To see product details, add this item to your cart.
FREE Returns
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns. How to return the item? - Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com
To see product details, add this item to your cart.
FREE Returns
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns. How to return the item? - Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Amazon Warehouse
- 6 VIDEOS
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 32 Velocity Sensitive Mini Keys and Recording Software Included
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | M-Audio |
Number of Keys | 32 |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Special Feature | velocity sensitive keys; USB powered; sustain button; volume control; production software included |
Model Name | KEYSTATION MINI 32 MK3 |
About this item
- Pro Music Production Wherever You Go – USB MIDI keyboard controller with slimline footprint and 32 mini piano style velocity-sensitive keys for a natural feel
- Customisable Response – Mini keys with selectable velocity curves match any playing style inc’l traditional piano, synthesizer, key-based beat making; pitch bend / modulation buttons add expression
- Immediate Creativity - Simple plug-and-play connection to your Mac or PC—no drivers or power supply required
- Express Yourself - Octave up and down buttons for extended keyboard range, Volume knob delivers smooth control and Sustain button adds expressive capability
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
Frequently bought together
Compare with similar items
This Item M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 32 Velocity Sensitive Mini Keys and Recording Software Included | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $59.00$59.00 | $169.00$169.00 | $309.99$309.99 | $99.00$99.00 | $49.99$49.99 | $119.00$119.00 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Portability | 4.5 | 4.5 | — | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.5 |
For beginners | 3.7 | 3.9 | — | 4.1 | 3.8 | 3.9 |
Value for money | 3.6 | 4.2 | — | 4.4 | — | 4.0 |
Tech Support | — | 3.7 | — | 4.0 | 3.7 | 3.5 |
Quality of material | — | 4.2 | — | 4.4 | — | 4.2 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Focus Camera LLC | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
number of keys | 32 | 37 | 61 | 25 | — | 32 |
hardware interface | usb | usb | usb | usb | usb | usb |
connectivity tech | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB |
model year | — | 2022 | — | — | 2021 | 2021 |
weight | 1 pounds | 2.78 pounds | 1 pounds | 0.8 kilograms | 0.6 kilograms | 1200 grams |
Similar items that may ship from close to you
- AKAI Professional LPK25 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 25 Responsive Synth Keys for Mac and PC, Arpeggiator and Music Production Software,blackAmazon's Choicein Computer Recording MIDI ControllersFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Mar 25
- Nektar, 49-Key Midi Controller (SE49),Black white GreyFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Mar 25
- M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini – 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI assignable Knobs, Buttons & Faders and Software Suite IncludedFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Mar 25
- Nektar SE25 | USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with Nektar DAW Integration BlackFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Mar 25
- Nektar Impact GX Mini USB MIDI Controller, 25-KeyFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Mar 25
Product information
Item Weight | 1 pounds |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 16.46 x 4.13 x 0.78 inches |
Country of Origin | China |
ASIN | B07GBNNF23 |
Item model number | KEYSTATION MINI 32 MK3 |
Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #5,425 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #26 in Computer Recording MIDI Controllers #32 in MIDI Keyboards & Equipment |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | August 10, 2018 |
Color Name | Black |
Connector Type | USB |
Hardware Interface | USB |
Supported Software | BeatSlum |
Musical Style | Electronic |
Number of Keyboard Keys | 32 |
Size | 32 Mini Keys |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product guides and documents
Videos
Videos for this product
1:54
Click to play video
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 Actual User Review
Zane Smith
Videos for this product
1:11
Click to play video
Mini keyboard, but is it too small?
Should I Get It Reviews
Product Description
Simple Software Control
Enter the world of unrestricted computer-based music creation and performance with the Keystation Mini 32 MK3 keyboard controller from M-Audio - successor to the iconic Keystation Mini 32 II. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for just the right controller when you’re on the go, or simply looking to get started with the right mini USB MIDI keyboard, the Keystation Mini 32 MK3 is a simple, powerful solution engineered for sequencing music and playing virtual instruments on your Mac or PC. Fusing a low-profile, ultra-portable footprint with 32 natural feeling mini-size velocity-sensitive keys and comprehensive controls that expand the range of playable notes, Keystation Mini 32 MK3 provides core control to capture every subtlety of your most expressive performance.
