OT: Studiologic VMK-88 Vs. TMK-88

[Mandarin Man]

I'm looking for an 88-key master keyboard for my studio that has as light an action/feel as possible, preferably non-weighted like a synth.

I recently tried the VMK-88 at a store. Its action was light; great. However, I don’t need all the knobs and faders. Does anyone know if the TMK-88 has the same keyboard/feel as the VMK-88?

Also, what’s the difference between the VMK-88 and the VMK-88 Plus? (also in terms of action)

Thanks!

[amyhughes]

I'm looking for an 88-key master keyboard for my studio that has as light an action/feel as possible, preferably non-weighted like a synth...Does anyone know if the TMK-88 has the same keyboard/feel as the VMK-88?

I have a TMK-88. They call it semi-weighted but the action feels un-weighted. It's a lot of keys for $250, but it's not a great controller. There's no pitch bend, there's just one un-assignable foot controll jack (sustain), you can not change MIDI channel, and at that price of course there is no after-touch. Also, the keys are pretty noisy. Bank and program changes are done by pressing a button and then a key.

[Mandarin Man]

Thanks for the feedback, Amy. Since I will be using a seperate controller for pitchbend, modwheel, pedals, knobs, etc, I'm primarily looking at the keyboard action and how it compares to the VMK-88...

[janila]

I've also been looking for a lightweight 88 key keyboard to use when away from my studio and to offer a light feel when my SL880 feels too heavy. Are there any other options? I would prefer it light, small (full size keys), black, having a modwheel and both USB/MIDI connections. Aftertouch is a bonus.

[Mandarin Man]

The combination of 88-keys and light feel seems to be very hard to come by. After doing some research I'm going for either the VMK-88 or TMK-88..

Other options are: M-Audio Keystation 88es, Yamaha DGX-505 keyboard. Also there seem to quite some 88-key semi-weighted e-pianos and stage pianos around..

[Mandarin Man]

Incidentally, are there many VI's that respond to aftertouch, i.e. have parameters assigned to it..?

[matthew]

hi,
i have the tmk88 and its a great board if you dont need lots of buttons, just a controller. and as far as i know its the lightest possible 88 key keyboard at 13 pounds. yamaha shmamaha. well, id get one if i had the money and someone to carry it around for me :):):)

[Mandarin Man]

Matthew, do you know if the TMK-88 has the same keyboard/feel as the VMK-88?

[thesoundsmith]

I don't know for a fact, but they certinly feel alike. I have the VMK-88, very light but I cannot recommend it - it is too slow in response to controllers and patch changes. The TMK has less stuff hung on it and responds reasonably well. They feel very good for a controller less than 15 lbs but U will probably sell my VMK-88 and get the new M-Audio ProKeys 88sx. It feels about the same, weighs just 17 lbs and has onboard sounds - not great sounds but:

2 grands (one has a whopping 2 layers!) :D
Rhodes, Wurli DX7
clav
B3 patch sort of 888000000 with 3rd percussion
3 pedals - sustain, sostenuto and cc.
pitch and mod
USB and MIDI I/O

So I can use this as the lower manual of a two-keyboard rig, the top being the M-Audio Axiom 61. This gives me two manuals for total weight of about 31 lbs, I can use this with a laptop for live performance - the upper keys as a B4 and synth controller, lower keys for paino, lower Hammond manual, etc. And if the laptop dies (mine will play fine for an hour and then just - shut off. No warning, no error message, it just turns off. But if that happens, I can just switch to the lower keyboard and have basic onboard sounds enough to keep going while the computer restarts...

[Mandarin Man]

Thanks for your input, Dasher.

The M-Audio ProKeys 88sx is also a nice option indeed, though a bit more weighted than the VMK/TMK-88. Since I want as light an action as possible, I'm gonna go with the TMK-88..

[savojr]

I'm looking for an 88-key master keyboard for my studio that has as light an action/feel as possible, preferably non-weighted like a synth.

I recently tried the VMK-88 at a store. Its action was light; great. However, I don’t need all the knobs and faders. Does anyone know if the TMK-88 has the same keyboard/feel as the VMK-88?

Also, what’s the difference between the VMK-88 and the VMK-88 Plus? (also in terms of action)

Thanks!

I am looking exactly same thing and this TMK-88 might be my choise also, still have not had chance to try it anywhere..
Alesis Fusion 6HD uses Fatar TP-9 keybed, ive heard (but im not sure) and so is VMK-88 Plus(another review / ad said so).

So, if TMK-88 has same keybed as VMK-88 Plus it would be best choise for my because i tried Fusion 6HD for a while and i totally loved its keyboard feel!
Keys actually wanted me to play them, calling all the time "touch me, touch me".. :D

And i didnt like any keyboard i found from stores lately, all expensive or less expensive synths / MIDI-keyboards i could find -i couldn't play those at all. No matter if it was like 2000eur electric pianos or else.. not good for me. Too heavy and/or slow touch in most cases was the reason, others just didnt feel like instrument at all.

So, obviously i just need those "semi weighted synth action keys" for my self. If TMK-88 wont have those i think i have to buy Alesis 6HD again. :wow:
This time because of keys, earlier it was because i was that curious to hear their implementation of FM-synthesis.

---edit---

I bought TMK-88 from EBAY, price was 159€. Keyboard feel is better than many others, especially Edirol.. also better than Axioms, IMHO.

It's not as good as in Alesis 6HD though. :hp: So obviously TMK-88 has different keybed than VMK-88 Plus, but that remains still open if VMK-88 Plus has better keybed than VMK-88 original because i havent found information about what keybed original version has.
Theres no VMK-88's to test anywhere near where i live either.. And i am not gonna buy any more keyboards without testing live so im going after 6HD now.


---edit-2---

BTW. Place i bought TMK-88 was http://www.musicstore.de
They used name musicstorekoeln @ EBAY. And TMK was new. Shipping was 20€ to home door.

Here is said that "VMK-88 plus" uses TP-9 keybed:
http://www.4beatz.com/proddetail~prod~vmk88.htm

And here is another forum thread about same subject:
http://acapella.harmony-central.com/archive/index.php/t-1484738.html