Getting Started

Windows will proceed with the installation of a USB driver and a MIDI driver. Once completed, you are ready to go. Windows may ask you to restart your computer, in which case click “Restart.”

Installation in Windows 2000

NOTE: Please make sure to run the driver installer before powering on your Keystation keyboard.

1.Power up your PC.

2.Insert the Keystation Installer CD-ROM.Open My Computer or Windows Explorer to locate your CD-ROM drive. Click on the folder labeled “Keystation (49e, 61es, or 88es).”

3.Open the Keystation (49e, 61es, or 88es) folder and click on the installer icon.

4.Follow the instructions on your screen.

5.When ﬁnished, exit the setup.

6.Switch on the Keystation keyboard. Windows will automatically recognize the keyboard and ask for the Keystation 61es Installer CD- ROM.

7.Select the CD-ROM drive and click “OK.” Windows will ask you to select the CD-ROM drive again for the MIDI driver.

8.If Windows reports the drivers have not been digitally signed, click on “Continue Installation.”

9.Select the drive once more.

10.Click “OK.”

11.In the event that Windows asks you to restart your computer, click “Restart.”

Once you have ﬁnished installation you will need to conﬁgure your MIDI application software to use the Keystation. Please note that when you press a key on the keyboard, you will not hear any sound. This is because pressing a key causes the keyboard to send out MIDI data. MIDI data gives instructions on how a sound should play, but in order to actually hear that sound you need to conﬁgure your music software to read the MIDI data being sent from the Keystation and play the sound back accordingly. This setup will more than likely entail going into an Options or Device Set-Up menu in your music software application and selecting the appropriate device. The Keystation should appear under the name “USB Audio Device” for Windows XP or as “Keystation (49e, 61es, or 88es)” for other Operating Systems in the MIDI devices section of your music software application. Please consult the manual that came with your software for the proper set up procedure.

Key Names

Each white key on the Keystation is labeled with a letter and a number. The letter represents the note played and the number represents the octave (the deﬁnition of “octave” is given in the next section).

Although the black keys are not labeled, they also have names (“F# 4” or “Eb2” are examples of black key names).

If the name of a black key contains a “#” sign, it is referring to the black key above the same note white key. For example, “F# 3” refers to the black key above F3. If the name of a black key is expressed with a “b” sign, it is referring to the black key below the same note white key. For example, “Eb3” refers to the black key below E3. As a result, the black key between C3 and D3 is both C# 3 and Db3.

Octave Buttons

An octave contains 12 notes. Each octave is denoted on your Keystation by black and white sections starting on C. Each octave is given a number.

If you press the octave “+” button once, the LED above the octave “-” button will go out, indicating the keyboard’s octave is now shifted up. If you press the octave “+” key again, you will shift one more octave up, and so on. It is possible to shift the keyboard up 3 octaves or down 3 octaves from 0 octave shift.

To shift the octave down, press the octave “-” button and notice that the led above the octave “+” goes out. If only the led above the octave “-” key is lit, the octave is shifted down and, if only the led above the octave “+” key is lit, the octave is shifted up.

To return the octave shift to 0, press both the octave “+” and “-“ keys together. Both LEDs will light, indicating that the octave shift has returned to 0.

The Pitch Bend Wheel

As the name indicates, the assignable pitch bend wheel is primarily used to bend the notes played on the keyboard up or down. This allows you to play phrases not normally associated with keyboard playing, such as guitar-style riffs.

Your sound source determines how far you can bend the note. The usual setting is two semitones, but it can be up to two octaves +/-.

The Modulation Wheel

The modulation wheel is typically used for modulation of the sound you are playing. This type of real-time controller was originally introduced on electronic keyboard instruments to give the performer options such as adding vibrato, just like players of acoustic instruments do.

Just like the pitch bend wheel, the modulation wheel is fully MIDI assignable.

61es, 49e, 88es specifications

M-Audio has established itself as a reputable name in the world of MIDI keyboards, and its series of controllers, such as the Keystation 88es, 49e, and 61es, stand out for their combination of simplicity, functionality, and accessibility. Each model caters to different needs, ensuring that musicians, producers, and composers can find an option that fits their playstyle and requirements.

The M-Audio Keystation 88es features 88 full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys that are ideal for pianists looking for an authentic playing experience. This model excels with its semi-weighted keybed, enabling expressive performance across a variety of musical genres. The comprehensive pitch bend and modulation wheels further enhance creativity, allowing for dynamic nuances during play. Besides the keys, the controller is designed with user-friendliness in mind, offering straightforward plug-and-play functionality that is compatible with various music software.

In contrast, the M-Audio Keystation 49e and 61es present a more compact solution without sacrificing functionality. The Keystation 49e features 49 velocity-sensitive keys, while the Keystation 61es includes 61 keys, making both options perfect for musicians with limited workspace or who require portability. These models are equally equipped with pitch bend and modulation controls, allowing for nuanced performances and creative expression.

Technologically, all these controllers boast a range of integrated features that cater to modern musicians. They come equipped with customizable controls such as transport buttons, which interact seamlessly with most DAWs, enhancing workflow and minimizing distractions. Furthermore, their compatibility with popular music production software like Ableton Live Lite makes these keyboards an attractive choice for aspiring creators.

The M-Audio range places a strong emphasis on MIDI functionality, ensuring that users can easily connect to their computer or other MIDI-compatible devices. This opens a world of possibilities for music creation, including composing, arranging, and performing. The lightweight and durable design also make them ideal for live performances and studio sessions.

In summary, M-Audio’s Keystation 88es, 49e, and 61es keyboards offer versatile features and technologies that cater to various musical needs. With their ergonomic design, velocity-sensitive keys, efficient DAW integration, and portable nature, these controllers provide musicians with the tools necessary for exploration and creativity in sound production. Whether in a studio or on the road, M-Audio delivers with these reliable and intuitive MIDI keyboards.