Learn more
No featured offers available
We feature offers with an Add to Cart button when an offer meets our high standards for:
- Quality Price,
- Reliable delivery option, and
- Seller who offers good customer service
M-Audio Keystation 61ES 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Semi-Weighted Keys (OLD MODEL)
| Brand | M-Audio |
| Number of Keys | 61 |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Included Components | not included |
| Item Weight | 14.1 Pounds |
About this item
- Programming Options include: Octave Shift, Transpose, Program Change, Bank LSB, Bank MSB, MIDI Channel MIDI out for USB
- 61 note full-size velocity sensitive, semi-weighted keyboard.
- MIDI Out socket. USB to MIDI OUT interface. DC power input for stand-alone use (adaptor not included)
- Function button for programming. Assignable data up/down buttons.
- Powered by USB.
- Reset all controllers, Wheel assign, Slider Assign.
Products related to this item
Product information
| Item Weight | 14.1 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 39.02 x 9.25 x 3.74 inches |
| ASIN | B0002H0GF0 |
| Item model number | US71010 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.0 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #173,290 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #665 in Computer Recording MIDI Controllers |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | August 19, 2004 |
| Connector Type | USB |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Musical Style | Electronic |
| Number of Keyboard Keys | 61 |
Feedback
Product guides and documents
Inspiration from this brand
What's in the box
Product Description
The M Audio Keystation 61es is an affordable USB-MIDI controller keyboard. The 61es offers semi-weighted keys that give you the feel of a piano in a compact, affordable MIDI controller. Ideal for a multitude of music creation and education applications, the Keystation 61es offers you modulation and Pitch Bend Wheels, plus assignable buttons and a slider for hands on control. The Keystation 61es is class compliant and features true plug-and-play operation under Windows XP and Mac OS X. Features 61 note full-size velocity sensitive, semi-weighted keyboard Powered by USB (cable included) Pitch bend wheel Assignable modulation wheel Sustain pedal socket (pedal not included) Assignable slider Function button for programming Assignable data up/down buttons MIDI Out socket USB to MIDI OUT interface DC power input for stand-alone use (adapter not included) Programming Options Octave Shift Transpose Program Change Bank LSB Bank MSB MIDI Channel MIDI Out from USB Reset All Controllers Wheel Assign Slider Assign Easy Control Controls in M-Audio keyboards aren't buried mysteriously in obscure menus. The keys have a second layer of functions, allowing you to program MIDI control information directly from the black and whites. Here's how it works: Press the MIDI/Select button. Press keyboard note whose label corresponds to the parameter you wish to change. Use the Data Entry slider to select the value or enter numeric values by pressing the keys labeled with numbers.
Related products with free delivery on eligible orders
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the functionality, value for money, and ease of setup of the audio MIDI controller. They mention it works great in a live environment and is pretty good for the money. Some are also happy with the weight. However, some customers differ on the keyboard feel, durability, and sound quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the functionality of the audio midi controller. They mention it works great in a live environment and studio. Customers also appreciate the keyboard's perfect functioning. They say it works fine on Windows 7 64-bit and instantly in ProTools, Reason, and many stand-alone synth programs. Overall, customers say it's a great controller and sufficient as an instrument.
"...Works with Garage Band and Logic Pro.I use the music program Logic Pro 9 on my Mac, and it works wonderfully with this keyboard...." Read more
"...And, for basic musical lines, it's sufficient as an instrument...." Read more
"...Anyway, it has been great fun. It works fine on windows 7 64bit. I downloaded the drivers from their website...." Read more
"...a computer and output sound system, you end up with a highly usable musical instrument as well as the ability to play, record, play back and save." Read more
Customers appreciate the value for money of the audio MIDI controller. They mention it's simple, semi-weighted, and cheap. Some say it'll be a nice entry-level controller.
"...It's not perfect, but it's a good bargain for the cost." Read more
"PROS: Great price for a 61-key MIDI controller keyboard, especially since it has its own built-in interface...." Read more
"...It is a decent price for a full-sized keyboard with 61 keys. The keys feel pretty good, but not great...." Read more
"Its cheap and it works. This is the way to go for keyboad plunkers these days...." Read more
Customers find the audio MIDI controller easy to set up. They mention it's simple, semi-weighted, and cheap. Customers also say it'll run with a MID-sequencer easily. The plug-n-play functionality is a big plus over typical MIDi routing. They say it is great for beginners and interfaces well with Native Instruments programs.
"...Setup was incredibly easy, just plug it in and turn it on, USB powered. Works with Garage Band and Logic Pro...." Read more
"...The plug-n-play functionality is a big plus over typical MIDI routing. And, for basic musical lines, it's sufficient as an instrument...." Read more
"...The velocity sensitive keys all work and are pretty intuitive...." Read more
"...It interfaces well with the Native Instruments programs that I operate on my laptop and that's all that I ask of it...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the keyboard. They mention it's a great basic USB keyboard and an excellent USB MIDI keyboard controller. Some say the keystation is a good piece of equipment.
"...Overall, it's a very convenient keyboard...." Read more
"It is a nice midi controller that is pretty portable...." Read more
"It is a pretty decent keyboard if you want something cheap or you are a beginner...." Read more
"Brilliant. Loads of use out of it so far. Friends borrowed it...." Read more
Customers like the weight of the audio MIDI controller. They say it's lightweight, thin, and portable.
"...Overall, it's a very convenient keyboard. It's lightweight, so I can prop it up on my desk or workstation when I need it and leave it on the..." Read more
"...I also like having a keyboard that is light weight and I can store it under a bench...." Read more
"...This unit has semi-weighted (i.e. sorta like piano) keys (they are not just mush, like synth type keys)...." Read more
"...Very light weight which to me is a plus since I use them live...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the keyboard feel of the audio midi controller. Some mention the weighted keys feel great and offer more opportunity for a more natural experience, while others say the action is extremely stiff.
