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Description

Versatile 49-Key MIDI controller from the Roland A-PRO series.

If you're looking for keyboard controllers that you can use in the studio, on-stage, or anywhere you feel inspired, look no further than the Roland A-500PRO-R (Roland). Combining the best of Roland engineering with Cakewalk's legendary ease-of-use, the A-500PRO has the features and feel you need to get the most out of your music performances and productions.

The Feel of a Roland-Quality Instrument
When you perform with the A-500PRO, you're tapping into the benefits of over 30 years of Roland keyboard development. A superior key mechanism provides aftertouch and and increased sensitivity for a wide range of expressive dynamics in your performance. Rounded key assemblies offer responsive reaction to your touch and more comfortable glissando. Plus, enhancements have been made to eliminate vertical shake and reduce the already low mechanical noise on key strokes. And with selectable Velocity curves you can fine tune the A-500PRO to match your playing style. No matter what your skill level, you'll appreciate the feel of a quality instrument when you play the A-500PRO.

Everything at your fingertips
The A-500PRO has been ergonomically designed to put everything at your fingertips. All controls are easily accessible and intelligently laid out to make performing and producing music an inspiring affair. Whether you're playing your favorite virtual instrument or working in your digital audio workstation, 9 knobs, 9 sliders, 4 buttons, and a dedicated Transport section offers fully assignable control of all the features you need. And the sure-grip, rubber-coated Pitch Bend/Modulation Stick offers expressive control of both functions at the same time. The A-500PRO Editor for Mac and PC makes it a breeze to customize the A-500PRO for use with your favorite synth or DAW. Just fire up the editor, adjust your Control Map, and hit transmit…it's that easy. And when you're working with an ACT (Active Controller Technology) enabled DAW like SONAR, parameters will remap automatically, keeping you in the flow and focused on your music.

Easy Connections with Side Panel Ports
The A-500PRO provides easy access connections on the side panel so that you can have a computer monitor or laptop in the ideal position behind the keyboard - a must for educational use. Connect USB, MIDI IN/OUT, Hold and Expression pedals without having to reach behind the keyboard.

Dynamic Pads
The A-500PRO puts 8 velocity sensitive Dynamic Pads right within your reach. Use these pads to trigger grooves, samples, or one shots on the fly with your favorite DAW, sampler, or virtual Instrument like the included Cakewalk Sound Center or Studio Instruments Drums. Use the Hold control to "latch" the pads. Or assign aftertouch, velocity, and controller data to pads for greater expression in your performance.

Ready to Rock In Studio or On Stage
Whether you're live on stage in front an audience of screaming fans, or dimming the lights in the studio to capture a mood, you can always clearly see what you're doing with the A-500PRO's ultra-bright backlit LED display and buttons. And the A-PRO works with USB bus power, so if you have your laptop you're ready to make music anywhere.

FPT Low-latency MIDI Transmission
Don't trust your MIDI to anything else! The A-500PRO offers MIDI Transmission using Roland's proprietary FPT (Fast Processing Technology). You can rely on FPT for stable, high speed, low latency, and low jitter MIDI transmission. In layman's terms, that means that subtleties of your performance are going to be captured regardless of the music application you are using. And when working with virtual instruments, FPT provides lower latencies to give you the inspiring feel of playing a real instrument.

Production Plus Pack
The Production Plus Pack is a powerful suite of music creation software that ships with the A-500PRO. It includes SONAR 8.5 LE recording software (PC only) and three high-quality and versatile virtual instruments for Mac and PC: Rapture LE, Cakewalk Sound Center, and Studio Instruments Drums.

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model A-500PRO 49-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller
Finish Black
Year 2010 - 2025
Categories Keyboard MIDI Controllers, Pad MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 49 Keys
Number of Pads 8 Pads

FAQs

Is the Roland A-500PRO compatible with major DAWs like Ableton Live or Logic Pro?

