John's Organ Works |
MS3 - Three Keyboard MIDI Stack
With the MS3 three-keyboard stack you can fully exploit some of the more interesting 3-manual Hauptwerk sample sets. Even when playing a 2-manual organ, the extra keys are not wasted, as they can be configured to operate individual stops, thereby giving you a greater degree of control. You also have a total of 24 organ pistons which can be used as combination pistons, couplers, or other organ controls. They can even carry out Hauptwerk menu commands.
The stack plugs directly into the USB ports of your computer. It incorporates reliable, well-proven M-Audio MIDI keyboard technology, but re-packaged in a much more organist-friendly format. Use the stack on its own, or combined with a MIDI pedalboard. Can be placed on a table, desk or other convenient surface, or built into an existing console. The middle and top keyboards are inclined for easier playing.
The stack is guaranteed for one year. See Our Selling Policy for the terms of our guarantee.
Features at a glance
* three full-size 61 note keyboards
* 8 pistons per keyboard
* semi-weighted touch
* substantial bolted MDF chassis - no wobble!
* top and middle keyboards inclined for comfort
* requires no external power supply and no batteries (draws power from USB connections)
* requires no MIDI-to-USB converter
* non-scratch feet (which may be removed if stack is to be bolted down)
* option to connect one or two swell pedals
* option to add music stand
* finished in black - goes with anything!
* can be transported in boot or back seat of most cars
* fully compatible with Hauptwerk (keyboards compatible with Miditzer)
* a detailed pdf User Guide is available on our Downloads page
* needs 4 available USB ports
Computer requirements
The MS3 should work with any reasonably up-to-date computer whether PC or Mac.
The stack is not in itself a musical instrument. It only works in conjunction with suitable software (eg Hauptwerk or Miditzer). Obviously, your computer must also meet the requirements for your chosen software.
Note: You will need 4 free USB ports to connect the stack (and you may need a further 2 for the Hauptwerk dongle and a MIDI pedalboard.) If your computer does not have enough ports, you can use a powered USB hub to expand it.
Physical dimensions
Overall width (side to side) 890 mm
Overall depth (front to back) 510 mm approx
Height with feet 280 mm approx
Height without feet 270 mm approx
Length of keys 137 mm
Vertical separation of keyboards 70 mm
Keyboard overhang 22 mm
Inclination of middle keyboard 2.5 degrees
Inclination of top keyboard 5 degrees
Bolt down sockets (with feet removed) 4 X M4
Keyboard touch
The keys are taken from M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3 MIDI controller keyboards, and have a touch which the manufacturer describes as “semi-weighted". These keyboards will give an enjoyable playing experience, and have an inproved touch relative to the Mk 2 Keystation keys which were used in the previous K-series stacks. However, please note that they do NOT simulate the touch of a tracker action instrument.
Pistons
The 24 pistons can be configured to do almost anything in Hauptwerk. Most obviously they can be used as combination pistons, but they can also carry out menu commands. Particularly useful ones are to advance the registration sequencer, or to start and stop the built-in recording. The pistons are not numbered, but they are grouped for ease of identification.
Swell pedal connection
The rear panel of the MS3 includes two stereo jack sockets to which standard keyboard expression pedals can be attached. Useful if your pedalboard has no swell pedals (or not enough). Simply bolt additional expression pedal(s) to your pedalboard and pass the lead(s) up to the back of the stack.
Auxiliary piston ports
The rear panel of the MS3 provides a 9-way D socket to which up to eight additional pistons (or other switch-type inputs) can be attached. One use for this feature is to add toe pistons to a pedalboard which doesn't have any (or not enough).
MIDI output channel
Each MIDI output is on channel 1 which is suitable for Hauptwerk. For a small additional cost, one extra piston can be fitted to each keyboard to select the output channel (1 - 16). This is necessary if the stack is to be used with certain other software, including Miditzer and jOrgan. It is not required for Hauptwerk use. Piston output is always on channel 1.
£1069
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