Gator Cases GKPE-49-TSA 49 Note Keyboard Case TSA Latches Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The picture shown is for the **61**, not the 49. What's the big deal? The big deal is the fact that the 49 has three latches, not four. The other big deal if you like your wrists is the fact that with three latches on the Gator GKPE-49-TSA, the handle is off-center. Therefore, when you pick up the case suitcase-style, it forces your wrist to assume a clumsy and somewhat painful angle. The construction is strong, and tough, and generally top-notch, the padding is excellent, and the adjustable internal side wall is high quality and flexible in positioning. The outer material will never fail. But, the case is pretty heavy for it's size, and the off center handle is a deal killer. I'm paying the return shipping and returning the one that I have. My recommendation: DO NOT BUY THE 49.

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ATA Molded PE Case w/ TSA Latches for 49 Note Keyboards

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M-Audio KeyStudio 49i 49-key USB Audio Interface MIDI Controller Music Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)There are two kinds of uses for this controller. One is for someone who wants an inexpensive, portable piano to practise or teach with. The other is someone who is an amateur and wants to "fool around" making recordings or compositions.
Both are likely to be disappointed.
This works as a stand-alone digital piano. If you plug in a 9v power supply (not included) and a pair of headphones, you can use this without connecting it to a computer at all. In fact, there are TWO headphone jacks, so a teacher (for example) could listen to a student play without making any noise at all. While the keys are velocity-sensitive (hit the keys harder, and the sound is louder), they are not weighted. You can easily switch the keyboard two octaves up or down, and the quality of the Steinway sampling is quite good. What is disappointing, however, is that the volume from the headphone jacks is low - too low to use in a room that is not quiet. It is relatively easy to connect the outputs on the rear to a stereo for more volume, but that is added complexity and eliminates the dual-headphone feature. Unless you have a stereo with two headphone jacks, of course.
There are 2 RCA inputs, so it's fairly easy to connect a CD or mp3 player. This allows you play along with recordings, as the sound is mixed with whatever you are playing on the keyboard. Since the piano itself isn't very loud, the volume of the music you play along with must be kept accordingly low, unless you use some kind of external amplification.
What you really getting here is not just a piano, but an "audio interface". There are very generous audio input and output options: stereo RCA inputs AND outputs, 1/4" mono input, stereo 1/4" outputs, and a mono XLR input. If you don't know what "RCA" means, it is the jack that you find on the back of your stereo - not a 1/8" jack like you would find on an iPod. What this all means is that you can use your home stereo to provide the amplification by connecting standard cables (not included) to the input and output of your home system. This interface is flexible to allow you to play piano along with a recording, while others simultaneously play a guitar/bass AND sing through an attached microphone. And none of this would involve using a computer. The 1/4" stereo outputs are kind of useless, but you could use them to connect the keyboard to an instrument amp or to M-audio's powered monitor speakers.
This is where the potential for an amateur studio comes in. Don't get excited yet, though. The sample rate of the interface's output is only 16-bit, which is adequate for an amateur but not a professional. And, in order to do digital recording, you will have to connect the Keystudio 49i to your computer. The included recording software is Ableton Live Lite, which is not easy to use. You will probably have to spend a few hours with it before you can do even basic recording. Unless you just want to use the included Steinway grand piano, you will also have to install the included General MIDI (GM) software. GM, if you don't know, consists of 127 "voices" (various instruments) of the sort that you usually find on cheap Casio keyboards. If you want to do something more complex, like synthesizer, Wurlitzer, Hammond organ, etc. then you will have buy additional software. And you will have to configure that software to work with Live Lite, which is an ordeal in itself. The GM module is, I must say, high quality. It has somewhat steep system requirements, though.
Remember, this is an audio interface. All of the sound will go through your keyboard, even if you are connected to a computer. This also means that the system requirements are considerable, including the bus. Add to that the nightmare that M-audio PC drivers have become. If you have a Mac, then you will probably experience no trouble using this interface and keyboard with GarageBand, for example. If you are using Windows, however, expect difficulties. M-audio support has become essentially worthless over the past few years, and you will be expected to spend hours reading through the "Knowledge Base" before anyone will even talk to you - and the phone support is only available during weekday business hours. M-audio will not help you with the Live Lite software, either.
You can have a lot of fun with this, but trying to do anything moderately serious will probably lead to frustration and disappointment.

