M-Audio CTRL49

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 6, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

3.6 (16)

$399.95

View Deal

5.0 (2)

$210.73 1 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $305

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, M-Audio CTRL49 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Meet the M-Audio CTRL49, your new gateway to an immersive music production experience. Designed for musicians who crave precision and intuitive control, this MIDI keyboard controller is more than just a set of keys—it's your all-in-one command center. With its 49 synth-action keys, enjoy a tactile response that makes every performance feel natural and expressive.

The CTRL49 is engineered for seamless integration with your DAW and virtual instruments. Say goodbye to endless clicking and dragging, and hello to effortless creativity with full transport controls, touch-sensitive pads, faders, and assignable buttons that allow you to navigate your sessions with ease. The high-resolution, full-color display is your visual gateway to streamlined workflow, providing real-time feedback and a user-friendly interface that invites exploration.

At the heart of this beast is the "VIP" Virtual Instrument Player software, which gives you unrivaled control over your plugins and software instruments. Instantly access and tweak all parameters, layer your VST plugins, and dive deep into your sonic arsenal with custom preset management. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the M-Audio CTRL49 empowers you to craft your sound with precision and flair.

Key Features:

49 synth-action keys for expressive playability
Seamless DAW and virtual instrument integration
Full transport controls, touch-sensitive pads, faders, and assignable buttons
High-resolution, full-color display for intuitive navigation
"VIP" Virtual Instrument Player software for deep control over plugins and instruments

Product specs

Brand	M-Audio
Model	CTRL49 MIDI Keyboard Controller
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
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	49 Keys
Number of Pads	8 Pads

FAQs

Does the M-Audio CTRL49 come with semi-weighted keys?: Yes, the M-Audio CTRL49 features 49 full-sized, semi-weighted keys, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience.
What DAWs are compatible with the M-Audio CTRL49?: The M-Audio CTRL49 is designed to integrate seamlessly with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools, thanks to its comprehensive MIDI control and mapping capabilities.
How many pads does the M-Audio CTRL49 have?: The M-Audio CTRL49 is equipped with 8 velocity-sensitive pads, which can be used for triggering samples, loops, and other MIDI functions.
Does the M-Audio CTRL49 support Aftertouch?: Yes, the M-Audio CTRL49 supports Channel Aftertouch, allowing for added expression and control over your virtual instruments by responding to pressure applied after the initial key press.
What are the main connectivity options for the M-Audio CTRL49?: The M-Audio CTRL49 offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI connectivity, making it versatile for both hardware and software integration.

Videos

Add video

M-Audio

M-Audio || CTRL49 w/ VIP Integration

M-Audio

M-Audio CTRL49 - Unboxing

noterepeat

M-Audio || CTRL49 || Artist: Gareth Thomas

M-Audio

M-Audio CTRL49 - NAMM 2016

Sound On Sound magazine

M-Audio || CTRL49 // Control / MIDI Mode (4 of 5)

M-Audio

M-Audio || CTRL49 // Working w/ VIP Music Software (5 of 5)

M-Audio

Reviews

Add review

PROS

High-quality semi-weighted keybed enhances tactile experience
VIP software provides excellent VST organization and control
Integrates seamlessly with Mackie HUI controls for DAW
Responsive drum pads and assignable knobs/sliders
4.3-inch color display aids in intuitive navigation
Allows for up to 48 unique drum pad configurations
Excellent build quality with substantial heft
Supports complex sound layering with Multis in VIP

CONS

VIP software installation process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Documentation and setup guidance are insufficient and confusing
Frequent software authentication and compatibility issues
Requires significant manual exploration for full utilization
Mac installation issues with software and ILOK copy protection

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about M-Audio CTRL49.

