Amazing review, thank you! Exactly what I was looking for, with a focus on key feel and sensitivity. Just from watching and hearing I could get an idea. Looks like it's a keeper ;)
Thanks! I'm glad the video helped, I wanted to focus on what I felt was important. So far it's been working great! Definitely my go to keyboard for playing and performance 🎹🤙
Unboxing: 0:00 First Impressions: 1:00 What's included: 3:25 Playing it: 3:57 *TYPO* (rushed to upload this lol) "Honestly, this package had an odd way of opening" Keys are Semi-Weighted 🎹
Just saw this review. My Keystation 61 Mk3 is six months old. I got it to restart piano lessons. But just a couple of weeks ago, I decided that the key action is kind of light if I want to get back into piano so I got a Kawai ES920, a brand new digital piano with weighted keys, the most advanced key action from Kawai. My fingers are getting hammered, though, hahaha, but no worries, I think that in a few weeks my fingers will fight back real well!!! Well, to be truthful, I can feel the weight of the keys but it is *really not* bad! I've heard that the Yamaha P515 is real bad in this regard! One cannot hook the M-Audio to an iPad as is because an iPad cannot power it. (you CAN, the Kawai!) SO, I bought from Amazon a Belker 45 Watts Universal power supply with voltage range of 2.5 to 15 Volts. It has a range of tips as well; fantastic value, if you ask me! The M-Audio needs a 2.1 mm diameter tip. Anyhow, with it powering the keyboard, I happily connected it to my iPad with a USB-B to Lightning cable! Garageband was fun to play with, my first time with it ever! :) I'm keeping the Keystation 61 for my grandkids to play with when they come here, plus for me to play now and then. My favorite DAW is Cakewalk; I doubt that I will spend that much time with GarageBand. I mostly record karaoke audio anyhow and not MIDI. But the VST sounds that came with the M-Audio are nice: Mini Grand and Velvet from AIR. This article from Sweetwater is FANTASTIC about key weight: The Definitive Digital Piano Keyboard Touch Experiment (sweetwater.com) I don't have exact weights but using kitchen tools I estimate that the ES920 has a key weight of 80 to 90 grams. Not bad, really! :)
After three days of hunting around, this is the exact video I was looking for (I'm trying to choose between a MKIII and V61, and you addressed every concern I had). How is the MKIII holding up for you one year later? Thank you very much for making this!!
Thank you for the comment and positive feedback! I posted this specifically because I felt like there weren't really clear reviews on the MKIII that stood out for most producers/musicians that were on a budget. Funny you ask about my opinion after a year: The MKIII still functions great, it does have its pros and cons compared to my VI49. My main issue with the MKIII is assigning and using its Midi Functionality. I'm not sure if it's an issue on my end or just how its designed. I have tried several times to use my Minilogue via Midi through the MKIII, I still can't connect it properly. It worked strangely enough for my Behringer Model D. The VI49 I think is a bit simpler for those using Midi functionality with it in contrast. I think the VI49 is much better designed to be integrated via your DAW/Midi implementation. Recently I opened my Alesis VI49 to repair its USB port due to the infamous midi port issue some controllers can develop and even after soldering a new one in it still has issues functioning. Another issue with the MKIII is strangely the buttons on the top left corner aren't transmitting data/changes to my DAW. It might be how I set it up in my DAW but the pause and play buttons work as notes on the keyboard now for some reason. So far my perspective is this: it's good to use different Midi Controllers for specific reasons in your setup/studio. MKIII is great for the most basic thing: performance and playability. When you buy it expect it to be used for playing/making your music and less about modulation or the extra bells and whistles like Midi/DAW control. I think it has a more comfortable keybed as well. The V61, I think it will possibly be easier to use with your gear/DAW but its missing some things like the LED screen or pads of the VI series. I think the V61 is a bit more expensive out of the two where the MKIII is cheaper I believe. It has better pitch and mod wheels yet components break fairly quickly/easily (not trustworthy). But I hope you make the best choice you'll be happy with for your studio! 🤙🎹🎶
@@Musik_Arbeiter Thank you so much for your detailed reply! I appreciate you taking the time to write all that. My main purpose for a Midi controller is to just have the most decent keybed possible, while taking up as little space on my desk (and fitting my tight budget haha), and your thoughts on the keys feeling better (along with other videos comparing the velocity responses of the two keyboards) definitely helped me come to a decision. I normally record piano tracks with an actual Yamaha piano, so I'm really just looking for a smaller backup keyboard, and definitely prioritizing the keybed over DAW compatibility/ bells and whistles haha. Thank you again!