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The KeyStudio 49i takes the expectations of a compact and affordable MIDI controller and raise it a few notches by incorporating a built-in audio interface and on-board piano sounds. It delivers everything you need to start making and recording music today. Play a total of 128 sounds and listen to them from the keyboard's audio outputs. The built-in interface even lets you record vocals and instruments as well as listen to your sessions and mixes. Instantly transform your computer into a versatile music studio with KeyStudio 49i. The top panel sports controls that are commonly found on many affordable controllers: Octave +/- buttons assignable to alter Octave, Transpose, Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB, MIDI Channel, Master Tune, and Pitch and Mod Wheels. Plus, the MIDI is class-compliant, meaning no drivers are needed to access the MIDI functionality. the KeyStudio 49i acts as a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface that also happens to be compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered. Plug into a computer via USB and you're up and running tracking 16-bit/44.1kHz audio straight into the computer through the KeyStudio 49i. Utilize either XLR, 1/4", or RCA jacks as a means to add analog sound sources to your projects and monitor through either a pair of 1/4" stereo line output jacks or headphone jacks. The included Ableton Live Lite software seals the deal by providing an incredibly easy- to-use music production solution. 16-bit, 44.1kHz (CD-quality)XLR microphone, 1/4 instrument and RCA input 1/4 jacks for stereo line output2 front-mounted headphone jacksHardware direct monitoringPro Tools M-Powered compatibleAssignable modulation wheel and piano volume controlPitch bend wheelOctave +/- buttons assignable to alter Octave, Transpose, Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB, MIDI Channel or Master TuneEdit Mode button for advanced MIDI FunctionalityMIDI Out from USB mode allows the keyboard to be used as a MIDI

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M-Audio Axiom 49 Advanced 49-Key USB MIDI Controller, 2nd Gen Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a nice midi controller. A word of warning though if you are a Cakewalk, Sonar user.
Since this is a brand new version of the Axiom 49, the software writers at Roland have not had time to write code for all the functions it provides.
As a result, the Direct Link that M-audio is advertising does not work on Cakewalk Sonar up thru version 8.5.
This means you will need to hand map some of the controller buttons to your DAW if you want them to function.
It does auto-map in some DAWs like the latest versions of Pro tools, Ableton Live to name a couple.
I was unaware of this when I purchased it so I went thru a lot of frustration trying to figure out how the thing is supposed to work. Documentation is sparse so I relied on the internet especially YouTube to help me thru it.
I like the controller over all. It is solidly built and is of good quality. The keys and drum pads work very well.
It will be even better when the software technology catches up to it.


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The M-Audio Axiom 49 controller combines all the production power and performance you need to get the most from your music software and MIDI gear.More than just a "data entry" conroller, the Axiom 49 features piano-style, semi-weighted keys for a musically satisfying playing experience.Large dynamci trigger pads make it easy to program beats and trigger one-shot samples-while the encoder knobs, faders, and buttons deliver complete real-time control over your software.DirectLink mode provides easy, automatic access to common DAW functions including ransport, mixer, track pan, and virtual instrutment parameters-no complicated setup required.Axiom 49 also features a sleek, angled top panel for easy viewing in any enviroment.

