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Top 16 Best 49 Key Midi Controller of June 2023

If you’re serious about learning how to play MIDI games, then this list of the best 49 key midi controllers is for you. While it may seem like there are an infinite number of controllers out there, in reality, there are only a few that will really help you get started. There are also some that might not be worth your time or money. Thankfully, we’ve got this list of the best 49 midi controllers to help you find the ones that suit your needs and your budget.

Our Top Pics

Best Overall: Novation Launchkey 49 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live

The Novation Launchkey 49 is the perfect controller for Ableton Live. With deep and intuitive Ableton Live control, it gives you a seamless music making experience. Have all the tools at your disposal with deep and intuitive Ableton Live control — including device macro control, track select, record, capture MIDI, clip and scene launch, stop/mute/solo, volume, pans and sends. Never lose an idea with Capture MIDI – One touch access to Ableton Live’s Capture MIDI ensures you will never lose an idea without taking you from the creative experience.

Best Budget: M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 - Semi Weighted 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is the perfect keyboard for recording, performance and composition. With 49 velocity-sensitive keys, it's easy to capture the nuances of your playing - even in difficult situations. The Assignable button lets you assign any key to any MIDI note with ease, while the Octave up and down buttons let you change the octave of your notes with just a single press. Plus, the sustain pedal input makes it easy to create expressive performances with just a few quick notes. And for added convenience, the Mac or PC connection means you can use it right where you are - in your music room or onstage.

Editor's Choice: AKAI Professional MPK249 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

The AKAI Professional MPK249 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 49 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC is the perfect addition to your production arsenal. With its Pro Keyboard Performance - 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive full-size keys and a premium piano-style keybed for unprecedented response and natural feel, this keyboard controller gives you the control you need to create amazing beats. Plus, 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 64 pads provide you with the perfect solution for triggering samples, loops, one-shots, melodics and more. And because it doesn't throws shade, the Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 30 will keep your face soft and healthy all summer long.

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Comparison Table

Showing  11 - 16  in  16 results
11
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    M-Audio
12
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    Novation
13
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    Roland
14
  • SCORE
    8.6
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    Samson
15
  • SCORE
    8.4
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    Novation
16
  • SCORE
    8.2
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    Samson

Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

4.5
2 ratings

Buying Guides

What is a MIDI controller?

A MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is acommunication standard created by the International Association of Music Merchants (IAMM) to facilitate the interchange of digital information between different electronic musical instruments. MIDI devices communicate information such as notes, chords, scales,Arpeggios and more via messages that are defined by the specific device. A MIDI controller is essentially a computer and a MIDI device. MIDI devices communicate information such as notes, chords, scales,Arpeggios and more via messages that are defined by the specific device. A MIDI controller is essentially a computer and a MIDI device. The 49 key midi controllers on this list are the ones that support MIDI, meaning that they can send and receive messages to and from the computer via MIDI.

Best 49 Key Midi Controller: What’s in a Name?

The most popular midi keyboard on the market is the Yamaha PSR-20. While it’s a good unit, it only supports 49 keys and comes with built-in software that’s very limited. Thankfully, there are numerous expansion options that will allow you to play the keyboard in a wide range of keys, as well as support many more keys and colours than the PSR-20 provides. The best 49 key midi controller is the 128+ key Contour L2/L3 with CV/Gate, also known as the L2/L3 LCD Touchscreen. This unit supports a wide range of keys, many colours, and you can even map the unit to your computer’s keyboard to make it easier to play with one hand!

Which 49 Key Midi Controller is for You?

The best 49 key midi controller isn’t the one that comes with the most bells and whistles, but the one that’s right for you. Each midi device is different and has its own set of features, so you’ll have to test out each one to find the right one for you. There are a number of features to consider before making a decision: - Sound Quality: What kind of sound quality are you looking for? Ideally, you want a device that can output professional quality sound. - Range: How much control do you want to have over the machine? More range equates to better control; less range means less control. - Functions: What other functions do you want the machine to have? - Warranty: How long does the warranty last? - Overall: How much does the midi controller cost? - Summary After that, you’ll have to decide which one of the 49 key midi controllers offers the best value for your money. There are a few things to consider here: - How much does the midi controller cost? - Warranty: How long is the warranty? - Overall: How does the midi controller rate against other midi controllers on the market?

How to Play with a MIDI Keyboard

You’ll have to decide which type of playing you want to do: - Standard Playing: This is what most people mean when they say ‘playing’ a midi device. - Hand Control: This is when you play the keyboard with your hands. - Notation Playing: This is when you use special software to control the device. - Sampling Playing: This is when you use the midi device to control sound generation.


Conclusion

While the list above isn’t meant to be exhaustive, it should help you narrow down your options and make the process of finding the best 49 key midi controller easier. While there are many ways to go about this, ultimately, the best 49 key midi controller will suit your needs best. Remember, there’s no perfect midi controller out there; each one has its own unique properties that you’ll have to test out to see if they work for you!


Lumia Shaffer
Lumia Shaffer

I'm Lumia Shaffer! I'm a Kirby Research author, with a passion for writing, I've researched and published many in-depth product research articles!
My Twitter: https://twitter.com/KirbyLumias