M-Audio Keystation 49 MkI MIDI Keyboard Controller

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Page last updated Feb 19, 2026

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Average Price: $68

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

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Description

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Unleash your musical creativity with the M-Audio Keystation 49 MkI MIDI Keyboard Controller, a versatile and user-friendly tool designed for musicians of all skill levels. This 49-key MIDI controller provides a natural and responsive playing experience, making it an ideal companion for both studio production and live performance. Its intuitive design ensures that you can easily manipulate your music software, with a streamlined interface that includes transport and directional controls to simplify your workflow.

The Keystation 49 MkI is USB-powered, allowing for easy connectivity to your computer without the need for an external power source. Its lightweight build makes it highly portable, perfect for musicians on the go. Furthermore, the keyboard is compatible with a wide range of music creation software, providing flexibility in your creative process. With the addition of pitch bend and modulation wheels, you can add expressive nuances to your performance, while the octave range buttons extend your musical reach.

Key Features:

49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys for natural performance
USB-powered and class compliant for easy plug-and-play setup
Pitch bend and modulation wheels for added expression
Transport and directional controls for improved workflow
Compatible with major music creation software
Lightweight and portable design for easy transport
Octave range buttons for expanded musical range
MIDI output for connecting to external sound modules

Product specs

Brand	M-Audio
Model	Keystation 49 MkI MIDI Keyboard Controller
Year	2015
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

Does the M-Audio Keystation 49 MkI require an external power supply?: No, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MkI is USB-powered, meaning it can be powered directly from your computer via a USB connection.
Are the keys on the M-Audio Keystation 49 MkI weighted?: The M-Audio Keystation 49 MkI features synth-action keys, which are not weighted but provide a responsive and smooth playing experience suitable for a variety of musical styles.
Can the M-Audio Keystation 49 MkI be used with both Mac and PC?: Yes, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MkI is compatible with both Mac and PC platforms, allowing for versatile integration with different digital audio workstations (DAWs).
Does the M-Audio Keystation 49 MkI come with any bundled software?: While the MkI model itself does not typically include bundled software, it is designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of DAWs and virtual instruments.
What type of MIDI connection does the M-Audio Keystation 49 MkI use?: The M-Audio Keystation 49 MkI utilizes USB MIDI for connecting to your computer, providing a simple and efficient way to control software instruments and DAWs.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The M-Audio Keystation 49 offers 49 keys, providing more range than 25-key models, which is beneficial for learning music theory and playing more complex pieces.
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The Keystation 49's pitch bend and mod wheel are noted for their sturdiness, standing out as a positive feature amidst other less durable components.
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Comparisons

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The M-Audio Keystation 49 may lack the knobs and sliders of the Arturia MiniLab 3, but its larger key range is better suited for those focusing on music theory and traditional keyboard practice.
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Users recommend considering Akai controllers for their stiffer key action and superior build quality, offering a more substantial feel than the M-Audio Keystation.
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For better synth action, Roland and Behringer are suggested, while Fatar keybeds in Kurzweil and Studiologic models are recommended for a more piano-like weighted feel.
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Use cases and applications

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For users prioritizing learning piano techniques and music theory, a 49-key layout like the M-Audio Keystation is recommended over models with more controls but fewer keys.
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Software and compatibility

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While both controllers can be used with Ableton, the Keystation's focus on keys rather than pads and knobs aligns more with traditional playing, which can be advantageous for theory learning.
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A specific issue in Ableton has been noted where the Keystation 49 is set as both an input and output, potentially canceling signals, which can be fixed by disabling output.
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User experience

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It's noted that while the Keystation 49 lacks the tactile control elements of some smaller controllers, its focus on keys makes it a more versatile tool for melody and bass line input.
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Build quality

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Owners describe the Keystation 49's keys as wobbly, mushy, and creaky, indicating a lower build quality and less satisfying playability compared to more premium models.
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