M-AUDIO HAMMER 88 PRO - Professional 88-Key Weighted MIDI Controller Keyboard
The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is an advanced USB MIDI controller keyboard that stands as a comprehensive solution for producers, composers, and performers seeking total control over their digital music environment. Designed to deliver an uncompromising performance experience, it combines the authentic feel of a piano with a suite of state-of-the-art music production controls. Its class-leading 88-key Graded Hammer Action keyboard provides incredibly realistic touch response, capturing every nuance of your performance, from the subtlest pianissimo to the most powerful fortissimo. Furthermore, the inclusion of assignable aftertouch and customizable zones allows for unprecedented expressiveness and control over virtual instruments and effects.
The Hammer 88 Pro's control panel is designed for a fast and intuitive workflow. At its center is a crisp OLED display that makes navigation, control assignment, and real-time parameter adjustments easy. This controller goes beyond keys, integrating 16 velocity-sensitive, RGB-backlit pads, perfect for beat production, clip launching, or triggering samples. Alongside the pads, it features 8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable faders, allowing for tactile control of virtual instruments, mixing plugins, DAW faders, and more, all with automatic mapping for popular DAWs like Pro Tools, MPC Beats, and Ableton Live.
Main features
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Premium 88-Key Keyboard: Feel the difference with a weighted, graded hammer-action keyboard that delivers an authentic piano response. Assignable aftertouch and the ability to create up to 4 distinct zones greatly expand your creative possibilities.
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Complete Production Control: Equipped with 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads with Note Repeat function, 8 knobs, 9 faders and 8 assignable buttons for comprehensive control over your music software.
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Intelligent Auto Mapping: The Preset and DAW buttons allow the controller to automatically map to the functions of major DAWs and parameters of AIR Music Tech virtual instrument plugins.
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Smart Technology: The Smart Chord and Smart Scale functions simplify the creative process. Smart Chord allows you to play complete chords with a single key, while Smart Scale ensures that only the notes of the selected scale are played, eliminating errors.
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Advanced Arpeggiator: Create complex melodies and rhythmic patterns with ease. The built-in arpeggiator features controls for type, octave, gate, and swing.
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Professional Connectivity: It features inputs for sustain, footswitch, and expression pedals, as well as 5-pin MIDI In/Out ports for connecting external hardware. Connection to a computer is via a USB-MIDI port.
Benefits for the modern musician
The Hammer 88 Pro is designed to be the nerve center of any music production studio or live setup. For the pianist, it offers a keyboard action that doesn't compromise technique or expressiveness when playing virtual piano instruments. For the producer, it centralizes DAW and plugin control on a single surface, streamlining workflow and allowing them to stay focused on creativity. Intelligent tools like Smart Chord and Smart Scale open up new avenues for composition, while the arpeggiator and Note Repeat are essential for creating electronic, pop, and hip-hop music.
Use cases
This controller is ideal for a wide range of applications. In the recording studio, it becomes the primary tool for composing, recording MIDI tracks in great detail, and controlling complex mixes. On stage, its robust construction and clear OLED display make it perfect for controlling live sets, launching clips, and playing virtual instruments with the reliability a musician demands. It's also an exceptional tool for music education, allowing piano students to practice with an authentic key feel while exploring the vast world of music production software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install any drivers to use the Hammer 88 Pro?
No, the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is a class-compliant device, meaning it's plug-and-play. It doesn't require driver installation to work with Windows or macOS operating systems.
What software is included?
The Hammer 88 Pro includes a comprehensive software package to get you started creating music from day one: Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition, MPC Beats, and Ableton Live Lite. It also includes a suite of virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech (Hybrid 3, Velvet, Mini Grand, etc.) and a collection of expansion packs for MPC.
Can I use the keyboard without a computer?
Yes. The Hammer 88 Pro can be powered via a standard USB power adapter (not included) and connected to external synthesizers or sound modules via its 5-pin MIDI Out port, functioning as a standalone MIDI controller.
Is it compatible with any DAW?
Yes, it integrates with any DAW that supports MIDI controllers. It offers automatic mapping for most popular DAWs, but can be manually configured to work with any other music production software.
Project description
Professional MIDI controller keyboard with 88 graded hammer action keys with aftertouch and assignable zones. Includes 16 RGB backlit, velocity-sensitive performance pads with Note Repeat, 8 potentiometers, 9 faders, and 8 assignable buttons. Features an OLED display for quick control editing. Integrated Smart Chord and Smart Scale functions, and an advanced arpeggiator. Connectivity via USB-MIDI, 5-pin MIDI In/Out, and inputs for three footswitches and one expression pedal. Powered via USB or a 9V DC, 800mA power supply (not included). Dimensions: 142.2 x 28.2 x 12.7 cm. Weight: 18.5 kg.
