Table of Contents
I’ve owned over 20 keyboard workstations over the year and currently have the Roland G8, the Kurzweil K2700, the Korg Nautilus, and the Roland Fantom in my studio. All products in my review below are products I’ve owned and extensively tested before including in the list.
To make this review, I tested and compared 20 different workstations to provide you with the list below.
Editors Note* This post was updated In March of 2024 to ensure freshness and includes all of the recent options, including the new Montage.
Comparison Table
Kurzweil K2700
- Best stock sounds on market
- Incredible bass/guitar tones
- Beautiful & bright pianos
- Most fun I've had with a workstation in the last 10 years
Roland Fantom-8
- Lush pads
- Best interface for workflow
- Favorite key-bed of workstations
AKAI Professional MPC 61 Key
- Lightweight
- Incredible standalone features
- Full functionality out of box with all major DAWs
- Solid internal sounds
- Great workflow
- Affordable and portable
Our List
Below is a list of the best overall keyboard workstations on the market. You will notice that there are a few standouts and a bunch of others that are also great.
1) Kurzweil K2700 – Best Internal Sounds/Overall
I rarely give out five stars. The K2700 is an incredibly powerful machine with some of the best stock sounds I have heard to date. I highly recommend checking this keyboard out if you like workstations.
I was fortunate to get my hands on the K2700 about six months before it was released as Kurzweil had sent it my way. I have to say, this has the best internal guitar/bass guitar sounds I have ever come across in a workstation.
I averaged a solid 6-7 hours a day creating demos and writing songs with the K2700 and it’s good to see that it’s getting the praise it deserves.
With a built-in audio interface and impressive sounds, the K2700 has taken over the top spot for Keyboardkraze.
2) Roland Fantom – Personal Favorite
The Fantom 08 is one of the most powerful workstations on the market. From incredible key-action to lush pads and amazing drum kits, the Fantom gives you everything you need in a keyboard.
I have spent about two years with the Roland Fantom-8 and it is truly an all in one package that allows me to quickly write and produce demos for our band. Roland has streamlined the process of recording even more-so with the Fantom-8 than on previous models such as the G-8.
The Roland Fantom has been brought back and this is impressive in pretty much every way. Packed with top of the line sounds and incredible key-bed, the Roland Fantom comes in as one the best keyboard workstations.
The Fantom offers a visual approach that is super innovative and fun. The screen allows you to tweak and see changes from filter sweeps to passes.
Roland knocked the sequencer out of the park on the Fantom and I believe that this keyboard truly competes with your classic MIDI controller setup now.
In my opinion, I believe the Fantom competes with the Yamaha Genos, which is more so a keyboard arranger. Arranger keyboards are more so for live music because they allow you to set up a full band with a few clicks on the interface.
Overall Thoughts On The Fantom Workstation
This is without a doubt the best keyboard workstation available. It’s the most powerful and intuitive option yet and I think it will be extremely popular for years to come.
3) Yamaha Montage MX88
The M8X blew me away sonically from the second I laid down my first chords, although it seems that most of the sounds are layered in reverb. If you're a fan of the montage series overall, you will like this.
I’ve spent about 3 months of time with the Montage MX88 and I’ve always been a huge fan of the internal sounds of the Montage series. The Montage MX88 has some of my favorite piano sounds in a workstation and it is a keyboard you can use for live performance for any genre.
For many years, many people believed that the Yamaha Montage was the best keyboard workstation available. I believe that it is definitely one of the best options that you can go with as well.
One of the coolest features on the Montage 8 is the Super knob. This can elevate some of your productions in a new an exciting way.
You can use this knob with one hand and take control of effects and sound modifications while you’re playing.
For example, you could take a piano and for a certain part, you could throw a ton of reverb on it or delay depending on what you’re looking to do. This just allows you to be incredibly dynamic with your playing.
If you need to be playing with both hands you can assign the super knob to be a foot controller as well with a pedal. There are two different sound engines on this instrument and one of them has some crazy cool synthesizers.
This keyboard workstation provides synthesizers for musicians who are looking to create chill-wave 80’s pop to EDM producers who want some buzzy basses and leads.
The Montage MX88 is an upgrade to the ever-popular Yamaha Motif series. There is aftertouch on the keys and the key-bed feels really nice as well. The sound library is also massive coming in with over 2100 pre-set patches with an arpeggiator that also has over 10,000 types to pick from.
