M-audio Hammer 88 Keyboard Midi Controller (Usb) Review
Reason Studios Reason 11 Review
That's why I wrote this Reason Studios Reason 11 review.
I've been using this keyboard controller for over 2 years, so I thought I'd write this One thousand-Sound Hammer 88 review.
I'll be telling you what I like and what I don't like well-nigh this 88-fundamental fully-weighted keyboard controller. We'll too exist comparing it to other MIDI/USB keyboard controllers in the same category.
Lastly, I'll be answering some oftentimes asked questions and giving you my verdict on the M-Audio Hammer 88.
Is the Hammer 88 right for you? Let's detect out!
- What I similar most the K-Audio Hammer 88
- What I don't like about the M-Audio Hammer 88
- Thou-Audio Hammer 88 vs Yamaha P125
- One thousand-Audio Hammer 88 vs Studio Logic SL88
- M-Audio Hammer 88 vs Native Instruments Komplete Control S88
- M-Sound Hammer 88 vs Roland A-88 MKII
- Included software with the K-Audio Hammer 88
- M-Audio Hammer 88: Often Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Summary: M-Audio Hammer 88 Review
What I like about the Grand-Audio Hammer 88
The M-Sound Hammer 88 is ane of the most important tools in my studio.
I put lots of thought and enquiry into finding the right keyboard controller for the job.
Minimalist design and maximum playability
When I look at this MIDI/USB controller, I am immediately drawn to it by its simplicity. The Grand-Audio Hammer 88 includes everything this type of controller needs.
- Pitch Bend Bike
- Modulation Bike
- Master Book Fader
- +/- Buttons
Can you lot find other keyboard controllers with more than functionality? Definitely!
However, I much adopt having the essentials. In reality though, you really don't need more than than this and the fact that everything is nicely spaced out increases the playability.
The pitch bend/modulation wheels are big and feel cracking.
I personally use the +/- buttons to navigate through presets which can exist assigned using the M-Sound Hammer 88 Preset Editor (which we'll talk about next).
Something else that I really enjoyed about the Hammer 88 is the integrated sheet music stand up.
I really used it to concur my computer's screen for quite some time (I don't anymore)…
Consummate customizability using the preset editor
The included M-Sound Hammer 88 Preset Editor makes it possible to completely customize the layout of your keyboard controller. You can even divide it into up to 4 different regions.
In other words, you lot can employ your Hammer 88 to control 4 different MIDI channels.
As I mentioned, it's too possible to assign the different buttons/sliders/wheels to whatever parameter.
Lastly, yous can even conform things like…
- Transposition
- Sensitivity
- Range
Information technology'due south groovy to have this much control and to be able to save these presets for quick use!
Connectivity that supports every type of pedal
I of my favourite things about the 1000-Audio Hammer 88 is that it allows you to connect up to 3 pedals.
- Sustain
- Soft
- Expression
I've seen LOTS of 88-key keyboard controllers that but include the sustain pedal input.
And remember… Anything you lot connect to the Hammer 88 can be assigned to whatever parameter using the preset editor.
For example, you can actually connect some other sustain pedal (the soft pedal) and assign that to the "record" parameter. Substantially, yous can start controlling your DAW with your feet.
However, the expression pedal input is SUPER of import.
It adds incredible functionality to your workflow and the Hammer 88 is one of the few ways to connect such a device. That's 1 of the main reasons I recommend the Hammer 88 over other keyboard controllers.
K-Audio even included a 9V DC outlet if you prefer to power the keyboard that fashion, but information technology's also coach-powered.
Just continue in mind that the DC adapter isn't included, just I personally just use motorbus-ability (why not?).
Rugged structure and professional person-class keys
And so, this thing is HEAVY!
The Thou-Audio Hammer 88 feels like something you'd bring to your next gig.
Nearly of the keyboard is made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), but the cover is made of metal. If you lot ever demand to make repairs (which I did at some indicate), it'due south too adequately easy to dissassemble.
Yous'll also observe that the keys feel very close to an actual upright piano.
That's considering the M-Audio Hammer 88 uses hammer-action mechanisms to append the keys.
I tin can't say that it feels EXACTLY similar a existent piano, only information technology'southward realistic enough to make me experience like I'grand playing the real matter. The amount of resistance is well-counterbalanced and makes longer sessions pleasant.
Now, the keys are RELATIVELY quiet compared to other keyboards.
Simply… You tin can plainly expect them to make SOME noise (the "hammers" need to hit something).
What I don't like about the One thousand-Audio Hammer 88
To be 100% honest, the simply affair I don't like nearly the Thou-Audio Hammer 88 is the client support.
