I'm very much curious why these 49 key midi controllers aren't in your list. Many also don't have piano style full weighted keys with 'synth action' keys being the most popular. I entered my original comments under the wrong assumption that Gearank provides comparison reviews without understanding "How Gearank Works" - I was researching online for midi controller reviews and came upon your site. However, they are also somewhat small compared to competitors’ pads and arranged in a line rather than a square. I can't help but thinking the score is flawed and may not be much help to consumers who are trying to understand the reviewer's HONEST opinion about these products. Not only do the keys use a hammer to provide a fully-weighted action, but the resistance of the hammer will be more or less depending on which octave the key sits on the keybed. Further details: The Best 49 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards, What To Consider When Buying A 49 Key MIDI Controller, Portable Keyboards - MIDI Enabled Under $500, list of 49 key controllers in our Music Gear Database, 16 of the 49 Key keyboard controllers in our database, The Best Drum Practice Pads & Mutes: Single/Snare + Sets, The Best Drum Thrones - Round - Saddle - Backrest, The Best Guitar Patch Cables & Pedal Couplers, The Best Budget Guitar Pickups: Singles < $100, Sets < $150. Submitted by Jason Horton on May. Midi Controllers have become increasingly popular to help expedite the workflow of music producers. Moreover, the responsiveness of the various controls–whether they be keys, pads, knobs, or anything else–will heavily impact the ease and speed at which you can craft music. It is a little known secret in the music production industry that Novation has become a... 2. If you decide to do an update, a couple of other items that impact my buying considerations are whether the keyboard has a port for an expression pedal, and also the weight of the keyboard for those of us who are looking for portability. One great option is Nektar’s Impact LX88+, which combines an 88-key semi-weighted USB-powered keyboard with extensive DAW control via nine sliders, nine buttons, eight knobs, eight pads and transport controls. If you're looking for an electronic music production centerpiece where it has everything you need to see in one unit, the Novation 49SL MkIII is a great addition to your desk. Still, if you are looking for the best all-around value, it is hard to argue with the Novation’s price and combination of features. Specifically, if you are looking to custom map the controls–and with this many controls why would you not–then you are going to have spend a considerable amount of time with them. The version with 49 keys is a full MIDI controller workstation that allows you to use all of the software instruments easily. For this update, we began by updating the Gearank scores of all the 49 key MIDI controllers in our Music Gear Database to better reflect the most current market sentiments, then we looked to see which newer keyboards we should add to our short-list for consideration. Most MIDI controllers come with the files necessary to automatically map the functions and keys directly onto your DAW. As difficult as it may be to figure out whether or not the MIDI controller will properly map its functions onto your preferred DAW, it is infinitely more difficult–if not outright impossible–to know how those functions are encoded before testing them out. If you would like to read the meta-reviews of the controllers that were in the 2016 version but didn't make the list this year, then check out: Submitted by Jason Horton on Feb. 2, 2017. 3, 2017. However, the waterfall profile is often used as it allows the fingers to easily slide off the keys. The feel of a keybed refers explicitly to the tactile feel of the keys which is determined by its shape, weight, and material. Submitted by Jason Horton on Jul. M-Audio offered an impressive MIDI controller to compete with the Akai 249 when they released their Axiom model. It does not need to actually be heavy, but since you will be pressing it with your foot–potentially while standing–you definitely want it to be able to handle far more pressure and force than the other controls. The way the MIDI controller maps its controls, encodes those controls, and even updates its drivers can all influence whether it will offer an easy experience or a frustrating one. What Do You Want To Control? Aside from the fact that it provides 16 pads, they are also lighted with a wider RGB range than most MIDI controller touch pads. The Novation 49SL is -just- a 49-key MIDI controller at its core, but with the huge amount of parameters its able to control, and the amount of visual feedback you get from the screens alone, it's depth goes beyond what the amount of available keys offers. Transport Controls. At publication time this was the Equal Highest Rated 49-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard along with the Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII and Nektar Panorama P4. Weights have now been added as requested. I know this is a "best" list according to your own statistics, but I'm very much surprised that the 2 midi controllers I'm comparing to buy one or the other right now are not in your list. However, that does not mean that you are simply stuck with using the DAW offered. For the price, the Arturia Keylab is a MIDI controller that's ready to take on your next tour with its roadworthy construction, excellent keybed, and included software. 25, 2020. Just keep in mind, if a MIDI controller comes with a DAW package, it will likely work best with that DAW and may present issues when using a different DAW. The Novation Impulse is an old MIDI controller, but the keyboard is one of the best I’ve played, and it even comes close to surpassing the semi-weighted 73-key variation of the Nord Stage 3. That is not to suggest other factors are irrelevant, but without an internal databank, a MIDI controller relies on the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) more than many other pieces of music production hardware. However, the quality and intuitive sense of that map can range from effortless to thoughtless, ultimately making using the MIDI controller a pleasure or a pain. Incorporating 150+ ratings and reviews." Submitted by Larry (not verified) on Jun. Although the Panorama P4 can be used as a general MIDI controller, it has been specifically designed for use with Cubase, Bitwig Studio, Nuendo, Logic Pro, Apple MainStage, Reaper and Reason. However, if you are simply looking for the best performing product, the Akai MPK 249 is a significant investment but can grow with you to the highest levels of skill and experience. Starting our list of the best 49 key midi controller is the Akai Professional MPK249. Thank you for your response. If the keyboard feels bad, it's not fun to play and you’re not going to play as much. Submitted by Jason Horton on May. Both users and experts found the the keys to be responsive and have a rigid feel. Keep in mind, a MIDI controller pedal need not follow the dampening or sustaining effect of a piano pedal, but unless you are used to a pedal control in the first place, you are liable simply to stick with the board. However, those without significant experience or who learned music development with a keyboard and mouse before ever touching a keybed are less likely to require the highest levels of quality–especially considering an adequately robust proficiency with the DAW can account for the tactile control of a top-quality keybed. For instance, the VI 49 comes in two different configurations, each boasting their own advantages and disadvantages, however, both products suffer from a complete absence of sliders which is one of the more standard type of controls found on pretty much every reputable MIDI controller. 