Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
3.0 (17)
$149.99
Amazon
4.0 (118)
$149.99
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$149.99 New
$131.89 Used
zZounds
4.5 (1)
$149.99
B&H
4.4 (5)
$149.99

Average Price: $147

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller, a versatile powerhouse for your studio or live performance setup. This compact 49-key MIDI controller is loaded with features that will open up a new world of possibilities for your music production.

The Graphite 49's semi-weighted keys offer an expressive and instrument-like feel, accurately capturing the dynamics of your performance. With customizable aftertouch, you can control a variety of effects and parameters in your favorite virtual instruments. From the large selection of programmable controls to the handy pitch and mod wheels, the Graphite 49 is designed to be the core of your music creation setup.

The Graphite 49 is also highly portable and can be connected to your iPad via USB, allowing you to create music with your favorite recording and synth apps on the go. With the inclusion of Native Instruments' Komplete Elements 8 software, you get access to over 1,000 sounds and 3GB of samples. Whether you're an experienced producer or a beginner, the Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller is your key to a world of musical expression.

Key Features:

  • 49-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch
  • Large selection of programmable controls including nine faders, eight encoders, and 16 buttons
  • Compatible with Mac, PC, and iPad
  • Includes Native Instruments Komplete Elements 8 software with over 1,000 sounds and 3GB of samples
  • USB bus powered for easy connectivity and portability
  • Handy pitch and mod wheels for expressive playability
  • Compact and portable design, perfect for studio and live performance use.

Owner's manual

Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller User Manual

Product specs

Type Keyboard Controller
Number of Keys 49
Type of Keys Semi-weighted
Velocity Sensitive Yes
Aftertouch Yes
Pads 4
Other Controllers Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
Encoders/Pots 8
Faders 9
Dedicated Transport Control Yes
Zones 4
Presets 20 x User, 9 x Software Specific, 1 x Factory
Pedal Inputs 1 x 1/4" TS (sustain)
MIDI I/O Out/USB
USB 1 x Type B
Computer Connectivity USB
Software Native Instruments Komplete Elements 8
Power Supply USB bus powered
Height 3.3"
Width 31.4"
Depth 9.75"
Weight 10.2 lbs.

FAQs

How many keys does the Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller have?

The Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller features 49 semi-weighted keys, providing a versatile range suitable for both live performances and studio use.

Does the Samson Graphite 49 support aftertouch?

Yes, the Samson Graphite 49 has aftertouch capabilities, allowing for expressive performance dynamics by responding to the pressure applied to the keys after they are struck.

What are the connectivity options for the Samson Graphite 49?

The Samson Graphite 49 connects to your computer via USB and includes a MIDI Out port for additional connectivity with other MIDI devices.

Are there any built-in performance controls on the Samson Graphite 49?

Yes, the Samson Graphite 49 includes 4 velocity-sensitive pads, 9 faders, 8 encoders, a pitchbend, and a modulation wheel for comprehensive control over your music production.

Is the Samson Graphite 49 compatible with DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Tools?

The Samson Graphite 49 is compatible with a variety of DAWs and comes with presets for popular software, including Ableton Live and Pro Tools, making it easy to integrate into your existing setup.

What power source does the Samson Graphite 49 require?

The Samson Graphite 49 is USB bus-powered, which means it draws power directly from your computer via the USB connection, eliminating the need for an external power supply.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Samson Graphite 49 Keyboard Controller Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Video thumbnail for Samson Graphite 49 Keyboard Controller Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Samson Graphite 49 Keyboard Controller Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Review: Samson Graphite 49 & Graphite 25 | Audio Mentor by Reuben Chng

Review: Samson Graphite 49 & Graphite 25 | Audio Mentor

Reuben Chng

Reuben Chng

Video thumbnail for Samson Graphite 49 - USB MIDI Controller overview by Samson Technologies

Samson Graphite 49 - USB MIDI Controller overview

Samson Technologies

Samson Technologies

Video thumbnail for Samson Graphite 49 MIDI Controller, Carbon 49 - NAMM 2012 - AudioSavings by audiosavings

Samson Graphite 49 MIDI Controller, Carbon 49 - NAMM 2012 - AudioSavings

audiosavings

audiosavings

Video thumbnail for Samson Graphite 49 Detail : What is a MIDI Controller by Samson Technologies

Samson Graphite 49 Detail : What is a MIDI Controller

Samson Technologies

Samson Technologies

Video thumbnail for #SamsonGraphite 49 USB Midi Keyboard Unboxing /Review ||With #IPAD Apps #Sampletank,#Garageband by Praveen Anand G