From the manufacturer
Simple Software Control
Enter the world of unrestricted computer-based music creation and performance with the Keystation Mini 32 MK3 keyboard controller from M-Audio - successor to the iconic Keystation Mini 32 II. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for just the right controller when you’re on the go, or simply looking to get started with the right mini USB MIDI keyboard, the Keystation Mini 32 MK3 is a simple, powerful solution engineered for sequencing music and playing virtual instruments on your Mac or PC. Fusing a low-profile, ultra-portable footprint with 32 natural feeling mini-size velocity-sensitive keys and comprehensive controls that expand the range of playable notes, Keystation Mini 32 MKIII provides core control to capture every subtlety of your most expressive performance.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Express YourselfEverything your production demands is thoughtfully included! Use the fully assignable octave range buttons, volume knob, dedicated pitch-bend and modulation buttons to play and perform with your music software. Keystation Mini 32 MK3 also features a sustain button for genuine piano sustain. |
Make Music AnywhereLightweight, simple to configure and made-to-move. Keystation Mini 32 MK3 is USB-powered, class-compliant and supports USB-MIDI connectivity. Plus, it supports iOS connectivity with the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately). |
Pro Software Suite IncludedSpark that initial idea or add the finishing touch to your latest masterpiece - Keystation Mini 32 MK3 includes a premium software suite for any production discipline. With MPC Beats included you have everything you need for immediate creative potential right-out-the-box! |
6-month Subscription to Reason+ Included!
Registered customers now get a 6-month subscription to Reason+ included.
Reason+ is a creative bundle for music making that includes the Reason DAW and Reason Rack Plugin which can be used in any DAW (VST3/AU/AAX). With over 80 devices covering everything from creative synths, samplers, drum machines and audio effects, this subscription comes with 39,000 presets, 24gb of samples and new content (plugins and sounds) is added consistently.
Register your product upon purchase to redeem this offer.
From the brand
-
M-Audio is one of the most revered names in audio interfaces, studio monitors, Midi keyboards, and essential musical hardware that serve both beginner and professional musicians.
Our mission is to create a better world through music by helping musicians and performers around the globe bring their musical creations into people's lives.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the size and value of the audio midi controller. For example, they mention it's small and portable, and fits on a small desk. That said, opinions are mixed on performance, keys, quality, ease of use, and software.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the size of the audio midi controller. They mention that it has a small footprint that allows for portability, and it fits on a smaller desk. Some say that the keyboard is very slim and can fit in most bookbags. Overall, most are happy with the size and portability of the product.
"...Build quality is good enough. It's very light but feels sturdy enough...." Read more
"...+ Very clean and stylish looking+ Small footprint allows for portability+ A great array of included software-..." Read more
"...Buy it if you're looking for a light, no frills keyboard that's so inexpensive it's practically disposable. M Audio has always done a nice job...." Read more
"I really want to love this thing. It's a great size, it looks sleek, and feels good to play...." Read more
Customers like the value of the audio midi controller. They mention it's a super value buy, cost-effective, and works great for its value. Some say it'd be a great product if it was better made.
"...It is an amazing little keyboard for just $50!..." Read more
"...Buy it if you're looking for a light, no frills keyboard that's so inexpensive it's practically disposable. M Audio has always done a nice job...." Read more
"...While it may seem like a convenient and affordable option for those looking for a compact MIDI keyboard, there are several drawbacks to..." Read more
"...hard to expect too much from this little midi keyboard, but it's good for the price...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the audio midi controller. Some mention that it works well, does what it says it will, and is easy to use on their laptop. However, others say that it doesn't work with Logic, may be prone to breaking or malfunctioning over time, and the cable doesn''t works.
"...It works great for my purposes. It gets its power from the laptop. Through the app, it sounds just like my Kawai piano...." Read more
"...Now this didn’t work initially either, and rather than giving up, I re-tested every single USB port. None of the front ports worked at all...." Read more
"...The keyboard worked right away out of the box, is feature light (on purpose), and is what it is...." Read more
"...Apparently, the USB port in your computer does not feed the item enough power for it to function properly...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the keys of the audio midi controller. Some mention that it's an awesome little keyboard, while others say that the keys are unresponsive, difficult to use, and narrow.
"I really want to love this thing. It's a great size, it looks sleek, and feels good to play...." Read more
"Pretty good keyboard, but too old mini usb port." Read more
"...Not to mention the keys are understandably a bit narrow because of the unit's compactness so they're easy to fat finger...." Read more
"...But at least it looks nice on my desk, where I can pretend I'll learn to play someday." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the audio midi controller. Some mention it's simple to use as plugging it into a USB port, while others say the key feel is not great, the keys are very stiff, and the keyboard's sensitivity isn't tactile.