Yes, the Roland A-500PRO is compatible with major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and others, thanks to its comprehensive MIDI control capabilities and USB connectivity.

Does the Roland A-500PRO require an external power supply?

No, the Roland A-500PRO can be powered directly via USB, eliminating the need for an external power supply.

What type of action does the Roland A-500PRO keyboard feature?

The Roland A-500PRO features a synth-action keyboard, which provides a light and responsive feel suitable for fast playing and synth-style performances.

How many pads are available on the Roland A-500PRO for triggering samples or beats?

The Roland A-500PRO includes 8 velocity-sensitive pads, which can be used for triggering samples, beats, or other MIDI assignments in your DAW.

Can the Roland A-500PRO be used to control external MIDI hardware?

Yes, the Roland A-500PRO has MIDI In and Out ports, allowing it to control external MIDI hardware alongside its USB connectivity for computer-based setups.

SuperSeller123

SuperSeller123

A-500 PRO 49 key midi controller Demo

Video thumbnail for A-500 PRO 49 key midi controller Demo by SuperSeller123

A-500 PRO 49 key midi controller Demo

SuperSeller123

SuperSeller123

Video thumbnail for Roland A-500 Pro USB MIDI Controller Keyboard | Gear4music by Gear4music Guitars

Roland A-500 Pro USB MIDI Controller Keyboard | Gear4music

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Roland A-500 PRO 2021 is a fantastic USB Midi Keyboard. Let's do an Unboxing. by Tutorials and Reviews by SEPA

Roland A-500 PRO 2021 is a fantastic USB Midi Keyboard. Let's do an Unboxing.

Tutorials and Reviews by SEPA

Tutorials and Reviews by SEPA

Video thumbnail for Roland A-500 pro by Карловка TV

Roland A-500 pro

Карловка TV

Карловка TV

Video thumbnail for IPad and Roland A-500PRO Midi Controller by shy singh

IPad and Roland A-500PRO Midi Controller

shy singh

shy singh

Video thumbnail for Cakewalk  / Roland A-500 PRO 鍵盤について by MD Jacques

Cakewalk / Roland A-500 PRO 鍵盤について

MD Jacques

MD Jacques

Video thumbnail for ROLAND A 500 PRO MIDI CONTROLLER by RUMAH MESIN MEDAN

ROLAND A 500 PRO MIDI CONTROLLER

RUMAH MESIN MEDAN

RUMAH MESIN MEDAN

Reviews

PROS

  • Solid build quality and good playability

  • Easily integrates with software like Logic Pro

  • Advanced features, including aftertouch and expression pedal socket

  • Stores up to 19 custom control/CC map sets

  • Reliable performance with versatile controls

  • Sensitive aftertouch enables nuanced performance

  • Additional pads add value for playing and control

CONS

  • Complexity may overwhelm users not needing advanced features

  • Setup and learning curve can be steep

  • Dependent on computer connection for full functionality

  • Potential digital-read jitter with insufficient USB power

  • Build quality, while sufficient, could be improved

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland A-500PRO.

Build quality

  • Missing slider caps can still function, but replacements are available for better usability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The keybed is noted for its smooth and silent operation, surpassing that of many modern keyboards ranging from 150-250€.

    Source
  • While the keys are not weighted, the A-500PRO offers extensive configuration options suitable for integrating with Mainstage.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Setting up the interface and knobs is reportedly more complex compared to newer models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A unit in great condition is worth 100€, but poor condition should reduce interest significantly, possibly to 25€.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Roland A-500PRO keybed is preferred over the Alesis V49 for its superior smoothness and silence.

