Jason Howell (raygun01)

After being extremely patient, I finally sold some old gear which made way for an upgrade in the world of controller keyboards.  I ran out to Robotspeak here in San Francisco, and purchased the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88.  This mother is HUGE!  I didn't realize how large it was, but knew it would be somewhat comical trying to fit it onto my already jam packed desk.  Let's just say my trackball doesn't quite fit right now.

HOWEVER, I am very stoked to get rid of my Edirol PCR-50.  Some of the keys simply stopped registering any velocity.  And I am NOT one to wail and slam on the keys, so I chalk it up to being 3 years old.  But I would expect more from Edirol products.

This Pro 88 weighs in around 55 lbs, and has what seems to be semi-weighted keys, though the documentation boast they are fully weighted.  Good enough for me.  I aint no professional pianist... But I do feel I am ready for the added response.  And man, it's just a pleasure to play.  It feels a lot more solid, and with point by point comparisons between the old keyboard and the new... this M-audio makes the Edirol seem like a toy.

The pots are not nothed, which makes using them for automation a lot more enjoyable.  And the sliders are super long, so fine adjustments should be much easier.  And the damned readout is GIGANTIC!  I love it so far.

Now to make some music!