"...This is the 3rd version of the Keystation Mini, yet the incredibly simple and excellent Air Ignite Digital Audio Workstation is only included for..." Read more
"...As expected in this price range, the keyboard's sensitivity isn't tactile nor is it something you'll be able to play nuanced notes with...." Read more
"...Controls are simple. Enjoy!" Read more
"...It's a great size, it looks sleek, and feels good to play. But here's the thing: M-Audio advertises this item as Plug-N-Play, but it's not...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the audio midi controller. Some mention it's solid quality and fits on a small desk, the USB port became wiggly and eventually fell apart, and the connector to the computer is majorly flawed. However, others say that it surely is not built well enough for the rigors of a traveling instrument, the connector is major flaws and has come loose from the computer.
"...It looks fantastic, but it doesn’t feel very rugged at all. The keys fell slightly spongy and somewhat brittle, so play it with care-..." Read more
"...Build quality is good enough. It's very light but feels sturdy enough...." Read more
"...The entire thing is made of plastic and right out of the box some of the keys were not aligned correctly...." Read more
"...Incredibly frustrating and absolutely asinine. Save your money and buy something that actually works." Read more
Customers are mixed about the software included with the audio midi controller. Some mention that it comes with great software and a great array of included software, while others say that the software cannot be installed and that it needs to be downloaded. Some customers also mention that the XLN virtual instruments software is highly limited and difficult to use.
"...I can edit to my modest needs from there.The unit comes with software I've never used because I already own my own so I can't rate that...." Read more
"...go to use it in Garageband, Logic Pro, etc, it will not actually control a software instrument...." Read more
"...+ Small footprint allows for portability+ A great array of included software- It looks fantastic, but it doesn’t feel very rugged at all...." Read more
"...Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 is that the included recording software is not very user-friendly or intuitive...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the USB port of the audio midi controller. They mention that it is poorly constructed, easy to break, and not durable. Some say that the jack is badly soldered.
"...None of the front ports worked at all. Only 1 port worked this time, which is incredibly strange given that every single USB 2.0 port on my HTPC has..." Read more
"Pretty good keyboard, but too old mini usb port." Read more
"...the USB port is too easy to break off the circuit board that is inside the casing...." Read more
"...It will break instantly. The USB jack is so badly soldered plugging it in and leaving on your desk will break it...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
I'm just toying with digital music creation which is near impossible without a MIDI controller. I literally wanted something I can hold in my lap and this fits that need.
If you want to learn to play the piano or are serious about music creation this is not for you. While you can play the full range of a piano keyboard by simply shifting octaves with the controller's +/- buttons obviously you're not going to be able to play it like a piano. Not to mention the keys are understandably a bit narrow because of the unit's compactness so they're easy to fat finger. As expected in this price range, the keyboard's sensitivity isn't tactile nor is it something you'll be able to play nuanced notes with. But it opens up my ability to play various VST instruments which was the entire point of me buying it without any real investment. I can edit to my modest needs from there.
The unit comes with software I've never used because I already own my own so I can't rate that. It's plug 'n play without manually installing drivers. The only installation hassle is getting it configured for a particular software program but that isn't M Audio's fault.
Build quality is good enough. It's very light but feels sturdy enough. I don't notice any flex firmly pressing down keys even though it's sitting in my lap so it doesn't have a lot of support.
Are there other cheap or even a bit cheaper MIDI keyboards that meet my needs? Sure. What swayed me with this one is it had 32 keys whereas competitors in this low-end range generally have only 25.