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Novation Remote 25 SL 2-Octave Soft Label USB MIDI Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)I just purchased the Novation 25 SL used for $130 on Ebay.
I must say it is a great value for the money.
When you use this little keyboard with Novation's Automap software, you can control most DAWs (such as Ableton and even Protools) in a primitive way, not like a full-blown surface controller, but you can use this keyboard to do things such as stopping and starting the transport, etc.
Another great feature is the touchpad, which is great when controlling VST's filter resonances and frequencies at once. You can also control most VSTs synths with Automap, using the various knobs, faders and buttons on the Remote 25 SL.
You can even use this keyboard as a stand-alone MIDI controller, without a computer, and without Automap.
The only drawbacks i can find with this unit are:
1-The LCDs are hard to read when the keyboard is sitting flat. I wish they would have angled the LCDs towards the user.
2-I was laughing when i read about the "Superb 25-key, semi-weighted, high-quality keyboard with velocity- and aftertouch-sensitivity"
I think this has to be some kind of marketing joke, because the keyboard on my Remote 25 SL certainly does NOT feel "superb" "Semi-weighted" or "high quality". It feels light, plasticky and very cheap, like something you can expect to play on a $20 casio synth. As a matter of fact, i opened the unit and the keyboard is not really semi-weighted but uses spring resistance.
But, hey, i didn't expect much for $130.
Anyway, i recommend this nice little keyboard, which is very useful in the studio, but when getting a used one, do not pay more than $150.
btw, this keyboard's successor, the Novation 25 SL mk. II is literally identical: same layout, same plastic shell, same cheap spring loaded keyboard, same buttons, knobs and faders, except the buttons and knobs light up, that is it.
The only difference between both units is are the main cpu board and the board that contains the knobs and buttons. The rest is identical.
The Novation 25 SL mk. II's lit knobs and faders will probably come in handy if you are playing live in a dark club, but i really don't see how this plastic keyboard can stand live playing and touring abuse without getting destroyed.
Not worth $300 in my opinion, specially when you can get a used, real weighted controller for a lot less.

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Finally, producing in the dark is a thing of the past.The SL shines a light on the murky world of MIDI control by providing two huge, brightly lit LCD screens that display up to 16 control names and values simultaneously.Alongside this is the intelligent Automap Universal technology, which detects the sequencer and plug-ins in use and intelligently maps parameters to the SL's pots, switches, and sliders.With these award-winning features and a massive array of assignable controls, the SL takes the headache out of MIDI controlling, making music creation as spontaneous and exciting as it should be.Plug and Play USB connection with no drivers required for Windows XP or Mac OS X.A host of exciting software solutions, including Ableton Live Lite 6 and over 1.5 gigs of loops and samples.

