M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro - Professional 88-Key Weighted MIDI Controller Keyboard
The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is a professional MIDI controller keyboard designed for pianists, producers, and composers seeking an authentic playing experience combined with complete control over their virtual instruments and DAWs. This full-size, 88-key controller features a graded hammer-action keyboard that accurately simulates the feel and response of an acoustic grand piano, providing an expressive platform for any musical style. The keyboard's high-speed scanning technology captures every nuance of the performance, while per-channel assignable aftertouch adds an extra level of expression and control over the sounds.
Beyond its exceptional keyboard, the Hammer 88 Pro establishes itself as the ultimate control center for any studio. It integrates a complete set of production tools, including 16 RGB backlit, velocity-sensitive pads, 8 knobs, and 9 assignable faders, allowing for intuitive control of virtual instruments, effects plugins, and mix parameters in your music production software. Its central OLED display facilitates navigation, sound selection, and control mapping, ensuring a fast and seamless workflow. Furthermore, thanks to its auto-mapping function, the Hammer 88 Pro integrates seamlessly with leading DAWs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, and Ableton Live, automatically configuring controls for the most common functions.
Main Features
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Premium Keyboard: 88 full-size keys with graded hammer action, offering progressive resistance from bass to treble notes for an authentic piano feel and unparalleled expressiveness.
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Aftertouch and Assignable Zones: Customize your performance with aftertouch to modulate sounds by applying pressure to the keys and divide the keyboard into up to 4 independent zones to control different instruments simultaneously.
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Complete Production Controls: Equipped with 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads with Note Repeat function, 9 faders and 8 assignable potentiometers for tactile control over your DAW and virtual instruments.
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Intelligent Technologies: The Smart Chord and Smart Scale functions simplify the composition process. Smart Chord allows you to play complete chords with a single note, while Smart Scale ensures that only the notes of the selected scale are played, eliminating errors.
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Integrated Arpeggiator: Easily create complex melodies and rhythmic patterns with the advanced arpeggiator, which includes controls for type, octave, gate, and swing.
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Automatic Integration with DAWs: Automatic mapping of controls for the most used functions in popular DAWs, including transport, faders and panning, streamlining your workflow.
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Professional Connectivity: Includes 5-pin MIDI output for connecting synthesizers and external hardware, inputs for 3 footswitches and 1 expression pedal, and USB-MIDI connection for direct integration with the computer.
Benefits for the Modern Musician
The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is designed to inspire creativity and improve studio efficiency. For pianists, it offers a seamless transition between an acoustic piano and the digital world without sacrificing touch or dynamics. For music producers, it centralizes project control, eliminating the need to constantly switch between keyboard and mouse. Smart Chord and Smart Scale technologies open new avenues for composition, allowing users to intuitively explore complex chord progressions and melodies, regardless of their level of music theory knowledge.
Use Cases
This controller is ideal for a wide range of applications. In the recording studio, it becomes the central piece for composition, MIDI track recording, and mix control. For live performance, its robust construction and ability to zone the keyboard make it perfect for controlling multiple virtual instruments in real time. It's also an exceptional tool for music education, facilitating piano learning with an authentic feel and creative tools that keep students motivated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of keys does the Hammer 88 Pro have?
The Hammer 88 Pro uses 88 full-size keys with graded hammer action, meaning that lower register keys have greater resistance than higher register keys, mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano.
Is it compatible with my music production software (DAW)?
Yes, it's compatible with most DAWs on the market, such as Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Cubase, and Studio One. It features automatic mapping for many of them, which greatly simplifies setup.
Do I need an external power supply?
The keyboard can be powered directly via the USB port connected to a computer. However, for standalone use controlling other MIDI devices without a computer, a 9V DC, 800mA power adapter (not included) can be used.
What software is included?
It comes with a complete software package that includes Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats and a collection of virtual instruments from AIR Music Technology such as Hybrid 3, Velvet, Mini Grand and Xpand!2, among others.
Project description
Professional MIDI controller keyboard with 88 velocity-sensitive, graded hammer-action keys with aftertouch. Features 16 RGB backlit performance pads, 9 faders, and 8 assignable potentiometers. Includes an OLED display, built-in arpeggiator, and Smart Chord and Smart Scale functions. Connectivity via USB-MIDI and 5-pin MIDI DIN (input/output). Provides one expression pedal input (TRS 1/4") and three footswitch inputs (TS 1/4"). Powered via USB bus or 9V DC adapter (not included).