When I accidentaly tore off the USB port, I needed to e-mail them 3 times earlier getting a response.
It's also worth mentioning that you'll need to pay for render aircraft if you desire to get your keyboard services (which is pretty expensive).
I decided to go in there and fix it myself (which IS possible and easily done).
If you ever need some assistance with that, possibly I'll make a video one day!
Then, I personally wouldn't count on M-Audio customer support to assistance you lot with this purchase.
M-Audio Hammer 88 vs Yamaha P125
Let's compare the M-Sound Hammer 88 with the Yamaha P125…
| Chiliad-Sound Hammer 88 | Yamaha P125 | |
| Blazon of Action | Hammer-Action | Graded Hammer-Action |
| Sound Engine | No | Pure CF Sound Engine |
| Pedal Inputs | Sustain, Soft, Expression | Sustain |
| MIDI Output | Yes | No |
| Bus-Powered | Yes | No |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Included Accessories | Music Stand | Music Stand, Sustain Pedal, AC Adapter |
Thousand-Sound Hammer 88 vs Studio Logic SL88
Now, permit'south wait at the Studio Logic SL88…
| M-Sound Hammer 88 | Studio Logic SL88 | |
| Type of Action | Hammer-Action | Graded Hammer-Activeness |
| Sound Engine | No | Yeah |
| Pedal Inputs | Sustain, Soft, Expression | 2x Sustain, 1x Expression, 1x Universal |
| MIDI Output | Yes | Aye |
| Bus-Powered | Yep | Yes |
| Aftertouch | No | Yes |
| Included Accessories | Music Stand up | Sustain Pedal, Ability Adapter |
K-Audio Hammer 88 vs Native Instrument Komplete Kontrol S88
How does the Native Instruments Komplete Control S88 compare against the Grand-Audio Hammer 88?
| M-Audio Hammer 88 | Native Instruments Komplete Control S88 | |
| Type of Action | Hammer-Action | Hammer-Activeness |
| Audio Engine | No | No |
| Pedal Inputs | Sustain, Soft, Expression | 2x Universal |
| MIDI Output | Yes | Yes |
| Motorcoach-Powered | Yes | Yes |
| Aftertouch | No | Yes |
| Included Accessories | Music Stand | Power Supply |
M-Audio Hammer 88 vs Roland A-88 MKII
Lastly, let'southward expect at the Roland A-88 MKII…
| Grand-Sound Hammer 88 | Roland A-88 MKII | |
| Type of Activity | Hammer-Action | Hammer-Action |
| Sound Engine | No | No |
| Pedal Inputs | Sustain, Soft, Expression | Sustain, Soft, Expression |
| MIDI Output | Yes | Yep |
| Bus-Powered | Yes | Yes |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Included Accessories | Music Stand | Cables |
Included software with the M-Sound Hammer 88
To be completely honest, I haven't fifty-fifty downloaded any of the plug-ins included with the Hammer 88. I take nothing against whatever of them, but I personally use Arturia's V Drove 7 which has everything I need and more.
If you haven't equipped yourself with some decent software instruments (1000 pianoforte, electrical piano, electric organ), you've got nothing to lose by trying them!
Here'south a brief description of the iv software instruments you lot'll be able to download from your M-Audio account:
SONiVOX "Fourscore-Eight" |A sampled virtual musical instrument that emulates the character of a 9-human foot CD327 Steinway grand piano.
AIR "Mini Grand" |A sampled virtual musical instrument that gives you lot access to the sounds of 7 dissimilar acoustic pianos. Complete with re-pedalling technology, born room simulation and equal/stretched temperaments.
AIR "Velvet" | Emulate the sounds of 5 legendary electric pianos from the 60s and 70s including the Fender Rhodes Suitcase, Fender Rhodes MK1 and MK2, Wurlitzer 200A and the Hohner Pianet-T.
AIR "DB-33" |Recreate the sounds of classic tonewheel organs such as the Hammond B3, complete with rotary cabinet and tube overdrive emulation. It includes 122 presets to provide you with hours of textile to work with.
1000-Sound even included a 2 GB audio library called Bear on Loops, a free 3-calendar month subscription to Skoove (online piano lessons) and their proprietary Hammer 88 preset editor.
I personally don't use sound libraries, but I checked it out nonetheless. Information technology wasn't that groovy (compared to Apple'due south sound library) and the "gratuitous" subscription to Skoove still requires your credit card number.
The one piece of software that I still bask is the Hammer 88 preset editor.