"I am actually Sarah's Son...This keyboard had a great feel to it, once you get used to the slight springyness of the keys..." Read more
"...not as plastic-feeling as non-weighted keyboards, the semi-weighted keys are still springy and not as responsive as fully-weighted keys...." Read more
"...The semi weighted keys are a nice touch, as fully weighted keys on something so small would be ridiculous...." Read more
"...The first time, one of the key-depressing mechanisms was broken causing that key to click loudly every time you played it...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the durability of the audio MIDI controller. Some mention the keys feel nice, are solid, and of high quality. Others say it's inexpensive but has a quality problem.
"...it in the back of the keyboard, and it has the perfect resistance for different sustain levels.Enjoy!" Read more
"...Therefore, I gave it four out of five stars. It's not perfect, but it's a good bargain for the cost." Read more
"...It has what it needs, which is high quality workmanship, such as the "feel" of the keys when played, and advanced function, such as velocity..." Read more
"...The ironing board is adjustable and gives it a secure base...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the sound quality of the audio MIDI controller. Some mention that the keys feel wonderful and are great for playing piano style sounds, while others say they don't have sounds or speakers built in.
"...This is a midi controller, does not have speakers of its own, and does not have sounds of its own, you will have to hook it into a computer...." Read more
"-This keyboard is great for electronic music...." Read more
"...I am operating OS X 10.8.3. The keyboard does not produce sound after being plugged in to my Mac, as the instructions indicate that it should...." Read more
"...The semi-weighted keys feel wonderful, and are great for playing piano style sounds...." Read more
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
This keyboard had a great feel to it, once you get used to the slight springyness of the keys (as compared to a piano). Setup was incredibly easy, just plug it in and turn it on, USB powered. Works with Garage Band and Logic Pro.
I use the music program Logic Pro 9 on my Mac, and it works wonderfully with this keyboard. You can play so many different instruments. I prefer the simplicity of this product compared to other keyboards; the pitch bend and modulation wheels are easy and fun to use, and the octave change buttons extend the notes, as if you have more keys.
If you buy this keyboard, I would recommend the M-Audio SP-2 US65010 Sustain Pedal Piano Style Sustain for Keyboards for another great effect. It adds a whole other layer to your music. Just plug it in the back of the keyboard, and it has the perfect resistance for different sustain levels.
Enjoy!
However, it's not the most "playable" keyboard I've ever owned. Although it's not as plastic-feeling as non-weighted keyboards, the semi-weighted keys are still springy and not as responsive as fully-weighted keys. Also, the necessity of using the keys to send various MIDI commands was probably a cost-saving idea, but I would have been willing to pay the extra dollars to have dedicated controls.
Overall, it's a very convenient keyboard. It's lightweight, so I can prop it up on my desk or workstation when I need it and leave it on the keyboard rack when I don't. The plug-n-play functionality is a big plus over typical MIDI routing. And, for basic musical lines, it's sufficient as an instrument. But, for real technical playing or rapid key hits, you'll want something designed for higher performance levels.
Therefore, I gave it four out of five stars. It's not perfect, but it's a good bargain for the cost.
The velocity sensitive keys all work and are pretty intuitive. It is not as sensitive or realistic as a piano, but who cares, it's 20lbs instead of 2,000lbs, and can play thousands of different sounds.
This is a midi controller, does not have speakers of its own, and does not have sounds of its own, you will have to hook it into a computer.
It comes with abelon live lite which is a program that has some synthesized sounds and recording capabilities. Neither of which I have used. There are lots of free synthesizer programs you can get too.
If you are new to synth music like me, I would suggest finding some free programs on the internet and playing around with them on your keyboard before deciding if you want to get something like this to make note progression more intuitive.
I was contemplating getting casio's priva for like $400, glad I didn't because this is plenty for me to learn some stuff on. I'm mainly interested in playing around with making psytrance music, and having something that I can feel comfortable with my 3yr old daughter having a bit of gentle fun with.
It's big enough you can rest it on your lap, but it is a bit unwieldy. I'd say it's a bit bigger than 3 full size computer keyboards.
Made in China, all visible parts plastic with exception of connectors. The bottom can be unscrewed, for repairs I assume.
Top reviews from other countries
almost as much as a real piano. Get good active speakers and an external sound card for a better sound!
worauf wartest du noch?
Rapporto prezzo valore abbastanza buono. Peccato non venga fornito di serie l'alimentatore anche se non è indispensabile.
The keys are a bit noisy, especially if you play forte, but nothing out of the ordinary.. probably softer than other models in fact. I can't really compare properly since I don't have another one here, and I don't remember very well [it's been a while since last I used a similar keyboard]. In any case, if you use them with headphones or you turn the volume high enough to have decent sound output, the noisy keys are not an issue anymore.
I like that it has piano-like keys, not thin/tapered keys. I dreaded those.
If you want aftertouch and more control over the DAW, get a fancier keyboard. A few more buttons for communicating with the DAW would have been nice to have. You can do this via the advanced button but it only enables some of the low-range keys to trigger the DAW, which.. dunno, might work for some, I won't bother because I really need those keys. And I prefer to automate that by hand, later, in the DAW, and focus on playing. Anyway, I'd much rather pay for really good weighted keys, rather than any extra fancy buttons.
I also thought 5 octaves would be more than enough for basic input btw, I used 5 octave keyboards before.. I kind of forgot how small these are. They're kind of enough, but barely, and not at all ideal for playing the piano or any wide-range instruments. On the flip side, 5 octaves fit well on my desk, or close to it, they don't take a lot of space, and the keyboard is slim and light.
At this price I'd say it's perfect. : ]












