I've had a Studiologic VMK-188 Plus for a few years now and can honestly say its still the best keyboard I could have bought. I wanted something that had as close to a grand piano feel and I tried about a hundred keyboards before finding this one. It also has graded action meaning the lower keys feel heavier than the higher keys (just like they would on a real piano).

Fatar Studiologic VMK-188 vs. I'm in the middle of one of my annual equipment flipping frenzies, and am looking at unloading my Fantom-S88 for a weighted controller. The CME UF8 and Studiologic VMK-188 are among the top contenders, but I'm more inclined to stick with Studiologic.

The addition of the programable knobs and sliders is also a plus if you're working in a DAW. I think they retail for a little over $700 these days but thats still great value. Highly recommended. I've been using a Studiologic SL-990XP for 2 yrs now and while the action is great, there's one major problem with this particular keyboard (not sure if it applies across the products lines) that I saw in reviews, but ignored, thinking maybe that individual had gotten a lemon. They hadn't: it seems to be universal with the 990XP.The problem is that the keyboard sends random MIDI messages on its own: some constant, some every-now-and-then. My 2 biggest examples are really frustrating:1) the modwheel.

The modwheel sends constant cc1 data to whichever track you're recording: nothing extreme, but the data goes up and down and jiggles between 60-70 which can really mess up your recordings. UNLESS you find that sweet spot where the physical modwheel is at a perfect 64, in which case you have balance and it won't send data in either direction.2) the keyboard itself. Now and then I'll look at my Mixer window in Logic and I'll see a pan pot spinning: going back and forth really fast, even when nothing is playing & Logic is at a standstill.

Turn off the keyboard, it stops. The thing is, I've never touched the MIDI channels button on the keyboard - never assigned anything to anything - so it just does this now and then of its own volition.The result: I'm chucking my 990XP and getting an Akai MPK88. The piano action is nice on the 990XP (although not as good as my trusty old Korg T1) but in a recording context, the 990 has become unuseable for me.Kerry.

I've got a 10 year-old Studiologic 990 Pro and it hasn't held up well. In fact, it's been atrocious.I've had the modwheel/pitchwheel problem mentioned above. But moreover, the top octave is now completely dead, and the velocity sensing throughout the remaining octaves has gotten so poor that I hardly use it these days. (My cheap E-mu Xboard has assumed the mantle of 'master keyboard'.)To be fair, it is old, but I'm fairly certain these issues cropped up within 3 or 4 years of relatively light use.I've been looking at alternatives for a couple of years now, but Fatar's near-monopoly on keyboard actions is disconcerting, to say the least. I've had a Studiologic SL-880 for over ten years.

The build quality is flimsy in my opinion. The pitch bend and mod wheels are a little bit inaccurate. Velocity response is uneven across the keyboard. It also hasn't held up to heavy usage well.The only reason I haven't dumped it for something better is that I'm waiting until I move to a new location and do a total studio revamp.As a professional item, I don't recommend it. Though, there isn't much from which to choose these days that I would consider professional quality. I've been using a Studiologic SL-990XP for 2 yrs now and while the action is great, there's one major problem with this particular keyboard (not sure if it applies across the products lines) that I saw in reviews, but ignored, thinking maybe that individual had gotten a lemon.

They hadn't: it seems to be universal with the 990XP.The problem is that the keyboard sends random MIDI messages on its own: some constant, some every-now-and-then. My 2 biggest examples are really frustrating:1) the modwheel. The modwheel sends constant cc1 data to whichever track you're recording: nothing extreme, but the data goes up and down and jiggles between 60-70 which can really mess up your recordings. UNLESS you find that sweet spot where the physical modwheel is at a perfect 64, in which case you have balance and it won't send data in either direction.2) the keyboard itself. Now and then I'll look at my Mixer window in Logic and I'll see a pan pot spinning: going back and forth really fast, even when nothing is playing & Logic is at a standstill. Turn off the keyboard, it stops. The thing is, I've never touched the MIDI channels button on the keyboard - never assigned anything to anything - so it just does this now and then of its own volition.The result: I'm chucking my 990XP and getting an Akai MPK88.

The piano action is nice on the 990XP (although not as good as my trusty old Korg T1) but in a recording context, the 990 has become unuseable for me.Kerry. They made the Midiboard back in the mid'80s. It weighed a ton.Honestly, the PC3 series has come down in price alot with the advent of the PC3K series. I got mine for $1350 Canadian used. The PC3 with the 76 key semi weighted action probably go for less. Less, you can assign its faders and pedals to any CC.