+ Very clean and stylish looking
+ Small footprint allows for portability
+ A great array of included software
- It looks fantastic, but it doesn’t feel very rugged at all. The keys fell slightly spongy and somewhat brittle, so play it with care
- On Windows 10 it can be a nightmare to get working, or incredibly simple
- I have 2 of these, one sits flat, one came slightly bent and it wobbles slightly on flat surfaces
- If you decide to use it, the software needs to be downloaded, requiring creating a profile on M-Audio, the regestering your serial number. Pro Tools First requires multiple registrations, one for the program, one for Pace Software’s iLock Security, all for a highly watered down version of Pro Tools. The XLN virtual instruments software is highly limited and also requires setting up a profile if you decide to use it. Most of the best software based keys are locked behind an expensive paywall
- This is the 3rd version of the Keystation Mini, yet the incredibly simple and excellent Air Ignite Digital Audio Workstation is only included for free with the first one
Now based on what you see so far, there are more negatives than positives, however, I can break it down further. On my Mac, I simply plugged it in, and it worked. I didn’t install anything extra at all. It worked across the board without any noticeable latency. I tested it in Logic Pro, Garage Band, Presonus Studio One and even far more basic mini apps. Next came Windows 10. I have 2 HTPC builds with 2 series Intel i5 processors, 1 larger and very powerful tower build with an Asus Zonar DSX sound card and an Intel i7, and 2 newer PC Laptops, 1 brand new Intel Core i9 model Dell XPS, and a lower end Acer Aspire with an Intel i5 7 series processor. All of these have the latest updates for Windows 10. On my i7 tower, the Keystation Mini MK3 was plugged into a USB 3.1 port. There are many online sites claiming that the Mini MK3 will only work on USB 2.0. In my case, this wasn’t an issue at all. Now there is an odd issue where due to how short the cable is, I used a USB 3.0 extension cord. This cord works on every high powered USB 3.0 device I own, including my Logictech Brio 4K webcam, which drinks power from the USB port. On the MK3 which only requires 5 volts from the USB 2.0 port, the extension cable prevents it from working on Mac or PC. It’s worth noting that the Asus Zonar DSX soundcard on my desktop comes with low latency Aiso audio drivers designed for USB Midi devices. Next I tested the MK3 on my i9 laptop directly, there were no issues on any of its USB 3.0 ports, and there’s no external soundcard, just the standard laptop motherboard audio. The MK3 also worked fine on my Acer Aspire, there are 2 USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port. It worked across the board on all 3 ports as a simple plug and play.
Now I went to my main HP small form factor Intel i5 2500 based HTPC located in my room. This HTPC also has a USB based Asus Zonar U3 Dolby Live sound card. This is where the nightmare setup occurred. Plugging the MK2 into any of the 4 front USB 2.0 ports simply did not work. Those ports have powered my larger and smaller Intous model Wacom Styluses, as well as my wireless X-Box One Controller adapters, and numerous other devices in the past. There are 9 USB ports. I tried installing the software suit from the M-Audio website after regestering everything, that didn’t work. I tried using the Device Manager to locate drivers either online or on my system, that didn’t work. I opened up Air Ignite 1.4.1, which I got when I found out it wasn’t included, it’s supposed to simply work with it, it didn’t pick it up. Then after restarting, unplugging every USB device and unistalling them in device manager, that also didn’t work.
What did work was going online and downloading the free ASIO 4 All program. When it’s installed, you need to check all 3 options on the installer, including the offline settings option. Now this didn’t work initially either, and rather than giving up, I re-tested every single USB port. None of the front ports worked at all. Only 1 port worked this time, which is incredibly strange given that every single USB 2.0 port on my HTPC has been tested to work with a wide array of plug and play devices. Once it showed up properly as the Mini Keystation 32 MK3, it showed up in Acustica MixCraft 7, Air Ignite 1.4.1, my friend has 1.3.1, and after contacting the company that makes it, they verified that those are both the exact same. 1.3.1 is the one that’s bundled for free with the first Keystation, 1.4.1 is simply the one that’s not entirely free that you purchase separately, despite having a newer version number. That’s just wrong in so many ways as those who have the free version may be tempted to purchase the newer one. That being said, on Windows 10, this device can be plug and play, or a literal nightmare to get working.
