When it comes to playing virtual instruments and controlling plug-ins, the clear majority of music creators prefer tactile, hands-on interaction over the tedium of mouse-only operations. That's why B&H is happy to announce the release of M-Audio's new compact Keystation MK3 USB MIDI controllers, available in 61-key, 49-key, and mini 32-key configurations. With macOS, Windows, and iOS compatibility, USB plug-and-play simplicity, assignable controls, and powerful bundled software, they make life easy for producers, electronic musicians, and songwriters regardless of locale.
First up is the Keystation 61 MK3, boasting 61 full-size keys that are semi-weighted and velocity sensitive for comfortable and responsive playability. Assignable octave buttons, along with pitch and modulation wheels, ensure immediate access to additional note ranges and performance expressions. The volume fader, transport buttons, and directional controls minimize trips between the keyboard and your mouse for essential DAW operations. On the rear panel, you'll find a USB Type-B port—it is USB powered, you know—and a DC input for powering the keyboard if you happen to use its 5-pin MIDI output, which is ideal for controlling external synths and sound modules. You can even connect a sustain pedal (available separately) to the 1/4" pedal and knock out realistic piano performances.
One of the most surprising aspects of the Keystation MK3 is its software bundle, packed with DAWs, virtual instruments, loops, and more! You get Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition digital audio workstations, three VI plug-ins—AIR Music Technology's Mini Grand piano, Velvet electric piano, and XPand!2 multitimbral synthesizer—along with 2GB of loops and samples from Touch Loops, and instructional resources from Skoove and Melodics. Wow!
If the thought of 61 keys seems excessive for what you need, check out the Keystation 49 MK3. It offers the same buttons and wheels as the 61-key model, but in a smaller enclosure with 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys. Its rear panel opts out of the MIDI and DC ports in favor of USB-only powering and communication. Don't worry—the software bundle is identical; you're granted the same DAWs, plug-ins, loops, and learning assistance!
What about the modern-day minstrel, the one whose compositions are constructed in coffee shops, subways, and park benches? If that's you, something small, yet capable is precisely what you need. Weighing just one paltry pound, the Keystation Mini 32 MK3 empowers you with 32 velocity-sensitive mini keys in a frame that occupies only 16.5" from edge to edge, making it extremely travel friendly. Just connect it via USB to your computer or iOS device (Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit available separately) and start working! The Keystation Mini 32 MK3 still manages to feature a volume knob and seven buttons for functions such as pitch bend, modulation, octave up/down, sustain, and more. It also includes Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition for efficient and fun music creation.
Whether you make music for hours on end in a studio, trigger virtual instruments on stage, or are always composing on the move, feel free to stop by the B&H SuperStore or peruse our website to check out the M-Audio Keystation MK3 USB MIDI controllers!
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