I managed to find an first-class demo of the software for those who are interested…
Lastly, the Hammer 88 also comes with M-Audio'due south version of Pro Tools (it includes more sounds) and Ableton Live Light. If you haven't purchased a digital audio workstation (DAW) yet, these two programs can certainly become yous started.
If you're already set like I am though, you'll nigh likely never finish up using them though.
I think information technology'southward great that M-Audio has included everything a beginner could need and the Hammer 88 preset editor for more advanced music producers. There's something for anybody!
K-Sound Hammer 88: Oftentimes Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some normally asked questions nigh the M-Audio Hammer 88…
Does the K-Sound Hammer 88 have speakers?
NO. Either mode, in that location aren't any internal sounds/patches on the G-Sound Hammer 88. You lot need to connect it to your computer and apply sample libraries and/or software instruments to go sound.
Does the Grand-Audio Hammer 88 accept aftertouch?
NO. The M-Sound Hammer 88'southward keys don't have aftertouch.
How do yous transpose the M-Audio Hammer 88?
You'll demand to apply the M-Sound Hammer 88 Preset Editor OR have your +/- button assigned to that function.
Summary: M-Audio Hammer 88 Review
So, what do You lot recollect about the M-Audio Hammer 88?
Considering that it'southward the most affordable pick in this category AND that it doesn't cut whatsoever corners, it's a NO-BRAINER for me. However, our needs may not necessarily be the same.
That's why I wanted to compare the Hammer 88 to some other 88-key weighted keyboard controllers.
If you just need the essentials though, it'll actually be to your advantage to pay less and do more!
Please share your thoughts in the comment section and feel free to inquire me any questions that haven't already been covered as well. I hope you found this M-Audio Hammer 88 review insightful, thank you for reading!
The best 88-primal weighted keyboard…
This is the keyboard stand I use…
The Hammer doesn't include a sustain pedal. I personally use this one…
I as well utilise this expression pedal…
If this review has helped you find what you were looking for, please consider passing it on. What practise you think virtually the M-Audio Hammer 88? Let u.s.a. know in the comments!
Sources:
https://m-audio.com/hammer88
https://ca.yamaha.com/en/products/musical_instruments/pianos/p_series/p-125/alphabetize.html
https://www.studiologic-music.com/products/sl_keyboards/
https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-s88/
https://www.roland.com/ca/products/a-88mk2/
knowlesniumor1936.blogspot.com
Source: https://decibelpeak.com/m-audio-hammer-88-review/
12 Responses
I take originally purchased a StudioLogic SL88 Studio. My initial thoughts were that the action was unnaturally, sticky? Every bit if you spilled coca cola on information technology and let it dry. The return was very boring so fast repeated key strokes are impossible. I chosen Sweetwater and was told I just needed to break information technology in. 1 week later, 4 keys died. I wanted to return it simply Sweetwater refused and would merely give me a replacement option. Again, ane week subsequently, 1 key died on the replacement unit, also has sticky keys. I had to call my bank and dispute a chargeback. I and then decided to spend more, thinking I would get a better product. I purchased an Arturia Keylab 88 MK2 from a different vendor. It suffered the same glutinous keys. After I found out information technology had the same exact key mechanism and that is why they felt the same. Thankfully that return was a breeze. I was fix to surrender on midi keyboards until I was recommended the One thousand-Audio Hammer 88. I was hesitant because I read on this website called Reddit that M-Audio products are terrible for pianists. I took the swoop but this time I bought it from my local Guitar Center. It was a demo unit that has been on display for years. It was very muddied just we were able to test it out. I was also able to try other keyboards. One that stood out was this Roland FP30x, which had a fantastic activity that felt similar a grand piano, and this Yamaha CP88 that had a bang-up light key touch that felt like a baby yard but it was very expensive if I was just to use it for midi functionality. I was going to purchase that FP30x on the spot, all the same, they were able to offer me a great toll on that used Hammer 88. They keys weren't graded but the actuation was consistent across the board. And then thats my experience going through the pain of picking a skilful midi keyboard. At present I'm on a hunt for a secondary keyboard. I looked around for whatsoever new competitors but it seems the Hammer 88 is notwithstanding the ideal option and I'm completely baffled how affordable it is for the quality yous go. I might purchase the Roland FP30x. I tried a Roland A88 MK2 yesterday and information technology felt strange. It had this awkward curt key travel. Might take been but that specific unit. What I did like was this Roland Juno DS88. It felt very like to the Roland FP30x. The dilemma continues!
Hey Jessica,
That really sounds like a long and painful journey you went through!
I'grand glad you somewhen got your hands on a Hammer 88. I've had mine for 2+ years and information technology's however in 100% working status.
