M-audio's first 88-key Stage Piano!

[Cheez]

Am I the only one who missed this which was announced in NAMM 2005? I thought I knew all the new keyboard products announced during NAMM but somehow this one slipped. Don't know why it was not given much coverage.

But here it is: M-audio's first ever 88-key Stage piano - ProKeys 88. Comes with 14 sounds (64MB sound bank - all from Spectrasonics!), built-in USB-MIDI interface, double up as a midi controller, MRSP 749.95USD.

Only sources I can find are:
http://www.keyboardmag.com/story.asp?sectioncode=29&storycode=7842&featurecode=34
http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=media.new&ID=53dbae5cb563013e3fe8236f7f3795a2

Only pictures I can find (which doesn't tell very much) are:

 

[bongman]

Price ?

So it'll be S$1200-1500 ? Comparable to current digital piano models
but this serves as a MIDI controller using USB as well.

 

[Cheez]

Actually, it is VERY cheap for a stage piano. No stage piano with 88 keys and fully weighted action cost around that range.

I think it uses the same concept as their low cost Pro88 - not so good key action with lousy keybed, no aftertouch, light weight using light materials like plywood as the base etc. That's the only way they can keep the cost down.

As for the sounds, it will be interesting to find out what Spectrosonics let them use. Spectrasonics = Eric Persing = Roland. So perhaps some "Roland" type of sound which should be quite decent. Will be interesting if they include some nice pads sounds from Atmosphere, but I doubt it.

 

[DoubleBlade]

can anyone estimate the cost of this product in SGD?

 

[Cheez]

Bongman already did.

 

[LuZeR]

No Cheez, you didnt miss a thing

The M-Audio ProKeys88 was just showcased at the recent Summer NAMM 2005 which took place from 22 July to 24 July. You can head on to M-Audio's webbie about its info.

Looks promising and if the feel of the keys have improved, it can definitely rival the CME UF8 head on......each brand with its advantages over the other

But what i dislike about it is:
The lack of the number of sliders!!!! No drawbar for organs!!!
Still sceptical about the feel of the keys

What i do like about ProKeys is:
Other than being just midi controller, it doubles up as a stage piano, containing 64MB worth of sampled instruments which includes piano (duh~), strings, pads and organs.

It weighs slightly lighter at 21kg (but this could be a drawback cuz UF8's design is more sturdy)

But given M-Audio's high reputation of compatibility with most, if not all, software synths...and at a price of SGD995 (Sinamex) i think im leaning heavily towards it.........I just hope the feel of its keys doesnt spoil it!

LOL. At first i already made up my mind with the UF series but damn freaking gear lust!! lol

 

[lppier]

Has anyone actually tried it out yet? Hope it's good coz I'm in the market for a stage piano in the future...

Pier.

 

[Cheez]

No Cheez, you didnt miss a thing

Yes. I noticed that it was finally announced during NAMM. Just a point - it is not supposed to be a midi controller. That's why the lack of sliders compared to M-audio's other midi controllers. It is supposed to be a stage piano. The feel will not be too much different from the Pro88 - probably exactly the same to keep the low cost. I won't be expecting much more from the keys. What interest me most is the sounds since M-audio has NEVER done it before and Spectrasonics is in it as well.

You can't compare it with the UF series - 2 totally different breed. Can't compare a midi controller with a stage piano. I hope somebody tries out the sounds and post some comments here!

 

[SilverBeast]

Has anyone got their hands on this kybd yet and would like to share the experience?

It costs less than SGD1000 and the demos from their site sounds impressive...it does seem attractive...