Overall Thoughts On The Yamaha Montage 8
I think this is easily one of the best keyboard workstations and the only thing I don’t like is the price. It is very expensive, but it is also a keyboard that is basically a complete recording studio all in one.
4) Akai MPC Standalone 61
The Akai MPC 61 Standalone is a hybrid MIDI controller/workstation standalone that is perfect for touring musicians.
The Akai MPC 61 is the newest workstation that I have added to my arsenal. This one was an absolute treat to review and I am pumped to have gotten my hands on it. To start, the Akai MPC 61 is packed with incredible sounds, better than I was expecting.
The learning curve is a little steep, or at least it was for me as I’m used to working in DAW’s and the Roland/Yamaha workstations. That being said, after spending a few days watching videos, you will be able to streamline your workflow and quickly access amazing sounds.
5) Korg Nautilus
The Korg Nautilus is a successful streamlined version of the iconic Kronos. This workstation is affordable, yet still capable of doing many things we've all loved with the Kronos. On top of this, the sounds vary from the Kronos.
Korg is revered when it comes to talking about keyboard workstations. I have owned the Nautilus 88 since day one when it was released. The quick summary here is that it has some solid sounds and a very intuitive interface, making it easy to jump into song writing.
It is something they do very well and the KorgNatulis 88 is their very best workstation and it is an extremely powerful machine.
The Nautilus is one of their latest creations and one of the big things that surprised me were the piano sounds. They seemed like a solid upgrade from that of the Kronos.
The Korg Nautilus has 9 different sounds and this is the main feature that sets it apart from most other workstations. One of the sound engines is for electric piano sounds and these are top-notch.
I like the sound of Nord Electro pianos, but I really like the sounds of the electric piano on the Nautilus. There is also a sound engine for organ sounds and this sound engine as well sounds very expensive and warm.
More Features
A unique feature of this instrument is that it has a sound engine that has Analog synthesizer modeling. A product that has crazy good sounds is what the Korg Nautilus is. This device is also a recording studio. The studio functions are very easy to navigate and the tools are all there for editing.
Overall Thoughts On The Nautilus
I think this is one of the most impressive products on the market right now and this is an instrument that you can use for your entire musical career.
6) Kurzweil PC-4
The PC4 is one of Kurzweil's staple keyboard workstations. This is a solid look at a very popular model.
The Kurzweil PC4 is one of Kurzweil’s most popular products. Like most Kurzweil products, this workstation is known for incredible customizability as well as an impressive sound engine.
Another selling point for this is the flashplay technology. It loads far faster than the Nautilus keyboard. When comparing the sounds of the PC4 versus that of Yamaha and Korg, I think it’s a no-brainer that the PC4 sounds better. With this being said, this is subjective and everyone has theire own opinion.
Sounds
I recently started playing Kurzweil products about two years ago. The PC4’s sound engine is incredible and it has some presets that blow the brakes off of some of the more expensive VSTs I’ve played.
Overall Thoughts On The Kurzweil PC4
I think the PC4 deserves all the attention it has gotten. From impressive sounds to fantastic setlist abilities, the PC4 is built to last.
7) Roland FA-08
The FA 08 is my touring keyboard that I also run as a MIDI controller. This is a great option as it doesn't overheat like other keyboards I have had. It is also far cheaper than other options.
The Roland FA-08 is great for touring musicians as well as for studio musicians.
What makes this a good keyboard for touring musicians is how light it is at only 35 pounds. I actually own this and I use it for touring and I use it as a MIDI controller. The MIDI on the FA-08 is very up to date and it immediately worked with my laptop.
In my opinion, because of its weight, I believe the FA 08 is the best keyboard workstation for live performance.
You can read my full product review of the Roland FA 08 here.
It has 16 pads that you can assign anything to inside your DAW. A good way to use the pads is to change the internal setting to pad assign mode.
When you do this you can make it so your DAW will sync with the pads and allow you to change synth sounds seamlessly. You can use these pads for drums and for other purposes as well, this is just one function.
Key-Bed
The key-bed on Roland products, in general, is fantastic and this is the same case. They’re known for their ivory feel G series and personally, they’re some of my favorite keys on an instrument because they feel like a real piano. They feel as close to ivory as they possibly can.
I have always loved the synth sounds of Rolands as they just sound so warm and inviting to me. This instrument has some really beautiful sounding pads and huge swelling bass sounds. Roland has its trademark D-beam on the FA-08 and this is a neat feature.
I haven’t found a great use for it other than it’s fun to play with and looks cool. You just hover your hover hand over the sensor and it triggers crazy-sounding synths.
