ReviewFinder MIDI Controllers

M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3

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Features
Connectivity
Size and Portability
Build Quality
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3 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [3]

100
Total expert reviews: 3
  • with a score: 1
  • without a score: 2

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
The M-Audio Keystation series is a simple, reliable, and budget-friendly MIDI keyboard controller that offers a great software bundle. While it may have limited assignable controls and functionality, it provides excellent value for money and is well-suited for beginners and experienced users.
+ pros
  • Simple and reliable keyboard controllers that do the job well.
  • Wide pitch and mod wheels for precise control.
  • Basic transport controls and directional buttons for easy navigation.
  • Octave up/down buttons and volume slider for additional control.
  • Streamlined functionality and hands-on workflow.
  • Advanced button and key controls for faster operation.
  • Different connectivity options and additional pedal inputs on certain models.
  • Impressive software bundle with two DAWs and free virtual instruments.
  • Semi-weighted keys that offer a comfortable playing experience.
  • Lightweight build with good quality controls.
- cons
  • Limited assignable controls compared to other MIDI controllers.
  • Lack of advanced features like performance pads, arpeggiators, and chord/scale modes.
  • The 49-key model does not offer 5-pin MIDI out.
  • The keyboard does not have a premium feel.
  • The lightweight build may not be as robust as other controllers.
The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a powerful MIDI keyboard controller that offers a natural playing experience with its full-size velocity-sensitive keys and intuitive controls. Its plug-and-play connectivity, compatibility with various devices, and included software suite make it a must-have for musicians and producers looking to take their music production to the next level.
+ pros
  • 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys for a natural playing experience.
  • Assignable controls for comprehensive control over software parameters.
  • Easy plug-and-play connectivity to Mac, PC, and iOS devices.
  • Compact design for easy integration into any setup.
  • Premium software suite included.
- cons
  • Sustain pedal sold separately.
  • Limited customization options for the assignable controls.
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ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile and portable MIDI controller with realistic keyboard action, customizable controls, and USB connectivity, making it a great option for musicians of all levels.

The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a MIDI controller that offers a range of features and benefits for musicians. It features 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys that are semi-weighted, providing a realistic feel similar to that of an acoustic piano. This makes it a versatile option for musicians who want to capture every subtle nuance of their performance.

The keyboard action on the Keystation 49 MK3 is synth action, which is known for its natural feel and responsiveness. This makes it an intuitive and expressive tool for creating music. It also has assignable controls such as volume fader, transport and directional buttons, pitch and modulation wheels, octave up and down buttons, and a sustain pedal input.

These controls allow for easy navigation and adjustment of various parameters in your software, giving you total control over your recordings.

In terms of connectivity, the Keystation 49 MK3 offers USB connectivity as its primary connection option. This makes it easy to connect the MIDI controller to your computer or other devices using a USB cable. However, it does not have any additional connectivity options beyond USB, so if you require MIDI out connectivity for connecting to external MIDI gear, you may want to consider other models in the Keystation series.

The Keystation 49 MK3 is praised for its compact and portable design. With its small dimensions and lightweight construction, it can easily fit on any desk or studio setup and is convenient to carry around. This makes it ideal for musicians who need to travel or perform outside of their home studio.

In terms of build quality, the Keystation 49 MK3 is described as versatile and reliable. The full-size keys and velocity-sensitive feature provide a realistic playing experience, making it a great tool for beginners learning to play the keyboard or piano. The keyboard controller is likely made of durable plastic, while the keys are made of synthetic materials designed to provide a natural and responsive touch.

Overall, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is highly regarded for its features, connectivity options, size, and build quality. It is suitable for musicians who want a versatile MIDI controller that offers a natural playing experience, expressive keyboard action, and customizable controls.

It is also a great choice for those who need a compact and lightweight MIDI controller for on-the-go use.

Features

The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile MIDI controller with 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, semi-weighted synth action, and assignable controls, making it a great option for musicians looking for a realistic playing experience and total control over their software.

