It doesn’t matter if you are a budding musician, singer, or composer – if you want to make good music you need to equip yourself with one of the best keyboard workstations out there. This will allow you to produce high-quality music and experiment with different sounds.
Of course, there are more choices available now than ever before. This can make the selection process rather tricky, particularly if you aren’t sure what you are looking for or don’t know how to choose one. Don’t worry, though, as you will find the top options right here:
1. Korg Kross 2
This is an excellent workstation that comes with a very reasonable price tag. Thus, with the Korg Kross 2, you can maximize your investment. One of the most notable elements of this workstation is the EDS-i audio engine that comes equipped with over 1000 presets.
There is quite a bit of variety with the presets as they include piano, electric piano, synth pads, leads, and a whole lot more. And, thanks to the 134 effect types, you will be well-stocked up on sounds for both studio recordings as well as live performances.
Traveling musicians really enjoy the Kross 2 due to its portability. In addition to being lightweight, it can also work off batteries, allowing you to be completely unplugged for busking or live performances.
Pros:
- Good quality sound
- Numerous presets
- Portable
Cons:
- Not on par with more complex models
2. Roland FA-08
If you are looking for a workstation that will help you be more efficient and improve your workflow, then this device is for you. The sequencer ensures that you can enjoy simple operation and non-stop loop recording. This means that you can get your songs down as soon as they enter your head.
With the FA-08, you get real-time capture and step recording. Due to this, you can edit and mix your tracks as you are working. What’s more, you have the opportunity to save the tracks as stereo audio files to an SDHC card.
This workstation boasts over 2000 tones that are a legacy from Roland’s flagship sound module. In addition to the XV-5080 PCM tones and INTEGRA-7’s SuperNATURAL synth, you also get access to superNATURAL acoustic tones.
Pros:
- Intuitive layout
- Versatile function
- Easy-to-use sequencer
Cons:
- Pads are not velocity-sensitive
3. Casio WK-6600
This workstation is best-suited for beginners. If you are just learning how to manage a workstation, this Casio will make the whole process a great deal easier for you to manage. Now, the WK-6600 may not be outpacing many models when it comes to features, but it certainly has enough.
To begin with, there are 700 built-in tones and 200 accompaniments. You can customize every one of them. Here you get a 16 track song sequencer and one system track. This supports the recording of around 30,000 notes or 5 songs.
This workstation is considered a class-compliant USB MIDI. As a result, it can be easily linked up to your laptop without the need for downloading drivers. It can even be used with tablets too.
Pros:
- Good for beginners
- A suitable number of tones
- Easy to use with other devices
Cons:
- Unweighted keys
4. Yamaha MOXF6
If you are looking for a keyboard workstation that offers you maximum bang for your buck, then this model should be added to your list. When you go through the features, you will realize that this is a keyboard synthesizer and MIDI controller with DAW and VST control all rolled into one.
The sound engine has a good number of instrument voices along with numerous effects. All in all, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to sound mixes with this model. At the same time, you have the option to expand on the flash memory and add up to 1GB of sample songs.
That’s not all, the built-in sequencer offers up real-time recording. This means that you can record your music while you are playing it. The step recording feature is excellent for when you want to capture specific parts of your compositions.
Pros:
- Good sound quality
- Natural sounding presets
- Responsive keyboard
Cons:
- The keyboard does have a learning curve
5. Yamaha Montage 7
You will be surprised that such a decently-sized unit has so much to offer. If you are still experimenting and trying to find your sound, you will enjoy what the Montage 7 brings to the table. This is all thanks to the Motion Control Synthesis Engine that combines and controls the AWM2 and FM-X. These can be easily layered or zoned across 8 zones, all within a single performance!
Then, there is the Super Knob that lets you control multiple parameters simultaneously. Without making any effort at all, you can change the atmosphere, listening position, and a whole lot more. Another great feature of this workstation is the Motion SEQ.
The Motion Sequences are tempo-synchronized and boast customizable control sequences. These can be assigned to a synthesizer parameter of your choosing. In turn, this opens up a whole new world for programming sound.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Highly playable
- Great for creative composers
Cons:
- May be a bit expensive for a semi-weighted 76 key instrument
6. Korg Kronos
This is a workstation that scores quite high in terms of feel and usability. In particular, you will notice that the keyboard feels incredibly like an acoustic piano. Thus, if you have just switched over from this instrument, then the Kronos is going to feel familiar to play.
What certainly makes you sit up and take notice, however, is the nine sound engines that come along with this keybed workstation. This means that you get an independent sound engine for acoustic piano, electric piano, plucked strings, and more.
The touchscreen display on this keyboard workstation is pretty impressive as well. It is more intuitive and easier to use than ever thanks to the TouchDrag feature. The vivid display makes it easy to use even during live performances.