Software and compatibility

0 0

Faders and transport buttons on the M-Audio CTRL49 are limited to Mackie/HUI protocols, affecting integration with Reason 9.
Source
0 0

M-Audio is reportedly collaborating with Propellerhead for potential future firmware updates to improve Reason 9 compatibility.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

For live performances, users can manually map buttons on the CTRL49, bypassing the current integration limitations with specific DAWs like Reason.
Source
0 0

The CTRL49 includes a detailed LCD screen, providing a superior display experience compared to other controllers with basic 16x2 character displays.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The M-Audio CTRL49 is noted for its faders, distinguishing it from similar models like the Alesis VX49.
Source
0 0

The M-Audio CTRL49 is noted for its VIP software suite, similar to the Akai Advance, offering significant configurability options, especially since the Advance has been discontinued.
Source
0 0

Unlike the MPK 249, the CTRL49's keybed is more configurable, allowing users to adjust sensitivity and velocity curves for a customized playing experience.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners express excitement and satisfaction with purchasing the CTRL49, highlighting its perceived value and impact on workflow.
Source
0 0

Some users express that the keybed of the CTRL49 is preferable over others in its category due to its configurability and overall tactile response.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

The CTRL49 is frequently mentioned in discussions about great deals, indicating its appeal in terms of pricing and features.
Source
0 0

As a discontinued model, the CTRL49 can occasionally be found as old-new-stock, offering potential for excellent value relative to its features.
Source

Critic Reviews

soundonsound.com

M-Audio's CTRL49 offers a robust integration of hardware and software, boasting a versatile controller keyboard with a solid build and a wealth of bundled instruments. The VIP software enhances its functionality, providing comprehensive VSTi hosting and control. However, the onboard navigation remains cumbersome, with too many button presses for simple tasks, and the DAW integration can be cumbersome with manual relinking required for multiple instances. While its layout is an improvement over Akai's Advance, it lacks the streamlined hardware integration found in competitors like Native Instruments' Komplete Kontrol. Despite these drawbacks, the CTRL49 stands out for its extensive live and studio applications, making it a unique mid-priced option for those seeking a hybrid VSTi workstation.

neutral

Full Review

M-Audio CTRL49 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The M-Audio CTRL49 impresses with its robust build and stylish design, offering a host of features including MIDI and DAW control, a color display, and customizable backlit buttons. It seamlessly integrates with virtual instruments and DAWs, thanks to the VIP software. However, its bulkiness and the feel of the black keys may deter some users. Overall, it's a versatile and powerful tool for musicians seeking comprehensive control over their digital studio.

positive

Full Review

M-Audio CTRL49 Keyboard Controller Review - Digital DJ Tips

digitaldjtips.com

The M-Audio CTRL49 impresses with its seamless VIP software integration, allowing DJs and producers to control VST instruments directly from the keyboard—making it a standout for studio setups. Its professional build quality, with sturdy knobs and semi-weighted keys, adds to its appeal. However, its large size and weight may limit portability, making it more suitable as a stationary tool. Despite this, the ease of browsing and managing sounds without constant computer interaction is a game-changer, similar to Native Instruments' offerings. Overall, a powerful asset for any music producer's setup.

positive

Full Review

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

M-Audio's CTRL49 impresses with its extensive physical controls, vibrant backlighting, and the powerful VIP software, making it a versatile choice for studio and stage. The keyboard offers seamless control over VSTs without needing a computer, thanks to its smart software integration. While it's feature-rich, those with simpler needs might prefer a basic model. Overall, it's a stellar option for those seeking a comprehensive MIDI controller.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

transquanta

420

over 9 years ago

Good "smart" MIDI keyboard and well rounded controller

I purchased my M-audio CTRL49 to replace my ageing Yamaha Tyros Keyboard, seeing as this came with specialist software to file my extensive libraries of VST sound banks and be able to create multi layered sounds using multiple VST's I decided to get this model. I also looked at the offerings from Alesis and Akai and got the M-audio as it has eight faders onboard for controlling Mackie HUI controls within the DAW (mine being Cubase's Mixer and Transport controls). It can also integrate with track mutes, solos and track record and select, very much like some of the larger Mackie DAW Controllers.

I found the included software very hard to install, coming up with a 1935 error which pointed to errors within my own systems windows registry and .NET framework mainly because the software uses the older package from 2005, which hasn't been a problem until now. This means I have to reinstall windows, as well as my DAW's and VST's to install the included VST's and FX packages. Our major problem came from trying to install PACE which handles the iLOC package for security, again we had problems installing this due to missing files, which took half an afternoon to find on the net.

