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M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller — main product image
M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller
M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller
M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller
M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller
M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller
M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller
M-Audio

M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller

★★★★★4.3 (481 reviews)

88 graded hammer-action keys with aftertouch, NKS integration, and a full suite of faders, knobs, and drum pads for complete studio control.

$899.00*
✓ In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro bridges the gap between a realistic piano controller and a full-featured production workstation. Its 88 velocity-sensitive, graded hammer-action weighted keys replicate the feel of an acoustic piano — heavier in the bass, lighter in the treble — while aftertouch and assignable zones let you shape virtual instrument response with nuance that flat-action controllers simply cannot match. Beyond the keybed, 16 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat handle beat-making, clip launching, and sound triggering, while 9 assignable faders, 8 knobs, and 8 buttons put mixer levels, plugin parameters, and DAW transport at your fingertips.

Integration with Native Instruments' Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) elevates the Hammer 88 Pro beyond a basic MIDI controller. You can browse, preview, and load NKS-compatible presets and sound libraries directly from the hardware, and choose from three curated Komplete 15 Select bundles to get started. Smart Chord and Scale modes help with composition, the built-in arpeggiator adds rhythmic possibilities, and pitch and mod wheels provide real-time performance expression. Connectivity covers all bases with USB, a 5-pin MIDI output for hardware synths, three footswitch inputs, and an expression pedal input. The included software package — MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, and several AIR Music Tech instruments — means you can start producing immediately out of the box.

Key Features

Traditional Piano Feel - 88 velocity-sensitive, graded, hammer action weighted keys with aftertouch and assignable zones for playing virtual sampler instruments and virtual synthesizer plugins

Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Integration - M-AUDIO and Native Instruments have partnered to bring NKS support to Hammer 88 Pro, get ready to Kontrol straight from your MIDI keyboard controller

Choose Your Exclusive Complimentary NKS Bundle - Browse and control Native Instruments presets and sound libraries; select one of three curated Komplete 15 Select bundles; Beats, Band, or Electronic

Studio Equipment Must Haves - 16 RGB backlit MIDI assignable velocity sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat for beat production, clip launching, soundboard triggering and more

Total Command of Your Music Production - 8 assignable knobs and buttons and 9 assignable faders for tactile MIDI control of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAW controls and more

Every Tool You Need - Auto-mapping for DAW and plugin parameters; Smart Chord and Scale modes; Arpeggiator; pitch and mod wheels; 3 foot switch pedal inputs and 1 expression pedal input; 5-pin MIDI Output

Complete software production package Included - MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Music Tech’s Velvet, Mini Grand, Hybrid 3, and Touch Loops

Specifications

Brand
M-Audio
Model
Hammer 88 Pro
Keys
88 Velocity-Sensitive, Graded Hammer Action Weighted with Aftertouch
Drum Pads
16 RGB Backlit, Velocity Sensitive with Note Repeat
Controls
8 Assignable Knobs & Buttons, 9 Assignable Faders
Pedal Inputs
3 Footswitch, 1 Expression
MIDI Output
5-Pin MIDI
Features
NKS Integration, Auto-Mapping, Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator, Pitch & Mod Wheels
Software Included
MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Velvet, Mini Grand, Hybrid 3, Touch Loops, Komplete 15 Select Bundle (choice of Beats/Band/Electronic)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Graded hammer-action weighted keys with aftertouch deliver realistic piano feel and expressive control
  • 16 RGB velocity-sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat add beat production capability
  • 9 faders, 8 knobs, and 8 buttons provide extensive hands-on control without reaching for a mouse
  • NKS integration enables direct browsing and control of Native Instruments libraries from the hardware
  • Three footswitch inputs plus expression pedal input support a full pedalboard setup

👎 Cons

  • Full 88-key size requires significant desk or stand space in a studio
  • No built-in sounds or speakers — requires a computer or external MIDI device to produce audio
  • Substantial weight for a MIDI controller, making transport to live gigs less convenient
  • Bundled software requires separate downloads and installations

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the 88 hammer-action keys support aftertouch, giving you expressive control over virtual instruments that respond to key pressure after the initial strike.
The controller features auto-mapping for DAW and plugin parameters and ships with MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite. It works with all major DAWs via standard USB MIDI.
Yes, it includes a traditional 5-pin MIDI output for connecting directly to external hardware synthesizers, sound modules, and other MIDI gear without a computer.
The Hammer 88 Pro provides three footswitch pedal inputs and one expression pedal input, allowing you to connect sustain, sostenuto, soft pedals, and a continuous expression pedal simultaneously.
Through the partnership with Native Instruments, you can browse and control NKS-compatible presets directly from the keyboard and choose one of three curated Komplete 15 Select bundles: Beats, Band, or Electronic.

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