Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $107
Budget/Beginner
$200
$501+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3, a USB keyboard controller that boasts 49 synth-action keys perfect for musicians and producers alike. This lightweight yet expressive controller is your gateway to immersive music creation, offering an exciting software bundle to inspire creativity.
Designed to optimize your workflow, the Keystation 49 MK3 streamlines your sessions with intuitive controls, including pitch, modulation, and octave controls. The dedicated volume slider can be assigned for any MIDI value, offering enhanced flexibility for live performances and studio recording. The advanced button unlocks powerful MIDI control, allowing you to take command of your music without the need for a mouse or trackpad.
The Keystation 49 MK3 is a true plug-and-play solution, offering Mac/PC Class Compliancy and USB bus powering for ultimate portability. It also features iPad compatibility, transforming your iPad or iPhone into a versatile music creation tool with the help of the Apple Camera Connector. This compact keyboard is the ideal companion for musicians on the go, delivering impressive performance wherever your music takes you.
Key Features:
- Lightweight, expressive USB keyboard controller
- 49 full-size, synth-action, velocity-sensitive keys
- Streamlined control set: pitch/mod wheels, volume slider, octave +/-, cursor keys, and transport controls
- Advanced button unlocks powerful MIDI control
- Plug and play — Mac/PC Class Compliant and USB bus powered
- iPad/iPhone compatible — requires Apple Camera Connector (not included)
- 1/4-inch sustain pedal input
- Compact and portable design, perfect for musicians on the go
- Comes with an exciting software bundle to inspire creativity
Owner's manual
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Keyboard Controller |
| Number of Keys | 49 |
| Type of Keys | Synth Action, Full-sized |
| Velocity Sensitive | Yes |
| Other Controllers | Pitchbend, Mod Wheel |
| Dedicated Transport Control | Yes |
| Pedal Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (sustain) |
| MIDI I/O | USB |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| Computer Connectivity | USB |
| Software | AIR Music Mini Grand/Velvet/Xpand!2, Ableton Live LIte, Skoove, Touch Loops, Melodics Tutorial |
| Power Supply | USB bus powered |
| Height | 2.68" |
| Width | 32.36" |
| Depth | 7.44" |
| Weight | 4.72 lbs. |
FAQs
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Does the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 have weighted keys?
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The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 features 49 full-size, synth-action keys that are not weighted but are velocity-sensitive, providing a responsive playing experience.
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How do I connect the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 to my computer?
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You can connect the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 to your computer using the USB Type B port, which provides both power and MIDI data transfer, requiring no additional drivers for most DAWs.
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What software is included with the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3?
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The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 comes with a suite of software including AIR Music's Mini Grand, Velvet, Xpand!2, Ableton Live Lite, Skoove, Touch Loops, and Melodics Tutorial.
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Can I use a sustain pedal with the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3?
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Yes, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 has a 1/4" input for connecting a sustain pedal, allowing for more expressive playing.
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Is the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 compatible with Ableton Live?
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Yes, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is compatible with Ableton Live, and it even includes Ableton Live Lite software as part of the package.
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Does the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 have transport controls?
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Yes, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 features dedicated transport controls, allowing you to easily control playback and recording in your DAW.
Videos
PMTVUK
M-Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard - Review & Demo
M-Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard - Review & Demo
PMTVUK
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 Review & Comparison to MK2
John Mike
How to connect and use a MIDI keyboard with an iPad | M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
Pete Johns - Studio Live Today
M-Audio KeyStation 49Mk3 : Testing
atthakorn Pann Meesh
M-audio keystation 49 mk3 TEST- NO TALKING
Audio Waves Music Studio
M Audio Keystation 49 MK3 Synth Action 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Review
ITR Reviews
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 49-Note Keyboard Controller
Kevys RC & Music
Reviews
PROS
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Quick and easy setup, compatible with major DAWs like Reaper and Pro Tools
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Affordable, offers great value for its price
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Compact design fits well on desks, optimizing workspace
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Good key action and velocity sensitivity for expressive playing
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Ideal for beginners due to simplicity and ease of use
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Durable construction for longevity
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Minimal learning curve, suitable for making beats and music production
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Includes useful features like pitch bend, modulation wheels, and octave buttons
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Comes with free software, enhancing value
CONS
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Limited onboard controls and features compared to more advanced models
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Keys may feel softer than expected for some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3.
Build quality
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Keys are dampened, providing a semi-weighted feel with minimal mechanical noise, quieter than Yamaha PSR-E373 and Arturia Keystep 37.