The other thing that should be mentioned if you have an Asus Zonar U3 USB sound card, it’s not low latency ASIO compatible, you need to install the free ASIO 4 All, which will use a few processor cycles to force the lower latency you’ll need for Midi devices like the MK3. On any modern i5 series Intel chip, from the first gen one to the latest one, this isn’t really an issue for Digital Audio Workstations. My older MacBook Pro is a 2008 core2duo model attached to an Alesis Mixer, while I have vastly more powerful PCs, and a newer i7 MacBook Pro given to me by my job for graphic design work, the MK3 works the same across both without issues. The Mac does however come preconfigured for low latency Midi devices. Modern motherboards do too. Older mother HTPC motherboards simply don’t, so the ASIO 4 All driver rectifies this by using modern CPU power to reduce the latency of Midi devices. This is most likely why the Keystation Mini works right away on some Windows 10 PCs and not others. The odd USB extension cord issues and the short USB cord, as well as not working in USB ports that have powered devices that use far far more power than 5 volts is bad. A lot of these issues could be rectified if M-Audio simply included a driver for Windows that would make it work accrues the board. My case is an unusual one because I have a lot of PCs due to working primarily as a graphic designer/web designer, and a DJ/music producer on the side. If I didn’t have the ability to test it on so many devices, I would’ve simply returned it because it should come with drivers. The instructions mention downloading ASIO drivers for Windows, but that didn’t fix the issue initially, it was in combination with another fix. The instructions also didn’t mention that ASIO 4 All is literally the only freely available version of ASIO for Windows, or that if you use your CPU to reduce latency, you need to keep the samples at roughly 512 to avoid any audio popping. Lowering it to 128 without a newer motherboard or internal soundcard like the ones on my non HTPC builds, can indeed cause issues, so even with it, you’ll still have slight latency. Meanwhile on my Asus Zonar DSX sound card, the latency is 2 milliseconds, which is lower than it is my newer i9 XPS laptop. Again, if M-Audio simply included class compliant Windows 10 drivers instead of boldly claiming on their website that it works across the board as a plug and play midi device on Windows 10, or suggesting you buy a 100 plus dollar audio interface to make a 50 dollar midi keyboard work, there wouldn’t be any issues at all with any recent version of Windows.
With all that being said, if you’re a Mac user, it’s as sublime and simple to use as plugging it into a USB port, and having it work even on my trusty 2008 Core2Duo MacBook Pro. Now on 2 of the 5 of my Windows 10 PCs, it was a nightmare to simply get working. Both HTPCs had the same exact issues. It worked on both on my PC Laptops, and on my larger i7 tower desktop, but I can’t say for certain if it would’ve been the case if my Asus Zonar DSX didn’t have custom ASIO drivers which installed with the sound card.
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2019
+ Very clean and stylish looking
+ Small footprint allows for portability
+ A great array of included software
- It looks fantastic, but it doesn’t feel very rugged at all. The keys fell slightly spongy and somewhat brittle, so play it with care
- On Windows 10 it can be a nightmare to get working, or incredibly simple
- I have 2 of these, one sits flat, one came slightly bent and it wobbles slightly on flat surfaces
- If you decide to use it, the software needs to be downloaded, requiring creating a profile on M-Audio, the regestering your serial number. Pro Tools First requires multiple registrations, one for the program, one for Pace Software’s iLock Security, all for a highly watered down version of Pro Tools. The XLN virtual instruments software is highly limited and also requires setting up a profile if you decide to use it. Most of the best software based keys are locked behind an expensive paywall
- This is the 3rd version of the Keystation Mini, yet the incredibly simple and excellent Air Ignite Digital Audio Workstation is only included for free with the first one
Now based on what you see so far, there are more negatives than positives, however, I can break it down further. On my Mac, I simply plugged it in, and it worked. I didn’t install anything extra at all. It worked across the board without any noticeable latency. I tested it in Logic Pro, Garage Band, Presonus Studio One and even far more basic mini apps. Next came Windows 10. I have 2 HTPC builds with 2 series Intel i5 processors, 1 larger and very powerful tower build with an Asus Zonar DSX sound card and an Intel i7, and 2 newer PC Laptops, 1 brand new Intel Core i9 model Dell XPS, and a lower end Acer Aspire with an Intel i5 7 series processor. All of these have the latest updates for Windows 10. On my i7 tower, the Keystation Mini MK3 was plugged into a USB 3.1 port. There are many online sites claiming that the Mini MK3 will only work on USB 2.0. In my case, this wasn’t an issue at all. Now there is an odd issue where due to how short the cable is, I used a USB 3.0 extension cord. This cord works on every high powered USB 3.0 device I own, including my Logictech Brio 4K webcam, which drinks power from the USB port. On the MK3 which only requires 5 volts from the USB 2.0 port, the extension cable prevents it from working on Mac or PC. It’s worth noting that the Asus Zonar DSX soundcard on my desktop comes with low latency Aiso audio drivers designed for USB Midi devices. Next I tested the MK3 on my i9 laptop directly, there were no issues on any of its USB 3.0 ports, and there’s no external soundcard, just the standard laptop motherboard audio. The MK3 also worked fine on my Acer Aspire, there are 2 USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port. It worked across the board on all 3 ports as a simple plug and play.
