Pros
Great value and quality
Full-sized keys with semi-weighted feel
Pitch and modulation knobs
Compact design
Easy plug-and-play setup
Solid build quality despite being mostly plastic
No driver installation required for Mac
Works with various DAWs out of the box
Includes useful software
Good customer service for replacements
Cons
Keys feel slightly spongy and brittle
Compact design may lead to fat-fingering
Can be difficult to get working on Windows 10
Main Product Advantages
9 Support and Service
Customer service is responsive and helpful, providing quick replacements for faulty units.
9 Value for Money
Excellent value considering its features and price. Very suitable for beginners and those on a budget who need a functional MIDI keyboard.
8 Connectivity
Plug and play on Mac OS-X and mostly straightforward on Windows. Issues may occur with some Windows 10 setups. USB cable is short, and an extension might be required.
8 Portability
Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport and fits well for on-stage performances or limited workspace setups.
7 Key Quality
The keys are semi-weighted and full-sized, providing good resistance and a pleasant playing experience. However, some users find them a bit narrow and spongy.
7 Usability
Good for basic MIDI control and composing music. Not suitable for nuanced piano practice. Octave shifting and pitch/modulation wheels increase utility.
6 Build Quality
Lightweight and mostly plastic, but generally sturdy. Some users reported keys feeling brittle and spongy, and issues with unit arriving slightly bent.
5 Software
Comes with bundled software that may require account creation and registration. The software included is seen as highly limited and not very useful.
Introduction
Pure Player Experience: Enter the world of unrestricted computer-based music creation and performance with the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 keyboard controller - the successor to the iconic Keystation 49 II.
Key Features
The Keystation 49 MK3 is a full-featured, powerful MIDI keyboard controller engineered for sequencing music and playing virtual instruments on both Mac and PC. At its core, it boasts an all-new premium keybed that delivers a superbly natural, player-centric response.
The keyboard comes equipped with 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys, ensuring that every subtle nuance of your performance is faithfully captured. Additionally, the expertly-located octave range buttons offer unrestricted access to the full keyboard range, making it suitable for lead lines, extended chords, and sub-heavy bass-lines.
User Experience
The Keystation 49 MK3 is designed to keep you focused on what’s important – your performance. Its layout and controls are intuitive, allowing users to dive straight into music creation or live performance. The combination of pitch and mod wheels along with assignable controls provides a comprehensive toolset for any musician.
Conclusion
The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a highly capable and versatile MIDI keyboard controller. With its premium keybed, full-size velocity-sensitive keys, and intuitive controls, it is an excellent choice for both aspiring and experienced musicians looking to enhance their computer-based music creation and performance experience.
