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Description

The M-Audio Keystation49 MIDI Controller is an ideal choice for musicians and producers seeking a straightforward, reliable tool to bring their musical ideas to life. This MIDI keyboard is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, offering a seamless interface for both beginners and experienced users. Featuring 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, it provides a natural and expressive playing experience, allowing you to capture every nuance of your performance. The Keystation49 is USB-powered and class-compliant, meaning it connects easily to your Mac or PC without the need for drivers, so you can start creating right away.

The controller's intuitive layout includes transport and directional buttons, enabling you to control your DAW directly from the keyboard. This hands-on control is complemented by a pitch bend and modulation wheel, octave buttons, and a volume slider, allowing for dynamic and expressive sound manipulation. The M-Audio Keystation49 is also compatible with a variety of music software, ensuring versatile use across different platforms. For those looking to expand their sound palette, it comes bundled with software like Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition and Ableton Live Lite.

Whether you're composing in your home studio or performing on stage, the M-Audio Keystation49 provides the essential tools to enhance your creative process with minimal fuss.

Key Features:

  • 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys
  • USB-powered and class-compliant for easy setup
  • Transport and directional buttons for DAW control
  • Pitch bend and modulation wheels
  • Octave buttons and volume slider for sound manipulation
  • Compatible with Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition and Ableton Live Lite
  • Ideal for home studio and live performance use
PMTVUK

PMTVUK

M-Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard - Review & Demo

Video thumbnail for M-Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard - Review & Demo by PMTVUK

M-Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard - Review & Demo

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for How to connect and use a MIDI keyboard with an iPad | M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 by Pete Johns - Studio Live Today

How to connect and use a MIDI keyboard with an iPad | M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3

Pete Johns - Studio Live Today

Pete Johns - Studio Live Today

Video thumbnail for M-Audio KeyStation  49Mk3 : Testing by atthakorn Pann Meesh

M-Audio KeyStation 49Mk3 : Testing

atthakorn Pann Meesh

atthakorn Pann Meesh

Video thumbnail for M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 49-Note Keyboard Controller by Kevys RC & Music

M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 49-Note Keyboard Controller

Kevys RC & Music

Kevys RC & Music

Video thumbnail for 🎹☕️ loving the new toy ❤️ / m-audio keystation 49 mkIII / by Sole Spirit Music

🎹☕️ loving the new toy ❤️ / m-audio keystation 49 mkIII /

Sole Spirit Music

Sole Spirit Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about M-Audio Keystation49 MIDI Controller.

Build quality

  • The keybed is notably quiet, with keys that return softly without resonating, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.

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Features and functionality

  • The mod and pitch wheels can be mapped to any MIDI CC signal, offering versatile control for users who dislike touch sliders.

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  • The device is compact enough to fit on a desktop with high feet, allowing cables to pass underneath, optimizing workspace organization.

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  • The Keystation 49 lacks knobs and sliders, which some users trade off for a more extensive key range when focusing on keyboard practice.

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  • The Keystation 49 is usable with any computer having a MIDI interface, thanks to its 5-pin DIN MIDI connection, which remains compatible across modern systems.

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User experience

  • Some users have noted that iPads may not always provide sufficient power, contradicting the low-power device claim.

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  • Users learning music theory find the 49-key layout more beneficial for practicing scales and chords than the limited range of 25-key controllers.

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Comparisons

  • The Midiplus AK490 is highlighted as a budget-friendly alternative with a regular MIDI out, unlike the Keystation 49 MK3.

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  • Arturia's MiniLab 3 offers more control elements, while M-Audio Keystation 49 provides a better keyboard for learning music theory.

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Software and compatibility

  • Air Velvet Electric Piano VST included with the controller is valued highly, especially by e-piano enthusiasts for its sound quality and control options.

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  • The original Keystation 49 requires a Windows 7 driver, which can work on Windows 11 using compatibility mode, though it’s not class-compliant.

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Use cases and applications

  • For electronic bass music in Ableton, 49 keys are often preferred over 25 for greater range, despite lacking knobs and pads.

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  • It's suitable for those who need a MIDI controller without built-in sound, ideal for use with DAWs and external sound modules.

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Value and pricing

  • The Keystation 49 can sell for $50-$75, appealing to beginners or those starting out with MIDI equipment.

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Artist usage

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See how Kid Koala uses M-Audio Keystation49 MIDI Controller

Kid Koala

DJ

Deltron 3030

...
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Kid Koala seen using a M-Audio Keystation49 MIDI Controller in his studio in a picture posted on his official Facebook.

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 Keystation49 MIDI Controller, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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