The thingis a beast for controllers. I also have the ribbon controller option too. If mine blew up, I'd get another. It's a solid board and it's nice to plunk away at some of its internal sounds without the computer on once in a while. It even has a 16 track sequencer.I like it.

I've had a SL-880 Pro 88 in my studio for 8 years. The action is the best I've ever played. There is no better. However, I agree with JJP about the build quality.

I would not want to road this thing - it's heavy and delicate - a bad combination. Also, many of the Fatars suffer from funky power buttons that you have to turn on carefully by pushing the switch more on one side. Weird, I know. I still have mine because 1) It still works 2) THERE IS NO BETTER ACTION ANYWHERE. (sorry for the caps lock) Sounds definite, but it's is the god's truth. Fatar makes keyboards for most other controller companies - almost a monopoly. The only other controller I'd even consider is Doepfer and they're almost 3 times the price.

The build on the Fatars is feh, but the playing action is simply the best available. My UF8 died a few month ago and honestly - i was glad Except for its keyboard, that thing made me loose my hair, starting with the never working USB Drivers and ending with all these faders sending random midi CC data after a while. I ended up blocking every kind of data except for the note ons in Logic.I spend a day in a local music store and played on lots of controllers. Finally a bought the Studiologic Acuna 88. Nice and clean, build quality seems solid and it does not have myriads of cheap plastic faders to give you Midi trouble after some time.The keybed feels similar to the one of the numa - at least for me. The Acuna features iPad integration, so that with an additional software you can have virtual faders or so.

I never use that. So, after a few month of use I'm very happy with this keyboard. I own a Kurzweil Midiboard. It is the best controller I ever had and I tried out many.Playing piano: The action is a little light compared to a Yamaha grand hammer action, but if you don't mind that it is still stellar. Th resolution of low velocity values is the best I have ever experienced, so great for most sensitive playing.Playing samples: It has polyphonic aftertouch, which is very rare and not implemented in todays VIs, but if you are good with programming like MAX MSP you can do wonders with it. In general the aftertouch is adjustable and lightly triggered.

That makes it really usable. It really weighs a ton, so I would not recommend it for stage use, but it is THE BEST studio controller IMO.I also have a Roland A-50, which hast a great light-wheigt action, but you have to have claws of steel to trigger the aftertouch.

I am looking into a modification of this - apart from that my second favourite controller.IMO newer controller keyboards don't even come close to some of the older classics. I didn't even pay a lot for those!

Just patiently look for those on ebay and eventually you'll find one.

On paper, it is tempting. Especially when we do not know Fatar, and referring to their great brand, cultivated by some technical and business processes well-oiled, more than real quality.- A 88-very light touches, with a touch called 'semi-weighted' (I hate heavy hit, so it's pretty rare on a 88 keys to be mentioned), after touch sensitive.- The controllers galore.

Although we regret the absence of modulation wheel, even if it lacks is easily comblable by the use of a fader. Which unfortunately found in the right side of the keyboard, forcing you to a small gym pretty hard sometimes.- Light Compactet. The lowest 88 keys that I know. Who often moves his instrument between his home and rehearsal is a strong point.- 1 x USB, 2 din 5 MIDI out port, 4 jack inputs for external controllers.- USB or AC power supply.- A 'Panic' button (it's stupid, but it is sometimes useful).- A system of 30 presets for storing configurations of controllers.In short, on paper, it's still an interesting product. Although the fact that manufacturers have finally abandoned direct access to MIDI channels that require to sink in a sub-menu on the LCD screen we regret. Always a shame on a master keyboard.Ditto for the transposition.Fortunately, the system presets can possibly save some situations (even if loading the config is not quite instant).UTILIZATIONTouch is. Default, you must literally pounding the keyboard to reach the extreme values ​​of velocity.

Especially since no adjustment of velocity curve is proposed.About me, I use this keyboard in Mainstage which, fortunately, has a compensation system velocity in editing the layout. It saves.Nevertheless, this keyboard requires precision particular game if you want to get some nuances. Otherwise it is a bit 'all or nothing'. It's always a shame to have to adapt his game at this point. In short, do not be fooled by the 'Fatar grand touch' logo on the keyboard: this is clearly just a pretext marketing. Some do not are probably accustomed.The semi-weighted is a little light. Download xshell for mac.

