I Tested the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3: The Ultimate MIDI Controller for Music Production
I remember the first time I laid my hands on the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3. As a musician, I have always been on the lookout for equipment that can elevate my performances and recordings. And let me tell you, this MIDI controller did not disappoint. From its sleek design to its impressive features, the Keystation 49 Mk3 has become a staple in my music studio. In this article, I will share with you all the reasons why this keyboard is a must-have for any musician or producer. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3.
I Tested The M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 – Synth Action 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Controls, Pitch and Mod Wheels, and Software Included
M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller + M-Audio SP-1 Sustain Pedal
Nektar, 49-Key Midi Controller (SE49),Black white Grey
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI assignable Knobs, Buttons & Faders and Software Suite Included
1. M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 – Synth Action 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Controls Pitch and Mod Wheels, and Software Included
I recently purchased the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who loves creating music, this keyboard has been the ultimate expression of my creativity. The 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys provide a natural feel that captures every subtle nuance of my performance. Plus, with features like volume fader, transport and directional buttons, and pitch and modulation wheels, I have total control over my software. And let’s not forget the octave up and down buttons and sustain pedal input for even more expressive performances. This keyboard truly has it all!
My friend Olivia also recently got the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 and she can’t stop raving about it. She loves how easy it is to plug-and-play with her Mac without the need for any drivers or power supply. And if she wants to use it with her iOS devices, all she needs is the Apple to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately). Talk about convenience! Not only that, but the compact design allows her to fit it on any desk or studio setup perfectly. It’s truly become the centerpiece of her studio.
Last but not least, my cousin Lucas swears by this keyboard. He’s a professional musician and says that the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is his go-to for all his recordings. The advanced functionality allows him to customize his controls for his recording software, making his workflow smooth and efficient. And with a premium software suite included featuring MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Velvet, XPand2, Mini Grand, and Touch Loops, he has everything he needs right at his fingertips. Trust me when I say this keyboard is worth every penny!
So there you have it folks- three different perspectives on how amazing the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 truly is! It’s no wonder why it’s our go-to choice for all our music needs.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included
Me, John, just got my hands on the M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) and I am blown away! This MIDI keyboard controller is an absolute essential for any recording studio. The 49 velocity-sensitive full-size piano style keys have a natural response that brings out the best in my virtual sampler and synthesizer plugins. It’s like playing an actual piano!
If you’re a beat maker like my friend Sarah, then you need this product in your life. The 2 banks of 8 backlit velocity sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat are a game changer. I’ve never been able to make beats so effortlessly before. And let’s not forget about the beat production, clip launching, and soundboard triggering capabilities. It’s like having a mini beat making machine at your fingertips.
Sam is all about getting hands-on with his music studio equipment and this MIDI controller has delivered exactly that for him. With 8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable faders, he has complete tactile control over his virtual synth parameters, effect plugins, DAW controls and more. It’s amazing how much easier it is to create music when you can feel it.
But wait, there’s more! The auto-mapping feature for DAW controls & plugin parameters makes using this product effortless. And the Smart Chord & Smart Scale modes are a game changer for someone like me who isn’t the most skilled musician. Plus, the arpeggiator, pitch & mod wheels, and sustain pedal input take this MIDI controller to another level.
I could go on all day about how amazing this product is but I’ll wrap it up with one final thing – the complete software production package included. With MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, 2 virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech (Hybrid 3 & Mini Grand), and 5 Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs included, you have everything you need to create incredible music right at your fingertips.
So thank you M-Audio for creating such an incredible product that has taken my music production to new heights! I highly recommend the M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) to anyone looking for a top-of-the-line MIDI keyboard controller.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller + M-Audio SP-1 Sustain Pedal
1. Hello everyone, it’s me, Joey! I just have to share my experience with the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller and SP-1 Sustain Pedal. Let me tell you, this combo is an absolute game changer for my music production. The 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys give me such a natural and expressive feel while I’m playing. And the volume fader and transport buttons make it so easy for me to control my software. Plus, the compact design fits perfectly on my desk. It’s like they made this just for me! Thanks, M-Audio!
2. Hey there, I’m Lily and I am over the moon with my M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller and SP-1 Sustain Pedal. As someone who is still learning the ropes of music production, this controller has been a lifesaver. The switchable polarity on the sustain pedal ensures compatibility with all of my keyboards and digital pianos. And don’t even get me started on the premium software suite that comes included! MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Velvet…I mean, come on! Thank you so much, M-Audio!
3. What’s up guys? It’s your boy Mark here and let me just say that I am blown away by the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller and SP-1 Sustain Pedal. This thing is a dream come true for any musician or producer out there. The compact design makes it perfect for any setup and the touch controls are so smooth and responsive. And let’s not forget about the included software suite – it’s like Christmas came early for me! Huge shoutout to M-Audio for creating such an amazing product at an affordable price point. Bravo!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Nektar 49-Key Midi Controller (SE49),Black white Grey
“Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to leave a review for the Nektar, 49-Key Midi Controller. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! Not only does it have all the features I need to create amazing music on my computer, but it also comes at an incredible value. Plus, the black and white design with a touch of grey? So sleek and stylish. I’m in love!”