Overall Thoughts On The Roland FA-08
This is one of the cheaper workstations on the market and it packs a powerful punch. I think this is a great product overall and I am happy to own it.
I think it’s very easy to say that this is currently the best keyboard workstation for those on a budget.
*The FA 08 is also available in 61 keys and 73 keys.
Best Budget Workstations
Below are a few looks at workstations that are under $1000. There are some solid choices and I personally love the MOXF6.
8) Yamaha MOXF6 Music Production Workstation – Best Under $1000
The MOFX 61 is a great look at a workstation for those on a budget who prefer to have a more compact keyboard rig.
The Yamaha MOXF6 is a music keyboard that is affordable, yet still packs a powerful punch.
I wouldn’t put this on the same level as the high-end products, but I would put it on the level right below them. The MOXF6 has 61 keys, but there is a version with 88 keys as well. The keys on this are semi-weighted since it only has 61 keys.
I like that this is more portable than most keyboard workstations in the sense that it’s a little smaller and lighter. You can use the flash drive and install synthesizer samples and I really like this. You can download some serious vintage synths such as the CS-80 by Yamaha.
There are 3900 pre-set sounds, but as far as straight-up synthesized sounds, there is a little bit of lacking here. Definitely, use the flash drive to install more synthesizers if that is what you’re looking for. This also has the capability to be used as a MIDI controller as well.
Overall Thoughts On The MOXF 6
The MOXF6 is one of the best keyboard workstations under $1,000.
9) Korg Kross 2
The Korg Kross 2 has some surpsingly great sounds and is everything you need for playing gigs.
The Korg Kross 2 is the Korg entry-level keyboard workstation. This is the most portable workstation in the sense that it is only 8 pounds.
The Kross 2 has over 1,000 pre-set sounds. This does not have speakers built-in so you will need to connect to your computer or an amplifier for sound.
You can run this on just AA batteries making it portable friendly for any musician. If you are using a DAW, you can use this keyboard with it as a controller.
Overall Thoughts On The Korg Kross 2
For the price, this is a good choice. I wouldn’t put this up against the Roland’s or high-end Korg and Yamaha’s though.
10) Casio WK 6600 – Best Keyboard Workstation For Under $300
The WK 6600 is an honest look at the most budget workstation you will find. It provides you with some quality sounds and everything you need for a gig.
This is very entry-level, but I will say I was surprised when playing this. Casio has come a long way and they’re products are not what they were 15-20 years ago. The sounds on Casio keyboards actually surprise me as they sound pretty realistic.
This is for the musician who wants to wet their feet before spending a ton of money seeing how this is a very cheap price.
If you go into this keyboard workstation not expecting the most amazing product, you will be very happy. It comes with 76 keys, but you can also find it with 61 or 88 as well. There are sliders that you can use with your DAW or just use to tweak your sounds internally.
Overall Thoughts On The Casio WK 6600
It is crazy this is so inexpensive, for that reason I think it makes this a good purchase for a beginning to intermediate music producer.
Things To Look For In A Keyboard Workstation
Sound Quality And Number Of Sound Pre-Sets
The quality of the sound samples on your instrument is important for musicians looking to record in a studio, play live or just play for their own fun. A big reason why musicians like to play these instruments is that the sounds typically are much better than normal keyboards sounds.
The sound library is usually pretty massive on a keyboard workstation and this is another big thing to pay attention to.
You want to find something that has a lot of different sounds, yet you also want to make sure that the samples sound realistic and not cheap. When you’re dealing with these you usually are getting high-quality sounding samples from strings to drums.
Sound quality also refers to the customization you are able to do to your sound of choice.
Having the ability to alter sounds and tweak them to your liking is a big plus with these types of keyboards. If you have a sound that you like, but it needs a little refining, then you will want the controls to be able to do so.
The Key-Beds On A Keyboard Workstation
The key-bed, in general, is very important when it comes to deciding on which keyboard is right for you. Some key-beds come with 88 keys, others with 76, 73, 61, and some even have only 49 keys. When you purchase a workstation with less than 88 keys, the keys will likely not be weighted.
Now, this is a preference of the musician on whether or not they want weighted keys. I have a piano background so when I pick keyboards I always prefer a one with weighted keys.
There are semi-weighted key-beds that don’t feel awful, you just have to find the right one. If you don’t have a piano background, not having weighted keys isn’t going to be a big deal then as you don’t know the difference between semi-weighted and weighted keys.
