The Startone MK-400, with its extensive range of sounds and diverse practice options, is a good entry-level model in the world of keyboards. The 61 velocity-sensitive keys cover five octaves as well as a high C. Moreover, the sound selection is extremely varied. The keyboard can be played to an adjustable metronome, while conveniently placing the notes on the detachable music holder. What is more, a sequencer helps you to programme accompaniment melodies. Various modes allow you to practice for a wide variety of situations - layer, split, and dual modes are included, for example. And on top of that, the effects ensure that every performance is full of variations. In addition to a sustain button, the MK-400 also offers a port for an optionally available sustain pedal on the rear to help you go with the flow and keep your hands on the keys while practising.
With its 580 voices, the Startone MK-400 offers complex sound generation, which even ensures that nuances can be heard - and that is extremely important since a richly layered sound also enables detailed practice. Sounds can be overlapped via the layer mode in order to achieve more tonal flexibility when playing alone. With the split mode, on the other hand, you can select two sounds at different positions on the keyboard, each sound being played by one hand. Thanks to the 64-voice polyphony, you even have the option of playing more sounds than there are keys - and this function is very useful for the dual mode, where two sounds can be played at the same time. With the onboard effects, including reverb, chorus, and sidechain compression, you can then apply the final touches to the songs.
The extensive range of sounds and rhythms offers every beginner a wide range of options for practising. These are complemented by the clear control panel with a rotary knob for the volume and the selection of sounds and songs. Unlike a weighted hammer keyboard, the MK-400's keyboard is easy to play thanks to its low resistance. What is more, you can connect a microphone in addition to a sustain pedal, so you can sing along while playing. Weighing around five kilos, the keyboard is easy to transport - and can even be operated without a mains connection using AA batteries. Thanks to the headphone output, you can also practise late at night and don't always have to rely on the two 15 W speakers. With the USB port, MIDI data can be sent to a computer and projects can be saved on an SD card.
The Startone brand is exclusive to Thomann and was established in 2005 in order to offer high-quality, playable instruments for ambitious beginners even in the lowest price bracket. This resulted in a steadily growing range of wind instruments for beginners, which has since expanded to include keyboard and stringed instruments, accordions, and even drum sets. The product range combines proven quality with low prices – and Thomann naturally provides a full three-year warranty on all Startone instruments. The brand's mission is to always provide the motivated beginner with a reliable, good-quality first instrument at an unbeatable price.
In addition to the numerous sounds that the Startone MK-400 provides, there are 180 songs in 180 styles on board. Some of these are equipped with fill-ins, long intros, and endings that will let you feel like you are practising with a real band. From easy to difficult, all levels are covered and even advanced keyboard players can find new practice opportunities and thus continuously improve their playing. The LCD shows, among other features, the accompaniment chords, while a visual representation of the notes on the display enhances the practice function and the recognition function shows the chords played. Another advantage for practising: You can save the settings for rhythm, tempo, sounds, effects, and the mixer using the four memory buttons, so these can be loaded again quickly the next time you play. Speaking of saving: You can also use the integrated recorder to record whole songs internally.