Review M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 MIDI keyboard. Where to buy it?
M-Audio is a business unit of inMusic Brands that designs and markets digital audio and MIDI interfaces, keyboards and MIDI controllers, synthesizers, speakers, studio monitors, digital DJ systems, microphones and music software. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I will list the features of this M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.
- 61 Speed-Sensitive Keys
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels
- Octave switch
- Transport buttons for DAW control
- A fader
- 6.3 mm jack input for optional sustain pedal (not included)
- USB bus powered
- MIDI output
- Plug&Play for Mac and PC
- Input for external power supply (not included)
- Includes Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Mini Grand, AIR Velvet, and AIR Xpand!2
- Dimensions: 995 x 189 x 68 mm
- Weight: 4.1 kg
Function controls include modulation and pitch bend wheels, octave up and down buttons, transport buttons (rec, play, pause, stop, etc) and a volume fader.
In connections, we have a sustain pedal input, which is not included. And it’s USB powered, plus it has an external power supply, which is also not included. It has a MIDI output.
The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 includes Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Mini Grand, AIR Velvet and AIR Xpand!2.
Now that we have seen the features of this M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 keyboard, watch these related videos to learn more.
Posts you may be interested in
- Ranking with the best midi keyboards
- My selection of cheap midi keyboards.
- Best MIDI Software to work with.
- MIDI Basic Guide.
- Midi Keyboards by Brand.
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 vs M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
What will you find in this post?
The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 MIDI keyboard is priced at €115/£99/$114 while the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 is priced at €155/£133/$154, with a difference of $40. We’ll see how this compares in the following face-to-face:
- Both offer 61 full-size keys with sensitivity, those of the square-edged Keystation and the synthesizer-action Oxygen.
- In function controls, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 offers modulation and pitch bend wheels, octave buttons, transport buttons and a volume fader. When the M-Audio Oxygen offers more functions, such as: 8 sensitive and assignable pads, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable faders, transport buttons and modulation and pitch bend wheels.
- In connections, we find that the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 integrates a sustain pedal input, an external power input, MIDI output and a USB connection. The M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 has an integrated USB connection and a sustain pedal input.
- Finally, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 includes Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Mini Grand, AIR Velvet and AIR Xpand!2. And the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 includes the Ableton Live Lite and SONiVOX Twist Synth licenses.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 | M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 |
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In this first comparison, we find two MIDI controllers from the same brand, M-Audio, on the one hand, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3, which as we have already mentioned offers 61 sensitive keys, modulation, pitch bend, octaves up/down, transport buttons and a volume fader, a controller with moderate functions, which surely will be enough for many. On the other hand, the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 also offers 61 sensitive keys, and more functions such as 8 sensitive and assignable pads, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable faders, transport buttons, and modulation and pitch bend wheels, which if you want to have more control over the DAW will be better for you.
Having more knobs, faders and pads allows you to be more precise and work faster on your compositions, mixes and so on, so the $40 difference is worth paying.
Here’s a video of the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 keyboard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBFZlBwGpSU
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 review.
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 vs Alesis V61
The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €115/£99/$114 and the Alesis V61 is priced at €144/£122/$142. We will see their face to face in the next section:
- Both offer 61 full-size, sensitive keys with square fronts.
- In function controls, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 offers modulation and pitch bend wheels, octave buttons, transport buttons and a volume fader. When the Alesis V61 offers: 8 sensitive and assignable pads, 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons, transport buttons and modulation and pitch bend wheels.
- In connections, we find that the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 integrates a sustain pedal input, an external power input, MIDI output and a USB connection. The Alesis V61 has an integrated USB connection and a sustain pedal input.
- Finally, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 includes Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Mini Grand, AIR Velvet, and AIR Xpand!2. And the Alesis V61 includes the Ableton Live Lite software license (download) and xpand!2 by Air Music Tech software license (download).
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 | Alesis V61 |
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A very similar comparison to the previous one, on the one hand, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 with its 61 keys and modulation functions, pitch bend, octave up/down, transport buttons and volume fader. And on the other hand, the Alesis V61, which also offers 61 sensitive and functional keys: 8 backlit and sensitive pads, 4 knobs and 4 buttons both assignable, octave up/down and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
The advantages of the M-Audio are the transport buttons, which are very helpful when recording and generally in the production process. And its volume fader, which is very useful in mixing. And the Alesis V61 has the advantage of its assignable pads, knobs and buttons, which also help to have better control of the DAW in general. Depending on your needs and budget you will make the best decision.