@@nathanang. You're welcome! I hope whichever you choose gives you plenty of years of useability and fun! Everything I've said is based off my personal opinions on both controllers and my own experience, but whichever you choose they're both good in different ways! Also nice tracks on your channel they sound great! 🎧🎶👍
Thank you for your video! Finally someone who shows how the keys sound without embellishment. I think that's more than okay for the price! But I have two questions. :D I'm currently deciding between the Keystation 61 and the Nektar GX61. Do you still have the Keystation and are you still happy with it? I'd also be interested to know whether you can still adjust the velocity of the device or whether this is only possible via the DAW?
Thanks! I'm glad you liked the video haha, honestly I haven't made a lot of unboxing/gear review videos but I would've critiqued it differently based on several things like the clicking with the keyboard. I reviewed it as a cheaper alternative to what's available on the market on a budget. Sure it isn't a $500 Midi Controller with no clicking with a ton of faders, knobs, or switches (based on other comments) but I wasn't expecting the best Midi Controller one could buy lol. I'm not familiar with the Nektar series of controllers but some people swear by them. I still have the Keystation, it is currently my main Midi Controller: so with functionality such as full Midi Support I would give it an average or okay rating. It's not incredible with the Midi functionality for me, I use it more for song generation and composing music rather than controlling anything in my DAW. The keys feel good and the controller works well enough for what I need. I would say I am happy/satisfied with it (7/10). Somethings can be improved upon but it is a cheaper model from M-Audio. The keybed is Velocity Sensitive and picks up different pressure and playing styles with making music. I would say it is pretty average or okay based on what I have played. The Velocity Sensitivity isn't impressive but it works for some of the more basic keyboard playing one may perform. The keys themselves feel decent they feel good to play and are less sharp/rigid as the Alesis I had and are a tad bit wider. If you are looking for a performance Midi Controller that is affordable and fits with composing and making music more so rather than a Midi Controller that controls every aspect of your DAW or workstation this is a decent option. I have some critiques with it but if you are starting out or working on a budget like me it should work well! I hope this helps! 😄👍🎹🎶
@@Musik_Arbeiter Thank you for your detailed reply, I really appreciate it! I decided to go for a small mini midi keyboard for the time being. I was able to test the M-Audio in a music store and I personally didn't find the keyboard that comfortable. But that was probably because I was allowed to try out really expensive devices and only tested the M-Audio at the end. Perhaps that wasn't the best order. xD
Hi, sorry I can't view the video with audio right now so sorry I'd you mentioned it, but I'm trying to figure out how long the packed in USB cable is. Do you know how long it is?
@@Musik_Arbeiter haha, no problem. Thanks for the information. I was just trying to find information online about how well this thing would fit at my desk and the only thing I couldn't figure out was the length of the USB cable.
Thanks for the review! I own a Yamaha MX88 and it has really great fully weighted keys that feel great for piano and rhodes, but I am looking for a ‘springy’ or ‘poppy’ keybed with a little bit more throwback so fast clavinet funk feels better. I really like how it looks and the thing I like even better is that it’s just the keys and no drum pads that I’m not gonna use, etc. Do you think this board will be good for my using purposes? From what I saw in the video it looked a bit like the action on the Nord Electro series, which I really like. Thanks!
Hi Melle! Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the review, I wanted to review this midi controller considering theres no other reviews really for it. I have used the Alesis VI49 for 4 - 5 years and currently the USB port on the back is broken so I chose to replace the controller with this. I think the keys for this keyboard are actually very nice: they feel more bouncy than the Alesis. But I don't think they're Nord quality, I'm not entirely familiar with the keybed for Nord keyboards but I've heard they're excellent. I think in comparison: the Keystation's keybed feels more poppy (springs back a bit more) and I prefer the key width for the actual keys. The Alesis' are more narrow in width and sound more clanky like plastic clicking noises when you play it. Personally so far I'd go to say this is much better for a keyboardist in comparison, but I think the VI49 was better as a workstation with an 'okay' keyboard. I love the Keystation so far! 👍
Hi, I actually paid attention to this recently: I would say they sound about as clicky as other midi controllers you may get in this price range. Considering the keys are semi-weighted, this is all plastic (like my previous keyboard the Alesis VI49) there is going to be a bit of noise from that. Honestly I've never really focused on the noise if I'm playing so its never disrupted my playing too much. Considering the price range and the quality, finding a keyboard that does or doesn't make those clicking sounds I've noticed depends on the keybed, and the material the keyboard itself is made out of. Typically plastic makes those types of sounds, but I'm not sure if that makes or breaks your interest in this one. Honestly I would say yes it does make some noise but I personally don't pay attention to it really or I have headphones on when I'm recording.