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M-Audio AXIOM 61 Advanced 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller 9900-51413-10 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)MIDI controllers are often a subjective choice because not everyone uses them for the same purpose or has the experience of playing on weighted keys such as your normal piano.
I purchased this after having started with a 49 key M-Audio Key Studio which was an entry level controller with plain, non weighted keys and no extra control beyond the standard pitch & mod wheels and octave buttons. I wanted something that would allow comfortable "piano style" two handed play without getting into actual 88 key units. If you are not experienced with actual keyboards/workstations (the ones that have sound and sequencers on-board like the Fantom, Motif, Triton) then you will likely be surprised with the weight of the unit. It is not heavy per se, but if your prior experience is with a small drum pad or controller with non-weighted keys the 11 pounds will be something of a shock.
The key action is exactly what I was looking for. It gives you enough resistance to feel the play style without actually being heavy enough to wear out your hands like a piano can do. The adjustable velocity curves let you pick how hard you want to have to press a key to achieve set input level which is a nice way to customize the board to how strong your fingers and hands are. I found the action to be smooth and not as sloppy as the thin non-weighted keys I was used to.
The sliders feel slightly flimsy, think hollow plastic, but they ride on a slider bed that offers some resistance so they don't flop around. Not a big deal unless you are used to working with metal sliders. The endless rotary knobs have a good feel to them and look to be very useful.
The drum pads have a soft feel to them but they use switches under them that require fairly centered strikes to trigger the pad. I also own a KORG padKontrol that I use for my pad needs and it is a much better unit, with pads that don't require a direct center hit to trigger and also have a surface which is not as prone to letting your fingers slide. The KORG though is a $200 unit that has only pads and is focused around their use. The Axiom 61 has pads as more of an afterthought or convenience, they are not either numerous enough nor of sufficient quality to be a feature for this unit. They are handy to trigger things while playing the keyboard but not as a drum pad, which is what some folks believe they are getting.
The LCD display is very clear and bright making reading it no problem. I'd prefer if they would have inclined the face of it about 10 degrees towards the user though for even better reading ease.
The included software was of no use to me, I use Logic Studio 8. The lack of a printed manual was disappointing considering that you really need to read through it to understand how to use the various functions. It will typically be plug and play for the keyboard, pitch and mod wheels but the sliders, knobs and pads will require some assignment in almost all software.
Overall I am pleased with the Axiom 61. The keys are very nice as long as you understand they are not hammer-action piano keys. Between the sliders, knobs and pads I would say the knobs are the best implemented "accessory" feature with the sliders and pads coming off as usable but not anything to brag about. If you are getting started and want a good all-in-one solution wither this model or the 49 key Axiom will fill the bill nicely. The controls function properly but as mentioned above if you are into drum pads I'd only use these until you can get a stand alone unit.
I can see how someone who is not really sure what they are getting, could give it a 3 for the lack of a manual and the so-so accessory MIDI knobs/sliders/pads. I only wanted the 61 semi-weighted keys so everything else was not a deal breaker for me. If the knobs/sliders/pads had blown me away with their quality and there was a printed manual I'd have given it a 5 but I'm going to stick with a 4. It does what I bought it for very well and the extras work and do not detract from it.

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The Axiom 61 is an advanced 61-key USB mobile MIDI controller with semi-weighted action and assignable aftertouch. Eight rubberized trigger pads are ideal for creating drum tracks and firing samples. Nine sliders and eight endless rotary encoder knobs put you in total control of your software studio. There are also 15 MIDI-assignable buttons—including six transport controls—assignable wheels, foot pedals and more. Programming is a breeze with dedicated front-panel keypad and backlit LCD screen. 20 memory locations store your setups and the free Enigma editor/librarian software lets you manage an unlimited number on your computer.



Total MIDI Control and Playability

Get Into the Action The Axiom series of mobile USB MIDI controllers has everything it takes to get the most from your MIDI software and hardware. Semi-weighted action complete with aftertouch gives you great feel and expression for both synth parts and pianistic passages. Eight rubberized trigger pads put your drums at your fingertips for programming with feel--or easy fire samples or visual effects.
Total MIDI Control Assign the eight rotary encoders to mixer controls like panning and effects sends, or to any synth parameters you want to control. Map the nine sliders to software mixer faders or drawbars on your virtual organ. 15 buttons, pitch and mod wheels, and sustain and expression pedal jacks round out a tour de force of MIDI domination. Assigning controllers is simple, yet has the power to let you delve as deep as you want. Each controller can map to just about any applicable parameter in the MIDI spec, including independent channel addressing for each. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Intuitive Front-Panel Programming M-Audio Axiom MIDI controllers all feature a large backlit LCD screen for visual feedback--and the 61-key and 49-key models also place a 10-key pad right on the front panel for direct, intuitive programming. You'll also find 9 dedicated front-panel function buttons to easily access common operations like preset / program change or MIDI channel +/-, octave +/-, and transpose +/-. Use the Controller Mute button to prevent parameters from jumping when you change them, for example, then press Snapshot to transmit all current settings. 20 non-volatile memory locations instantly save and recall your favorite presets--and you can manage an entire preset library on your computer via SysEx dumps and our free Enigma software editor/librarian for PC and Mac.
Mobile Operation The Axiom series is extremely compact and lightweight and all models are powered directly from your computer's USB bus. Choose the size that's best for your needs, then take your music anywhere you want to go.

