The 49 Key MIDI keyboard controllers are enough for anyone who wants to create sounds and play single-note melodies, or single-note bass or simple three-note chords. Midi controllers have become very popular in the music industry because of their great features and build quality. Buying the best 49 key midi keyboard controller will give you the best piano playing experience.
49-key controller lies between full-sized midi controllers and 25-key controllers. They have a compact design meaning that they don’t require a lot of storage space.
Best 49 Key MIDI Keyboard Controllers On the Market
Factors to Consider When Buying a 49 Key MIDI Keyboard Controller
The current market is flooded with different models and versions of midi controllers that musicians and pianists can choose from. Lest have also at the essential factors that one must put into consideration when purchasing a 49-keys midi controller.
1. Sound Quality
Most of these controllers are designed to produce quality sounds. For instance, they come with good speakers that ensure that people get a quality, clear sound. You should look for a model that can produce various sounds and allow you to adjust sounds. Picking an authentic piano will make you feel comfortable and enjoyable while practicing and when performing.
2. Weight
These controllers are large enough but relatively smaller and lighter as compared to the full-sized models. This means that you don’t have to break your back when moving your audio instrument to the stage.
This is a feature that makes them ideal for travelers and musicians who perform overseas.
3. Bluetooth Connectivity
Most of the modern 49-keys midi controllers are Bluetooth enabled. This means that they can easily be connected to other audio devices and mobile devices like laptops or smartphones.
4. Value
These controllers come with different prices depending on the available features and manufacturers. You should come up with a reasonable and stick to your budget when purchasing a midi controller. It is essential to consider and compare the available option before making your final purchasing decision.
5. Sound Options
These devices come with a variety of sound options. Buying one will allow practicing various songs and enjoy your favorite songs and sounds. Beginners and professional pianists can use these controllers to experiment with new sounds learn how to pay from scratch.
6. Learning Guide
Try to understand and learn how an instrument work can be a daunting task, especially for a beginner. Some of these instruments come with guides that can give their users access to various learning applications. Using the guide can help you identify the key areas that you need to focus on or improve.
Top 7 Best 49 Key MIDI Controller Reviews
The 49-key keyboards are great for music studios and musicians because they are portable and still large enough for pianists and musicians. These controllers are well-designed and have superior features that make them a practical option for individuals who want to use both hands while playing music and still enjoy small controllers.
Moreover, these controllers are affordable and can also be used by professionals who are in the music industry.
1. Best Overall -M Audio Oxygen 49 Key MIDI Keyboard
Brilliant features
- Comes with a comprehensive software package for pc ad mac
- Ultra-portable, thanks to its simple design and lightweight
- Produce quality sound making it an excellent option for beginners and professional musicians
- User-friendly setup
Watch out for
- Not Great for Using With FL Studio
The M Audio Oxygen 49 Key MIDI Keyboard is one of the best 49 keys MIDI keyboards in the current market. This instrument is ultra-portable and compact. It comes with velocity-sensitive keys, modulation wheels, and onboard pitches for excellent performances.
The M Audio Oxygen 49 Key MIDI Keyboard is designed with eight sensitive trigger pads for clip launching and beat production. These include nine assignable fades ad eight assignable knobs that make it easier for the user to manipulate his/her musical instrument.
It comes with a software package that makes it compatible with android pc and mac devices. Its innovative direct link makes it easier to map controls. It has up and down buttons that allow the user to practice to control his/her draw even without using the mouse.
2. Best Weighted -Akai Professional MPK 249 MIDI Keyboard
Brilliant features
- Superb keys quality with semi-weighted action
- 24 assignable Q Link controllers
- Compact and user-friendly
- Responsive pads
- Solid construction
Watch out for
- The black keys are a bit stiff
The Akai Professional MPK 249 MIDI Keyboard is a semi-weighted, 49-keys midi controller. It comes with velocity-sensitive keys that provide a natural feel and an unprecedented response. It features 24 assignable Q-link controllers, includes faders, switches, and eight control knobs that give the user a hassle-free experience.