Thank you! It is still functioning fine, the keys feel good. Maybe down the road I may upgrade to a nicer Midi Controller but it definitely works well right now! Greetings from the US! 😄🤙
@Music Arbeiter, thank you for your review. I was very confused choosing my new midi controller because my oxygen49 stopped working and m-audio ignored completely my situation ;/. So, I was looking for a midi controller with 61 keys this time, and my options was Novation lanchkey, Alesis 61 or M-audio keystation again 😥, but your video convenced me and I believe is the best option for my budget. I would like to know if the keys are really semi-weight? And If the keys is good to make percussive arrangements? Thanks!!
Hi Thiago! I believe the keys are semi-weighted. In comparison to my Alesis VI49 which has semi-weighted keys they feel pretty good. The V series from Alesis aren't bad, the issue with my VI49 is the port connecting it to the computer is loose so it continously disconnects making it useless. I need to repair it, I will say the M-Audio is constructed fairly well in comparison, I've had my Alesis for 4 - 5 years now and it lasted quite a while. I feel the keys are decent for percussive arrangements, if you may be looking for something better for percussive type playing I would go for a midi controller with pads if you are interested, but the M-Audio is pretty basic overall. It's very simplistic and straight forward with its design and is meant more for players rather than heavy DAW usage (like my Alesis VI series or other midi controllers). I hope that helps! And thank you for the positive feedback! 😀👍
@@Musik_Arbeiter thank you so much for your explanation. It's clear for me and I purchased that ;). It's arriving tomorrow. My focus now is the quality, sensitivity and weight of the keys, and I believe the keystation61 is the best option for the budget that I have. I compared that with nektar, novation and your review and answers gived me security! In a new future I pretend to purchase a compact controller to take with me wherever i go.. like a Akai mini or similar, then it will be possible take that with knobs and pads. I think is a good idea 🤔. Thanks again and I subscribed on your channel ;)
@@thiagomeloproducerold Thank you for the subscribe! 👍 Sorry I don't receive notifications immediately for all the comments on my videos, I'm glad you decided to make the purchase! I appreciate the feedback and the consideration, I hope you are happy with the Keystation! Happy playing 🎹🎶🤙
I agree! It is stsrting to have its problems but I may make videos in the future about it. It was definitely a great substitute for the last couple of years! 🤙
If you had to recommend for a singer songwriter producing his songs, do you recommend the m audio or the alesis v61? The only reason I woud cop alesis over the m audio is the pads for drums. I really do not know which one to buy tho...
Hi! I think the three points to consider for which one being the best in your setup would be: price, playability, and preference. Both the M-Audio 61 MKIII and the Alesis V61 are the same price, but the Alesis VI61 is $100 more and you get 16 pads along with buttons and faders. I'd say the V61 vs the MKIII price wise is your choice as both are the same. As for preference, the M-Audio's keys I feel a slight bit more comfortable than the Alesis. The keys are a bit shoter length wise and I think a micro amount wider (they just feel that way to me). The Alesis' keys are more clicky and don't feel as nice. But it depends if you prefer the mod wheel's placement on whichever and the buttons and knobs along with the pads on the Alesis. I will say I think Midi functionality/implementation is a bit easier with the Alesis overall in comparison to the M-Audio with mapping and such. For playability, I personally don't care for the mod wheels placements and the size of them on the Alesis, but the drumpads are a plus. M-Audio's mod wheels are okay too but they have a bit of a slight oddness with temperment finding the right sweetspot with using it. The keys themselves I prefer on the M-Audio, but the Alesis' aren't bad for what they are. The only thing I have to add is I'm not 100% sure what the M-Audio's long term build quality is like but the Alesis lasted me 4 - 5 years. The M-Audio I've had for about 2 - 3 years and it works great so far. The thing about the Alesis that was a pet peeve of mine was the pitchwheel on mine broke literally less than 1 year into usage where it stuck when I pitched down. There want anyone in my area I knew of that foxed Keyboards so I just had to bear it. Programming the M-Audio midi wise is a pain and even with the instructions some things are a bit annoying to figure out for me, the Alesis definitely worked a bit better with Midi channels for external instruments. Overall, I would consider these things and other stats about each keyboard before making your choice. I would probably go with the M-Audio based purely on reliability and that I personally don't need the drumpads like that if I'm purely using it with my DAW and not alot of other external instruments. I wish you the best! 🎹🎶
@@Musik_Arbeiter Thank you so much for the explanation! This definitely helped! I just wondered, what did you mean that you had to program the M audio? If that is hard I probably wouldn't cop it then lol
@@iyadalahed9150 I'm sorry I meant programming Midi on it is clicking Midi and then the actual keys on the keyboard to map different parameters (if you look at images of the M-Audio above the keys there is white text for the programming controls with what you're changing). I have had trouble setting or using the Midi Channels on the M-Audio for my external instruments like my Behringer Model-D or the Korg Monologue. I might need to go through the manual again, but I hope this helps in your decision! 👍
