M-Audio Keystation 88 ES 88-Key MIDI Controller

Feature:
This is what it is, a great, inexpensive controller. The semi-weighted keys feel great and it performs well. Could use a power supply...

Quality:
It was a surprise when it arrived, looked and played great.

Value:
Can't get a better deal on 88 keys.

Desirability:
Looks great in the studio

Sound:
Doesn't make any sounds...

Support:
M-Audio is great with updates, etc.

Overall:
Best bang for the keyboard dollar period.

Feature:
Anyone thinking about purchasing this keyboard would do well to consider adding a sustain pedal and a keyboard stand to their order (if you don't already have one!) And don't forget about the MIDI cable! The volume, pitch-bend and tremelo sliders are really nice for adding expression to the sound. On smaller keyboards (49 and 61 keys for example) the octave +/- comes in quite handy. However, at least with Garageband, I have never found any use for the "advanced function" button

Quality:
Lightweight and portable, this is a great keyboard to use at home, in a studio, or for gigs on the road. Practically ZERO setup time, with just the one cable to plug in. It IS fragile, though... unfortunately, mine took a spill off a table while still connected to the computer and never worked again (I used mine for four years without a single hitch). So BE CAREFUL not to drop it, and it will treat you well.

Desirability:
Very sexy! Knowing what I know about the MIDI tone generators of Garageband and Logic, a controller like this one opens up limitless possibilities for the creation of original music - no more loops!

Sound:
This keyboard is a MIDI controller. That is, it has been designed for use with a computer or other MIDI capable device. Therefore, it can sound every bit as good as the source of your MIDI sounds. I use the m-Audio keystation 49e with Garageband and Logic on my mac, and have found that a controller like this one expands the possibilities of music creation exponentially!

Ease of Use:
On any reasonably modern Mac, this keyboard couldn't be easier to use - simply plug it in with the MIDI/USB cable, fire up Garageband and it's ready to go! The only thing is that this keyboard can't generate any sounds of its own, so it has to be used in tandom with something that CAN, like a computer. But Garageband comes with lots of MIDI tone generators, and most of them sound really good!

Support:
I voided any shred of a warranty when I brought my busted keyboard to an independent, local repair guy, and it STILL didn't work. So if you ever do need to get a repair, have it done by m-Audio!

Overall:
I know this product is totally ideal for someone like me (working musician and composer/arranger/producer). In fact, I am looking forward to replacing my broken keystation 49e with an upgrade to the 88. I appreciate how simple it is to use, just plug it in, and turn it on! I wish it included more accessories (at least a MIDI cable) but that's business, I suppose... Anyway, these keyboards are great, and I recommend them highly to anyone making music with a computer and software. If you're looking for something more self-contained, with built-in MIDI tone generators, look somewhere else.