M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- No Longer Available
- B&H # MAKR49
- Mfr# 9900-52239-10
Product Highlights
- 49 Keys
- Velocity Sensitive
- KeyRig Software for Windows
- Ableton Live Lite
- USB 2.0 and 1.1 Compatible
- Mac OS X
- Windows XP
The KeyRig 49 MIDI controller keyboard from M-Audio can turn a Mac OS X or Windows XP computer into a fully featured keyboard workstation. The keyboard features 49 keys with synthesizer-like action. Ableton's Live Lite software provides recording and editing functions, while the M-Audio Key Rig software (Windows only) includes 4 virtual instrument modules.
The keyboard supports both USB 2 and 1.1 and draws power from either bus using the included cable. Features include the standard pitch and modulation wheels, an assignable volume slider, octave +/- buttons and sustain pedal input. The keyboard requires no additional drivers and provides "Plug and Play" functionality.
- 49-note velocity sensitive synthesizer action keyboard
- USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 compatible
- USB bus powered
- Assignable modulation wheel and volume slider
- Pitch bend wheel
- Assignable octave +/- buttons
- Includes M-Audio Key Rig software (PC only) and Abelton Live Lite for both Mac and Windows
- "Plug and Play" installation on both Mac and Windows based computers
| Keyboard | 49 keys, velocity sensitive |
| Presets | No |
| User Memory | No |
| Controllers |
1 x Pitch Bend Wheel 1 x Modulation Wheel 1 x Volume Slider 2 x Octave Shift Buttons 1 x Edit Mode Button |
| Output |
1 x MIDI Out USB |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" Sustain Pedal In |
| Display | No |
| Power Requirements | USB power |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 32.1 x 7.5 x 2.8" (815 x 191 x 71mm) |
| Weight | 4.6 lbs (2.1kg) |
| System Compatibility |
Mac: G3 800/G4 733MHz or higher OS X 10.2.8 with 256MB RAM OS X 10.3.4, 10.4, 10.5.1 with 512MB RAM Native USB port required - G3/G4 accelerator cards not supported PC: Windows 98, Me, NT, or 2000 not supported |
| Specialties | Includes Key Rig software (Windows XP only) and Ableton Live Lite music production software |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 35 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
87%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (21)
- Portable (15)
- Responsive / good action (15)
- Touch sensitive keys (12)
- Good audio (8)
Cons
- No speakers (9)
- Poor action (4)
- Difficult to use (3)
Best Uses
- MIDI (23)
- Electronic music (15)
- Learning (12)
- Travel (9)
- Accompaniment (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (17), Novice (10), Professional musician (4)
- Primary use:
- Personal (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Good Basic Keyboard Controller
This product delivers exactly what is advertised: a low-cost, low-frills, but capable USB keyboard controller. It worked immediately out of the box with Finale Allegro on Mac OS X. The only warning I...Read complete review
This product delivers exactly what is advertised: a low-cost, low-frills, but capable USB keyboard controller. It worked immediately out of the box with Finale Allegro on Mac OS X. The only warning I would make to potential entry-level buyers is to consider the size. 49 keys looks great on paper but be sure you accurately evaluate the working space you will need in order to accommodate this device and whether you really need all those octaves for the work you will do.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Music for Video Production
I purchased this Keyboard so that I could create simple music loops in Garageband that I could use as backing tracks for short-films or videos I'm creating. It interfaces with Garageband quite well, but ...Read complete review
I purchased this Keyboard so that I could create simple music loops in Garageband that I could use as backing tracks for short-films or videos I'm creating. It interfaces with Garageband quite well, but the sensitivity of the keys makes it somewhat difficult to get a dependable sound from the program. This isn't software related, as I've a friend with a professional keyboard that doesn't experience the same issues.
All in all, it will work, but just a little more professionalism in the device would have saved me hours of tweeking my recordings.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 35 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
Used for basic Midi, very fun and easy to play around with. Installation (or lack thereof) couldn't be any simpler on this controller, particularly with OS X. The keys do have a spring feel to them, which personally is a non issue. If durability is a priority for what you are looking for go up in price, this is great for in-home stationary fun. The wheels on the left seem to be made very well however the volume control doesn't feel very durable just be careful with it. All in all a really great piece of hardware for the price-point, just be nice to it.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
This is a really outstanding product. Just plug in the USB and it plays MIDI instruments. I use it to play virtual instruments on Pro Tools, so there is some routing/virtual patching involved in Pro Tools. But the keyboard is fantastic. The keyboard sensitivity is also good. It doesn't come with a sustain pedal, but I don't need a sustain pedal for the electronic music I produce. It's also portable and lightweight, so it's easy to carry from one location to another.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
Cons
- No Speakers
Best Uses
- Learning
- MIDI
- Travel
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
I use this controller with both garage band and logic pro 9 and it works perfectly. It's small enough to fit on my desk and not take up too much room.
