M-Audio MIDI keyboard, USB

General

No (home) studio can do without a decent MIDI keyboard. The M-Audio Keystation 49 II is a solid, affordable MIDI keyboard controller that is ready to plug-and-play and only requires a single USB cable for both power supply and MIDI connectivity. Combine the Keystation 49 II with a low-latency sound card and you have everything you need to convert your creative ideas into music on your PC or Mac. This edition of the MIDI keyboard has a sleek anthracite finish and features a number of new functions.

M-Audio Keystation 49 II: user-friendly MIDI controller

Whereas many other modern MIDI controllers feature an elaborate number of (often superfluous) functions, the Keystation focuses more on providing a great playing experience with all the required options. As such, the USB MIDI keyboard is equipped with 49 velocity-sensitive keys that feel more authentic and accurate than those of other models in the same price range. This edition of the Keystation 49 II also features a set of transport and navigation buttons that enable you to control your favourite DAW. Naturally, the familiar pitch and modulation wheels, octave up/down buttons and volume slider are also at your disposal.

Sustain pedal and software

To offer you a little extra expression, the M-Audio Keystation 49 II is equipped with a 6.3mm input for an optional sustain pedal (SP-2, separately available). The accessory software has also been upgraded: in addition to Ableton Live Lite digital audio workstation, the virtual grand piano Eighty-Eight Ensemble by SONiVOX has also been included. This means you can get straight down to business recording and editing your key parts. An optional Apple Camera Connection Kit (separately available) enables you to connect the M-Audio Keystation 49 II USB MIDI keyboard to your iOS devices.

• Please note: if you want to use the keyboard in combination with an iOS device, a separately available iPad Camera Connection Kit is required.