Customer Reviews
Somewhat Pleased 
2007-12-08
I enjoy using this item but, I was not happy with the fact that I bought some headphones to use with it and they did not function at all. Otherwise this is a great product and was shipped on time!
Very nice for the price. 
2007-07-16
I got this to play my laptop's virtual synths out live. Keys are surprisingly solid and the action is decent. You can't expect hammer-type action (I've got the Studiologic in the studio for that), but this is better than synth action for piano sounds.
It is *very* light, which is a real plus for me as I want it for live gigs.
At this price, it's a good bargain. Octave +/-, Transpose +/- (Perfect for me as we tune down a half step); pitch bend, mod wheel and volume slider are all user assignable. I don't make any use of the Program Change features, so I can't comment on those.
M-Audio's explanation for the 
2007-07-03
First, I want to apologize for the length of this post, but the content demands it.
After my review, I have two emails that come straight from M-Audio that address the "lead paint and dangerous chemicals" issue. This information goes out to Donald Sosin "farmhouse41, and anyone else that is concerned about this issue. I bought the 49e version because it's size is perfect for my space as a secondary keyboard, but this information applies to all models.
I have a Korg Triton Pro in my home studio, and bought the 49e version of this excellent keyboard to use in my living room. It operates flawlessly with my Mac G5 and Garageband, which was truly a plug and play experience. I opened Garageband, turned on the Keystation and the midi device was immediately recognized, and I began to play. It was just that easy. In short.. I love it!
Now for the "Product contains lead and chemicals causing cancer and birth defects" issue. I will post two responses that I received from M-Audio yesterday after I sent them a single email that clearly and strongly questioned every aspect of this "Warning". In my email I wanted to know where the lead was used and if it could harm my family and me. My primary concern was that they had used lead in the silver paint or anywhere on the exterior of the keyboard. Here are the two responses from my single email:
"Al,
This warning label is now required on all electronics devices that contain lead. The keyboard contains lead soldering on the circuit board, which is something you will never come in contact with under normal use. If you ever take the unit apart, which we don't recommend, you'll just want to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards. This will remove any trace of lead that may have rubbed of on you. We understand the concern that such a label would cause, but we can assure you that you are not in any danger while using this product as intended.
Best Regards,
Name withheld for privacy. Here is the second response from another M-Audio employee:
Hi Al,
Just to chime in here...
The warning posted in our 49e Keystudio manual is also found in the manuals for all of our other electronic products. We are located in California, where we are required by state law to use this warning on any product containing even minute, trace amounts of lead (et al). The warning is State of California boilerplate.
Since the RoHS act (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) was passed in the European Union, our products are safer than ever. We have updated the components and materials in all of our current products to comply with the standards set forth therein. [...]
Also, don't hesitate to contact us with any further questions you may have regarding this matter.
All the best,
Name withheld for privacy.
I suggested that they amend the Warning in the Quick Start Guide to include this additional information. I don't know if they can or will do this, so I'm not holding my breath. I hope this information that comes "straight from the horses mouth" proves helpful in alleviating the concerns that a lot of us experienced and does not keep anyone from buying this excellent line of keyboards.
Fantastic for the money 2007-05-12
This keyboard is definitely missing the bells and whistles of more expensive instruments, however, if all you need is an easy-to-use MIDI controller, you can't beat the 88ES. The key action is par for the course; I've played better, I've played worse. The longer you play an electronic instrument, the more your fingers and phrasing adapt to it anyway. All in all, this is the least expensive way to obtain an 88-key controller that is very simple to use.
Customer advisory: Product contains lead and chemicals causing cancer and birth defects 
2007-05-10
I just purchased a Keystation 88ES MIDI Controller and was shocked to see a warning in the manual that the product contains lead or other chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects. I have never seen this in any electronic music gear I have purchased over the last 30 years. What is the story here? I am a teacher of songwriting and film music and had planned to use this equipment in classroom situations all over the country. I can't be exposing myself or my students to harmful chemicals. Health-wise, legal-wise, this is a no-brainer. How can they put something like this on the market? I'm speaking as someone who has bought a number of M-AUdio products in the past and hopes to in the future.
I'm returning this keyboard to the store I bought it from (web order), but wonder if there is a similar product that is free of these chemicals, (this is a silver-colored model, is that the problem?) but equally lightweight, which is the reason I bought it. I do a lot of gigs and find hauling 90 pounds of synthesizer around a big strain on my back and hips, and was really happy to find a 22-pound keyboard I could run through my laptop.
But not at the cost of health. Anyone who owns one of these, I'd be interested in knowing your thoughts...
Disappointed 2008-04-28
I didn't expect to come to a software so confusing, so I haven't been able to upload sounds on to the machine. Now, that I have already opened the software, I may have to sell this and drop the price, because it says that it can be installed onto only one machine. It does look nice and feel nice and it was a good price when I purchased it, so I just hope that someone will buy it and can make it work.
DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT 2008-03-31
This came with a warning sticker stating that this product contains chemicals, including lead, which can lead to cancer and other diseases/defects. I personally find this sickening that Amazon would sell a product that requires such a warning. I am returning it immediately. The only reason I gave it even one star was because Amazon would not let me post this review without at least one. Please be careful!
Great with Grage Band 2008-02-22
Got this for my iMac and garage band. There are better keyboards out there for a lot more money. But for the price this is great.
Good Value, Nice Action 2008-01-23
Action is great for such an inexpensive keyboard. Wish it had some assignable knobs and pads, but one can't be too fussy for the price. I use it in a rig with an e-mu keyboard controller.
good keys for a good price 2007-12-11
Got mine couple of weeks ago and I must say I am pleased with it. I needed lots of keys for piano parts my studio and it's doing just that. Its not fansy and full of controls, but I have other controllers for that. The keys are semi-weighted and velocity senitive, (which is a must have). I hooked it up my computer and it recognised it immediately.
One of the best features is that is can be totally powered by USB! Only one wire for everything.
Bottom line: if you're low on cash and need extra keys, its a very good buy. If you have some cash laying around or you need more control then there are others you could consider.