#SamsonGraphite 49 USB Midi Keyboard Unboxing /Review ||With #IPAD Apps #Sampletank,#Garageband

Praveen Anand G

Praveen Anand G

Video thumbnail for Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller - fader by Gear4music Guitars

Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller - fader

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Samson Graphite 49 - USB MIDI Controller Overview by samashdirect

Samson Graphite 49 - USB MIDI Controller Overview

samashdirect

samashdirect

Video thumbnail for Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller by Gear4music Guitars

Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Semi-weighted keys provide excellent playability

  • Full-size keys suit people with larger hands

  • Good build quality, can endure rough handling

  • Sliders and encoders add variety to MIDI assignments

  • Comes with software for easy mapping to VSTs and DAWs

  • Velocity-sensitive keys with good curves for expressive playing

  • Two banks of faders enhance control over instruments and drawbars

  • Includes 3GB of sounds with NI Elements for producers

  • Professional look with a beautiful finish

CONS

  • Initial setup and learning curve can be challenging

  • User manual lacks useful information for setup

  • Occasionally produces unintended loud notes ("midi fart velocities")

  • Does not integrate well with Pro Tools

  • Build could be stronger in some areas

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller.

Features and functionality

  • The Samson Graphite 49 is designed to send MIDI notes and remains useful for basic MIDI tasks as long as it's not heavily worn.

    Source
  • The Samson Graphite 49 includes aftertouch and a high level of customizability, allowing users to adjust MIDI signals to fit their workflow.

    Source
  • The Samson Graphite 49 has key zones and MIDI out, offering more features than other controllers in the sub-$200 range.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user suggests comparing the Graphite 49 with a Roland A49, Novation Remote SL61 Mk1, or Midiplus X4/X5/X6 based on keybed preference and size requirements.

    Source
  • It's suggested that the Samson Graphite 49 stands out as a high-quality option compared to other Samson products, which are generally perceived as less reliable.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's considered suitable for scoring movies if key count and functionality meet the user's needs, despite its age.

    Source

User experience

  • Users recommend testing different MIDI keyboards at a music store to find the best-feeling option within budget constraints.

    Source
  • Some users eventually sell the Graphite 49 for space reasons, opting for smaller alternatives without sacrificing essential features like key count or aftertouch.

    Source
  • Owners have noted that, despite the controller's many features, the pads are not highly regarded and could be improved.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Integration with DAWs can be hit or miss; while it offers presets, some users report needing to adjust settings for optimal DAW compatibility.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Graphite 49 is noted for having a good display and extensive tweakable options, offering a lot of control directly on the unit.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite trading it for a Novation Keystation, users expressed regret, highlighting the Graphite 49’s impressive feature set for its price.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 17 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
nummie

Best controller ever!

For the price asking, you get a very powerful keyboard. With velocity sensitive keys, all programmable mixing sliders, 4 assignable touch sensitive beat pads, and 3GB of sounds with NI Elements, it's amazing. Definitely would recommend for the producer who wants to step up.

sonnivate

not great

Wow why did I do this. I'm a pro tools user and this does not play well with pro tools.

lucassantiago

Great controller

Very proffessional looking midi keyboard, with good key system and very confortable

tiago_campos

just great

have awesome keys, many buttons as i need, and have a beautiful finish

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kiko Loureiro uses Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Kiko Loureiro

Guitarist

Megadeth

...
Verified via YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AbYQp-eix4 2:15 minute mark, home studio tour from 2018.

See how Tommy Lee uses Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Tommy Lee

Drummer

Mötley Crüe

...
Verified via YouTube

When there are two engineers in the studio this midi keyboard is for the second computer.

See how Nigel Godrich uses Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Nigel Godrich

Music Producer

Radiohead

...
Verified via Thekingofgear

Towards the bottom of this page, there are a couple of photos of Goldrich with his Samson Graphite 49.

See how Monte Booker uses Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Monte Booker

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, Monte is using a Samson Graphite 49 midi keyboard

See how Rainbow (The Birthday Massacre) uses Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Rainbow (The Birthday Massacre)

Singer, Guitarist

The Birthday Massacre

...
Verified via YouTube

This video (which has since been deleted) shows Rainbow giving a tour through his home studio. At 2:18 Rainbow explains that his Yamaha RM1x is "so old that all the keys are broken", so he uses the Samson Graphite 49 as a midi controller.

See how Gaurav Dayal (TextX) uses Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Gaurav Dayal (TextX)

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Budget Recording Studio!" by Beatfactory Academy, Gaurav Dayal (TextX) is shown using the Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller.

See how Anonymous Animal uses Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Anonymous Animal

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

To the right of the Electribe, a keyboard with the words "Graphite 49" can be seen.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

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