And here’s a video of the Alesis V61 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Alesis V61 review.
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 vs Akai LPK 25
The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 MIDI Keyboard which as we have already mentioned has a price of €115/£99/$114 and the Akai LPK 25 has a price of €42/£37/$42.
- The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 offers 61 full-size keys with sensitivity and square fronts. The Akai LPK 25 offers 25 mini keys with sensitivity.
- In function controls, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 offers modulation and pitch bend wheels, octave buttons, transport buttons and a volume fader. When the Akai LPK 25 offers sustain buttons, arpeggiator, octave up/down and tempo.
- In connections, we find that the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 integrates a sustain pedal input, an external power input, MIDI output, and a USB connection. The Akai LPK 25 has an integrated USB connection.
- Finally, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 includes Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Mini Grand, AIR Velvet, and AIR Xpand!2. And the Akai LPK 25 includes a software editor for PC or Mac.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 | Akai LPK 25 |
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In this comparison we have already analyzed M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 with its respective functions, and a very portable and minimalist controller, we talk about the Akai LPK 25 that really has only basic functions for controlling a DAW, we find 25 mini keys and sustain buttons, arpeggiator, up/down octaves, and tempo.
The M-Audio offers many advantages, starting with the number and size of keys, and also functions such as modulation and pitch bend wheels, and transport buttons, in addition to the volume fader, a controller with moderate control functions. And the Akai offers a more minimalist controller that as an advantage has to be very portable (since it fits in a suitcase or perhaps even a big pocket) and compatible with practically all DAW, if you are moving or want something very practical, this will be your choice.
And here is a video of the LPK 25 Akai keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai LPK 25 review.
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 vs Miditech Midistart Music 25
The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €115/£99/$114 when the Miditech Midistart Music 25 is priced at €58/£51/$60. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
- The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 offers 61 full-size keys with sensitivity and square fronts. The Miditech Midistart Music 25 offers 25 full-size keys with sensitivity.
- In function controls, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 offers modulation and pitch bend wheels, octave buttons, transport buttons and a volume fader. When the Miditech Midistart Music 25 offers a modulation and pitch bend joystick and octave up/down buttons.
- In connections, we find that the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 integrates a sustain pedal input, an external power input, MIDI output and USB connection. The Miditech Midistart Music 25 has a built-in sustain pedal input, USB connection and MIDI output.
- Finally, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 includes Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Mini Grand, AIR Velvet, and AIR Xpand!2.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 | Miditech Midistart Music 25 |
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This comparison is again very similar to the previous one, on the one hand, we have the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 with its functions and features, and on the other hand the Miditech Midistart Music 25, a somewhat minimalist keyboard, which offers 25 full-size keys, a modulation and pitch bend joystick and up/down octave buttons.
Again, the advantages of the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 are the number of keys and features such as transport buttons and a volume fader. And the advantages of the Miditech Midistart Music 25 are its portability and price – it’s one of the most affordable controllers you’ll find with full-size keys, and that gives it an edge over the competition. Just like the last comparison if you’re on the move or want something very practical, this will be your choice.
And here’s a video of the Miditech Midistart Music 25 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Miditech Midistart Music 25 review.
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 vs M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII
The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 MIDI keyboard is priced at €115/£99/$114 when the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII is priced at €205/£177/$203. In the next section you will find the face-to-face:
- The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 offers 61 full-size keys with sensitivity and square fronts. The M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII offers 88 full-size keys with sensitivity.
- In function controls, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 offers modulation and pitch bend wheels, octave buttons, transport buttons and a volume fader. When the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII offers transport buttons and modulation and pitch bend wheels, plus up/down octaves and a volume fader.
- In terms of connections, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 features an integrated sustain pedal input, an external power input, MIDI output, and USB connection. The M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII features a sustain pedal input, an expression pedal input, a USB connection, and a MIDI output.
