Have you ever been caught in the dilemma of selecting the perfect MIDI controller for your music production needs? If so, our M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro review will help you out. We will take a deep dive into everything this high-grade musical instrument has to offer. From unboxing to design, sound quality and connectivity options – we cover it all.
The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is an exceptional musical keyboard that stands out because of its superior features and performance. An upgrade from its predecessors, this model promises to deliver excellent playability and versatility with its 88 graded hammer action keys. It’s guaranteed to provide smooth playing experiences for enthusiastic musicians and producers alike.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | M-Audio |
| Model Name | Hammer 88 Pro |
| Number of Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer Action |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Special Features | Weighted Keys, 16 RGB backlit MIDI assignable velocity sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat, plus 8 assignable knobs and buttons and also includes 9 assignable faders |
| Software Suite | Ableton Live Lite, accompanied by seven virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech and includes nine Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs |
| Weight | It weighs around18.5 kg (40.8 lbs) |
| Dimensions | The piano measures about142.24 cm in length, around 28.19 cm in width and approximately 12.7 cm in height (56.00 x 11.10 x 5.00 inches) respectively |
M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro: A Quick Overview
The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is a versatile keyboard designed with professional musicians in mind, featuring an 88-key graded hammer action for a realistic piano touch. This model stands out with its weighted keys and comprehensive control options, including 16 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads, eight assignable knobs and buttons, and nine faders, all of which expand its functionality for varied music production needs.
Connectivity is ensured through USB, providing seamless integration with computer-based setups. The Hammer 88 Pro also comes bundled with a robust software suite that includes Ableton Live Lite and various virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech. Weighing approximately 18.5 kg (40.8 lbs) and measuring around 142 cm in length by almost 28 cm in width and just over 12 cm in height, this keyboard offers a substantial yet manageable size for serious studio use.
Unboxing
One of the first things you feel when unboxing the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is excitement. There’s nothing quite like opening a box containing a new musical instrument, especially one as high-quality as this. When you first see it, nestled in its packaging, you will immediately take notice of its sleek design and compact build.
Peeling away the packaging layer on top unveils the beautifully crafted Hammer 88 Pro sitting snugly inside. Seeing it for the first time gives off a thrilling feeling that grips any music enthusiast. A dark, glossy finish across its surface makes it stand out immediately.
Once all protective layers are unwrapped and removed from around the instrument, there’s more to discover inside. Alongside this stunning keyboard, you will find various accessories included in the box which add significant value to your purchase.
Also Read: Yamaha Piaggero NP-15 Review: Perfect for Any Pianist!
Design
One of the first things that you notice about the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is its design. The keyboard comes with a sleek and modern look that blends simplicity with professional elegance. The overall structure is sophisticated and shows M-Audio’s careful attention towards creating instruments for serious musicians.
The Hammer 88 Pro has been impressively designed with a focus on user comfort and convenience. A superior highlight of this keyboard is its compact size. Yes, it has 88 keys, which means it gives users full access to the grand scale of sounds in music. But even so, M-Audio managed to maintain a size that doesn’t take up too much space.
The specific dimensions are 142.24 x 28.19 x 12.7 cm. This makes for an excellent addition to any studio or live performance setup without causing space issues. You can easily find a sweet spot for it in your studio or pack it into your car when going for gigs!
Sound Quality Reflection
One of the most significant aspects of any musical instrument is sound quality. This truth is no different for the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro.
Studying the sound quality of this distinctive model, it’s clear that M-Audio has gone above and beyond. It reflects a wonderful balance between pitch and sound reproduction. The piano tones are clear, resonant and can be easily distinguished from each other. Whether you’re playing soft melodies or robust tones, this keyboard won’t let down your expectations.
The other aspect to look at is how accurately the keyboard reproduces various pitches. In its own right, each key on this board serves well for tonal consistency and responsiveness from low to high frequencies, offering an incredibly dynamic range.