    Source
  • Despite its lower-end designation, the A-500PRO is considered adequate for live use when space is limited, as opposed to bulkier, feature-rich models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The A-500PRO is praised for its compact size, making it ideal for performers who require a space-efficient setup during live performances.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Successfully used with Mainstage on a MacBook Air, delivering impressive sound quality, indicating reliable performance even on lower-spec hardware.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
shimron

Good value

This keyboard may be getting long in the tooth but it's the best value for the features it includes, especially aftertouch, which is sensitive enough to apply a range of pressure, unlike most keyboards whose aftertouch is effectively either on or off, and expression pedal socket - in fact the aftertouch is better than on my JD-XA. Its extensive features and control over them make it complex to set up and get used to but extremely powerful, for example the ability to store 19 custom control/CC map sets. If the power supplied by the USB port is insufficient, there may result digital-read jitter above around 124 which can make allocating CCs frustrating and interfere with the sound, or the button illumination may fail.

From Gear Setup
ecco_aqua

One of the best

Rolands midi controller have been the best overall in my experience when it comes to reliability, features, ease of use, and key feel. the pads are an added bonus and work and feel good to play. no real complaints here, it could be built better but its definitely sufficient for the price

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Roland A-500PRO

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Deezer Session video by Deezer France, Kevin Parker's bandmate, Domonic Simper, can be seen using a blue Roland A-500PRO MIDI Keyboard Controller, marking a shift from their more frequently used Roland PCR-500.

See how Adam Hann uses Roland A-500PRO

Adam Hann

Guitarist

The 1975

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:43 you can see the Roland A-500 near Adam, in the bottom of the picture. He uses this keyboard for songs like "Settle Down".

See how Nameless Ghoul uses Roland A-500PRO

Nameless Ghoul

Singer, Guitarist

Ghost

...
Verified via YouTube

0:18 into the video shows the nameless ghoul playing this key board

See how Headhunterz uses Roland A-500PRO

Headhunterz

Music Producer, DJ

Project One

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In the February 2014 special 200th issue of Computer Music magazine, Headhunterz lists the Roland A-500PRO among his selected gear on page 66.

See how Nigel Godrich uses Roland A-500PRO

Nigel Godrich

Music Producer

Radiohead

...
Verified via Thekingofgear

Towards the bottom of this page, there is a photo of Goldrich's Roland A-500 Pro.

See how Tom Kaulitz uses Roland A-500PRO

Tom Kaulitz

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tokio Hotel

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from Alamy, Tom Kaulitz of Tokio Hotel is seen performing on August 6, 2015, using the Roland A-500PRO MIDI Keyboard Controller, known for its versatility and rich sound capabilities.

See how Nicholas Petricca uses Roland A-500PRO

Nicholas Petricca

Singer, Keyboardist

Walk the Moon

...
Verified via Photo

The A-500Pro is visible onstage, albeit with gaffer tape covering the name and part of the Roland logos to say 'AND', similar to his SH-201.

See how Alexander Pushnoy uses Roland A-500PRO

Alexander Pushnoy

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Аудио - ЭЭЭээксперимент! 8 струн в действии: Переведи меня через майдан," Alexander Pushnoy uses the Roland A-500PRO MIDI keyboard to record a digital drum machine.

See how HVOB uses Roland A-500PRO

HVOB

Music Producer

HVOB

...
Verified via Photo

On their official Facebook page, HVOB shared a photo that includes the Roland A-500PRO, highlighting it as part of their gear setup.

See how Lindsay Schoolcraft uses Roland A-500PRO

Lindsay Schoolcraft

Singer, Keyboardist

Cradle of Filth

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, from Cradle of Filth's Facebook page, Lindsay Schoolcraft can be seen playing her Roland A-500 PRO during the Cryptoriana - World Tour.

See how Beau Diako uses Roland A-500PRO

Beau Diako

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In a video posted on Instagram by Beau Diako, the Roland A-500PRO MIDI Keyboard Controller is visible, indicating its use in his setup.

See how Shimron Elit uses Roland A-500PRO

Shimron Elit

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Photograph of Roland A-500PRO in Shimron Elit's studio on his official website.

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 Roland A-500PRO, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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