Pros
- Portable
Cons
- Poor Action
- Poor Instructions
Best Uses
- Learning
- MIDI
- Travel
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
This controller is a classic. Spongy but responsive keys. Playable and light.It works great with the iPad.
Pros
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Difficult to Use
Best Uses
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
The Keyboard and our experience with B&H was great. Unforatunately the KeyRig 49 software was not able to work on Windows Vista and M-Audio was not helpful. Thankfully I was able to use on another set of software that I got for my kids
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- No Speakers
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
- Travel
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
I use the keyboard to create tracks of original music.
It's lightweight, great for live performance, highly functional as a controller. VERY flexible tool. No power cord needed.
Large On-Board hard Drive would be nice.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
I purchased the KeyRig 49 to use with a new ProTools LE program I recently picked up. In the past I've on a Keystation 49 and various other synthesizers and controllers. The KeyRig is a great value for the money. I also purchased the SP2 sustain pedal.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
Cons
- Poor Action
- Unrealistic sound
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
After playing with this for a little bit I just don't like they keys or the pressure response, it's just too plasticy feeling and I think I am going to return it and spend a little more and get a 61 key weighted keyboard.
For the price, it works though on the cheap.
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Too big
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
Simple to use in my productions.
Usb plug an play is very convenent.
It's sort of big witch is not a + but still ok.
Pros
- Portable
- Realistic Sound
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Difficult to Use
- Poor Action
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
- Travel
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
I purchased this Keyboard so that I could create simple music loops in Garageband that I could use as backing tracks for short-films or videos I'm creating. It interfaces with Garageband quite well, but the sensitivity of the keys makes it somewhat difficult to get a dependable sound from the program. This isn't software related, as I've a friend with a professional keyboard that doesn't experience the same issues.
All in all, it will work, but just a little more professionalism in the device would have saved me hours of tweeking my recordings.
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Poor Action
Best Uses
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
I use this for my home recording setup, most of the time to make a drum beat and control all my soft synth, 49 keys are just about enough size to sit on my table not to short not to long, the keys feel a bit light, but again for the price i couldn't complain, i comes with the keyrig vst, you'll need to update the software prior to use it, otherwise the key verification would not work.anyway I recommend this keyboard especially for home or studio work.
Pros
- Good price value
Cons
- POOR QUALITY
Best Uses
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
The keys are not too easy to press down and feel kind of cheap. I guess you get what you pay for! The sound is also very low.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
- Travel
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
I had already owned the original version of this controller. This new version works the same way. Keys are light (synth-style) and as long as you set up your software correctly, it works fine. Notice that USB plug on the back of controller feels loose. I checked other controllers and that's the way the are. I think it's done on purpose to have wiggle room if you drop the controller and its cable comes out.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Pre-programmed music
- Responsive / Good Action
Cons
- No Speakers
Best Uses
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
I use this product with fruity loops and it works great with every single vst. It is a plug and play which I like about it and you can also program the unused buttons and keys to do whatever you want. It is a little heavy though and it won't feel like a piano. But it is great for it's low price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
the key rig software and control panel are not user friendly for this particular product
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
great beginning keyboard that works good with garage band. Easy hook up to the MAC with the supplied USB cord.
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
It's a basic controller that does exactly what it's supposed to do.
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
- No Speakers
Best Uses
- Writing music
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
Works with my Sibelius software. However, I had to shut down some programs running ing the background as there was a delay between the key strike and the sound (and the note placement.) This may be from the computer being a few years old. I'm happy with the product for the price paid.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Software
- Nice price
- Quality feel
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
- Works perfect on Mac OSX
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
I use the product for composing music in general (electronic, soundtracks, etc) and it's great for that.
The whole keyboard is quality looking and the keys has a great response to touch. They feel perfect when playing.
The included software is great and it came with a large amount of great sounds as well. It's upgradeable to the latest version for free and it brings even more fantastic sounds!
It's exactly what I wanted!
Works perfect on MAC OSX
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- No Speakers
Best Uses
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
Ease to use
Plug and play
Works great with garage band
Stands & Support
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- Price: $24.95
Benches
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- Price: $24.70
Pedals
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- Price: $19.99
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