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M-Audio Code 61 Midi Controller Keyboard

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5.0 (29)

1 Critic Review

3 Reviews

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1 community setup

9 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jun 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Price

Average Price: $229

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, M-Audio Code 61 Midi Controller Keyboard is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Elevate your music production with the M-Audio Code 61 MIDI Controller Keyboard. This versatile tool packs a punch with its 61-note semi-weighted keybed, offering an authentic playing experience that mimics the feel of an acoustic piano. But it's not just about the keys; the Code 61 is designed for complete creative control, featuring 16 assignable backlit drum pads that are perfect for crafting beats or triggering clips within your DAW.

The innovative XY pad allows you to experiment with dynamic sound modulation, while the nine faders and eight rotaries provide intuitive control over your mix and effects. It seamlessly integrates with all major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic, ensuring that you spend less time configuring and more time creating. The six-digit LED display keeps you informed in real-time, adding an extra layer of convenience during live performances or intense studio sessions.

Additionally, the Code 61 is equipped with both expression and sustain pedal inputs, expanding your range of expression and creativity. Its USB bus-powered design makes it ideal for both studio and on-the-go use, while the 5-pin MIDI I/O lets you connect and control your favorite hardware synths.

Key Features:

61-note semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch
16 fully assignable backlit drum pads
XY pad for dynamic control
Nine faders and eight rotary encoders
USB bus-powered; 5-pin MIDI I/O
Expression and Sustain pedal inputs
Six-digit LED display
Compatible with major DAWs, including software bundle with Ableton Live Lite, AIR Music Technology Loom, and Hybrid 3

Product specs

Brand	M-Audio
Model	Code 61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Finish	Black, White
Year	2010s
Made In	China
Categories	Keyboard MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys	61 Keys
Number of Pads	16 Pads

FAQs

Is the M-Audio Code 61 MIDI Controller Keyboard compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic Pro?: Yes, the M-Audio Code 61 is compatible with popular DAWs such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and others. It features comprehensive mapping and integration options to work seamlessly with these software platforms.
What type of keys does the M-Audio Code 61 MIDI Controller Keyboard have?: The M-Audio Code 61 features 61 full-size, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience suitable for both studio and live performances.
Does the M-Audio Code 61 MIDI Controller Keyboard include drum pads?: Yes, the M-Audio Code 61 comes with 16 assignable backlit drum pads, allowing for dynamic beat-making and sample triggering.
What connectivity options are available on the M-Audio Code 61 MIDI Controller Keyboard?: The M-Audio Code 61 offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI connectivity, making it versatile for integration with various digital audio workstations and MIDI hardware.
Can the M-Audio Code 61 MIDI Controller Keyboard be powered via USB?: Yes, the M-Audio Code 61 can be powered through a USB connection, which also facilitates MIDI data transfer between the keyboard and your computer.

Videos

Add video

M-Audio

M-Audio || Introduction & Overview on the Code Series

M-Audio

M-Audio Code-61 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller Demo

Sweetwater

[NAMM] M-Audio Code: 25-, 49- and 61-Key MIDI Controllers

Audiofanzine in English

Testing M audio Code 61 Black

Emmanuel Sidien

Top 5 Things I Hate About the M-Audio Code 61

Proficiency Music

M-Audio Code-61 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller Demo by Sweetwater

Jobin Joseph

M-Audio Code 61 Review Part 2 with GOT Theme Song

Jong Uy

Reviews

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PROS

Seamless compatibility with Windows 11 and Ableton 11
Less setup required compared to older models
Highly customizable through Code Editor Software
Versatile keybed suitable for piano and synth playing
Semi-weighted keys provide secure and solid feel
Light and low profile, easy to store and transport
Sturdy build quality feels professional
Smooth and responsive pads, knobs, and faders

CONS

Manual can be difficult to understand
May require additional purchases for full functionality (e.g., sustain pedal)

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about M-Audio Code 61 Midi Controller Keyboard.

Features and functionality

0 0

Aftertouch issues can cause a MIDI freeze, requiring a power cycle, making it unreliable for live performances.
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0 0

The on/off switch is a soft switch, requiring a press-and-hold action rather than a simple toggle.
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0 0

The Global Setting in the Preset Editor may default MIDI DIN OUT to off, impacting MIDI performance, requiring manual adjustment.
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User experience

0 0

Some owners have disconnected the aftertouch cable to avoid freeze issues, which is a workaround rather than a fix.
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0 0

The pitch bend and mod wheels are awkwardly placed above pads, risking accidental activation during performance.
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Build quality

0 0

The keybed is praised for its semi-weighted feel, offering a playability that doesn't feel cheap or plasticy.
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Comparisons

0 0

Novation Launchkey offers synth action keys and integrates well with Ableton, though some find it feels plasticy compared to the M-Audio Code 61.
Source

Other

0 0

The white edition of the Code 61 seems unavailable, potentially due to negative reviews associated with it.
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Setup and maintenance

0 0

Owners recommend checking power supplies for correct voltage to prevent internal regulator overheating.
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0 0

Factory reset for Code series involves holding Pad Octave +/- while powering on, although may not resolve power issues.
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0 0

Users recommend powering the Code 61 via a separate power brick or powered USB hub, as bus-powered hubs may not deliver sufficient current for stable operation.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Despite power issues, the keybed is highly favored for soft synths, appreciated for its tactile response.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Some users experienced compatibility issues with M-chip MacBooks, whereas the keyboard worked on older Intel Macs with macOS v10.12.
Source
0 0

M-Audio has dropped support for the Code series, limiting access to critical software like the preset editor, complicating setup and customization for new users.
Source

Critic Reviews

M-Audio Code Series 61-Key Controller review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The M-Audio Code 61 MIDI Controller Keyboard impresses with its extensive feature set, making it a strong contender for both studio and stage use. Its standout elements include a responsive keyboard with aftertouch, a vibrant X-Y pad, and versatile control options, offering great potential for creative expression. However, the learning curve can be daunting due to the complex setup process for customizing controls, which may deter some users. Despite this, the abundance of presets helps ease the initial complexity, making it a solid choice for those seeking a feature-rich controller.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 29 Ratings

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hi1mham

244

almost 7 years ago

No Frills

Its sturdy, responsive, semi-weighted. I prefer fully weighted but as a pull out under my desk this thing is easy to use, works with every DAW and is light and low profile while feeling sturdy.