The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a MIDI controller that features 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys. These keys are semi-weighted, providing a realistic feel similar to that of an acoustic piano. This makes the Keystation 49 MK3 a versatile option for musicians who want to capture every subtle nuance of their performance.

The keyboard action on the Keystation 49 MK3 is synth action, which is known for its natural feel and responsiveness. This makes it an intuitive and expressive tool for creating music.

While the Keystation 49 MK3 does not have physical knobs or faders, it does have assignable controls such as volume fader, transport and directional buttons, pitch and modulation wheels, octave up and down buttons, and a sustain pedal input. These controls allow for easy navigation and adjustment of various parameters in your software, giving you total control over your recordings.

Overall, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile MIDI controller that offers a natural playing experience, expressive keyboard action, and customizable controls. It is suitable for musicians who want to capture the nuances of their performance and have full control over their software.

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Connectivity

The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 offers USB connectivity as its primary connection option, making it easy to connect to your computer or other devices, but it does not have MIDI out connectivity for connecting to external MIDI gear.

The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 offers USB connectivity as its primary connection option. This means that you can easily connect the MIDI controller to your computer or other devices using a USB cable. This is a convenient and straightforward way to integrate the Keystation 49 MK3 into your setup.

However, it is important to note that the Keystation 49 MK3 does not have any additional connectivity options beyond USB. This means that if you are looking for MIDI out connectivity to connect the controller to external MIDI gear, you might want to consider the Keystation 88 or 61 models instead. These models offer an additional 5-pin MIDI out, providing more flexibility for connecting to other MIDI devices.

In summary, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a MIDI controller that primarily relies on USB connectivity. It is a suitable choice for users who primarily want to connect the controller to their computer or other devices using USB. However, if you require MIDI out connectivity for connecting to external MIDI gear, you may want to consider the Keystation 88 or 61 models instead.

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Size and Portability

The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is praised for its compact and portable design, making it a versatile and convenient MIDI controller for musicians on the go.

The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is praised for its compact and portable design. With dimensions of approximately 32. 3 inches in length, 7. 6 inches in width, and 2. 8 inches in height, it can easily fit on any desk or studio setup. Weighing around 6.

5 pounds, it is lightweight and convenient to carry around.

Experts highlight that the Keystation 49 MK3 is suitable for on-the-go use, making it ideal for musicians who need to travel or perform outside of their home studio. Its compact size allows it to fit easily in any setup, whether it be a desk, studio, or stage. This makes it a versatile option for musicians who need a portable MIDI controller.

While the Keystation 49 MK3 does not come with a carrying case or bag, its lightweight and compact design still make it easy to transport. Users have the option to purchase a separate carrying case or bag for added protection and convenience.

Overall, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is highly regarded for its size and portability, making it a suitable choice for musicians who require a compact and lightweight MIDI controller for on-the-go use.

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Build Quality

The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile and reliable keyboard controller with good build quality, full-size keys, and a realistic playing experience, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is praised by experts for its good build quality. The keyboard controller is described as versatile and reliable, offering a natural feel to users. The full-size keys and velocity-sensitive feature provide a realistic playing experience, making it an excellent tool for beginners learning to play the keyboard or piano.

The main body of the keyboard is likely made of durable plastic, while the keys are made of synthetic materials designed to provide a natural and responsive touch. Overall, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is recommended for those looking for a well-built and reliable keyboard controller for their musical needs.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all MIDI controllers.

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2
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Akai MPK Mini MK3
The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers.
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Akai Pro MPK249
The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers.
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M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile and portable MIDI controller with realistic keyboard action, customizable controls, and USB connectivity, making it a great option for musicians of all levels.
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3
5
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4
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M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 ranks #4 out of 14 in this month's ranking:
USB plug-and-play for Mac or PC
15 Apr 2024 (7 months ago)
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Price
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The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software. The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers. The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers. The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile and portable MIDI controller with realistic keyboard action, customizable controls, and USB connectivity, making it a great option for musicians of all levels.
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