The QWERTY commands enables the user to practice and work more efficiently with its software. Additionally, this controller is compatible with iOS devices, thanks to its camera connection kit. Its energy-saving mode makes eco-friendly and energy-efficient. It comes with a USB port, a five-pin MIDI output, and input.
3. Best Budget -Alesis V49 MIDI Keyboard Controller
Brilliant features
- Deep Ableton integration
- Comes with responsive and sensitive keys
- Affordably priced for individuals with tight budgets
- Solid build quality making it more durable and long-lasting
- Lots of controls that allows the user to control or program his musical instrument
- Relatively compact size-Lightweight, and narrower than the other models making it portable
Watch out for
- Its small pads are not that responsive
The Alesis V49 MIDI Keyboard is one of the most popular 49-keys controllers, thanks to its affordability, reliability, and performance. It comes with eight backlit pads and velocity-sensitive keys and 8 backlit pads.
Furthermore, it features octave down and up buttons that allow the user to access the full pitch and range of his/her keyboard. It has modulation wheels that deliver creative, impressive control. Its keys are not only sensitive but also highly responsive.
This controller is known for offering a punchy performance making it one of the most significant choices for intermediate to beginner-level musicians and home studios. This is a controller that balances price and key quality. The Alesis V49 MIDI Keyboard comes with few buttons and knobs, but its build-quality, design, and performance are worth every penny. It is an excellent choice for individuals who want to purchase a full-sized, affordable keyboard.
In terms of design, this controller has a simple, pretty minimalist design. It is designed to last and feels sturdy. The Alesis V49 MIDI Keyboard boasts the latest software features and is compatible with Windows and Mac machines.
4. Roland A-49 MIDI Keyboard Controller
Brilliant features
- It comes with great controls and keys
- Lightweight and compact, making it portable
- Easy to use it has a superior finish
- Comes with velocity-sensitive keys
- Has excellent mobility and playability
- It has a clutter-free, clean surface
- Comes with great keys for improved performance
Watch out for
- Comes with small-sized keys that make it difficult for beginners to set up or use
- Some users experience poor connections
The Roland Company is known for designing and manufacturing some of the best musical instruments, such as synthesizers and keyboards, guitars, digital recording equipment, among others. The Roland A-49 MIDI Keyboard Controller is lightweight and has a compact design. It has black and pearl white finishes. In addition to this, this controller is easy to use. It is USB bus-powered, meaning that the user does not require an AC adapter.
The Roland A-49 MIDI Keyboard Controller comes with a D-MEAN controller, two switches, and two knobs for improved performance. It has an amazingly lightweight, streamlined design that makes it easy to carry and lift.
This controller has velocity-sensitive keys and produces excellent sounds. It is also known for its controls and knobs. It is well-designed to eliminate vertical shake and mechanical noise. These are the fantastic features that make Roland A-49 MIDI Controller an excellent option for musicians who want an easy-to-use, simple MIDI keyboard.
5. Best Compact -MIDIPlus X4 Mini MIDI Keyboard
Brilliant features
- Comes with control knobs that improve the user’s experience
- Has an LED display that provides visual feedback for control
- It is one of the most reliable and cost-effective models
- Easy setup meaning that one does not require special tools or skills to operate it
Watch out for
- Some of its keys lack velocity curve
The MIDIPlus X4 Mini MIDI Keyboard is one of the best compact and portable 49 keys midi controllers. It is relatively easy to use and comes with great, amazing features. This keyboard has a USB cable, meaning that one does not require an external power supply. In addition to this, it features customized functions and capacitive touch sensors. This control features octave encoders, LED display, touchable modulation strips, four assignable encoders, and a pitch bed.
This controller comes with four customizable knobs, an attachment module cable, an expression controller and volume control knobs that enhance the user’s playing experience. It has tracks that store all the information from CC commands.
Its programmable knobs make it easy for the user to controller his/her controller with other audio devices like computers when recording music or soundtracks. In fact, this is one of the best instruments that you can add to your musical toolbox.
