Nord User Forum

[pianoman0018]

Hey Guys
im on to buy a midi controller 88 with heavy weighted keys.
i was planning to buy Studiologic VMK-188 Plus but i found an M Audio Keystation Pro 88 used (half price) and i wanted to ask if anyone tried these 2 boards can tell me witch one is better to buy.

thank you!!

[mjbrands]

You say 'heavy weighted', but I would think both these keyboards would probably be classified by someone used to a real piano as 'light' to 'medium' weight.

The Studiologic has a keybed similar to that in the Nord Stage (though it is a graded version), while M-Audio make their own keybeds (no idea what they're like). Since the Studiologic one has a graded action, it might not make that much sense if you split the keyboard. On the other hand, it might feel a bit more like a real piano even though neither one simulates escapement.

As a controller, I would think that the M-Audio is better. It has more controllers and M-Audio's HyperControl software should allow it to integrate into a DAW without having to manually map controllers or load mappings.

If you're after a capable controller and want to play synths and organs and/or use splits, the M-Audio might be the right choice. If you will mainly play piano's, the Studiologic might feel better. It would of course be best if you can try them both to check which one feels best to you.

[pianoman0018]

You say 'heavy weighted', but I would think both these keyboards would probably be classified by someone used to a real piano as 'light' to 'medium' weight.

Yes if you compare them with a real grand piano u can say that , no doubt.
nothing like the real thing but unfortunately u cant plug the grand piano to a mac buy usb:)

[organut]

I would go for the Studiologic. The M-Audio is a cheap piece of China made crap. Lousy key action.

[michael_C1]

I agree with organaut about the quality of each. I've owned both, and presently I still have the Studiologic VMK188plus. As far as keyboard feel, it's hard to beat the St, whereas the KS has keys that sometimes offer a lot of resistance, almost like they're stuck, then they release as you're pushing down, and what comes out is too loud. And everything is inconsistent, so it's impossible to play sensitively.
However, M-Audio has absolutely great software, and the Fatar/Studiologic stuff tends to be buggy. So it's all a tradeoff. My suggestion is to try both, paying attention to the consistency of the velocity levels with different playing. The St has sometimes had issues with out of spec velocity levels, so you'd want to get a good one. Each keyboard has it's issues, so I'd read reviews wherever i could find them, including Harmony Central, Amazon, etc. I hope this helps.

[monsterjazzlicks]

The M-Audio is a cheap piece of China made crap. Lousy key action.

The M-Audio action (if you are looking for an adeqaute PIANO touch) is dreadful. It is medium-weight and it also feels very plastic. i used an M-Audio Contoller Keyboard (and know of other owners) and although it features an array of CC Dials etc, they are forever breaking down. In my opinion, they are not suited to profession gigging use (but are ok for home studio).

[Gustavo]

M-Audio action is really bad. I also tried the Akai MPK88 and thought the action was not good either.

But I think that the best action was the Fatar´s SL-990 was by far the best keybed. Maybe its not really a good midi controller. but if what you want is just to have a great keybed for "realistic" piano playing, then there is nothing better in my opinion.

[bdodds]

Joining a bit late, but I'm going to put forth that if you're merely using it as a controller, consider a really good quality 10 or so year old weighted controller from one of the big names. It might be a lot better than a new budget controller. Something like a Roland RD-500, Kurzweil PC-88, Yamaha S08, etc.

[pianoman0018]

Something like a Roland RD-500, Kurzweil PC-88, Yamaha S08, etc.

Hey there
do you have any more recommendations like Yamaha S08? please share
you ve been very helpful
thanks

[Johannes]

The older Stage Pianos are definitively a good idea if your on a budget. Or get a Casio Privia, a PX3 is lightweight and has pretty good action at its pricetag, or even their precedessors... S08 is not too bad, but not my personal taste for their keybed. After all, if you're after 88 keys, you want the best action for YOU, so there is I guess no way around trying out as many as you can.