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Average Price: $87
Budget/Beginner
$200
$501+
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Description
In a world brimming with complex music gear, the Alesis Q49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller stands out for its simplicity and versatility, making it a favorite for both budding musicians and seasoned pros. This MIDI controller embraces a minimalist design, offering precisely what you need without the clutter of excessive controls. Perfect for two-handed performances, the Q49 features 49 full-sized velocity-sensitive keys, delivering a natural playing experience.
Connectivity is at its core, with USB-MIDI and traditional MIDI out options, allowing seamless integration with your Mac, PC, or MIDI hardware. It's USB bus-powered, which means fewer cables and no need for a power supply when connected to a computer, though you can opt for a wall power adapter when needed. The Q49 is also compatible with iPad using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit, broadening your creative horizons.
The intuitive layout includes pitch and modulation wheels, octave up/down buttons, and an assignable volume/data-entry slider, putting expressive control at your fingertips. A sustain pedal input adds another dimension to your performances. Plus, the Q49 comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software, offering a robust platform for recording and sequencing music right out of the box.
Whether you're crafting beats in your bedroom or performing on stage, the Alesis Q49 is your reliable companion in the journey of musical exploration.
Key Features:
- 49 full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys
- USB-MIDI and traditional MIDI out for versatile connectivity
- Pitch and modulation wheels for dynamic expression
- Sustain pedal input (pedal sold separately)
- Assignable volume/data-entry slider
- USB bus-powered; optional wall power adapter
- Includes Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software
Videos
Reuben Chng
Alesis Q49 Keyboard Review - Playing & Recording Piano Riffs | Audio Mentor
Alesis Q49 Keyboard Review - Playing & Recording Piano Riffs | Audio Mentor
Reuben Chng
Donât Know If I Like ThisâŚ| Alesis V49 Midi Controller Review! |
John Mike
This Might Be The Best 49-Key Controller Under $100! |Nektar SE49 Midi Controller Review!|
John Mike
Alesis Q49 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller: Overview
AlesisVideo
Alesis Q49 Midi Keyboard Review
Scott Pastor
ALESIS Q49 Keyboard TEST
3bstock
Reviews
PROS
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Plug-and-play compatibility with Windows and major DAWs
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Offers significant MIDI and DAW functionality for in-depth use
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49 keys ideal for users seeking a mid-range keyboard size
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MIDI Out feature is rare in this price segment
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USB powered, offering versatility in power sources
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Easy to configure for personalized setup
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Recognized as a good step up from smaller controllers
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Durable enough for touring and consistent use
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Affordable, providing good value for budget-conscious users
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Fully functional with popular software like Ableton Live 9
CONS
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Lacks levers of regulation, requiring an upgrade for advanced control
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USB connector may become loose after extensive use
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Build quality feels mediocre due to plastic construction
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Keys have a typical plastic feel, lacking premium touch
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Some users find the keys and pitch/mod wheels to be of poor quality
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Minimal external controls limit versatility for advanced users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alesis Q49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller.
Build quality
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Some owners feel the keyboard construction is cheap, with noticeable latency over USB connections.
Source
Comparisons
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One user preferred the M-Audio Keystation 49 for better feel and included software VSTi, suggesting it as an alternative.
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Some users find the Alesis Q49 to be a viable option for basic needs, but others suggest considering models with more keys like the Keylab 49 for extended functionality.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Described as perfect for non-performers due to its compact size and simplicity.
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The Alesis Q49 is favored by beginners who primarily use their MIDI keyboard to input chords and melodies directly into their DAW rather than for live performance.
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The Q49 is often used alongside a DAW for MIDI input, but connecting to hardware synths requires additional equipment like MIDI interfaces or USB MIDI Hosts.
Source
User experience
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Acquired used by some, indicating durability and continued functionality over time.
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Owners mention that while the Alesis Q49 offers basic functionality, upgrading to models with more keys can help avoid feeling limited in musical expression over time.
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Some users find the need for additional equipment like MIDI interfaces a barrier to using the Q49 with hardware synths, suggesting it might not be ideal for all hardware setups.
Source
Features and functionality
Software and compatibility
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Users can route MIDI through a computer to manage connections between the Q49 and hardware synths, using USB or a 5-pin MIDI interface.
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A MIDI Host is necessary for the Q49 to interface directly with hardware using 5-pin MIDI, emphasizing its reliance on computer integration for broader functionality.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 19 Reviews and 70 Ratings
258
simple and cheap midi keyboard
great keyboard for the price. the only thing that is missing is the levers of regulation, for this you already need to pay extra and buy an advanced version, but I have been working on this for a long time and everything is fine with it, no problem
112
There's not much to say
It's good. That's it.
+Does the job
+Cheap
+MIDI Out (which is quite rare in controllers of this price point, and that's why I bought it)
+USB powered (or DC 9V if I remember correctly)
+You can easily configure everything
-Build quality is mediocre. It's plastic, and you can really feel it sometimes.
159
Simple and Sweet
My first MIDI keyboard. I don't actually use it anymore, but It worked really well for me when I had it. Super easy to set up with any DAW. Overall its reliable and gets the job done. Nothing to complain about.
297
Okay
Its kinda okay for that price but i can't compare to a Fatar keyboard or a real piano, but it does the job as a midi controller, the keys feel like typical plastic stuff.
73
Overall, awesome keyboard.
I feel this keyboard is the perfect step up from the Akai MPK mini. I used the Akai for a really long time, but eventually I hit a point that I wanted to upgrade, so I went with this keyboard. It's really smooth, easy to play on, and was perfect for a beginner such as myself.
66
Good keyboard
This keyboard isn't the best in my opinion, but it works. I would recommend it if you don't want to spend some cash on a really nice keyboard. I have had it for about a year, I even took it on tour, and it still works perfectly. The entire keyboard is pretty cheat, but it is decent for being under $100
243
No frills!
If Happy Shopper did a midi controller keyboard this would be it. Nothing special, no features, just a keyboard. It feels fine and does the job.
104
Not Particularly Good
Fulfills its job as a low-budget minimal MIDI controller, but isn't the most usable thing in the world. I found the keys to be somewhat poor quality and the pitch/mod wheels to be unwieldy.
My First Midi
It is really good for budget range due to it don't have any other external controls it is really handy
Artist usage
Add artist
In this studio reveal, you can see that on his desk he keeps an Alesis Q49 controller. [In an earlier submission this was mistaken to be an Alesis Q25, so that can be removed.]
at 1:00 as well as throughout the video, an Alesis A49 can be seen above the Juno 60.
In this Facebook photo, Julian Calor's desk includes an Alesis Q49. The position of the logo and pitch/modulation wheels and number of keys are consistent with the design of the Q49 model.
In the YouTube video titled "Weirdest Video You Will EVER See" by followthechosengeek, Iglooghost is seen using the Alesis Q49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller.
In a Facebook post, Matthew Dear, known as Audion, shares a photo of his studio setup featuring the Alesis Q49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller, used during a session with Guy Gerber.
The Alesis Q49 is spotted at 1:17 in Symphony X's "Rigged" YouTube video.
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in this photo, we can see dustin playing one of these keyboards.
In this video you can see that Mona D uses an Alesis Q49 controller
.jpg)
In an Instagram post by jasonrossofficial, Jason Ross is seen using the Alesis Q49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller while working on a new track in the studio.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Alesis Q49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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