The but affair I can't recommend almost M-Audio is the customer back up…
However, the M-Sound Hammer 88 is the merely decent hammer-activity keyboard controller I've institute at this price. The Arturia KeyLab 88 uses some kind of hybrid betwixt hammer-action and semi-weighted.
I'll check out the Roland Juno DS88 when I go a chance. It'due south a chip pricey, simply it looks great!
Thanks for sharing your experience, let me know if you ever demand any assistance.
All the best!
– Stefan
The K-Audio Hammer 88 piano will be my next purchase every bit I was searching for someone with experience with different brands to aid me to place i of the best Brand pianos that I would find affordable. I read through your post and I get the help I needed to decide which brand I should invest in.
The keys of the Hammer 88 will prove the best fit for me with my over half-inch thick fingers. I should ask, will the Hammer 88 be convenient for my lilliputian male child to practice on?
Thanks for your full informative coverage of the K-Audio Hammer 88
DorcasW
Hey DorcasW!
The keys are full-sized, so I think you'll find it to exist quite playable. They're some of the best at this price range and truly replicate the feel of a existent audio-visual piano.
The Hammer 88 is also cracking for beginners, so I'm sure your son will have no problem with it. However, he will demand to develop his finger muscles as the keys certainly have some "weight" to them! M-Audio even includes a 3-month membership to Skoove (interactive piano lessons). You can both work on your developing your "chops" together!
Thanks for stopping by!
– Stefan
Hello Stefan
I know my good friend will exist interested in this review as he is a keen keyboardist. He is ever telling me that he wish in that location was a keyboard that not just looks skillful but gives good quality sound. From your review I am sure he will become a lot from it. I actually enjoyed reading this review as it clearly shows its many advantages compared to other keyboard. I will pass this review to my adept friend and am sure he volition enjoy this.
I may be looking to start playing the keyboard in the near future and wonder if this is a good beginner keyboard?
Thank you
Antonio
Hey Antonio!
The Hammer 88 is perfect for both beginners and professionals alike! I'm certain your friend volition like the keyboard, especially if he does a lot of studio work.
If you're interested in learning the piano, the Hammer 88 is platonic. It really emulates the activity of a existent piano and M-Audio also includes a 3-month subscription to Skoove. This is basically a platform designed to teach beginners and professionals how to play the piano. The lessons are interactive and work alongside the Hammer 88.
Thanks for stopping by!
– Stefan
How-do-you-do, I really want to capeesh your endeavour in putting together this website and writing this commodity. I am so in dear with this keyboard right now. I am a big fan of the Yamaha Montage and presently at that place is a Yamaha mx-88 music synthesizer in my church building but this particular chiliad-audio is the next on the budget. Thank you for your holiness review
Hey Benny!
The Yamaha Montage is a dandy pick! However, I just wanted to clarify that the Hammer 88 is not a synthesizer similar the keyboards y'all mentioned. In other words, it doesn't provide sound on its ain.
Think of the Hammer 88 as a keyboard controller. You'll demand to plug it into a computer and use virtual instruments (there are a few included with the Hammer 88). It's better suited for a home studio, but you tin can perform with information technology as long every bit yous've got yourself a laptop.
Thank you for stopping by!
– Stefan
Hey Stefan! Very practiced and complete review! I feel like I'grand learning and realizing many things about the keyboard. Thanks for your website (I really love it!).
By the way, in the text above you said that the price can fluctuate. Why? Plus, how tin can I find out the right fourth dimension to buy this production?
Because honestly I want to buy this particular as a birthday gift for my daughter in Feb tomorrow!
Hey Kylie!
I'm not 100% sure as to why the price of the Hammer 88 has fluctuated and then much. It may take to practice with import/consign costs, availability, etc… I've never seen anything like this. I bought mine for approximately 600 CAD, but I've seen it go as low as 500 CAD. Equally long as it's in that range, I wouldn't worry too much about the cost because it's totally worth information technology!
I'k certain your daughter volition love it. It's a peachy keyboard to learn and grow with every bit it emulates the characteristics of a real pianoforte.
Thanks for stopping by!
– Stefan
The pianoforte looks unproblematic yet sophisticated. I am amazed at those features. I love that the design came with the beginners in mind. I recently started my piano lessons and I am still trying to learn the ropes. Sounds like the Hammer 88 Keyboard produces really soft sounds with the balanced keys. I dear that fifty-fifty with the minimalist design, the keys are large plenty. Suits someone similar me that has fatty fingers. Give thanks you for this great proffer.
Hey Carol,
You're correct, the keys are the aforementioned size as a real piano's. You tin produce the softest sounds with them… or even the loudest!
Thanks for stopping by!
– Stefan