Axiom 61 Specs
MIDI Data from variable controllers:
MIDI Controller Number
RPN/NRPN
Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB
Pitch Bend
GM/GM2/XG SysEx Messages

MIDI Data from buttons/switches:
MIDI Controller Number
Note On
Note On/Off toggle
RPN/NRPN
MIDI CC On/Off toggle
Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB presets
MIDI Machine Control
GM/GM2/XG SysEx messages

Size: 38.4 x 11.2 x 2.6 inches; 97.6 x 28.5 x 6.6 (cm)
Weight: 11.7 pounds; 5.3kg

What's in the Box Axiom 61 Advanced 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller, User's Manual, Ableton Live Lite Software

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M-Audio AXIOM 49 Advanced 49-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First things first, I'm no pianist. I purchased this controller to work with DAWs and soft synths. So far I'm really pleased with the purchase. The faders feel a bit dry but function nicely. The rotary encoders support absolute and relative CCs, keeping parameters from jumping when changing presets. The keyboard keys feel solid and aren't springy like the Keystation line. The blue display is informational and easy to read in light and dark environments. It's also nice the keyboard is powered off the USB bus. No need for a wall-wart adapter.
The reasons I'm giving it a 4 out of 5 instead of a 5 are the following:
1. the keyboard advertises aftertouch. This is not polyphonic aftertouch, but the less expressive channel aftertouch. Say you play a C3 and hold the note, then hit a C5 and add aftertouch only to the C5. Aftertouch is not applied to only C5 but to both C3 and C5. This can be a bit surprising the first time you try it.
2. No printed manual. A paper manual is something I like getting with hardware.
3. Pitch bend only sends coarse adjustments. This makes the pitch bend knob a bit sensitive to expressive play.
4. Customizing the layout of the instrument requires M-Audio's Enigma software. Personally I don't really like it and wish the Axiom's didn't have a black box sysex format. It'd be nice to customize the layout of the keyboard w/o using this clunky app.
I still really like this keyboard. It feels solid, plays well and is a good mid-entry midi keyboard/controller.

Click Here to see more reviews about: M-Audio AXIOM 49 Advanced 49-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller

If you need total MIDI control and playability in a compact package, check out the Axiom 49. This advanced 49-key USB mobile MIDI controller delivers semi-weighted action plus assignable aftertouch, along with eight rubberized trigger pads that are perfect for hands-on drum programming and performance. Nine sliders complement eight endless rotary encoder knobs to control just about any software studio parameter you can think of. 15 MIDI-assignable buttons--including six transport controls--and assignable wheels and foot pedals round out total control. The dedicated front-panel keypad and backlit LCD screen provide intuitive setup. There's room for 20 non-volatile memory locations for instant access to setups, plus compatibility with our free Enigma editor/librarian software for managing a virtually infinite library via Mac or PC.



Total MIDI Control and Playability in a Compact Package

Get Into the Action The Axiom series of mobile USB MIDI controllers has everything it takes to get the most from your MIDI software and hardware. Semi-weighted action complete with aftertouch gives you great feel and expression for both synth parts and pianistic passages. Eight rubberized trigger pads put your drums at your fingertips for programming with feel--or easy fire samples or visual effects.
Total MIDI Control Assign the eight rotary encoders to mixer controls like panning and effects sends, or to any synth parameters you want to control. Map the nine sliders to software mixer faders or drawbars on your virtual organ. 15 buttons, pitch and mod wheels, and sustain and expression pedal jacks round out a tour de force of MIDI domination. Assigning controllers is simple, yet has the power to let you delve as deep as you want. Each controller can map to just about any applicable parameter in the MIDI spec, including independent channel addressing for each. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Intuitive Front-Panel Programming M-Audio Axiom MIDI controllers all feature a large backlit LCD screen for visual feedback--and the 61-key and 49-key models also place a 10-key pad right on the front panel for direct, intuitive programming. You'll also find 9 dedicated front-panel function buttons to easily access common operations like preset / program change or MIDI channel +/-, octave +/-, and transpose +/-. Use the Controller Mute button to prevent parameters from jumping when you change them, for example, then press Snapshot to transmit all current settings. 20 non-volatile memory locations instantly save and recall your favorite presets--and you can manage an entire preset library on your computer via SysEx dumps and our free Enigma software editor/librarian for PC and Mac.
Mobile Operation The Axiom series is extremely compact and lightweight and all models are powered directly from your computer's USB bus. Choose the size that's best for your needs, then take your music anywhere you want to go.