I thought I would add this as I don't know if the problem is due to my error or poor programing and is something which has appeared on the M-Audio support forums multiple times, as well as the next problem I had with Mackie HUI integration. This other problem was everytime I used a fader it changed the pitch and was resolved only when we found something in a FAQ found in a dark corner of their website. Why it wasn't in the manual I don't know.

I have now got the Software VIP installed and all I can say it is easy to use, but is somewhat unpredictable and can be quite unstable. I've been mainly using this at the moment as a nice MIDI controller which has the onboard transport controls conveniently placed above the keys. The key bed and weighted keys are a joy to use, and the HUI integration and arpeggiator functions, as well as tap tempo are nice additions, to some VST's like Z3ta, Hydra and Junglist which don't have built in arpeggiators. Tap tempo works better than the tap tempo on my MPC Studio Black, and has subsequently made sampling easier.

The pads feel quite nice and since the controller has taken prime spot on my desk in front of my PC, my MPC has now been relegated to the unused equipment shelf. It won't replace it, but my new keyboard in part with the Akai software, kind of makes the Studio black redundant.

The keyboard finally has a bank of knobs for changing CC values on set via a lovely colour screen, I've currently set it up to do cut off and resonance in Nexus and Vanguard.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More M-Audio MIDI Keyboard Controllers

M-Audio Keystation 88 MKII Mastering Keyboard MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$264.92 - $780.99

2 available stores

4.5 (35)

^# 20

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

17 artists using

M-Audio Axiom 49 MKII Ignite Keyboard Control MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$299.99

1 available store

4.5 (46)

^# 25

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

23 artists using

M-Audio Oxygen 61 61-Key USB MIDI Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$165.00 - $279.99

7 available stores

4.5 (39)

^# 32

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

14 artists using

M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32 MIDI Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$30.33 - $119.00

3 available stores

4.0 (56)

^# 49

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

8 artists using

M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK4 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$172.06 - $299.00

4 available stores

4.0 (58)

^# 50

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

12 artists using

M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$124.00 - $249.99

4 available stores

4.5 (23)

^# 51

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

6 artists using

M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$79.70 - $129.00

10 available stores

5.0 (13)

^# 53

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

7 artists using

M-Audio Axiom 25 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$33.00

1 available store

4.0 (48)

^# 55

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

20 artists using

M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MKII MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$60.04

1 available store

4.5 (21)

^# 59

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

5 artists using

M-Audio KeyStation 49 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$79.70 - $129.00

10 available stores

4.5 (19)

^# 64

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

5 artists using

M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$111.75 - $229.00

10 available stores

5.0 (12)

^# 67

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

4 artists using

M-Audio Oxygen 25 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$30.33

1 available store

4.0 (61)

^# 68

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

26 artists using

M-Audio Axiom 61 2nd Gen 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

4.5 (53)

^# 72

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

36 artists using

M-Audio Keystation 61es MIDI Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$40.00

1 available store

4.0 (43)

^# 81

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

33 artists using

M-Audio Axiom Pro 61 Advanced 61 Key USB MIDI Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

4.5 (24)

^# 88

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

39 artists using

M-Audio Keystation 49es MIDI Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$119.99

1 available store

4.5 (202)

^# 98

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

89 artists using

M-Audio Code 61 Midi Controller Keyboard MIDI Keyboard Controllers

5.0 (29)

^# 100

in MIDI Keyboard Controllers Rank

Who’s using this:

10 artists using

M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 Ultra-Portable USB MIDI Keyboard Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$14.05

1 available store

4.5 (82)

Who’s using this:

34 artists using

M-Audio Axiom 49 MK1 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$74.99

1 available store

4.5 (30)

Who’s using this:

12 artists using

M-Audio Hammer 88 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$368.00 - $549.00

10 available stores

5.0 (5)

Who’s using this:

2 artists using

M-Audio Keystation 88es MIDI Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$100.00