Now I went to my main HP small form factor Intel i5 2500 based HTPC located in my room. This HTPC also has a USB based Asus Zonar U3 Dolby Live sound card. This is where the nightmare setup occurred. Plugging the MK2 into any of the 4 front USB 2.0 ports simply did not work. Those ports have powered my larger and smaller Intous model Wacom Styluses, as well as my wireless X-Box One Controller adapters, and numerous other devices in the past. There are 9 USB ports. I tried installing the software suit from the M-Audio website after regestering everything, that didn’t work. I tried using the Device Manager to locate drivers either online or on my system, that didn’t work. I opened up Air Ignite 1.4.1, which I got when I found out it wasn’t included, it’s supposed to simply work with it, it didn’t pick it up. Then after restarting, unplugging every USB device and unistalling them in device manager, that also didn’t work.
What did work was going online and downloading the free ASIO 4 All program. When it’s installed, you need to check all 3 options on the installer, including the offline settings option. Now this didn’t work initially either, and rather than giving up, I re-tested every single USB port. None of the front ports worked at all. Only 1 port worked this time, which is incredibly strange given that every single USB 2.0 port on my HTPC has been tested to work with a wide array of plug and play devices. Once it showed up properly as the Mini Keystation 32 MK3, it showed up in Acustica MixCraft 7, Air Ignite 1.4.1, my friend has 1.3.1, and after contacting the company that makes it, they verified that those are both the exact same. 1.3.1 is the one that’s bundled for free with the first Keystation, 1.4.1 is simply the one that’s not entirely free that you purchase separately, despite having a newer version number. That’s just wrong in so many ways as those who have the free version may be tempted to purchase the newer one. That being said, on Windows 10, this device can be plug and play, or a literal nightmare to get working.
The other thing that should be mentioned if you have an Asus Zonar U3 USB sound card, it’s not low latency ASIO compatible, you need to install the free ASIO 4 All, which will use a few processor cycles to force the lower latency you’ll need for Midi devices like the MK3. On any modern i5 series Intel chip, from the first gen one to the latest one, this isn’t really an issue for Digital Audio Workstations. My older MacBook Pro is a 2008 core2duo model attached to an Alesis Mixer, while I have vastly more powerful PCs, and a newer i7 MacBook Pro given to me by my job for graphic design work, the MK3 works the same across both without issues. The Mac does however come preconfigured for low latency Midi devices. Modern motherboards do too. Older mother HTPC motherboards simply don’t, so the ASIO 4 All driver rectifies this by using modern CPU power to reduce the latency of Midi devices. This is most likely why the Keystation Mini works right away on some Windows 10 PCs and not others. The odd USB extension cord issues and the short USB cord, as well as not working in USB ports that have powered devices that use far far more power than 5 volts is bad. A lot of these issues could be rectified if M-Audio simply included a driver for Windows that would make it work accrues the board. My case is an unusual one because I have a lot of PCs due to working primarily as a graphic designer/web designer, and a DJ/music producer on the side. If I didn’t have the ability to test it on so many devices, I would’ve simply returned it because it should come with drivers. The instructions mention downloading ASIO drivers for Windows, but that didn’t fix the issue initially, it was in combination with another fix. The instructions also didn’t mention that ASIO 4 All is literally the only freely available version of ASIO for Windows, or that if you use your CPU to reduce latency, you need to keep the samples at roughly 512 to avoid any audio popping. Lowering it to 128 without a newer motherboard or internal soundcard like the ones on my non HTPC builds, can indeed cause issues, so even with it, you’ll still have slight latency. Meanwhile on my Asus Zonar DSX sound card, the latency is 2 milliseconds, which is lower than it is my newer i9 XPS laptop. Again, if M-Audio simply included class compliant Windows 10 drivers instead of boldly claiming on their website that it works across the board as a plug and play midi device on Windows 10, or suggesting you buy a 100 plus dollar audio interface to make a 50 dollar midi keyboard work, there wouldn’t be any issues at all with any recent version of Windows.
With all that being said, if you’re a Mac user, it’s as sublime and simple to use as plugging it into a USB port, and having it work even on my trusty 2008 Core2Duo MacBook Pro. Now on 2 of the 5 of my Windows 10 PCs, it was a nightmare to simply get working. Both HTPCs had the same exact issues. It worked on both on my PC Laptops, and on my larger i7 tower desktop, but I can’t say for certain if it would’ve been the case if my Asus Zonar DSX didn’t have custom ASIO drivers which installed with the sound card.
Top reviews from other countries
Reviewed in Canada on March 6, 2024