Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

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.

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...

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.

I'm learning to play the piano, have an emac, and no room for a piano in my house. The keyboard is wonderfully easy to set up and use, and I haven't had a problem with it in 3 months. Not having an AC adaptor is nice, it's powered by the USB. Flawless integration with GarageBand. I move to a real piano once a week, and have no trouble playing on it after a week on the Keystation. I highly recommend this product.

Considering that you can get this keyboard for less than $100, I think it's definitely a great deal. It works really well. Unfortunately mine broke. It was my fault, I left the USB cord plugged in and stored it and something fell on top of it and broke the connector. I took it apart and looked at the inside, and you can see that the different ports are only attached directly to the circuit board and are not reinforced by the plastic casing the way they are in my laptop. So I would assume that the USB port is quite easy to break and you should excercise reasonable caution not to push it in to hard or jerk the cord. Other than that the case may look flimsy, but is quite durable and the keyboard itself seems well-constructed and looks like it can withstand plenty of banging. The pitch wheel on the other hand uses two very thin springs that could be broken if an unusual amount of force was applied to it.

As for usability, the keyboard is quite lightweight, which is nice, because you can hold it on your lap while you work on your sequencer. And it works instantly in Windows XP with Acid Pro (let Windows run both the named and unnamed install wizards) and even better in Mac OS X with Garageband. The keys don't feel great but they're very playable and this keyboard is cheap so you can't expect too much.

I bought the M-Audio 49e USB controller keyboard for my Mac about a month ago. I'm an adult returning to the piano after many, many years since those dull piano lessons as a kid. I bought a piano a few years ago and it sits in our living room. I'm graphic designer/photographer and spend most of my waking hours in front of my Mac. I had played around with Garageband and thought a USB keyboard would allow me to sit here in my comfy office chair and practice while my husband watches TV in the living room. I miss the rich sound of a real piano, but this keyboard is great for a casual re-beginner for practice. Nothing fancy, no myriad of buttons and displays to distract and a lot of fun to change and combine instruments with Garageband, which is excellent software. Natch. What else would you expect from Apple? The M-Audio keyboard is light, durable, simple and sits neatly above my keyboard drawer in front of a cinema display (which also acts as a handy music stand). The only negative I can possibly come up with is the springyness of the keys and curve to get used to that. Not ever played on expensive keyboard, it's easy to get used to this one. Practicing simple songs, I have no problem with missing octaves, and the dedicated buttons make them easily accessible. For my purpose, this keyboard was perfect and the price doesn't break the budget.

I use this with a PC running on Windows XP Home Edition SP2 and it works marvels. Damn, I didn't even need to install the drivers that came with it. I just grabbed the USB cable, plugged it in and started making sequences on Sonar 4.

No latency, nothing.

I recommend this product for both PC and Mac users.

great sync.
i just plug it in, opened garage band, and everything was done!!! ready to play!!

I got the 61-key version but decided to return it for this one (since 4 octaves is fine for my needs). There are better keyboards out there of course, but this is working well for Garage Band, and this fits a lot better on my desk than the 61es.

This keyboard is ideal for use with Garageband. The key action is very good. It's an exceptional value. I recommend it.