- Finally, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 includes Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Mini Grand, AIR Velvet, and AIR Xpand!2. And the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII includes a license for Ableton Live Lite and the SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble plug-in.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 | M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII |
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In our last comparison we again found two M-Audio MIDI controllers, on the one hand, the Keystation 61 MK3 with the respective functions we have already analyzed before, and on the other hand, the Keystation 88 MKII that in general has the same functions as its rival, with the main difference of the keyboard, which in case of the latter has 88. Therefore, if you want a MIDI controller with a range of one piano, the M-Audio Keystation 88 MKII will be one of the most economical choices you will find.
Here is a video of the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII review.
Where to buy the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
Amazon
- Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
- Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
- Sometimes a better price.
- He’s got worse stock than Thomann.
Thomann
- Free Shipping.
- Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
- 100% reliable payment.
- A leader in trouble-free shipping.
- Usually the Best price.
- Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.
Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
- Akai MPK mini Mk2
- Akai MPK miniplay
- Roli Lightpad Block M Studio Ed.
- Arturia MiniLab MKII
- Roli Beatmaker Kit
- Novation Impulse 25
- Akai MPK mini MK2 white
- Alesis V25
- CME Xkey Air 25
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25
- Akai APC Keys 25
- Akai LPK 25
- M-Audio Code 25 black
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
- Alesis V mini
- Arturia MicroLab Black
- Akai LPK 25 wireless
- Akai MPK mini Limited Black
- Arturia MiniLab MKII Inverted Edition
- M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4
- Korg nanoKEY Studio
- Swissonic EasyKey 25
- Korg nanoKEY 2 black
- Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Orange
- Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Blue
- Akai MPK mini MK2 white – AIEP3 Bdl
- Nektar Impact LX25+
- Novation Launchkey 25 MK2
- Alesis Q25
- Akai MPK 225
- Korg microKEY 25
- Miditech Midistart Music 25
- Alesis VI25
- Korg nanoKEY 2 white
- Arturia MicroLab Blue
- Nektar SE25
- Korg microKEY Air 25
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 25
- Midiplus X2 mini
- Icon iKeyboard 3X
- Keith McMillen K-Board
- CME Xkey 25 silver
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
- Alesis V49
- Arturia Keystep Black Edition
- Swissonic EasyKey 49
- Arturia Keystep
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
- Nektar Impact LX49+
- M-Audio Code 49 Black
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro
- M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
- M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
- Novation Impulse 49
- Nektar Impact GX 49
- Novation Launchkey 49 Mk2
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
- M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4
- Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller
- Roland A-300 Pro
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49
- Alesis VI49
- Midiplus AK490
- Alesis Vortex Wireless 2
- M-Audio Axiom Air Mini 32
- Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 Network
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 37 Pro
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 BE
- Haken Audio Continuum Half Size
- CME Xkey 37 LE
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro
- Korg microKEY 49 MkII
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
- Miditech Midistart Music 49
- Roland A-49 Black
- Korg microKEY 37 MkII
- Swissonic ControlKey 49
- Roland A-500 PRO
- Nektar SE49
- Korg microKEY Air 37
- Korg microKEY Air 49
- Roland A-49 White
- Nektar Panorama T4
- Miditech Garagekey mini
- Miditech Minicontrol-32
- Midiplus X3 mini
- Miditech i2-Control 37 Black
- Icon iKeyboard 4X
- Miditech i2-mini 32
- Midiplus X4 mini
- Miditech i2-mini 32 Bluetooth
- Icon iKeyboard 5X
- Acorn Masterkey 49
- M-Audio Code 61 Black
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
- Nektar Impact GX 61
- M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
- Alesis V61
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61
- Swissonic EasyKey 61
- M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
- Roland A-800 Pro
- Korg microKEY Air 61
- GSi DMC-122
- Nektar Impact LX61+
- Alesis VI61
- Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
- Icon iKeyboard 6X
- Acorn Masterkey 61
- Miditech i2-61 Black Edition
- Midiplus X6 mini
- Korg microKEY 61 MkII
- Midiplus X-6 II
- Viscount Physis Piano K5 EX
- M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII
- Kawai VPC1
- Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH black
- Swissonic ControlKey 88
- Viscount Physis Piano K4 EX
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH grey
- Nektar Impact LX88+
- Haken Audio Continuum Full Size
- Midiplus Stage 88
- Studiologic Numa Concert
- Icon iKeyboard 8X
- Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH without Case
- Midiplus X-8 II
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH GR without Case
