M-Audio has announced the availability of the new Keystation 88es. The Keystation 88es joins a growing line of USB MIDI controllers that accommodate a wide variety of needs on the part of players and educators.
With 88 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys, the Keystation 88es is designed to appeal to computer users who appreciate the full range of a piano keyboard in a lightweight package. The unit incorporates a built-in USB MIDI interface for Macs and PCs, including a separate MIDI Out jack for controlling MIDI hardware. Pitch bend and modulation wheels are accompanied by an assignable volume/control slider, advanced function button for programming and assignable data up/down buttons, as well as sustain and expression pedal inputs.
At just 22 lbs., the Keystation 88es is equally at home on stage and in the studio. Class compliancy with Windows XP and Mac OS X ensures easy plug-and-play setup. This compact unit is also bus powered, so one simple USB cable is the only connection required. The unit ships with M-Audio’s Maximum Audio Tools software bundle, as well as a 6′ USB cable.
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MME and Mac OS X Core MIDI technology make the Keystation 88es compatible with most popular music education and studio software. Minimum system requirements for PC are Windows 98SE / Me / 2000 (SP4) / XP (SP1). Minimum system requirements for Mac are OS X 10.1.5 (native USB port required; G3/G4 accelerator cards not supported).
Programming options on the Keystation 88es include Octave Shift, Transpose, Program Change, Bank LSB, Bank MSB, MIDI Channel, MIDI Out from USB, Reset All Controllers, Wheel Assign and Slider Assign.
The Keystation 88es is currently shipping and carries an MSRP of USD $299.95.