Pros:
- Feels like an acoustic piano
- Nine sound engines
- Great touchscreen display
Cons:
- The joystick controls aren’t as fluid as wheel controls
7. Kurzweil PC3K8
This is certainly one of the more notable models from the PC3 line. The sound quality with this workstation is quite good and you will find that its tone quality is especially impressive. While the sounds may not always sound as organic as you may like, the model still gets points for depth and clarity.
What’s also great about the PC3K8 is that you can load your own samples into the workstation. This is all thanks to the 128MB of built-in memory. These samples can be loaded without any issue at all – via a thumb drive or through a computer. Even better, the samples remain even once the workstation has been turned off.
If you are a musician on the go, there is a lot to enjoy with this model. Regardless of the fully weighted hammer action keyboard, you can carry it around fairly easily.
Pros:
- Good sound quality
- Can load own samples easily
- Portable
Cons:
- Sounds may not always be organic
8. Korg Krome
Is the Korg Kronos a little too rich for your blood? If so, the Krome could be right up your alley. To begin with, it is preloaded with 640 programs, 288 combinations, 900, Arp patterns, and over 600 drum grooves!
In particular, you should watch out for the Enhanced Definition Synthesis. This ensures that each voice can utilize two-amp sections, four filters, five Low-Frequency Oscillators, two stereo oscillators, and five time-variant Envelope Generators.
As an added treat, you get to enjoy Kronos-derived piano, drum, and electric pianos sound. So, you are getting topnotch quality without having to pay a premium price. Then there is also a library of unlooped piano samples that includes German D, Japanese, and many more.
Pros:
- Large library
- Complex sound quality
- Great trickle-down features
Cons:
- Not great at mixing multiple tracks
9. Roland Fantom 8
Although the price tag can make you wince, you can instantly remind yourself of just how powerful the Fantom 8 is. There is quite a bit that you can do with this workstation. For instance, you can combine soft synths with the model’s internal sounds. The analog filter adds extra warmth and grit to the sounds.
What makes this model stand out, though, is the excellent workflow. Everything has been arranged and organized just so, allowing you to create with virtually no barriers. In short, there are very few technical limitations with the Fantom 8.
On top of this, you can create your very own custom creative spaces called Scenes. This lets you lay out sounds, songs, or portions of songs in any manner that you like. This, too, ensures that you can create much more easily.
Pros:
- Excellent for composers
- Great workflow
- Powerful tool
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
10. Casio Privia PX-360
Are you new to keyboard workstations or just trying to keep costs to a minimum? Regardless, the PX-360 should be a great option. Technically, it is a digital piano with keyboard workstation features. Nevertheless, this doesn’t hold you back in any way at all.
To begin with, there is the 16 track MIDI recorder that allows you to record audio directly. This can be done via the Color Touch Interface that is both vibrant and easy to use. Another thing that composers can appreciate is the built-in Rhythm Editor. You can create up to 10 customized user rhythms using a variety of accompaniment parts.
Also, if you are someone who is on the move, then this workstation will come in handy. It is lightweight and portable, making it an absolute breeze to carry around. Despite this, it is still quite durable and there is no fear of it breaking down anytime soon.
Pros:
- Responsive
- Durable quality
- Great for beginners
Cons:
- Flimsy jack
How to Select a Great Keyboard Workstation
These are the tips you should follow if you want to select a topnotch keyboard workstation:
Pay Attention to the Keybed
When playing or composing music, the feel does matter quite a bit. This is especially true if you are coming off of playing the piano. Thus, you will need to determine whether the keyboard falls under the hammer action, semi-weighted, or synth-action category. At the same time, consider the number of keys as well.
Here, it isn’t necessarily about choosing the most popular option. Rather, it is all about what feels right to you. You must select a keybed that offers the feel and responsiveness that is comfortable to you.
Consider the Type of Synthesis
Before looking at different models, first consider the kind of sound that you are after. This, in turn, will determine the kind of synthesis that you need. Once you come to this decision, it is far easier to determine the right instrument for you.
For instance, if you are into electronic music, then your focus should be on analog modeling. On the other hand, in case authenticity is what you are after, then a sample-playback synth will work well. Want a jack-of-all-trades? Then, get a workstation that uses multiple synth engines.
Determine if the Model is Upgradeable
Naturally, you need to use your keyboard workstation for as long as possible. Due to this, check out the ROM expansion capabilities using sound cards. In addition to extending the sonic range of the workstation, you will also be able to use it for longer.
If you are a beginner and you have a lower budget check out the best electronic keyboards.
These are your options for the best keyboard workstations currently available on the market. As you can see, there is something for everyone. This is true regardless of your budget, expectations, requirements, or skills. Thus, it should be relatively easy to pick a workstation that is perfectly suited to you. Regardless of which one you do select, you will be able to enjoy topnotch features and excellent sound quality. In turn, this will get your creative juices flowing and help you create great music that you can be proud of.