Simple yet powerful keyboard MIDI controller from the Keystation series that has been designed for sequencing music and playing virtual instruments on the Mac or PC. It features 61 full-size velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys and a series of controls that expand the range of playable notes, expressive capabilities, and enhance the recording workflow. It offers the octave range buttons; pitch-bend and modulation wheels; and transport and directional controls for playing, performing, and recording with any music software without using a mouse or track-pad. It also includes a 1/4” (6.3mm) sustain pedal input that allows for use of an external control pedal, such as the SP2 (sold separately), for genuine piano sustain. Lightweight and durable, the controller is perfect for traveling musicians who want to take command of music software during live performances or producers who wish to add an intuitive MIDI controller with a smooth feeling key bed to their studio. For an easy-to-use and portable setup, the device is USB-powered, class-compliant, and supports USB-MIDI connectivity. Plus, it also supports iOS connectivity with the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately), enabling the performance and composition with audio apps on the iPad and other iOS devices. Bundled with the controller is a premium virtual instrument from SONiVOX – Eighty-Eight Ensemble is a world-class piano instrument that authentically captures a 9-foot CD327 Steinway piano. Meticulously recorded and expertly sampled, Eighty-Eight Ensemble provides every producer and performer the opportunity to infuse their compositions, recordings, and performances with the breathtaking realism of a world-class grand piano. It offers combination patches for layering strings, synth pads, and choral pads with the high-fidelity piano samples and creating evolving, lush soundscapes and textures. Also included is Ableton Live Lite – one of the most popular performance and production programs available in the world. A powerful music creation tool, it enables musicians and producers to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise, and edit musical ideas in a fluid audio/MIDI environment. Also included is Xpand!2, a multi-timbral workstation offering four active sound slots, or parts, per patch. Each part is provided with its own MIDI channel, Note Range (Zone), Mix, Arpeggiation, Modulation, and Effects settings – an excellent method for creating individual parts. Harnessing the four parts together to build one amazing Patch is where Xpand!2 reveals its true power. Using everything from wavetables and FM synthesis to sample playback, the expert sound design team at Air Music Tech has carefully created thousands of ready-to-play Xpand!2 patches.