Photo of M-Audio Keystation 49 II and more gear in a studio and synths

M-Audio Keystation 49 II

4.5 (20)

3 Reviews

Newer option

M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3

$79.70 - $129.00

5.0 (13)

Find out who is using M-Audio Keystation 49 II

2 community setups

5 wishlisted

37 saved

Page last updated Apr 08, 2026

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

Average Price: $55

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, M-Audio Keystation 49 II is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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

Step into the world of music creation with the M-Audio Keystation 49 II, an ideal choice for musicians seeking easy-to-use, portable MIDI control. This MIDI keyboard controller is designed for musicians of all levels who want to get more out of their software and plug-ins. Featuring 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, it provides a natural feel that closely resembles an acoustic piano, making it perfect for capturing expressive performances.

The Keystation 49 II is equipped with USB-MIDI connectivity, allowing seamless integration with your computer-based music production setup. It also includes dedicated transport and directional controls, giving you full command over your digital audio workstation (DAW) without breaking your creative flow. Whether you're composing, recording, or performing, the Keystation 49 II empowers you to do it all with ease.

Plug-and-play functionality means no complicated installation process – simply connect to your Mac or PC and start creating. Additionally, compatibility with iOS devices enables you to expand your creative possibilities by using music apps on the go (with an Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit, sold separately). The lightweight and durable design makes it easy to take this controller anywhere, allowing inspiration to strike wherever you are.

Key Features:

49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys for a natural feel
USB-MIDI connection for seamless integration with music software
Dedicated transport and directional controls for DAW management
Plug-and-play installation with Mac and PC
Compatible with iOS devices (requires Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit, sold separately)
Lightweight and durable design for portability

Product specs

Brand	M-Audio
Model	Keystation 49 MkII MIDI Keyboard Controller
Finish	Blue
Year	2016 - 2018
Categories	Keyboard MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	USB MIDI
Number of Keys	49 Keys

FAQs

How does the M-Audio Keystation 49 II connect to a computer?: The M-Audio Keystation 49 II connects to a computer via USB, allowing for plug-and-play compatibility with both Mac and PC systems without the need for additional drivers.
Are the keys on the M-Audio Keystation 49 II weighted?: The M-Audio Keystation 49 II features 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys with a synth-action feel, which are not weighted but provide a responsive playing experience.
Is the M-Audio Keystation 49 II compatible with popular DAW software?: Yes, the M-Audio Keystation 49 II is compatible with most popular DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro, making it versatile for various music production setups.
Does the M-Audio Keystation 49 II require an external power supply?: No, the M-Audio Keystation 49 II is USB-powered, eliminating the need for an external power supply and allowing for easy setup and portability.
What are the main controls available on the M-Audio Keystation 49 II?: The M-Audio Keystation 49 II includes pitch bend and modulation wheels, transport controls, and octave buttons, providing essential features for expressive performance and DAW control.

Videos

Add video

PopMusicRu

M-AUDIO KEYSTATION 49 II + M-AUDIO KEYSTATION 61 II - самые популярные доступные MIDI клавиатуры

PopMusicRu

M-audio keystation 49 ii In test

Jab Phongnitis

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Full-sized, semi-weighted keys for a realistic playing feel
Includes valuable software bundle (Ableton Live Lite, X!pand2, etc.)
Affordable price point for beginners
Simple to use with easy setup
Durable, withstanding extensive use

CONS

Keys produce a clicky sound at harder presses
Limited onboard controls (only a mod wheel, pitchbend wheel, and one assignable fader)
Keys may require an adjustment period compared to other keyboards

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about M-Audio Keystation 49 II.

Features and functionality

0 0

The M-Audio Keystation 49 II offers 49 keys, which is beneficial for learning music theory, particularly if you're focusing on melodies and bass lines.
Source
0 0

Some users have connected the keyboard via USB instead of a MIDI cable for improved compatibility with FL Studio.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The Arturia MiniLab 3, with 25 keys, includes knobs, sliders, and pads, which may enhance control over digital audio workstations like Ableton compared to the Keystation's simpler layout.
Source

User experience

0 0

Users highlight the Arturia Keylab series for its reliable build and tactile feel, suggesting a positive experience with the brand's MIDI controllers.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

For electronic bass music in Ableton, the additional keys of the Keystation 49 II may outweigh the need for extra control features found in smaller controllers.
Source
0 0

Setting up transport keys on the M-Audio Keystation 49 II is similar to other M-Audio models, such as the Code 49, providing a familiar setup process for existing users.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Users reported that the play/stop/record buttons may not work with FL Studio unless both MIDI drivers are enabled and the second controller is set to universal.
Source
0 0

It’s advised to send master sync through the MIDI output section in FL Studio settings to ensure proper functionality of transport buttons.
Source
0 0

Custom MIDI controller templates might be needed for full integration with FL Studio, with resources available on the Image-Line support page.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Pressing the advanced button followed by the first black note resolves issues with octave buttons switching channels instead of changing octaves in FL Studio.
Source

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 20 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

melonadem

546

over 6 years ago

Decent entry point MIDI controller!

I had this for about 2 years now, it's seen quite a bit of use. I thought I'd just leave this home, when I left for the UK, and just make do with another keyboard - quickly realized I do quite like the bigger keys and them being somewhat harder to press.

While certainly not the best quality you'll ever get, for the price ($100 when I got it) I think it's a pretty sweet deal. The keys took a bit for me to get used to, because I went from some budget Casio keybed with no weight to this, which definitely has more weight to the keys. They're also full sized, if you care about that kinda thing. It comes with a bunch of software and samples and whatnot, namely Ableton Live Lite, X!pand2, some piano library, Pro Tools First, and a bunch of loops from Touch Loops. This bundle could be really useful if you're just getting started. The only con (for me) is the lack of controls, and while I definitely didn't need them when I just got it, I do kinda want them now. It's only got a mod wheel, a pitchbend wheel, and an assignable fader (it's labeled Volume). If you want controls on the keyboard, I suggest you look somewhere else, but if you just need a controller to start out with, I do recommend this.

Roles:

Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Funk / Soul Synthpop Jazz fusion

From Gear Setup

pkennethk

26901

5 years ago over 5 years ago

The mkii Keystation 49 is probably the best-feeling no-frills, synth-weighted 49 key budget-priced controller out there. I hear the mk iii doesn't feel quite as nice.

BTW @melonadem, THANK YOU for pointing me to T-Square. Earlier this year I went on a big city pop binge, looking for those 80s anime tracks with tasty jazz harmonies... but really T-Square was what I was after... they seem way more pop than most of the Japanese jazz I've encountered, but they're still more fusion than city pop, so they eluded me. I've been Spotifying the #$%& out of them the past 24 hours. Thank you!

melonadem

546

5 years ago over 5 years ago

@pkennethk no problem! I'm glad I was able to inspire you to get into T-SQUARE, I like their music a LOT