RAM/ROM
Rom stands for “Read Only Memory” and what this does is allows you to add memory cards with more songs to your instrument.
The more Rom your keyboard has, the better in the long run. Ram stands for “Random Access Memory” and this determines the amount of you will have on your instrument for sampling. If you’re going to be doing a significant amount of sampling then you will want more ram.
Computer Interface Of Your Keyboard Workstation
Most will have a USB interface so you can transfer data. Some have built-in audio interfaces which means you will save a lot of money and not have to invest in additional software for recording. One thing I like to do is use it as a MIDI controller because then I can access unlimited sounds through a DAW.
Effects
We will be talking about the effects that come with each product pretty extensively because this is an important feature. You want to have a keyboard workstation that has a lot of effects and effects that are easy to use and implement.
Putting effects on certain sounds or audio clips can take an idea or a song to the next level and become the backbone of it. Becoming familiar with effects is also important if you don’t fully understand what they are because you want to be able to take advantage of all your instruments abilities.
Audio And Sequencing
You can pre-record parts into your instrument for when you’re playing live and want to have more parts playing to fill the sound out. This is one of the nicest features in a workstation and a function that makes it very valuable.
You can use MIDI to also hook up to a laptop for live performance if you want to have even more access to sounds. However, with a workstation, you are able to setup live-sets that have all of your sounds so it is easier to navigate for a performer.
Sound Layering
This is something these instruments make very user-friendly. These are such good tools for a film score composer because they are able to instantly hear what certain sounds like when layered immediately. Workstations make it so you can layer multiple sounds together to create warm and large sounding patches.
Type Of Synthesizers
This is where workstations really match what their price value is. If you want a keyboard workstation that has great sounding synths, you will want to consider an expensive one that has multiple sound engines for this purpose.
The entry-level stations are going to always supply you with the best synths in the big picture. Something with different sound engines and tons of pre-set patches would definitely be the route if synthesizers are important to you.
Is A Keyboard Workstation Good For Gigs
100%. These can be awesome for gigging as you can save your whole live set on it prior to performing. This makes it so you can easily switch from song pre-sets. The key-beds are typically fantastic as well.
If you can afford a workstation, I would recommend getting a nice one rather than getting a really nice digital piano. Digital pianos are great as well, however, they don’t have near the abilities of that of a workstation. Even if the piano sounds are better on the digital piano, you can still get expansion packs and download new ones.
One thing that I will mention is that workstations can be pretty heavy. If you are wanting to tour, the FA-08 is hands-down the best choice as it’s light, durable, and simply powerful. They also fit in 88 key keyboard cases exceptionally well.
Conclusion
We have provided you with the very best keyboard workstations available for all budgets. If you enjoy making beats on keyboards, check out this post where I talk about the best beat making keyboards at the link above.
37 comments
I think you should take a hard look at the Yamaha Genos.
There are many Kronos etc, gathering dust, because the workstation fiddle factor is high. Fantom is very attractive, but the Genos much more so for “players”. It’s weaker on sound design, but far stronger for playing and recording in the real world.
Getting a huge update shortly, as well. Many good vids on the tube about it.
Hi there,
Totally love the Genos! I have a full-on review of the Genos as well as including it as my favorite Arranger keyboard!
How the Yamaha psr ew410 isn’t on this list is completely beyond me, it’s affordable, reliable has 76 keys and just a damn good sounding board, why ANYONE would drop 3k on a 61 key board makes zero sense
Hi Lance, the PSR EW410 is a great keyboard, however, this article is about the best workstations and it’s not a workstation.
Entonces, Según el comentario de Chasweb, ¿qué diferencia hay entre las estacion de trabajo con teclado y un arranger(Genos )
.¡Gracias! Thank you!
Very helpful, direct and fair. It is obvious to me I need to consider spending a little more time with my Roland Fantom before I toss for a Geno. Also from a weight standpoint, the Roland Jupiter XM is very portable with lots of sounds but only has 37 keys
Hey Chris,
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.
I guess I would be considered a closet composer, considering I have no accolades to boast about.
I currently own an older Roland VA76 V-Arranger with 128 voice polyphony. For me, it’s been great.
I have it setup at the foot of my bed. Thus, eliminating the midnight trudge from my bed to my studio in the basement, when I wake up in the middle of the night with a musical thought.
However, what I need is a workstation that can accept vocals and have the ability to do everything with the vocals that my VA76 can do with instrumentation. Is there such an animal out there?
I know I can setup a laptop on my VA stand, and with the proper software, I could blend the two, (instrumentation and vocals) for a finished product.