Oh I believe you go to either M-Audio's website to download any drivers and they should appear there after you put in your keyboard registry number underneath the Midi Controller. I believe you have to claim it from M-Audio's website or if there's a link on a card packaged with the device you have to use the link. I hope this helps! 👍
Hello ! I really want to buy it but I saw some reviews that says that the velocity is low and that some of the note played doesn't even sound. Do you have that problem ? I also saw that the key can be pressed at 10mm instead of 12 in the other keyboards. Did you noticed that ? Thanks a lot for this awesome review, you made me want to buy this one instead of the Nektar GX61 :)
Hi! Honestly for the music I've made velocity has never been a major breaking point for me. I would say depending on your music if key velocity is important to you I'd honestly upgrade your purchase to a better midi controller all together. Based on my experience going for more moderate midi controllers I don't have a lot of input, but I can say if you're looking for a reasonable midi controller that fits what you need as a keyboardist I think this keyboard is good. I think the velocity of the keys is actually pretty reasonable but I'm not very finicky about it. I'd say both the Alesis and the M-Audio have the same Velocity levels, maybe the Alesis beats it out by just a small bit. But thank you for the feedback! I haven't made alot of reviews/unboxing videos like this but I'd like to do more in the future! I hope you find the Midi Controller that suits you best 😊👍
@@Musik_Arbeiter Thanks for your answer, i already bought it and i really like it :D I wanted a good and small midi keyboard to make it fit on my desk and that's pretty much why i couldn't pay more to get a better velocity since all the more expensive controllers have a bunch of controls. The Keystation is the best i could have for my needs, the velocity is good and the feel is pretty nice too and if you consider it's price, it's an awesome keyboard !
@@infinite5698 That's great! I'm glad you're satisfied with your purchase and that it fits what you needed in your studio space! I've had it for several months now and it's a good midi controller for the price and quality. Glad you like it 🎹🎶😀👍
I would say that it is a bit, the feel of the keybed is good with what's expected. It has some flaws I've noticed after using it for a while, but compared to other Midi Controllers in its price range it's decent for what it is.
I believe it was either the Arturia Prophet 5 plugin or TAL-Noizemaker. I believe it was the Prophet plugin due to me using the pitch bend, but TAL Noizemaker is free if you go to their website 👍🎹🎶
No speakers, it doesn't produce any sound on its own. This is a midi controller meaning you connect it to another instrument or your computer to use VSTs.
I'm not sure if they package it differently now, but at the time of filming this it was Live Lite 9. Which either way both 9 and 10 versions of Lite are pretty basic for an introduction to having a DAW if its your first Midi Controller/Device. To be fair I think most Midi devices made before Ableton Live 10 was released are going to be packaged with 9. But yeah its Ableton Live Lite 9 if that makes or breaks any interest in the Keystation 👍🎹 🎶
Lol you're good, no one has asked that yet. I'm not sure how Midi instruments work with the iPad, you would need a USB Hub I believe that's compatible so you can connect it to your iPad? And I've never used Garageband but I believe it should be compatible with the Midi Controller/Keyboard as long as you have any necessary drivers and can connect it properly it should be good! 👍
Just saw this question! And just yesterday I hooked up my Keystation 61 Mk3 to my wife's iPad Air 3, and Garageband! Worked just fine. However, this keyboard can NOT be powered by an iPad. SO, I got a power supply that I set for 9 Volts, 500 mA. I made sure I got one that is TIP POSITIVE, SLEEVE NEGATIVE. Before that I had bought, one after the other two power supplies of the opposite polarity and they obviously did not work; my stupidity in not reading carefully the specs on the website. I can't believe M-Audio refuses to sell a matching power supply, and in fact refuses to stock a nice Z stand for it. Those cross-bar stands are awful; I'm always hitting my knees on them! The power supply I got from Amazon has a long name but a small price of $16: Belker 45 Watts Universal something something! :) It puts out a voltage you choose, a range from 2.5 Volts to I think 15 Volts; it adjusts the power output based on the voltage.
Hi! I really need to get back into it, I have a ton of covers I'd love to make! My college courses and internship have been eating up alot of my time but I'd love to get back into the swing of things soon 👍
I would say its pretty average, the Alesis VI49 is the only other midi controller I own in comparison but based on other midi instruments I've played before (in guitar center or other music stores) not bad. I would say it's pretty decent latency time and everything to me 👍
for future reference, these are all up to a midi standard Any latency introduced isn't keyboard-related - even synths from the 70s w/ midi have the same latency today If you're experiencing latency w/ your own stuff, I'd advise upgrading your sound card. It helps a tonne and is relatively affordable (external interfaces work too)
