Look no further! The Studiologic VMK-88 is the MIDI controller you have been searching for to help control your studio or performance software! A multi-level programmable keyboard controller, the VMK-88 features 88 full size semi-weighted keys, pitch bend, aftertouch and 15 programmable patches.
You will appreciate the nicely weighted, velocity sensitive action that encourages expressive playing. At only 14 lbs, it's a working man's axe! You can program nearly every control on the VMK-88 to accomplish whatever MIDI or CC task is needed to maximize your creative output: 8x2 knobs, 8x2 buttons, 9x3 sliders, 4 pedals and a 5 button programmable transport section. Not to mention "on the fly" program change and bank select.
The VMK-88 is a control surface MIDI keyboard that gives you a terrific combination of knobs, buttons, pedals and sliders to tweak your sessions to your heart's content. Additionally, the VMK-88 features dual MIDI outputs and comes with a sustain pedal, a MIDI-to-USB converter, and an AC adapter. And best of all, this controller comes with a price tag designed for the budget conscious studio.
zZounds is an authorized dealer of
Studiologic by Fatar products.
88 full size keys
Semi-Weighted Action
Pitch wheel
Aftertouch
LCD Display
Data Entry Wheel
8 x 2 programmable knobs
8 x 2 programmable buttons
9 x 3 programmable sliders
4 programmable pedal inputs
Sequencer controls
Dimensions: 50 x 9 x 3 in.
Weight: 14 lb
Includes: Sustain Pedal, MIDI-to-USB Converter, Power Adapter, Instruction Manual
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"Lightning fast, Feather-light, tastefully designed, from people who REALLY know how to make a keyboard."
Sound:
N/A
Feature:
I'm using it to control several PCs and other gear, and I already have a interfaces for all that, but if you don't, it comes packaged with a MIDISport Uno USB interface, so nothing extra is needed to connect it to your computer.
Being a Roland fan, I am very pleased to see a horizontal pitch shifter -- While it's a wheel and not a stick, I can play my bend-heavy solos without any difficulty. The shifter's spring weight is heavier than roland or korg shifters, but from my initial jam session this appears to be a GOOD thing, gives you finer control. I have hardly ever used the mod wheel, opting instead for foot controllers. This is good, because there IS no mod wheel. There are, however, ample realtime controls for that purpose, including one knob within thumb distance of the pitchwheel.
Quality:
Plastic. The whole thing only is extremely light. Like, toss it across the room light.
However, it's TOUGH textured plastic, like the kind of stuff they make school chairs out of. I could see beating it up for quite a while with no damage, and I'll be using it on stage as well. My Roland XP30 has two broken keys at the moment because there's no support past the rear pivot and they just snapped off during heavy use. Not the case with the VMK88, whose keys go all the way down and appear to have delightfully spongy aftertouch instead of simply refusing to move past a certain point.
I read one criticism that said the knobs seemed like they might break off because they're tall and thin. I can see where that might happen if you TRY HARD to do so. Not likely, though.
Value:
88 keys, durable (and extremely lightweight) construction, extremely solid synth action, and the design sensibility and experience of Fatar make this a very desirable controller. If you don't like or need weighted action, this is the best 88-key controller out there. If you're a pianist, it might nauseate you, and possibly shatter all of your ribs at once, and kill small children in Africa.
Manufacturer Support:
Haven't had any problems with this unit yet. I've had great experience with Fatar/SL in the past, however. They are totally on the ball, and extremely friendly. You can tell that musicians work there, and they seem to be more willing to "hook you up" and solve problems than some of the bigger gear companies.
The Wow Factor:
It's very narrow because everything's in a straight line on top. The blue LEDs and blue backlit 2x16 LCD are delicious, especially in the dark. I loved the unit in pictures, and now that I have it, that love has not diminished. I'm going to snuggle with it in bed tonight (the missus can have the couch).
Overall:
As you can probably tell, I am a synthesist, not a pianist. I have always hated weighted-action keyboards, and I can play much faster with light synth action. That said, this is some of the best action I've ever felt. I got it to replace my Roland XP30 (only used as a controller anymore), which feels like you're smashing a metal bar when you hit keys hard (that's because you ARE), and whose aftertouch affords no additional key travel (and no indication of when you're pressing too hard). This keyboard is perfect in those respects, and I'm already playing licks a lot faster than on the XP30, which itself had very fast key response.
And now what everyone wants to know: VMK88 versus M-Audio KeyStation88... Apples and oranges on the action. The KeyStation88 feels mushy and the key response is slow as molasses; it doesn't feel anything like a real piano to me, and the black keys sit WAY too low. But as I said, I'm biased against weighting. As far as the controls go, the KeyStation88 gives you more knobs at your fingertips, and the faders are more "liquidy"-feeling. It also has keyzone splitting, which the VMK88 LACKS (useless for me, but essential to many keyboardists) The VMK88 has more pedal inputs (which for me is a HUGE thing).
The VMK88 is clearly magical. It's like it was crafted specifically for my needs and playing style. MY needs might differ substantially from yours, so this review might actually convince you to go with the KeyStation instead, and if so, I'm glad to help! In the end, whatever fits you best is what you should buy.
Style of Music: Varies by project
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"Looks grumpy but works well."
Sound:
Sound doesn't apply--it's a controller. But the keys have great action, and that results in good ability to control synths.
Feature:
Not splittable into individual midi zones--that's really too bad. Four individual pedal inputs. Two midi outs. No midi in/thru--that's a downside. No mod wheel.
Quality:
Excellent key action. The knobs and sliders are ultra-cheap. The plastic case is just weird--it's made out of Soviet-era plastic that gets white when you bend it, and it is indeed bent over, you have to see it to believe it. They really should have put a metal case. But it's actually quite sturdy and super-lite, so it's ugly but very functional. I don't mind it, 'cuz the keys are excellent. I've named my VMK-88 Sputnik for this reason.
Value:
Expensive. Some highs, some lows. If you're look for a controller with excellent keys and lots of knobs but don't mind the cheap knobs and Soviet-era looks, this is for you. If you want it to sparkle, look into the M-Audio Keystation 88 (weighted keys of questionable quality but really nice knobs/sliders).
Manufacturer Support:
Didn't have any reason to try their support
The Wow Factor:
Well, I need it. I don't know if I want it. It's not sexy, but it's functional. Kinda' like a reliable Honda Civic with no options, opposite of a Hyundai with leather seats and a moonroof.
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