Axiom 49 Specs
MIDI Data from variable controllers:
MIDI Controller Number
RPN/NRPN
Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB
Pitch Bend
GM/GM2/XG SysEx Messages

MIDI Data from buttons/switches:
MIDI Controller Number
Note On
Note On/Off toggle
RPN/NRPN
MIDI CC On/Off toggle
Program, Bank LSB, Bank MSB presets
MIDI Machine Control
GM/GM2/XG SysEx messages

Size: 31.9 x 11.2 x 2.6 inches; 81 x 28.5 x 6.6 (cm)
Weight: 10 lbs.; 4.5 kg

What's in the Box Axiom 49 Advanced 49-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller, User's Manual, Ableton Live Lite Software

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Novation Nocturn 25 USB MIDI Interface Keyboard Controller, 25-Keys, NOCTURN 25 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The general concept of the Novation Nocturn series is that you have a responsive MIDI controller that is less expensive because a lot of the display parts and intelligence are handled through Novation's AutoMap software. AutoMap can be great, but it can also be very frustrating if the mappings for different devices aren't up to date, and Novation has a poor reputation for keeping their mappings current (in particular with Reason).
I originally had an Akai MiniMPK, which worked great, but wanted something a little larger, so I figured that the Nocturn 25 was just the ticket and only a bit more expensive (and still less expensive than the MAudio Axiom Pro 25 or the Akai MPK25).
It showed up, I installed it, and everything seemed fine, until I tried to use the drum pads. The drum pads under Windows were sporadically responsive, sometimes they'd show up, sometimes they wouldn't. I tried calibrating them, and AutoMap never registered them. Hmm. This is on a Mac Pro 2008 running Win 7. On a hunch, I booted into OS X...and they work perfectly.
So it's not a hardware issue, it's software issue, and one with their drivers. According to another user on the Novation forums, he reported this a year ago and support claimed that they were aware of the problem and 'looking into it'. Non-functioning drum pads on Windows would seem to be a fairly significant issue.
Support hasn't responded to me in 3 days, so I'm guessing they're not going to address this, at which point I'll need to return this. Disappointing since I'll have to spend more money.
Overall I give it 2 stars. If you're solely an OS X user and can live with the Automap quirks, it's probably a 4 star product, but if you use Windows, one of its major features may or may not work for you at all.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Novation Nocturn 25 USB MIDI Interface Keyboard Controller, 25-Keys, NOCTURN 25

