M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 - Synth Action 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Controls, Pitch and Mod Wheels, and Software Included

I purchased a discounted warehouse copy of this keyboard. The shipping box wasn't taped shut and there wasn't a lot of padding or airbags/peanuts to support the keyboard in the shipping box Amazon used. However, the keyboard seems to have arrived without any noticeable damage.I am coming from a Keystation II 61 that lasted through 11 years of use, but finally started to show it's age in an automatically detuning pitchbend. I will say, compared to the previous 2nd generation Keystation, the footprint of this 3rd generation is even more compact. I also appreciate that the controls are on the side, out of the way now.The key feel is about the same with slightly less key travel from the 2nd gen. The keys are quieter in this 3rd gen however as the 2nd gen would make a metallic springy sound in some of the keys in my copy. With this 3rd gen, the two, green octave lights are super bright, I will be using tape or something to mask those as I don't believe there is a means to dim them in the settings.Windows 10 automatically detected it once connected via USB and Cubase picked it up as well.In any case, this was a nice discount from a brand new model and looks like it was brand new. Even the instructions guide seems to be unopened. I hope this lasts another decade or more too!

The key action on this is really nice to play. It's semi-weighted, so the keys feel substantive, but there's still a lot of spring to them, so they're really good for doing rapid synth stuff, while still being nice for slower classical style.It's also really nice that it comes with a 5-pin midi output so I can use it with my synths!As for the USB, I'm on Linux with Bitwig Studio and it worked out of the box without any driver installation.

I bought this about two months ago & it has inspired me to practice like never beforeI am LOVING this keyboardThe keys feel like beautiful synth action with a touch of resistanceI LOVE the physical MIDI Din outI’ve used it to connect to a Korg Volca FM2 & that was a lot of fun61 keys feels really rightEven if I usually use about two octavesSomething about sitting at 61 keys makes it feel very invitingI am going to double down & insist that at the 49 key keyboards I’ve used I literally never felt this motivated to play

As an old school Midi composer getting back into music after a long break, I only bought this MK3 61 Keystation Midi Controller as a necessity when I learned my trusty old Kawai X-D 40 with the 5 Pin Din Midi OUT connection I used since '94 had gone out on me. For me, the "Midi OUT" cable option I could connect to my USB Audio Interface, was THE selling point.I am personally using this for composing, NO fancy Midi control functions/tweaking.That said, it serves it's purpose as a Midi Controller with no built-in sounds strictly for recording/composing with whatever loaded software, hosted vst sounds, or synth modules you use. In my opinion, this is NOT at all for musicians looking for authentic key action for practice or live gigs, the keys are just too physically clumsy & noisy for that, even though they're velocity sensitive.Contrary to some confusing answers I saw in the product's Q&A, there IS an on/off switch, & you CAN use a power adapter as an alternative to USB computer or hub connected power; an eBay search will quickly reveal an appropriate 9v Power Supply Adapter to use with either this MK3 61, or the 88 MK3 Keystation for under $15.00.I got the compatible M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal to complete the new setup.-------------In wanting to use my Keystation solely with my MacBook's (Mojave) Logic Pro X Score Editor for actual note step input on visible staves, the corresponding paper & online MK3 manual is lacking for the proper instruction on how to configure things, along with M-Audio's phone support. So based on my extensive online research, the below guides are to help you save time & tears of frustration towards thinking the keyboard doesn't work.A. For ALL 'MIDI OUT CABLE' ONLY USERS."If you want the MIDI output to act like a traditional USB-to-MIDI interface, engage “MIDI Out” mode by carrying out the following 3 steps:1. Press the Advanced button to engage Edit Mode.2. Press the black key representing “MIDI OUT" until the two lights turn from red to green.3. Click the white key to the left to "Enter", then the Edit Mode will disengage for you to use with a Midi cable only connection.The keyboard is now able to send data received from the computer via its MIDI OUT jack only to whatever device is connected. In order to use the MIDI output, select your Keystation MIDI Out or the interface it's connected to as the MIDI output device in your sequencer."B. FOR ALL LOGIC PRO X USERS." 1. Go to "Control Surface", "Setup", "New", then "Install".Now this may seem crazy, but PLEASE trust me on this;2. On the list, select "MackieDesigns- MackieControl-LogicControl", then click the"ADD" button down below.3. A device icon will appear; in the "Device" menu, either choose the MK3 for both your "input" and "output", or whatever interface you connected it to. If you use a networked computer setup as I do, choose whatever external sound connection you've hosted on the other computer for your "output", in order to hear the sounds you play as you compose"Follow the above steps, & like me, you'll be making music with your MK3 in no time!

This is an early review, so no comment on durability over time.Perspective: I'm old-guy, a hobbyist home recorder and I play any style other than "electronic music". I was looking for a MIDI keyboard controller that featured:* SMALLER FOOTPRINT- so I don't have to clear up much room on my desk,* LIGHT WEIGHT - so I can move on/off my desk with one hand,* KEY FEEL - I had no preconceived notions; I'd know it when I felt itI was prepared to trade off the pads and controls and faders, because I don't play electronic music or gig live and I'd rarely/never use those features.The M-Audio Keystation 61 is perfect for my needs/wants. It features an notably small footprint for full-sized keys, and it's relatively light-weight. I was pleastantly surprised by the key-feel. It's faster than a piano-action, which is useful for certain VSTs, while preserving a meaningful amount of the touch-sensitivity of a piano-action.The 61-key controller is much better suited to my needs than the 49-key. With 49 keys, not only was I running out of real estate on my playing, but some of my VST controls became too cumbersome (Native Instruments sets certain controls at the outer ranges of an 88-key board).Over the past 8 years, I've bought some used M-Audio gear and there's always been durability issues and low resale prices. Having played this for just a week, it's too early to judge those points.

Not much to say. It's good. Not one complaint.