M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro

[drawback]

I've had a couple of 88 weighted controllers in the past few years, Arturia KeyLab MkII and Studiologic SL88. Neither worked out due to various interface shortcomings and mostly the TP100.

 

That M-Audio Hammer Pro looks like it could be a good option. I'd be using it mostly in the studio to control my Kronos 61 but occasionally MainStage, iPad. Features the right amount of sliders, knobs & pedal inputs. They say "best in class" action (if that means Fatar TP100 again, I'm out).

 

Is there anyone here with experience on this board?

[johnchop]

Literally just walked back in the door from the music store, having played its precursor, the Hammer 88. I guess it’s different from the pro though (lacks graded action, aftertouch).

 

I thought it was … fine? 

 

Compared to a digital piano action, like the Roland FP30x in the same room, it felt weird to me. Not as heavy or sluggish as Yamaha’s GHS.

What kind of playing do you generally do?

 

[Mighty Motif Max]

There’s a lengthy thread here from when I owned two. Unless something has drastically changed (which I’ve seen no reports of), don’t do it.

 

Clonk

 

Thread on GearSpace with some other bug reports: https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/1347383-m-audio-hammer-88-pro-please-ask-questions.html

 

More bug reports at VI Control: https://vi-control.net/community/threads/m-audio-hammer-88-pro.106818

 

 

[drawback]

Hey MMM, thank you! I hang out here a lot and don't recall seeing it so I didn't even think to search. Not sure if this is a hard pass for me or not but based on your experience and Zoot's from VI Control I'll probably decide to up-spend on something with onboard sounds that could double as a controller, or take over the main reins from the Kronos. 

 

Cheers.

[MescaL]

I use the original Hammer 88 as a controller for my Nord Electro 5D primarily for Piano/Rhodes/Wurly. It sits at home and I just take the Electro out for gigs. Whilst I haven't tried a huge range of different weighted actions, for the low price and not wanting any other functionality it works really well for me. Shame you had so many issues with the Pro MMM, and there seems to be a few. I've had my Hammer 88 for 4 or 5 years now and never had a single issue with hanging notes or anything, but hardly ever use it for VSTs or anything and it's not the Pro.