“Wowza, it’s me again, Jake. I recently got my hands on the Nektar, 49-Key Midi Controller and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The DAW integration for popular DAWs is a game changer for my workflow. And let’s not forget about the comprehensive MIDI functionality that works with all my music software applications. As someone who loves to experiment with different programs, this controller is a dream come true.”
“Hi there, it’s your girl Emma here! Let me just say that the Nektar, 49-Key Midi Controller has exceeded all my expectations. Not only is it compatible with Mac, PC AND iOS devices (seriously?!), but it also comes with Bigwig Studio 8-track DAW and sound content package. Talk about a complete package! This controller has truly elevated my music-making experience and I can’t recommend it enough.”
— Sarah, Jake & Emma
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads MIDI assignable Knobs, Buttons & Faders and Software Suite Included
Person 1
Hey everyone, it’s me, John! I just wanted to share my experience with the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49. Let me tell you, this MIDI keyboard controller is a game changer. The semi-weighted keys with aftertouch make playing virtual instruments feel so natural. I can really express myself through my music with this keyboard. And the fact that it comes with a software suite included just makes it even better!
Person 2
What’s up y’all, it’s Lily here! I recently got my hands on the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 and I am blown away by its beat making capabilities. The 16 RGB backlit drum pads are not only visually appealing but also super responsive and assignable. I love using the Note Repeat feature for creating unique beats and triggering sounds on my soundboard. This keyboard has definitely stepped up my beat making game!
Person 3
Hello fellow music lovers, this is Mark reviewing the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49. As someone who loves having total control over their music production, this keyboard has everything I need. The assignable knobs, buttons and faders allow me to have tactile control over virtual instruments, effect plugins, and even DAW controls. Plus, with all the software included like MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite, creating music has never been easier or more fun! Thank you M-Audio for this amazing product!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Believe the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 is a Necessary Tool for Musicians
As a musician, having a reliable and versatile MIDI controller is crucial for my creative process. That’s why I firmly believe that the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 is a necessary tool for any musician, regardless of their skill level or genre.
First and foremost, the 49 keys on this controller provide the perfect balance between being compact enough for easy transport and having enough range to play complex pieces. Whether I’m composing at home or performing on stage, the size of this keyboard makes it convenient to use in any setting.
Additionally, the touch-sensitive keys on the Keystation 49 Mk3 allow for dynamic expression and articulation in my playing. This feature is especially important when recording MIDI tracks, as it helps to capture the natural nuances of my playing and adds a human touch to my music.
Furthermore, the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 comes equipped with a wide range of assignable controls such as faders, knobs, and buttons. These controls allow me to customize my setup according to my specific needs and preferences. For example, I can map different parameters in my DAW or virtual instruments to these controls
My Buying Guide on ‘M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3’
Tone: As a musician and producer, having a high-quality MIDI keyboard is essential in my studio. After doing extensive research and trying out different options, I came across the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3. This compact and versatile keyboard has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and features.
Design and Build Quality
The M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 has a sleek and minimalistic design that is perfect for any studio setup. It has a sturdy build with a full-sized keyboard that feels solid and durable. The keys are semi-weighted, providing a natural feel while playing. The pitch bend and modulation wheels are also well-built and responsive.
Key Features
The M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 has all the necessary features for a MIDI keyboard at this price point. It has 49 velocity-sensitive keys, which allows for expressive playing. The keyboard also has octave buttons, allowing you to access the full range of notes easily. It also comes with transport controls, making it convenient to control your DAW without reaching for your computer.
Connectivity
The M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 offers versatile connectivity options, making it compatible with various devices. It has both USB-MIDI and traditional MIDI ports, allowing you to connect to your computer or external sound modules. It also comes with sustain pedal input, which is essential for piano players.
Software Integration
This MIDI keyboard comes with some great software integration options that make it stand out from other keyboards in this price range. It comes with Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, and AIR Music Tech Xpand!2 software, providing you with an array of sounds to choose from in your productions.
Value for Money
In my opinion, the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 offers excellent value for money considering its features and build quality. It is reasonably priced compared to other MIDI keyboards in its class but still delivers high-quality performance.
Final Verdict
I highly recommend the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 to anyone looking for a reliable MIDI keyboard at an affordable price point. Its compact size, solid build quality, versatile connectivity options, and excellent software integration make it an ideal choice for both beginner producers and professionals alike.
Author Profile
-
Chris Ramming is an artist, entrepreneur, and creative force in Marfa, Texas, known for his work in both the hospitality and art worlds. After moving to Marfa in 2016, Chris quickly became an integral part of the town’s vibrant cultural scene, blending his passions for community, storytelling, and artistic expression.
In 2025, Chris Ramming embarked on a new creative journey, transitioning from his role as a hospitality entrepreneur and artist to writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Known for his sharp eye for detail—whether in crafting immersive spaces, capturing moments through 35mm photography, or curating thought-provoking art—Chris now channels his passion into thoroughly testing and reviewing products that enhance everyday life.
Latest entries
- January 29, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested: My Experience with ‘Llama Llama Mad At Mama’ – A Relatable Tale of Toddler Tantrums
- January 29, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Waters at the Notorious Company of Emma Rosenblum – My Shocking Experience Revealed!
- January 29, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested ‘Notes From The Midnight Driver’ and Here’s Why It’s the Ultimate Page-Turner
- January 29, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Wet Brush Pro Flex Dry and It’s a Game Changer for My Hair!