Nerdy Gear Post: M-Audio ProKeys Sono 88 05/14/2009
M-Audio is a pretty cool company. I've owned/used a number of their products over the years, and I've always been very impressed. This one takes the cake, though: That would be the ProKeys Sono 88, and over the past couple of months, it has easily become my go to board/controller. I originally bought it for two reasons: 1.) This board is 88 keys (semiweighted) and only weighs 17 pounds. Granted, it's not fully weighted, but the feel is still great, and the portability is absolutely worth it. 2.) The Sono 88 has a built in audio interface & mixer, which makes it perfect for most of my gigs, because it allows me to mix a second keyboard/sound module directly on the board and send one line to the mixer. Much easier than carrying a submixer. The Sono 88 has easily filled those two requirements for me. For example: this Sunday, I'll be using the Sono 88 as my main board, and using the onboard mixer to blend my JV-1010 and Micro BR in with the sound of the M-Audio, then sending one channel to the board. Works like a charm. On top of that, the sounds on this board are really great. The 7 "premium" sounds really get it done, and the pads and synths are really versatile as well. And here's the kicker - the first time I plugged the Sono 88 into my computer (PS - this board has the best USB connectivity of any board I've owned), M-Audio alerted me that there was a firmware update available. Not only did that firmware update install a couple of new velocity curves, it also included updated and improved versions of three of the premium sounds! That's what makes M-Audio such a great company - they're continuing to improve an already great product even after I purchased it (and at no additional cost, to boot!) I could say a lot more, but when it comes down to it, I don't really feel like I have to. If you're looking for a low cost, light weight, full size controller that doubles as a solid performance instrument, then this is the end of your search. The Sono 88 fits the bill, and gets the job done with ease. One of the best purchases I've ever made. CommentsLeave a Reply |


