Detailed Description:
The Keystation 88 II from M-Audio
is a MIDI keyboard controller designed for sequencing music and playing
virtual instruments on a Mac or PC computer. It features 88 full-size,
semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys, and a series of controls that
expand the range of playable notes while also providing expressive
capabilities. The keyboard ships with three pieces of software, a
virtual piano instrument from SONiVOX, Ableton Live Lite music creation
software, and Xpand!2 multitimbral DAW software.
Transport and directional controls allow for playing, performing, and
recording with music software without using a mouse or trackpad. A 1/4″
(6.3 mm) sustain pedal input accepts an optional control pedal
for genuine piano sustain. Lightweight and durable, the controller is
USB-powered, class-compliant, and supports USB-MIDI connectivity.
Additionally, the unit supports iOS connectivity using the Apple iPad
Camera Connection Kit (sold separately), enabling one to perform and compose with audio apps on an iPad or another iOS device.
SONiVOX’s Eighty-Eight Ensemble is a piano instrument that authentically
captures a 9-foot CD327 Steinway piano. Meticulously recorded and
expertly sampled, the instrument provides anyone the opportunity to add
to their compositions, recordings, and performances the realism of a
world-class grand piano. Use the combination patches to layer strings,
synth pads, and choral pads with the piano samples to create evolving,
lush soundscapes and textures. A sustain pedal input (pedal sold separately) provides additional piano functionality.
Ableton Live Lite is a performance and production program that is
perfect for spontaneous composition or improvising, recording, remixing
and editing musical ideas in a fluid audio/MIDI environment. Xpand!2 is a
multitimbral workstation offering four active sound parts per patch.
Each part is available on its own MIDI channel, and features individual
note range (zone), mix, arpeggiation, modulation, and effects settings.
The four parts can be put together to build a single patch. Everything
from wavetables and FM synthesis to sample playback is available, along
with thousands of ready-to-play patches.