1 available store

4.0 (54)

Who’s using this:

26 artists using

M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$174.50 - $299.00

9 available stores

5.0 (4)

Who’s using this:

2 artists using

M-Audio Axiom 61 Advanced Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller [1st Gen] MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$118.01

1 available store

4.5 (22)

Who’s using this:

16 artists using

M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4 MIDI Keyboard Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$82.00 - $129.00

5 available stores

4.5 (27)

Who’s using this:

4 artists using

M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 Controller Keyboard MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$20.00

1 available store

4.0 (19)

Who’s using this:

10 artists using

M-Audio Code 25 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$799.99

1 available store

5.0 (6)

Who’s using this:

3 artists using

M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 88-key Keyboard Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$169.00 - $299.00

9 available stores

5.0 (1)

Who’s using this:

2 artists using

M-Audio Oxygen 8 v2 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$63.22

1 available store

4.0 (19)

Who’s using this:

12 artists using

M-Audio Axiom AIR 25 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$99.43 - $249.99

2 available stores

4.0 (7)

Who’s using this:

1 artist using

M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$40.40 - $59.00

7 available stores

3.5 (3)

Who’s using this:

3 artists using

M-Audio Keystation 49es (2014) MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$119.99

1 available store

4.5 (37)

Who’s using this:

8 artists using

M-Audio Keystation 61 MKII MIDI Keyboard Controllers

4.5 (30)

Who’s using this:

6 artists using

M-Audio Axiom Pro 49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$299.00

1 available store

4.0 (15)

Who’s using this:

31 artists using

M-Audio Oxygen 8 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$93.92

1 available store

4.5 (14)

Who’s using this:

14 artists using

M-Audio Oxygen 49 MKV MIDI Keyboard Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$122.00 - $199.00

9 available stores

5.0 (1)

Who’s using this:

1 artist using

M-Audio Oxygen Pro 25 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$138.00 - $299.00

9 available stores

5.0 (2)

M-Audio Oxygen 25 MKV MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$79.60 - $197.48

9 available stores

5.0 (1)

M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$199.00 - $349.00

8 available stores

4.0 (2)

Who’s using this:

1 artist using

M-Audio Axiom AIR 49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$375.00

1 available store

4.5 (4)

Who’s using this:

4 artists using

M-Audio Keystation 49e MIDI Controller MIDI Keyboard Controllers

$117.58

1 available store

3.5 (16)

Who’s using this:

5 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 88-key Keyboard Controller

M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61

M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49

Shure SM57

M-Audio EX-P Expression Pedal

M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller

Artist usage

Add artist usage

Community setups

Show off yours

Similar

Add recommendation

Gear Guides

Equipboard Gear Guides

Top MIDI Keyboard Controllers | Gear Guides

Michael Pierce + 1 more

Updated August 2025

MIDI Keyboard FAQ - What to Look for in a MIDI Controller

Equipboard Learning Center

MIDI Keyboard FAQ - What to Look for in a MIDI Controller

Michael Pierce + 1 more

Updated August 2024

How To Make Electronic Music | The Complete Guide

Equipboard Learning Center

How To Make Electronic Music | The Complete Guide

Michael Pierce + 1 more

Updated August 2025

6 Best Multi-Track Recorders: Digital vs Analog Options 2025

Equipboard Gear Guides

6 Best Multi-Track Recorders: Digital vs Analog Options 2025

S. Jino

Updated March 2025

Added to Equipboard on 01-23-2017 by

delta_music

Gear IQ 126

Pricing and availability

Description

Product specs

FAQs

Videos

Reviews

PROS

CONS

Owner Insights

Software and compatibility

Features and functionality

Comparisons

User experience

Value and pricing

Critic Reviews

M-Audio CTRL49

M-Audio CTRL49 review | MusicRadar

M-Audio CTRL49 Keyboard Controller Review - Digital DJ Tips

macProVideo.com

Good "smart" MIDI keyboard and well rounded controller

Genre Usage

More M-Audio MIDI Keyboard Controllers

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

Most Popular MIDI Keyboard Controllers

Most Popular Brands