M-Audio Keystation 61es USB MIDI Controller 

Comments about M-Audio Keystation 61es USB MIDI Controller:

The ONLY reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because M-Audio needs to include an AC adapter with this. I shouldn't have to spend extra money for this. I connect this thru MIDI to my interface which you cannot use the USB cable at the same time. I use MIDI because there is too much of a delay in note response from the time I hit a key when I use the USB connection.

Comments about M-Audio Keystation 61es USB MIDI Controller:

I'm a newbie to the whole MIDI scene. My instructor for a computer music notation (Finale) class recommended this keyboard, and it works fine. Finale recognized the keyboard instantly, but I downloaded and installed drivers anyway.

It's a good idea to read the manual first -- I messed around pressing the "Advanced Function" key just to see if it would do anything, and it apparently did a bunch of stuff, not immediately apparent, which made it act crazy when I tried to use it with Finale. Once I read the manual and reset everything, it worked fine.

I would say it's a lousy piano-type keyboard, as the feel is quite unnatural; however, I'm not an experienced pianist... I just think it would be hard to use this to produce decent music.

Comments about M-Audio Keystation 61es USB MIDI Controller:

My home recording needs are simple: I need everything to work! ...and the Keystation 61 es Midi Controller fit the bill perfectly!! I record using Garageband 11 on a Macbook Pro. The Keystation installed the second I plugged it into the usb port (the included CD wasn't even required for Mac). I could immediately trigger & record from the vast bank of Garageband midi instruments and EZ Drummer drums. I'm NOT a keyboard player so it's not really important to me that the keys aren't weighted like a piano. I'm not much of a techie either, so the only features that mattered when I purchased this keyboard was 1) it worked, 2) it worked WITH my recording set up, & 3) it was easy to use.... 1000% on all three!!

Comments about M-Audio Keystation 61es USB MIDI Controller:

Does what it is supposed to, but prone to becoming flaky.
In terms of "features" this is a bare-bones controller. Pitch and Mod wheels, one slider, octave buttons (with indicator lights!) and 61 full-travel piano-style keys. Not weighted like a piano, but the keys move downward as much as a piano key would. I needed exactly that, no bells no whistles, but I wouldn't want to give a high rating for "features"...
Here's the deal. I have 8 different kids sitting at this keyboard each day. We really use this keyboard. They do treat them well, but that's a lot of usage. On MANY occasions I find that the USB port on the back becomes intermittent. This should not happen because we do not move them around/unplug them often, etc.
Secondly, the volume/data slider, pitch and mod wheels can become corrupted such that they spitout continuous data that ends up recorded in your sequence. Volume can change on it's own, etc., etc.
Being able to outfit our classroom for about $3K and pick up a few replacements each year? You can't beat that.

Comments about M-Audio Keystation 61es USB MIDI Controller:

That's a great keyboard.
Its velocity sensitivity levels are accurate, which is really important for music editors, especially those who are more connected to pianos.
It has the feel of touching a piano (of course nothing can beat a real acoustic piano, but it doesn't feel like those cheap organs's keys)
Definitely worth a try.
Get it to see how great it is!!
Even though the keyboard isn't as heavy as other models, it's feels like it's gonna last long!
For that amount of money you can't go wrong!
It's really the best keyboard I've ever used in this prices range.

Comments about M-Audio Keystation 61es USB MIDI Controller:

The keystation is a controller, so it doesn't have its own sounds. It does have a good key feel (a little bouncy, but I like that.) More appropriate for synth or string playing. I use it as a second keyboard (on a rack) and use Sampletank sounds through my macbook for live playing. I've had no issues with reliability or latency or anything. Since I had the sounds (and the macbook) already, it worked out well for me. With little extra investment, I was able to get a rig that works really well at gigs for those "extra" sounds that fill a room.

Comments about M-Audio Keystation 61es USB MIDI Controller:

I bought this online for a cheap controller to use with my Kurzweil Piano Module to use in tight spaced gigs for the bottom Keyboard when my Stage Piano wont fit. It surprised me as I usually dont like Semi Weighted Keys. It feels good and I can play a 4 hr gig with no cramping in my hands. It is light thats true, but it doesnt slip around on my Quiwlock stand. I also can use it to power the WHOLE module and use it as a top synth over a digital piano. I like it and for the money it is great! I dont do computer stuff but it works great for live playing!! If it had a numeric display for the module presets it would be PERFECT for what i use it for. Even if it cost more it would be worth it for the display. A 61 synth action would not be this versatile.

Comments about M-Audio Keystation 61es USB MIDI Controller:

Let me say first of all, that contrary to another reviewer's claim, this keyboard is NOT "the Axiom without all the best and whistles". I bought it with that assumption, but in fact the keys are different. They don't feel nearly as good as the Axiom...This keyboard is solid, and works well. It looks nice, too. The pitch and mod wheels work great. However, I bought this to use with Reason 4, and quickly realized how limited it is. Reason is built for tweaking, and the absence of knobs and sliders is a big minus. You might think you don't need them (like me), but you will. In the end, I went with the Axiom 61 and am VERY happy with it.If you want a cheap, no-frills keyboard, go with the Oxygen. If you want to use Reason, absolutely get the Axiom, and maybe pass this one by.

Comments about M-Audio Keystation 61es USB MIDI Controller:

When I ordered this product it was on back stock so I had to wait until the item shipped the day the company received it. When I opened the box I noticed minor cosmetic damage on the right side of the keyboard, not quite certain if they sent me a refurbished product but when I emailed support no one got back to me. Otherwise, the 61es is a good purchase fits my desk, has thick semi-weighted keys, would be great to be able to turn off the velocity sensitivity.Cheers.

Comments about M-Audio Keystation 61es USB MIDI Controller:

I love the keys on the keystation 61es, they offer good resisitance and weight, but come back up like a synth action keyboard. It's not the keyboard you're looking for if you want lots of controls, but if you want just want a midi keyboard to play on and not control your software it's perfect. The advanced function button allows you to access a lot more advanced features, which is a nice feature. It's an excellent deal for the price and as long as you aren't planning on using it for a lot of software control I'd highly recommend it.