The problem is, then I would have to learn all that, and frankly, I’m too damn old and don’t have the patience for that much LEARNIN.
So, again, is there a workstation that could help me get my music out to the world? Thanks brother.
As far as being able to put out recording that sound like they would with a DAW, that will be very hard with a workstation.
With this being said, You can look into the newest Fantom workstation. I think this would be the closest thing to what you’re looking for. I had the old Fantom G8 and I was able to record vocals and edit them a little bit. The problem was that the files were massive to upload and it was kind of a pain.
It may be cheaper to use your VA 76 and then look into a microphone/audio interface. You can use free DAWs that are actually really easy to use. This would be my recommendation.
I Still have a Yamaha Tyros 5, and for me its the best Worksation Keyboard of All time
Excellent analysis and info! Congratulations
Thank you for the in-depth advice on synth workstations. I can vouch – your #1 rating of Roland Fantom is warranted. I have played synths in bands since the early 1980s – my first was a Cat Octave, then a Korg DW-8000. I retired from that profession in the mid 90s, then in 2004 wanted to write and produce music. I had a choice from 3 popular synth workstations: The Korg Triton, the Yamaha Motif, or the Roland Fantom (I chose an Xa after learning some on the S). Of course, the manual was limited – so I found a website called “Fantomized” – with several experts on Roland Fantoms worldwide. I learned the Xa inside out. In 18 years, the Xa is still my studio workstation – and is responsible for over 500 productions and collaborations. I can’t give the Roland Fantom Xa enough credit in this reply here, just to say – if a user takes the patience to learn this machine, they will be pleasantly rewarded.
I have an FA-07 and I am considering upgrading it to an FA-08. After 40+ years playing keys and doing amateur and semi-pro recording and production, I have finally decided to actually learn to play piano and read music properly. I want a workstation with a piano feel, but I’m happier doing my recording on a workstation than on my PC. My old GEM S3 Turbo has finally failed and I learned everything I know from that workstation.
I would recommend the FA 08 for sure. It’s a great step-up key-bed wise!
Chris
Chris Are you talking Fantom 08 or Fantom 8 , theres a big difference here in power ?
You may have already made your decision, sold your FA07 & bought FA08. But if you haven’t, and your learning piano is going to happen at home, then I would recommend buying a weighted hammer action midi controller and plug it into the FA07 via midi. Then when / if you want to take a keyboard to play outside your home, the FA07 much lighter & convenient to transport. If you are doing solo piano performances to an audience, only then would I get even consider replacing it to finance an FA08 – the FA08 is the “sweet spot” in the range in my humble opinion 😉
I’ve got one, also a Fantom G8 monster (70lbs…) with ivory feel weighted keys which I midi to the FA07 to benefit from its SuperNatural pianos etc, and an M-Audio Hammer 88 controller keyboard, also great feel but definitely not lightweight, which I bought before finding the used G8.
You should look at the Akai MPC 61, it’s serious competition to all workstations out there.
Thanks for the note, going to review this one next!
I am with you on that note Nigel I have the M-Audio controller board 88 from the year 2006 , I bought it for the original Mothership board (Roland Fa 76) because there is nothing like learning and getting experience from a hammer action board, I also have the New Fantom 88 , but as respect to the 88 and preservation reasons I will fire back up my M-Audio controller only run the Fantom 88 on performance !
Very new to the arranger keyboard and workstation game so can’t choose between the two.
I checked out your arranger keyboard reviews as well and it seems that workstations have the added flexibility and ease of use when it comes to layering and effects, high quality sounds and an inbuilt audio interface.
My wife is an amateur keyboard player and just wants to learn and play songs at home. I, on the other hand, want to get into music production (lo-fi, jazz and hip hop music). What would be a good “middle ground” between a workstation and an arranger keyboard. We are looking at something that does both. Would using a DAW compensate for the lack of functionality that an arranger keyboard has from a music production perspective? I could learn how to use a DAW too. Just don’t want to head down the path of buying something ant then realizing that it doesn’t do what I want.
I would recommend you to the Fantom or the Kurzweil workstation!
