Studiologic by Fatar VMK88 88-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard
88 full size keys, semi-weighted action, pitch wheel, aftertouch, LCD display
Overall User Ratings (based on 15 ratings)
Submitted October 11, 2004 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Lightning fast, Feather-light, tastefully designed, from people who REALLY know how to make a keyboard."
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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.
Sound
N/A
Features
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).
Musical Background:
Composer, Interactive media
Musical Style:
Varies by project
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Submitted June 14, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com
"ALL PRODUCERS ON A BUDGET SHOULD HAVE ONE! DON'T NEED ALL OF THOSE COSTLY KEYBOARDS TO CRANK OUT SOME QUALITY MUSIC!"
Sound
I Love the KEYS! FOR THE PRICE! IT CAN'T BE BEAT!! INSTEAD OF BUYING ALL OF THOSE HIGH AZZ KEYBOARDS JUST STACK A COUPLE OF SOUND MODULES UP AND SAVE SOME CASH!! IT IS JUST GREAT IN MY STUDIO! I USE IT ALL THE TIME!
Features
JUST HOOK IT UP TO YOUR MPC2000 XL and let it control your Keyboards! It only has one MIDI OUT AND POWER. BUT I CAN MAKE IT CONTROL MY WHOLE MIDI SET UP!
Quality
STURDY AND CAN TAKE A BANGING ON THE KEYS!
Value
FOR ONLY $ 300 BUCKS I CAN CONTROL MY WHOLE MIDI SET UP! I AM VERY HAPPY! GREAT VALUE FOR ALL STARTER STUDIOS!
Manufacturer Support
NEVER USED NEEDED IT!
Musical Background:
producer/ recording engineer
Musical Style:
HIP HOP RAP, SOUTHERN CRUNK BASS
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Submitted April 9, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com
"DO NOT BUY IT, unless you like hanging notes to ring out all night !"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
I'm exchanging it for th M-audio Keystation Pro-88-same price, more features, weighted keys
Sound
No sound. Just a controller
Features
No Midi in, no midi Omni or global mode, no mod wheel. not practical for live gigs, as the program change takes 2 seconds after you press the button to kick in. I like the light weight of the unit, the 2 midi outs and the 4 pedal inputs, but poorly usable with no global midi out setting.
Quality
Select a patch on your sound module with a reasonable sustain
volume, and quickly sweep your hand from the lowest note to the
highest note on the keyboard. One in five times (for me anyway) this
results in a stuck note sustaining forever (not a stuck KEY, just a
stuck note, like there was no note-off message). I've exchanged one
VMK-88 and the new one does the exact same thing. In
rehearsal/live performance a stuck note occurs once about every half
hour of playing. I can duplicate the problem with a couple of sound
modules .
Manufacturer Support
No e-mail on the Fatar web-site
Musical Background:
semi-pro keyboadist, producer
Musical Style:
funk, rock, soul
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Submitted December 2, 2004
"Looks grumpy but works well."
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Sound
Sound doesn't apply--it's a controller. But the keys have great action, and that results in good ability to control synths.
Features
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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