M-Audio Keystation 49e 49-Note USB MIDI Controller Keyboard

by M-Audio

Product Features

• 49-note full-size, velocity-sensitive keyboard
• Separate MIDI out jack routes MIDI signals from your computer to control external devices
• Class compliant with OS X and Windows XP for plug-and-play
• Powered via USB or 9VDC power adapter (not included)
• Sustain foot pedal input

Product Details

• Item Weight: 9.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0002A9V6C
• Item model number: US70080
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,887 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Keystation 49e is the perfect USB MIDI controller keyboard for getting started with music on your Mac or PC. Class-compliancy with OS X and Windows XP mean true plug-and-play operationand the included Maximum Audio Tools software bundle is designed to get you playing immediately. Despite its simplicity, the Keystation 49e includes a 49-note full-size, velocity-sensitive keyboard for authentic playing experience, as well as built-in MIDI interface, pitch and modulation wheels, and sustain pedal input. This sleek, compact keyboard is USB bus-powered, requiring no external power supply. Compatible with most educational and studio software, the affordable Keystation 49e is the perfect companion with which to begin your musical journey.

Bundled Software
Ableton Live Lite 5 delivers much of the functionality of Ableton Live 5—the revolutionary, multi-award winning music production solution that allows you to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit your musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. Live brings your acoustic, electronic and virtual instruments—as well as your digital audio recordings and MIDI sequences—together in a single interface with unparalleled ease of use.

Feaures

• 49-note full-size, velocity-sensitive keyboard
• Pitch bend and modulation wheels
• Volume/control slider
• Advanced function button for programming
• Sustain foot pedal input
• Octave +/- buttons to extend keyboard range
• Separate MIDI out jack routes MIDI signals from your computer to control external devices
• Powered via USB or 9VDC power adapter (not included)
• Functions as a standalone USB MIDI interface
• Class-compliant with OS X and Windows XP for plug-and-play
• Also includes drivers for Mac OS 9.1 and later, and included for Windows 95/98/ME/2000
• Includes Ableton Live Lite 4 music production software, so you can make music right away

Product Description

Don�t just listen to music�make it! GrooveLab includes everything you need to easily mix music today just like the pros�even if you�ve never made music before. You get easy-to-use groove mixing software, professional groove library, high-resolution audio interface and headset with built-in microphone. Creating mixes is as simple as dragging and dropping the included world-class grooves in various combinations. Add effects processing�and the headset mic even lets you record a vocal track if you wish. The results are easy to burn to CD to share with your friends. GrooveLab is your simple solution to making serious music.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good but could be better, January 29, 2005

By 

Turtle502 (Pitman, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: M-Audio Keystation 49e 49-Note USB MIDI Controller Keyboard (Electronics)

As somebody who does all of my music recording and editing using software, I was looking for something with the right features for what I do. If you're familiar enough with your software, this keyboard will do the job. However, it has several short-comings.

First, the keys are very "springy". They actually resist depression more than one would expect. Although the keyboard is velocity-sensitive, the "springiness" actually makes it difficult to control the sensitivity. If you've played on better keyboards, or have never played on a velocity-sensitive keyboard, it will require some "re-learning". Also, 49 keys has a disadvantage in that an entire octave is missing as compared to larger keyboards. Having moved from a 61 key to a 49 key keyboard, you realize how important the additional octave is. However, you can shift the pitch an entire octave using the dedicated keys.

This controller lacks a display. Higher-functions (such as changing MIDI channels or programs) are accessed by pressing an advanced button and one of the keyboard's keys. This requires consulting the manual, especially when you need to do something you don't do on a regular basis. On a positive note, you can assign the volume slider and modulation wheel to any controller you choose, which is helpful for controlling pan, portamento, breath, or any other effect. You can also change the functionality of the "octave" keys, so that you can change the selected program(sound) incrementally. This can be extremely confusing at times -- I plan on cutting and pasting sections of the manual directly onto the unit's body for easy reference.

If using USB, the keyboard requires no power supply. There is a small power switch located on the back of the unit, however, which must be turned on in order for the PC to recognize the USB device. I often find myself forgetting to turn it on. The dedicated MIDI out jack is handy for connecting to legacy MIDI equipment, but since no power supply is included, you'll need to find your own universal adapter. However, using USB means I have one less thing to plug into the power strip.

The unit has significant weight, more than I thought it would have. It's definitely a sturdy unit. But this definitely isn't the best of the lot; it will do the job of a "controller" for under $100. Recommended -- "yes" -- but only if you have a little patience and prior knowledge of MIDI, MIDI controllers, and keyboards.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Beginner MIDI Keyboard, December 26, 2005

By 

R.M. Fernandez - See all my reviews

This review is from: M-Audio Keystation 49e 49-Note USB MIDI Controller Keyboard (Electronics)

I received this keyboard as a gift so I could play around in GarageBand on my PowerBook. No software installation required, plugging into the USB port worked flawlessly on OSX.

Within 45 minutes I had composed my first little ditty in GarageBand. This is definately a fun toy to have.

I'm sure there are better keyboards out there, but this one has all the functions I need. Pick this up if you're looking for an affordable MIDI keyboard...

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Keyboard, for use with Apple's Garageband, September 28, 2005

By 

Steve H "books911" (U.S.) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: M-Audio Keystation 49e 49-Note USB MIDI Controller Keyboard (Electronics)

A few weeks ago, I found myself browsing the Apple Store. There is always something great to see, when I walked up to an iMac connected to this M-Audio Keystation 49e. I had always been interested in being able to better utilize Garageband, which is included on all Macintosh computers.

I immediately fell in love with the ability to create, edit, and listen to music on the Mac. I purchased the keyboard, and looked forward to plugging it in, when I got home.

I connected the M-Audio Keystation to my Powerbook, and it was detected instantly. I was playing music in Garageband immediately, which speaks to the great design of not only Macs and Garageband, but this keyboard as well.

The appearance of the keyboard will nicely match most Apple products, for it is white and gray. The back of the keyboard features midi output, a USB port, and sustain pedal input. You can purchase an electronic keyboard sustain pedal separately. The USB cable to connect your keyboard to your computer is included. If you're using this midi controller to play or record music on your computer, the USB cable will power it, so an A/C adapter is not necessary.

This keyboard provides fantastic value, for the price. Combined with your computer, you can create amazing music. Overall, if you're interested in creating music on your Macintosh, pick up this M-Audio Keystation 49e. I couldn't be happier with mine, and it has given me an entirely new way to use my computer.