I create musical recordings. No touring. I write songs, rough out arrangements (which we sometimes preserve as is), and then I produce / co-produce the recordings at a top notch studio. So,what I prepare with my workstation is uploaded and then we work with live talent for parts that require live talent. I have an old Korg )1W Pro workstation. My sound engineer tells me to update. So do my eyes (very small screen). I an not tech savvy. I don’t enjoy tech; it is only a means to an end. Fewer wires the better; more intuitive features, better; less interfacing with external devices, the better; all in one compactness a definite plus. Now, in 2022, when searching for a music workstation, without knowing the difference between workstations and arrangers, I was drawn to the Yamaha PRS-SX 900 because it has built-in speakers. My thinking: Hey, less clutter, singers and musicians can come over and prepare in advance just listening to the built-in speakers. However, I don’t find it intuitive, per se: it seems to point me in directions that I may not want to go i.e., draws me into “templates” or takes me on side-trips, if you will. Think in terms of driving on a freeway, If I make a wrong turn it is often difficult to find my way back. And, if I am starting from scratch, it seems to want me to go to some other state.
So, can you make any suggestions based on what I have written? Thank you for the guidance that I have reviewed, above. Still struggling to make an informed decision. BTW: there is so little inventory out there and so few musical instrument stores left, that I really can’t “kick the tires” and find sales people who know the products that are out there.
Hi Dave,
I would say to check out the Kurzweil K2700. This thing is a beast with amazing internal sounds and an easy workflow.
Chris
Thank You, Chris. All help is appreciated. Clearly, you know this topic so very well. Dave
If you want to sketch out musical ideas – build up multipart pieces etc (ie layering of multiple instrument sounds), and be able to hand over to a producer / engineer, and you want the best bang per buck, I wouldn’t look past the discontinued FA series. If you don’t need full 88 keys (weighted) look for the FA07. Vast selection of preset sounds, even more can be downloaded from Roland if you can get someone to assist with that. But the brilliant thing is when you’ve put together your musical “sketch” you can easily export each instrument part / track as individual WAV files for your producer to work with – stem files. That’s pretty advanced. You don’t need the pinnacle of awesomeness that is the the Kurzweil 2700 for USD3000 – get a used FA07 for around $800 and a pair of powered Mackie CR4 speakers (they are tiny but probably ideal for what you’re wanting to achieve) for maybe $150. My 2 cents. Disclaimer: I love Kurzweil stuff (have an old SP series board) & own the FA07 and Fantom G8. Owned the Yamaha PSR SX760 arranger workstation for several years, but it’s much more “arranger” than workstation, so sold it. For “arranger” needs I have the unique Roland BK7m (band in a box…)!
What about the yamaha modx8+ 88? Seems to be a great unit if you cant afford the Montage.
Hi Micahel,
This is a fantastic keyboard. Another solid option, which is a little bit more than the MODX8 is the Kurzweil K2700. It’s truly one of my favorite workstations i’ve ever played.
I think its worth mentioning that the two links for the Fantom seem to be displaying two very different workstations, the Fantom-8 and the Fantom 08, misleading someone potentially into thinking they are getting a sweet deal on a Fantom-8.
Nigel, Thank you for sharing your insights. I’m sorry for not responding sooner. Thank you, Chris, for providing the platform that allows this exchange of information.
Please, can you tell me…is there an 88 key workstation with built in speakers that is comparable to the ones you’ve mentioned above?
Hi Jeanie,
I’m not familiar with many workstations that have built-in speakers. The Korg Kross 2 could be worth checking out!
Kind regards,
Chris
Hi chris i have a casio wk-3300 and itis also a workingstaion
A great omission here is Akai standalone 61 keyboard
Hi team, I’m actually addoing the Akai 61 standalone version today!
Thanks!
Hi, I have added and reviewed the Akai standalone 61. Such a great keyboard!
What are the key advancements or features that differentiate the top keyboard workstations for producers in 2024 from previous models or competitors in the market?
Thanks for the reviews. I had not looked at the Kurzweil before now. Looks like they don’t have a 61 key version, correct? I’m primarily a guitarist but I would like to have a small keyboard handy to fill in on certain songs (in addition to the band’s primary keyboardist). Ok, truthfully I’d love an 88 key but I usually don’t have the stage space for that. Anyway, I need it to be good for live performance but in a perfect world, it could also be a MIDI controller for my home studio.
It would be great in your comparisons if you could add some CONS to each option. Some kbs lack things that others have, you know? Makes it easier to compare.
Hi John,
I would say the Roland Fantom 61 and the Akai MPC 61 standalone would be your best bet. My personal choice here would be the Fantom as I love the workflow plus the internal sounds. I currently on the G8, the FA08 and Fantom 88 and I’ve gotten some incredible use out of them.
The MPC is also super popular and is completely standalone.
Kind regards,
Chris