boasts an 88-key hammer-action keyboard, delivering the authentic feel of an acoustic piano, ideal for those who demand both expressive playability and robust functionality.

The ProKeys 88 is more than just a digital piano; it's a powerhouse of sonic versatility. With an impressive array of 14 meticulously sampled instrument sounds, ranging from the iconic Yamaha C7 stereo grand piano to the funky tones of a Hohner Clavinet, this stage piano covers a broad musical spectrum. The built-in split and layer capabilities allow you to unleash your creativity by combining sounds in innovative ways, such as layering strings over a piano or splitting a bass with keys.

Designed with the modern musician in mind, the ProKeys 88 features a comprehensive USB MIDI interface, ensuring seamless connectivity with your DAW and other MIDI-compatible devices. Pitch and modulation wheels, as well as multiple pedal inputs, provide nuanced control over your performance. Onboard effects like EQ, reverb, chorus, and tremolo enable you to craft your signature sound on the fly.

Whether you're practicing quietly through headphones or performing on stage with its high-fidelity outputs, the M-Audio ProKeys 88 delivers a dynamic and immersive musical experience.

Key Features:

  • 88-key hammer-action keyboard for authentic feel
  • 64MB of premium acoustic piano samples
  • 14 instrument sounds, including grand pianos, electric pianos, and more
  • Split and layer functionality for creative sound combinations
  • USB MIDI interface for seamless DAW integration
  • Pitch and modulation wheels, plus multiple pedal inputs
  • Built-in EQ and effects: reverb, chorus, tremolo
  • Headphone jack and professional audio outputs for flexible use
Burton Pryor musmin7

Burton Pryor musmin7

M-Audio ProKeys 88 Sounds Demo

Video thumbnail for M-Audio ProKeys 88 Sounds Demo by Burton Pryor musmin7

M-Audio ProKeys 88 Sounds Demo

Burton Pryor musmin7

Burton Pryor musmin7

Video thumbnail for M-Audio Prokeys 88 by Mark Striplin

M-Audio Prokeys 88

Mark Striplin

Mark Striplin

Video thumbnail for M-Audio ProKeys 61 And M-Audio ProKeys 88: MIDI Controller, Keyboard, And Interface All In One At Wi by gearwire

M-Audio ProKeys 61 And M-Audio ProKeys 88: MIDI Controller, Keyboard, And Interface All In One At Wi

gearwire

gearwire

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about M-Audio ProKeys 88 Stage Piano and MIDI Controller.

Features and functionality

  • The M-Audio ProKeys 88 standard model offers full hammer action, unlike the ProKeys 88sx, which features weighted keys without hammer action.

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  • The M-Audio ProKeys 88 has been noted for its discontinued status, suggesting the Hammer 88 Pro as a current alternative.

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Value and pricing

  • The M-Audio ProKeys 88sx is priced around $400 new, but can be found cheaper in the used market.

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Comparisons

  • M-Audio ProKeys 88 is compared to the Hammer 88 Pro, with the latter offering 88 fully weighted keys and mappable controls at $799.

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Use cases and applications

  • M-Audio ProKeys 88 is suitable as a MIDI controller with a computer for sound patches.

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  • The ProKeys 88 benefits from external software for realistic sound, especially for those not needing recording or additional synths, focusing solely on piano sound replication.

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Software and compatibility

  • Pianoteq is recommended for realistic piano sounds and works well with various audio interfaces like UAD, Focusrite, and RME to reduce latency.

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  • For Linux users seeking open-source solutions, a realtime kernel might improve performance when using the ProKeys 88 as a MIDI controller.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Using an audio interface instead of the built-in USB MIDI controller can significantly reduce latency and improve sound quality.

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Critic Reviews

M-Audio Prokeys 88

soundonsound.com

The M-Audio ProKeys 88 Stage Piano is a fantastic deal for gigging musicians, offering great sound quality and intuitive usability at an unbeatable price. Its standout feature is the ease of quickly accessing a reliable grand piano sound, ideal for live performances. The ProKeys 88 also excels with its simple split and layer functions, making it easy to manage complex setups on stage. While its organ sounds lack the iconic Leslie effect, and MIDI control is limited, these are minor drawbacks given its exceptional price-to-performance ratio. Overall, it's a superb choice for those seeking a dependable stage piano without breaking the bank.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
A

solid midi controller at home: stage piano out and about

I love the built-in Steinway and have hired this kit out several times to trad/folk Irish/American singer/songwriter visiting acts (I live on West Coast Ireland). I love the fact there's one button you can hit on stage to go direct to this sample. No matter what layers/splits/general farting about you might have, you always get a Steinway with one button hit. I call that bacon-saving, dunno about you??! At home I use it USB'd into GarageBand, where the input sensitivity from the weighted action is more than adequate. One feature I've never got round to using but also is a star quality: the middle selector pedal, useful for Debussy/Ravel type classic stuff to define a melody over chords which IRL, with a proper acoustic concert grand, would keep on sustain underneath the delicate lead riff which is damped, building up the resonance inside the real piano's iron frame. I don't think Avid make this puppy any more, but if they brought it back I'd only have one wish: make it a ton lighter - it's a two-man lift when you're on union rates, or else a one man lift plus free hernia if you're on your own!

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Artist usage

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See how Stewart Copeland uses M-Audio ProKeys 88 Stage Piano and MIDI Controller

Stewart Copeland

Singer, Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via KeyboardMag

This article states that Stewart Copeland's master controller is an M-Audio ProKeys 88 MIDI controller.

See how Mike Garson uses M-Audio ProKeys 88 Stage Piano and MIDI Controller

Mike Garson

Keyboardist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via M-audio

On the road with M-Audio: “Last year I sat in with Gwen Stefani and her band during one performance. They brought me up to play on a song with them, and I played it off a ProKeys 88 stage piano, using the internal piano sounds. It was fun playing on it and it sounded great!"

See how Mark Isham uses M-Audio ProKeys 88 Stage Piano and MIDI Controller

Mark Isham

Composer

...
Verified via Isham

Mark uses an M-Audio keyboard called a Pro-Keys 88, and Dynaudio Speakers.

See how Ferdous uses M-Audio ProKeys 88 Stage Piano and MIDI Controller

Ferdous

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Klyne

...
Verified via Photo

can be seen in this post from November 14, 2016

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use M-Audio ProKeys 88 Stage Piano and MIDI Controller, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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torchandnail

torchandnail

Gear IQ 261

A

alan_lavender

Gear IQ 58

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