Connectivity Options
The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro not only delivers a strong punch in the field of music production with its phenomenal sounds and versatile features, it also shines bright when it comes to its connectivity options. This keyboard distinguishes itself from competitors in this area through its impressive capabilities. After all, what good is a fantastic keyboard if you can’t connect it with your other equipment? In this comprehensive look at the connectivity features of the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro, we go beyond just mentioning that it has USB connectivity.
- USB Connectivity
One of the most noteworthy features of the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is its USB connectivity. This option allows you to easily plug the unit into your computer or other devices without any hassles or stress over compatibility issues. It’s simple, straightforward and has become a standard expectation in contemporary musical instruments.
- MIDI Capabilities
The Hammer 88 Pro is also equipped with MIDI capabilities, which increase its versatility immensely. MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface – a protocol that enables different music devices to communicate together seamlessly. Armed with MIDI functionality, you’re able to connect and control multiple instruments at once which greatly expands your creative spectrum.
- Special Features Boost Connection Options Further accentuating on unique connection options available through this remarkable digital piano are 16 RGB backlit MIDI assignable velocity sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat, along with 8 assignable knobs & buttons, and 9 assignable faders. They amplify user interaction by offering customizable controls for hands-on command over your software.
Undeniably, these highlighted specifications are compelling proofs that everything about this device is meant not just to create wonderful sounding melodies but also provide robust connections for professional usage.
Also Read: Yamaha Piaggero NP-12: Your Ultimate, Comprehensive Review
Features
The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is an impressive piece of musical equipment known for its innovative features that sets it apart from other musical keyboards. Let’s delve into some of the striking features that position this model in a league of its own:
- Number and Quality of Keys: One unique feature is the number and quality of keys. With a total count of 88 keys, this keyboard provides a wide range for musicians to explore their melodies. The keys have a graded hammer action which merely hints at referring not just to the quantity but also to the quality and feel.
- Graded Hammer Action Key-bed: The weighted keys mimicking an acoustic piano set the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro apart. It creates real, tangible feedback allowing you to play more expressively.
- Assignability: One often overlooked but essential feature is assignability which boosts customization options. This includes 16 RGB backlit MIDI assignable velocity-sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat, 8 assignable knobs & buttons, and 9 assignable faders. These can be used to control your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software or virtual instruments directly from your controller giving you better control over your music production.
- Software Suite: A terrific bonus-feature offered by M-Audio is their exceptionally rich software suite that comes bundled free with every purchase. That comprises Ableton Live Lite, seven virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech, and nine professional MPC Expansion packs from Akai providing tools necessary for creativity at any level.
- Connectivity Options: With USB connectivity option, this keyboard ensures you’ll never run into compatibility issues because it can readily connect with most computers or devices running music software.
- Weighted Keys: Another commendable feature about this product is its weighted keys which inspire authentic playing experience similar to playing on a grand piano.
To summarize, the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro stands out due to its assignable features, quality of keys, and the unbeatable software suite. This musical keyboard not only provides you with a professional-grade experience but its astounding capacity for customization and control places it as a great choice for both seasoned musicians and those just starting their musical journey.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 88 high-quality keys with graded hammer action for a natural feel | Heavier compared to some other models, potentially limiting portability |
| Wide range of connection options with USB compatibility | Might be slightly complex for beginners due to the high number of features and controls |
| Comes with 16 RGB backlit MIDI assignable velocity sensitive drum pads for increased functionality | Some may find the price higher as compared to other keyboards in the market |
| Extensive software suite is included, providing various creative options | Setup might take extra time due to extensive features and controls |
| Compact design that fits effortlessly into any professional set-up | The body might seem bulky to some users despite its compact dimensions. |
Also Read: Comprehensive M-Audio AIR 192×6 Review: Is It Worth It?
Conclusion
The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro emerges as a distinct role player in the vast world of music keyboards. This unit is a grand blend of high-end features, meaningful design and superior quality sound. Whether you’re an amateur or an industry professional, its versatility ensures it caters directly to your musical needs. Its compact size coupled with a remarkable range of controls ensure smooth sailing in all kinds of musical undertakings. In simple terms, the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is a high-grade product that promises unmatched experience – a worthy investment for every music enthusiast out there.
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