6. Korg 49 Key MIDI Controller
Brilliant features
- A velocity-sensing keybed for adding natural expressions to his/her performances
- Connect wirelessly to Mac, iPhone, and iPad
- A playable and compact natural-touch mini keyboard
- Comes with powerful music software that makes it compatible with other mobile devices
- USB compatible, meaning that one does not have to purchase an additional power cable
- Comes with octave buttons that provide a solid feel
- Its controls are responsive and smooth thus proving a great playing experience
Watch out for
- Its keys are relatively small
- Its keys do not provide less resistance
The Korg Company is one of the renowned, established companies that manufacture quality, musical instruments. Their Korg 49 Key MIDI Controller has velocity-sensitive keys and is USC compatible. This controller is also referred to as the microKey Air 49. It also features powerful music software that makes it compatible with other audio devices. In fact, it can connect wirelessly to mac, iPhones, and iPads.
The Korg 49 Key MIDI Controller is a versatile and convenient MIDI controller. Arguably, this is the best option for established and first time players. It is mainly used in home and music production studios. Furthermore, it features a mixer section that gives the user a stress-free, easy control of the DJ or DAW software.
7. Novation Launchkey 49 Key MIDI Controller
Brilliant features
- Customized settings that make sit it easy for the user to create unique sounds
- Comes with velocity-sensitive keys that enhance the user’s playing experience
- Compatible with Mac and PC machines
- This instrument has dynamic inContole mappings
- Great features and value that improves its functionality
Watch out for
- Its documentation lacks more specifics
- An additional USB hub cable is required
The Novation Launchkey 49 Key MIDI Controller is another musical instrument that provides reliable and superb performance. It has powerful software that makes it compatible with PC and Mac. It comes with a three-year warranty. This controller has eight control knobs, 16-velocity sensitive keys, and dedicated control buttons. It comes with full-sized keys, but it is still portable.
These keys are designed to provide good feedback. It has excellent controls that make it an ideal option for FL studios. It includes GBG launch pads for aesthetics. In addition to this, its keys are responsive, playable, and fell nice. Its launch pads are quite stiff but also great. The Novation Launchkey 49 Key MIDI is the best keyboard for live performances and music production.
Additionally, this instrument is suited for both beginners and professional musicians. Its velocity-sensitive pads are ideal for playing the drums and launching/identifying clips.
FAQs
#1. What is a MIDI Controller?
A midi controller is a digital musical instrument designed for creating sounds using onboard sequencers. Midi controllers are capable of generating MIDI data as well as sound. They are almost similar to the electrical keyboards.
Tones are produced when the keys of a MIDI gets pressed. Midi controllers are versatile musical instruments wh9chare also compatible with other audio devices.
#2. Is 49 Key MIDI Controller Enough to USe?
The 49 Key MIDI controllers are enough for anyone who wants to create sounds and play single-note melodies, or single-note bass or simple three-note chords. Midi controllers have become very popular in the music industry because of their excellent features and build quality. Buying the right 49 Key MIDI Controller will give you the best piano playing experience.
#3. How Many Keys Do I Need on a MIDI Controller?
Midi controllers come with different sizes and shapes. In addition to this, they come with varying numbers of keys. It can either have 88, 61, 49, 32, or 25 keys. They are well-designed, making them an excellent option for home recording studios.
The small models have 25 keys, while full-sized models have 88 keys. The model chosen depends on individual needs and the available space. The 25 key models are small in size, making them an excellent option for beginners. A controller having 49 keys will work fine for you is you are planning to use for bass and leads.
Conclusion
Those are Best 49 key midi controllers that pianists should consider buying. These products are superb designs, performance, affordability, built-quality, amazing features, and reliability.
Some of the essential factors that you must put into consideration when shopping around for a 49-key MIDI controller include budget, sound quality, brands, weight, available features, and Bluetooth connectivity. One can get the best value for his hard-earned money by choosing a controller than meets his needs and budget.
