M-Audio Hammer 88 - Premium 88-Key Piano-Style Hammer-Action USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller Including Software Suite for Mac & PC

Product Information

Note Repeat allows you to hold down any of the custom-made M-Audio performance pads and hear a repeated rhythmic pattern at a selectable note division. The Note Repeat feature can be activated momentarily or can be used in Latch mode. If you choose Momentary, holding the Note Repeat button will make the note played by the pad automatically repeat. If you choose Latch, pressing any pad will cause its assigned note to repeat without you having to hold down the Note Repeat button. As well as playing a single instrument across the full key range, the keyboard can be split into up to four Zones, each of which can transmit on separate MIDI channels, with its own octave and transpose settings. Zones can of course overlap each other to create layered sounds. The settings you make can be saved to file, thus a library of presets for different applications can be stored for future recall. Keyboard Action

From within the Editor, seven key velocity curves are available to suit your playing style: Hard, Soft 1, Soft 2 and Linear are the four continuous curves, along with three fixed values of 64, 100 and 127. Being normally used to a 76-note semi-weighted keyboard, I personally found the Linear curve to be the most comfortable; its velocity response is smooth and comfortably controllable across the range, although I found accurately homing in on low values between one and 30 difficult to achieve predictably. The maximum of 127, whilst achievable, does require a little extra determination (see box). The OLED screen provides a massive workflow boost whatever DAW you use because it makes browsing and demoing sounds faster and easier (it could be a little bigger). The Simplicity - Some of the stage piano/workstations I have owned are amazing instruments, but just too darn much fuss for what I want to do. It does not get simpler than this. 2 wheels, 2 buttons, and a fader. Simple. But, if we had one concern, it was that the quality of the action would suffer for the sake of adding more features. OK, this might seem like a strange alternative to list. But, if you want the feel of the Hammer 88 Pro without all the bells and whistles, get the original, and save some cash.Smart Chord is a function that lets you trigger complex chords from a single root note. The notes added to your root are determined by the settings you choose using the OLED screen. Smart Scale Here, the keyboard is split into four non-overlapping zones, each transmitting on different MIDI channels. Zones 3 and 4 are also transposed downwards by one and two octaves respectively. The Hammer 88 Pro is a versatile USB MIDI controller with 88-keys, auto-mapping and a range of smart control options. Perfect for both live performance, and as a reliable studio workhorse, this instrument is a well-rounded tool that's bound to enhance your creativity no-end! Key Features

Ergonomically designed pitch and modulation wheels & (3) footswitch pedal inputs and (1) expression pedal input The assignable controls transform the Hammer 88 Pro into a multi-function production powerhouse rather than just a great piano. Faders and knobs For those familiar with M-Audio products, the design and function of the hardware interface have been mainly migrated over from the Oxygen Pro series, including the Chord and Scale technology.

Customer Added Media

Utilise 8 assignable buttons and knobs for precise control over mix plugins, DAW parameters and virtual instruments. You get three vintage keyboard instruments; Velvet (electric piano), Mini Grand, and DB-33 Hammond Organ.

An instrument shouldn’t limit your creativity, it should enhance it! Hammer 88 is USB-powered, class-compliant and supports USB-MIDI connectivity for rapid, hassle-free setup that lets you focus on what’s important—your performance. Plus for iOS enthusiasts, Hammer 88 supports seamless connectivity with the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately), enabling you to perform and

This Software, including Documentation, is provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication or disclosure by any Government or Governmental agency is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (b)(3) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause of DFARS 252.227-7013 or subparagraph (c), (1) and (2) of the Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights clause of 48 CFR 52.227-19, as amended, or any successor or substantially similar or comparable regulations and/or restrictions . There aren’t too many options if you want 88 hammer-action keys, pads, faders; the whole works. But, if you can be a little flexible, here are a few options you might like. Hammer 88 Pro vs Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 The built-in Arpeggiator will affect anything you are playing on the keys from any virtual instrument in your DAW. When the Arpeggiator is activated, the keyboard will repeatedly play the pressed keys in sequence. The arpeggiator’s timing and rhythm is based on the keyboard’s time division setting and either the keyboard’s or your DAW’s tempo setting. Each note in the arpeggio will be the length you’ve selected for the time division setting; for example, if you select 1/4, each note in the arpeggio will be a quarter note. This powerful tool can operate in Latch or Momentary mode, making it easy to match your style. Next-Gen Piano Feel The Hammer 88 Pro offers aftertouch and assignable zones in a step up from the original. Assignable controls 4.8 It's definitely five stars for quality: it's _very_ well made, as others have noted; the standard of construction seems extremely high. I've only had it for a week - so time will tell - but I expect it to last for a long time.