The M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 is a MIDI keyboard controller designed for sequencing music and playing virtual instruments on a Mac or Windows computer. It features 88 full-size, semi-weighted, and velocity-sensitive keys for a natural, piano-like feel. The Keystation 88 MK3 sports a series of controls that expand the range of playable notes, while providing expressive capabilities as well.

Assignable transport and directional controls allow for playing, performing, and recording with music software without using a mouse or trackpad. If you've got your own sustain pedal, you can plug it into the Keystation 88 MK3 via its 1/4" sustain pedal input.

Lightweight and durable, the controller is USB-powered, class compliant, and supports USB-MIDI connectivity. A 5-pin DIN MIDI output facilitates use with your favorite, compatible synthesizer, so it can receive messages from the Keystation 88. Additionally, the unit supports iOS connectivity using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (available separately), enabling one to perform and compose with audio apps on an iPad or another iOS device.

The Keyboard comes with a variety of software, including DAWs such as Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, and Akai Professional MPC Beats performance/recording software, plus five MPC Beats expansion kits. Also included is AIR Music Technology Xpand!2, a multitimbral all-in-one virtual instrument that lets you stack up to four individual sounds to create your own unique-sounding patches.

Keyboard sounds can be achieved via three included AIR Music Technology soft-synths: The Mini Grand, with seven acoustic piano sounds, and the Velvet, which gives you five vintage electric piano sounds. DB-33 is a virtual Hammond B3 organ with rotarty speaker cabinets, while Boom is a slick drum machine that pays homage to the most popular vintage drum machine of the past. Additional software includes Skoove and Melodics. The keyboard comes with a USB Type-A to USB Type-B cable.

88 Full-Size, Velocity-Sensitive Keys    Semi-Weighted Keys for Natural Feel    Transport and Directional Buttons    Volume Fader and Pitch-Bend Controls    Modulation and Octave Controls    MIDI over USB and USB Powered    Sustain Pedal Input & 5-Pin MIDI Output    Class Compliant, No Driver Required    iOS Compatible via Optional Cable    DAW and Virtual Instrument Software

• 88 full-size velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys with natural feel
• USB-MIDI connection for playing virtual instruments and controlling software
• 5-pin MIDI out for connecting to your favorite analog synth
• Volume fader, transport, and directional buttons for easy control of your software
• Ergonomically designed pitch and modulation wheels for expressive performances
• Advanced function assigns hardware controls to any DAW or plugin parameter
• Compact design fits any desk, studio, or stage setup perfectly
• Plug and play with your Mac or PC—no drivers or power supply required
• Compatible with iOS devices via Apple USB to Camera Adapter (sold separately)
• Octave up and down buttons; sustain pedal input; expression pedal input
• Includes Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, and MPC Beats performance/recording software/DAWs
• Includes a 3-month subscription to Skoove
• Includes 40 free lessons from Melodics
• Includes a complete software production package
• Virtual Instruments: Velvet, Mini Grand, Vacuum, Boom, DB-33. Xpand!2
• MPC Expansion packs: MPC Beats Producer Kits, F9 Instruments Beats Edition. Laniakea Sounds, MSX Audio, and ADSR

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will this work with Garage Band?

A: Yes, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25-Key MIDI Controller is compatible for use with GarageBand.

Q: 2. Does it supports ableton live 10 ?

A: Nektar DAW Integration for the Impact GXP88 does not currently support Ableton, but it can be used as a simple control surface for Ableton Live 10.

Q: 3. Is the device plug and play or requires me to download drivers upon first use of the controller?

A: As per the manual and their website, there does not seem to be any required drivers for this controller.

Q: 4. Does it require external speakers?

A: Yes

Q: 5. I'm a beginner ... is it possible to use it with Roland S-1 as a keyboard? is there any usb to midi adapter for this?

A: The only way to use the Akai MPK Mini Mk3 25-Key MIDI Controller (White) is by using a computer in conjunction with any USB device that has a MIDI output, such as the Focusrite 4i4 (B&H # FOSCAR4I44G). When set properly, you can route the MIDI data from the computer to the S-1 via the MIDI out port on the device/interface with most MIDI-capable DAWs.

Q: 6. The specifications say that it has a 5-pin MIDI output port, is that correct? Cause I can’t find this on any pictures over the internet.

A: No, there's a miniusb/usb 2.0 output port and just it.

Q: 7. what's the longest usb cable i can use with this thing...? i'm using a 1-1.5meter cable and it only works sometimes. it is frustrating that there is no information about this, and the cable that comes with the keystationmini 32 is really really short.....

A: I would replace the cable. Typically USB cables may be used up to 15 feet without signal loss issues.

Q: 8. What is the downloadable software that comes with this MIDI controller?

A: The downloadable software bundle includes the Complete Music Production Starter Kit with MPC Beats, six virtual instruments (Bassline, Tubesynth, Electric, Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet) and useful sounds such as kick drums, snares, 808s, melodic loops, and keygroup instruments for creating melodic lines.

Q: 9. The description says the item is non-cancelable, and non-returnable. I am thinking seriously of buying one, but am confused about how a non-returnable item has a limited 1yr warranty. Is this not a contradiction, somehow?

A: Most electronics nowadays carry a limited 1 year warranty. The non-cancelable, non-returnable restriction is because the StudioLogic SL88 Studio is not a regularly stocked product, and because it would be ordered for a specific customer, and not the general public, it can not be returned.

Q: 10. Does this have an auxiliary output jack that you can plug into headphones or a boom box?

A: No, the Keystation 88 is a MIDI keyboard controller which has digital ports for USB and MIDI, but it does not have any analog inputs or outputs to connect a boom box or headphones. You can connect headphones to your computer for monitoring. If you want a more traditional keyboard that is a similar size and in the same general price range, you may like the Alesis Concert 88-Key Digital Piano with Full-Sized Keys (B&H # ALCONCERT) which has a stereo output for headphones, but no aux input. The Artesia PE-88 Portable Digital Piano / Arranger Keyboard (B&H # ARPE88) which has headphone and line outputs, stereo aux input and a microphone input. We do have more options for other models listed with our portable keyboards. Please contact us by phone or through live chat on the website for further assistance.