The Nocturn Keyboard from Novation is an intelligent plug-in/sequencer controller.It is a high quality professional keyboard that plays like an instrument rather than a computer peripheral.With a high quality 'Fatar' keyboard, 8 velocity-sensitive drum pads, and a total of 33 MIDI assignable controls, the Nocturn allows you to get hands-on control of your plug-in instruments, effects and sequencer. Brightly lit 11-segment LED rings around the eight smooth encoders, and backlit buttons throughout provide instant visual feedback for every physical control. All 8 oversized encoders are touch-sensitive, bringing up mapping information and automation data on DAW's with a ‘touch' mode. In addition to the high quality hardware, what really sets Nocturn Keyboard apart is the Automap control software, which is included with each Nocturn Keyboard purchase. Automap acts as a software interface for the unit. It allows you to map parameters in your software plug-ins straight to dials and buttons on the controller by simply clicking on a parameter, then touching the controller.The Automap feature also enables you to keep track of what assignments have already been made.Instead of a small monochrome LCD screen, Nocturn Keyboard displays control information where you really need it - on your computer monitor. The Automap software graphically displays Nocturn's control surface. The controllers themselves also tell you what is going on: LED rings around the 8 encoders show their current settings, and LED's behind the buttons tell you if they are on or off. The Nocturn Keyboard can be set up for use as a serious DAW/sequencer controller, including its ground-breaking Automap control of all VST/AU/RTAS/TDM plug-ins.The Nocturn Keyboard is powered by USB-saving valuable plug sockets. It can also be powered down without being unplugged, preserving battery power in laptops. Fantastic build quality, true musical instrument feel and intuitive controls are just three of the many reasons why Novation's Nocturn Keyboard is simply a joy to play.

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M-Audio Oxygen 49 49-Key USB MIDI Controller Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A video review of the m-audio oxygen 49 (silver) midi control keyboard... Just another spectacular product from m-audio. looking forward to purchasing more items from them.

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The Oxygen 49 USB MIDI controller delivers next-generation functionality from M-Audio, the leading innovator in mobile music production technology.Oxygen 49 features eight assignable knobs and nine assignable sliders, plus dedicated transport and track select buttons.directLink mode aotomatically maps these controls to common DAW functions including ransport, mixer, track pan and plug-in parameters.Built-in factory preses offer support for popular virtual instruments right out of the box - no complicated setup required.Velocity-sensitive keys and a sleek , compact design round out a portable keyboard that's perfect for both production and performance.No other MIDI controller in this price range has so much functionality while remaining easy to use.

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Infrasonic M49 Advanced 49 Key Midi Controller Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this controller recently and I think it's the best you can get in this price range. Here's why:
1. The feel of the keys is excellent. Much better than anything M-audio, Novation, etc. has to offer. It's firm yet not springy. There's no annoying clicking or other noise when you play. Not as good as a Roland Fantom or Yamaha Motif but in this price range far superior to any other controller.
2. I love the joystick and X/Y pad. Finally a controller which I can use with my Korg Wavestation VST. Of course, you can use the X/Y pad for any other controller or synth as you wish.
3. There are 8 more knobs which can be configured pretty much any way you please.
4. It's powered through your Computer's USB port. No external power supply needed!
5. It comes with a basic software editor in order to store your presets.
Overall rating: Look no further. Buy it.

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The M49 offers all of the features that are required for creating music in the studio and during live performances with state-of-the-art technology. All functionalities on M49 are easily created and modified by M49 editing software which allows multiple access MIDI driver (Windows only) on the fly, without browsing a tiny little LED screen.The speed sensitive 49 keys have six-velocity curves and the pad is capable of pitch bend and other modifications by simply touching and dragging with your finger. You can freely assign different functions to your software that offers suitable live performance of parameter controls such as EQ, Filter, etc and it can be switched to 4-note drum trigger pad by M49 Editing Software. Independently assign the x and y axis of the vector control joystick. Use it as a USB mouse to navigate through your software for on-the-fly computer access. A full transport panel enables you to take control of your music software (Cubase, Logic and Reason, etc) and track navigation. The M49 also comes with a jog wheel to easy access FF or REW for instant track navigation and the user can easily assign each knob multiple functions provided within the included programs. While using this function, the user may switch between different group assignments. This can conflict with the control signal transmission functionality, so we've added a special feature to our M49 product. Infrasonic's M49 comes with its own software in the packaging. In here, you can modify different options for your controller. Everything is modifiable; i.e. setting the joystick into mouse mode or joystick mode(x-y axis control). Using M49 Editing software, you can edit the parameter settings of your M49 controller through a Windows or Mac OS X computer. These parameter settings can be saved and recalled (loaded) as scene data on the computer, and then transmitted to (or received form) the M49 controller itself.

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