M-Audio ProKeys Sono 61-Keys Portable Digital Piano

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zZounds Gear Experts Say...
In the studio or on stage, this piano's semi-weighted keys and built-in recording software make it a great fit for any songwriter.

Designed to bridge the gap between writing, performing and recording, the ProKeys Sono 61 portable digital piano with audio interface delivers everything that you need to make music whenever inspiration strikes. 61 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys, advanced scanning technology and a stereo-sampled Steinway grand sound deliver an expressive piano experience. Additional instant-access sounds like electric piano, organ and clav -- as well as a full onboard General MIDI sound set -- round out a top-notch performance solution, with or without a computer.* Built-in M-Audio USB audio interface technology lets you record your keyboard performance, plus vocals and instruments, directly to your computer with the included software. The versatile ProKeys Sono 61 is ideal on stage, as the hub of your personal recording studio and in diverse educational settings.

Exceptional Playability

M-Audio's digital pianos have been embraced by top recording artists and performing musicians on some of the world's most notable concert tours. ProKeys Sono 61 extends M-Audio's legacy of reliability and playability with advanced keybed scanning technology. This new innovation provides superior resolution, increasing the player's control over dynamics for an extremely expressive performance. Look no further for a realistic piano experience--in the studio and on stage.

Channel Your Inner Songwriter

The ProKeys Sono 61 digital piano with audio interface provides exactly what you need to work read more out ideas--no need to power up several pieces of equipment or navigate through extensive menus to find the right sound. ProKeys Sono 61 features a built-in, stereo-sampled Steinway grand piano developed by the expert software instrument designers in the Digidesign(R) Advanced Instrument Research (A.I.R.) group. Four other instant-access sounds stand ready at your fingertips--bright piano, electric piano, organ and clav. You can even add reverb for enhanced realism. And the onboard GM sound set gives you 128 sounds plus drums and percussion. No computer is required--just turn on ProKeys Sono 61 and start playing.*

Instruments Galore

Why just play piano when you can be the whole band? The built-in General MIDI sound set gives you a full 128 instruments, plus drums and percussion, to play just for fun--or to use in building up multitrack recordings. Jam on drums, bass, synths, organ, sax, flute and many more instruments right at your fingertips.

Complete Solution

The ProKeys Sono 61 portable digital piano was designed to bridge the gap between writing, performing and recording music. The onboard 2-in/2-out audio interface lets you listen to everything--built-in sounds, software instruments and recorded tracks--right from the ProKeys Sono 61 audio outs or headphone jacks. Connect instruments and microphones to the audio inputs and record vocals, guitar, bass and more--or even jam along with a CD. Compatible with most major digital audio workstation software, including Pro Tools M-Powered, ProKeys Sono 61 combines everything you need to start making and recording music.

Record and Mix Your Tunes

The included Ableton Live Lite software turns your ProKeys Sono 61 and computer into a complete recording studio. Its powerful drag-and-drop interface lets you make loop-based music with ease. Want to record vocal and guitar tracks? Just plug your mic or instrument into your ProKeys Sono 61 and record them with Ableton Live Lite. When you've recorded all your tracks, this powerful software also lets you mix it all down to share with friends--and maybe even the record companies.

Teacher's Pet

ProKeys Sono 61 is a music teacher's best friend. Dual front-mounted headphone jacks keep things private between you and your student. If you're in a lab setting, the keyboard's combination of onboard piano sounds and audio interface with mixer means there's nothing else to buy. The included Ableton Live Lite software rounds out a complete electronic music learning package. There's even a Piano Reset button to restore all settings to the internal piano sound should you ever need to return to the default state.

Power Supply: USB Cable (Included) or AC Adapter (Not Included)*

*Optional power supply required for standalone use.
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Compatibility
MME

Mac OS X Core MIDI

Minimum System Requirements (PC)
Windows XP (SP2)*:
- Pentium III 1GHz or AMD K7 Athlon 1GHz
- (CPU may be higher for laptops)
- 512MB RAM
- CD/DVD-ROM drive for installation
- One native USB port

*Home and Professional Edition only. Windows Media Center Edition is not currently supported.

Windows Vista 32-bit:
- Pentium III 1GHz or AMD K7 Athlon 1GHz
- (CPU may be higher for laptops)
- 1GB RAM
- 128MB graphics card
- CD/DVD-ROM drive for installation
- One native USB port

Minimum System Requirements (Mac)
Macintosh G4 1GHz*:
- OS X 10.3.9 with 512MB RAM
- OS X 10.4.9 with 512MB RAM
- One native USB port
- CD/DVD-ROM Drive for Installation

*G3/G4 accelerator cards are not supported.
Note: M-Audio suggests checking the minimum system requirements of any third-party software, as they may be greater than the above specifications.

Power Supply: USB Cable (Included) or AC Adaptor (Not Included)

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 401-658-5765

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (9 ratings)
Submitted November 15, 2011 by a customer from hotmail.com

"A great gear with an affordable price, bundled with with a great software !"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
As I said, with 529-page manual, I expect I will be happy and be studying it for years !
Sound
M-Audio Sono 61 key is great in term of sound. Why ? Because it just has the output port for you to connect to your own external speakers or amplifier. It does not have internal speaker, usually of poor quality to bring down the unit cost. So for serious users, this is great.
Features
I like it because it does not have trivial features for beginners. If you are a serious musician-to-be, it serves you right.
Ease of Use
However, it is not easy to use, particularly if you want to use it with the bundled software Live 7.x. The manual is 529-page thick, just look at that. But if you are serious with music, you should thank them for that. Also be aware that the software goes by itself cost about $250, now you get it free with $360 for the keyboard. What a deal !
Quality
However, to be honest, I am not quite happy with its weighted keys. When I play the regular upright acoustic piano, I do feel a little bit disappointed.
Value
For $360, it's really worth it.
Manufacturer Support
M-Audio give me a one-time consultation free, that's good.
The Wow Factor
Overall, I am happy with it.

Musical Background:

Piano for 20+ years

Musical Style:

Blues, light rock
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