We would gladly have devised a little 'heavy'. Password again.The controllers. The sore subject.!The buttons firstly:The manufacturer probably has not tested the buttons off the plant, it is not possible.The race to the depression of the button may well be small, it exceeds the thickness of the panel! Result: The button is pressed, sometimes unhinged and is driven into the control panel.

It is necessary to tweak the button to pop it out without difficulty, but still.We are therefore compelled to exercise extreme delicacy when pressing one of these buttons, especially in the middle of the panel, which tends to curl (soft plastic requires) and leaving the buttons flush more. Not terrible.The transport buttons are completely anecdotal, configuration makes it difficult to use features on the poor 'midi learn' software.The knobs:Fragile.

I cracked one, so I'm more careful with my equipment type.Too thin and too close. I have yet slender fingers, but difficult to manipulate a knob in the middle of the series without touching, seeing disrupt other, adjacent.Faders:it does not exudes strength, like the rest of the keyboard also.

But still happening.Too bad the race is so small (40mm is good), but it is the price of this compact model.Finally, damage, how much damage ho, these nine faders are placed right! Especially as the keyboard offers a 'drawbars' fashion. Who suddenly loses all interest.OVERALL OPINIONI used intermittently for a little more than 4 years. Always with that little feeling that there is something wrong with the touch.

And this feeling of general weakness.I put in a flight case, which limits a little sensitive, but it is unfortunate paradox of light keyboard, specifically nomadic, yet so fragile.I have a of CME in next. Whose aftertouch dropped (sensor strip cut). It's heavy, bulky, it barely moves my home. The feel is best, but it's still a keyboard similar range: worth what it's worth. Cheap.I had a failure on my VMK88 + recently: a diode that had dropped on the keyboard matrix, making the C # using totally ineffective. Ok for me that I have some knowledge of electronics to help me, otherwise I think I would have sent to the dump.By removing, we see the extreme fragility of the materials and assembly: plastic soft and fine, a plastic hinge for the assembly of control panel, etc.Mastering the keyboard is controlled by a microchip in the animal microcontroller. It feels sloppy firmware full nose.

Whereas, if it is, feel could have been much better by revising the programming of this famous microcontroller.Honestly, I keep it because it is not worth little or nothing today, because it is light and I am being more or less familiar with the time, but I certainly would not do it again this choice if redone.In any case, there is no miracle to expect in this price range. I think I'll go with Kurzweil or Yamaha again. Even if it means a heavier stuff, too bad. What characteristics have motivated your choice?size piano keyboard, touch keyboard.

Price: 200euros- What connector (MIDI pedals.)?USB PC keyboard, which also serves food: VMK-88 +book with sustain pedalUTILIZATION- The touch keyboard is it fun? Should your use?touch keyboard is really very good- The general configuration is it simple?could not be more simple- The selection of MIDI channels, patches is easy?yes- The manual is clear and sufficient?yesOVERALL OPINION- How long have you use it? 1 week- What is so special that you like most and least?+ the price, touch keyboard, controller midi. Le-: too rigid straitjacket. It is better to lay the keyboard flat.- Have you tried many other models before buying it?yes MAUDIO in particular. Touch is a disaster my taste- How would you rate the quality / price?excellent- With experience, you do again this choice?YesGlobal commentI just bought this keyboard: 200 euros.

The VMK-88 +, which incorporates a USB connection (Note: the keyboard is powered by this outlet, the transformer-with-book was not necessary).Touch is really good, Fatar is the height of his reputation on this side.Cote soundness, carcass pouurait rigite be a little more (it is better to lay the keyboard flat).The controllers have the air against strong enough. Their programming is quite easy.Frankly, a good keyboard for a really very very content. See manufacturer.UTILIZATIONThe touch keyboard is excellent! Not touch a piano, but not a MIDI keyboard to touch base. Enjoyable to both play the piano to play the synth.the edition request to read the manual, and then a roll!the capabilities of controllers are really rev it!

There's plenty to do.PS: the midisport (MIDI / USB, 60) is provided with, which is trs apprciable!OVERALL OPINIONAn excellent choice! Trs a versatile master keyboard, it is strength!the price may seem a bit excessive, but in the end we do not regret any of his purchase. Rewire 64-32 bridge mac.