Source
Features and functionality
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The volume slider and mod wheel can be mapped to any CC signal, offering customizable control.
Source -
The device can be powered directly by an iPad or iPhone without needing an extra power supply or batteries.
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The Keystation 49 is favored for its semi-weighted keys, which allow for expressive play, crucial for dynamic musical pieces even when not fully weighted.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Air Velvet Electric piano VST included, valued at $80, praised for excellent rhodes, wurlis, and Pianet emulation.
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No specific software for the controller itself, but registration with inMusic is needed to access bundled software.
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Users report the Keystation 49 MK3 may not be recognized by Linux Mint without using GUI patchbay software like Carla or Qjackctl to identify MIDI ports.
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Changing USB ports can resolve recognition issues on Linux systems for the Keystation 49 MK3, indicating potential port compatibility variances.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Octave buttons are noted for their loud plastic clack, unlike the softer top control buttons.
Source
Comparisons
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Arturia's MiniLab 3 offers knobs, sliders, and pads, which some users prefer for electronic music production, while the Keystation 49 prioritizes more keys for broader musical range.
Source
User experience
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Some musicians suggest that having more keys, like the 49 on the Keystation, aids in learning music theory, providing a more comprehensive range for practice.
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Unlike some MIDI keyboards, the Keystation 49 MK3 may require trial and error with different ports or cables for optimal performance on certain Linux configurations.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 13 Ratings
182
Perfect Budget Keyboard
As a beginner producer and keyboardist, this is the perfect budget keyboard. Keys are a bit noisy but you stop noticing it while playing and I was surprised at how nice they feel, being semi-weighted, so seems more than fair at this price point.
Only wish is that it had some endless encoder knobs since I've noticed they're hard to find without spending $100 on another midi controller. If I knew that would be the case I would've considered spending more on the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 for $219, but still spending an extra $100 for some knobs and maybe a better key bed seems like a stretch.
So, if you don't think you'll need knobs/faders/pads or are planning on getting another controller with them (which is what I did for pads), I'd highly recommend this Keystation.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
The octave change buttons are very convenient.
Simple yet very useful
I like having a few MIDI controllers at my disposal. Which means less desk space for me to work on. This keyboard is simple, slick, and doesn't take up too much space on my desk. Just perfect for me and how I work. Contemplating on getting another one for back up in case this one breaks. I love this keyboard.
26897
I just picked one up myself. In my experience, these Keystations don't break. The one I got from my workplace back in like 2008 is still in use by a friend of mine... after it changed hands like 3 or 4 times. Right after I got this MK 3, I walked into his studio and there it was, my old 49e, lol. I had no idea who had it. Anyway, if you love it, you might as well get a backup (maybe used in the classifieds), but you may never need it.
81
Pretty decent midi controller for the money
This is my first midi keyboard, the keys feel good but there are not that many transport controls, volume slider, pitch bend and modulation wheels, navigation buttons, octave + - button, that's about it. It's good value though, and I got some free downloads like addictive keys which is great, I have used it in my first trance remix for piano sounds, it's a nice sounding piano synth once you add some reverb and delay.
102
Best budget MIDI Keyboard.
If you are on a budget then this MIDI Keyboard is a really good investment! It has pitch bend and modulation controllers. You can even change the octaves. 49 keys is good enough
Artist usage
Add artist
In the YouTube video titled "Avicii Live @ Grand Canyon #thecrowningofprinceliam," Avicii is seen using the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 on the table during his performance.
In the YouTube video titled "Jacob Collier's Audience Choir Experiment," Jacob Collier demonstrates his use of the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 keyboard controller. This information is provided by the Tape Notes Podcast.
In an Instagram post by Kungs, he can be seen producing poolside with an M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 49-key Keyboard Controller. The post's caption reads: "Getting ready for tonight 🍒 Back at @pachaofficial for my @clubazurrecords residency with some friends (swipe left) 🤘 Who’s joining??"
In the video titled "I Built My DREAM Home Studio - 2025 Home Studio Tour," Mike Bello is seen using an M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 MIDI controller, which is visible in a sliding drawer of his studio desk at the 0:24 mark. He is quoted below:
This is actually a gasket mounted keyboard. You can see it has a little bit of spring to it which just softens the keys a little bit, makes it sound nicer, makes it feel nicer.
Album Usage
The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 has been featured on the following albums:
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 M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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