M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
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 Zones | 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 26 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
88%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (14)
- Responsive / good action (10)
- Portable (9)
- Touch sensitive keys (9)
- Good audio (7)
Cons
- No speakers (7)
Best Uses
- MIDI (15)
- Electronic music (9)
- Learning (8)
- Travel (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (12), Novice (7), Professional musician (3)
- 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 26 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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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
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
- USB powered
Cons
- Cheap-looking keys
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
- Travel
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
I was looking for a midi keyboard that was not too big and not too expensive. This was a very good choice. I use it mainly for composition. I have not thoroughly tested the software that came with the keyboard, but it's fine with Reason 4 (I'll definitely buy it, one day ...). A very good point is that the keyboard is USB bus powered, I can use it anywhere I want with my laptop!
Disappointment to me: the feel of the keys has absolutely nothing to do with that of a real piano, so fans of realism, go your way ...
(half google translated from french)
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- No Speakers
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
- Travel
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
the midi controller has a simple user interface, yet it is powerful once connected to the computer with the software that allows you to play around in any styles. I use Garageband on a Mac and they both work great.
I am a singer and song writer who plays guitar and piano. with this versatile, handy keyboard I am empowered to make the music that I want.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
- School Bands
- Travel
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
Classroom demonstration for simple sound, chord sounds, instrument sounds. The keys are very responsive and the quality of sound amazed me and all my students.
Pros
- Portable
- Realistic Sound
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Difficult to Use
Best Uses
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
its light and responsive when using it....Theres a lot of software out there that recognizes this product
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- No Speakers
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
I am using the KeyRig as a midi controller in a number of programs mainly GarageBand. The KeyRig works great for controlling the virtual instruments. Works great for keys and other virtual instruments, however i have found it harder to use for control of the virtual percussion kits. Overall this is a great entry level keyboard for someone interested in getting in to electronic music production.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
Cons
- Limited Sound Selection
- No Speakers
Best Uses
- Learning
- MIDI
- Practice
- Travel
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
I am very proud of my KeyRig Midi controller. It' sleek and small, just what I need for making loops at my computer desk in my dorm. While performing flawlessly, I can switch octaves with a button! I didn't even know this was part of the product. I am very satisfied with this M-Audio product and will continue to look at M-Audio in the future.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Cheap feel
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
I use this product in conjunction with "Reason".
This product is a very nice piece of equipment, my only complaint is that the keys feel cheap and that they might break of hit wrong, otherwise, this is a very good buy. But hey, you get what you pay for haha!
I also am not a fan of the software that came bundled with this package.
Pros
Cons
- No Speakers
- Poor Instructions
Best Uses
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
key rig49......can,t seem to make a sound on my computer... won,t let me chose port to recieve from....................pro tools...have not been able to make any maudio products work on my comp.. although the retailer insists it will it never does and i just keep returning them ....how frustrating...you get what you pay for i guess...
Pros
- Good Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about M-Audio KeyRig 49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller:
Purchased for my daughter with Children's Musical Journey software (separately was cheaper). BHP had the best price -- no one would match it. Good, simple, inexpensive keyboard for beginners. Well constructed. Good feel. Easy install.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Benches
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Cases & Protection
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Pedals
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What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- Software CD-ROM
- One (1) Year Warranty
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