25, 2020. The best midi controller keyboards have all these features. The Novation 49SL MKIII is the newest product from Novation and also their most advanced. On top of that, the DAW integration and litany of possible control configuration will make your head spin. Submitted by Larry (not verified) on Jul. Best MIDI Controllers. However, it does require a fair amount of proficiency to achieve the myriad results with any consistency. However, a MIDI controller’s software integration includes more than simply being able to work with a given DAW–though that is definitely a vital aspect. In fact, there are far more MIDI controllers with at least semi-weighted keys or better–even at budget prices. Many companies have failed at making truly special 49 key keyboard controllers, but the following 5 keyboard controllers are the best of the bunch. The action of the keybed refers to how closely to an analog piano the keys of the MIDI controller feel when played.Generally, the closer to a true piano the keys feel, the more expensive the MIDI controller. I've tried to indicate which major applications each keyboard integrates well with, but if you're unsure then feel free to ask about your particular software and the particular controller you're interested in and I or someone else here will advise you. Beginners love how user friendly the Keylab Essential 49 is despite the number of knobs and faders. Users of other DAWs not listed above were generally disappointed that the P4 is not deeply integrated with them - Pro Tools users seemed especially miffed. Submitted by Jeff (not verified) on Mar. 30, 2020. And although these annotation experts for artists look like any kind of keyboard used in real time, they actually serve a much broader function. The Seaboard Rise 49 opened up a great deal of creativity in a lot of its users. 89 out of 100. M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 - 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller for Mac and PC with Assignable Controls and Software Production Suite Included 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,363 £68.00 £ 68 . It does not play the VSTs as a standalone. At first glance, all the buttons, lights, knobs and screens would look overwhelming to the untrained. The aluminum housing is also noted as sturdy and some users who are touring musicians felt the unit was well equipped for travel. However, all of those control features can come at somewhat of a cost. Software Integration. M-Audio Keystation 49 MkIII – Best Beginner Controller. Not sure which MIDI controller to buy for your needs? For instance, within the key profile, or the shape of the key, a dipped profile is generally preferred as it provides a more durable key. PRICE. Incorporating 30+ ratings and reviews. It's a very simple yet powerful keyboard that's not only good for sequencing music, but also gives you the ability to … Some people had trouble with less popular DAWs with regards to integration. Unfortunately, the Oxygen series present as a bit underwhelming. Everything was easily mappable according to most positive reviews. You can control VSTs that are on you computer using VIP on the CTRL49. The versatility of the 49 key configuration allows it to maintain a position as one of the more favored MIDI controller configurations. Also curious what you think of the m-audio ctrl-49 when it comes out soon. Sine users wanted to have a bigger LCD Screen to display more information. The best 49-Key MIDI Keyboard Controllers in 2019 include: Alesis VI49 For people using Hammon B3 Organ virtual instruments, the 9 B3drawbars can easily be mapped to each of the 9 faders. Unless you are looking to shell out some serious cash, the Akai MPK 249 is arguably one of the best all around performing MIDI controllers out there. We earn advertising fees from: If you're a piano player and you need piano style keys then read the specifications carefully or look at 88-Key controllers instead. Submitted by Jason Horton on Apr. In a Rush? All these features are housed in a roadworthy aluminum body. Unfortunately, that time can occasionally be for not as the recording function may not register the changes due to finicky encoders. Whether you need a MIDI controller that can provide a full suite of custom options or are simply looking for a budget item that is plug-and-play, one of those entries could easily be the best 49 key MIDI controller for you. The Korg 49 Key MIDI Controller is a versatile and convenient MIDI controller. If you only want to control computer software then all of the options above will do that, although some offer more control options than others. It was considered a workstation in itself by an expert review and is highly recommended for studios centering around electronic music production. Best 49 Key Midi Controller 2020 – Akai Mpk 249. As it stands, it always feels like a missed opportunity. 00 £84.99 £84.99 It combines MIDI hardware and CV/Gate synths into one piece of premium hardware, which is our pick for the best high-end priced MIDI controller available in 2020. As a musician, who wants to take full control over the piano or keyboard, it is essential to purchase the best 49 key MIDI keyboard. Incorporating 325+ ratings and reviews. Our selection criteria included all controllers that are widely available from major US-based music equipment retailers, this is to ensure we only recommend items that you can readily buy online or at any good local music gear stores. Reviewers note the Keylab 49 is inspiring with the keybed's incredible feel and response. For one, they are ultimately an analog port from a piano which often leaves non-pianists ignoring them altogether. Some say that the keys can be a bit springy and stiff. For MIDI controllers, this is one of the areas that quality and price can often match up more closely than with the other features. How can 8 keyboards with so much price difference, all have gearank scores at either 89 or 90? This screen blows even the Akai out of the water and features numerous display formats to keep track of all of your current DAW settings. With its dedicated set of transport and navigation controls, this controller lets you efficiently produce music without reaching for your computer mouse or keyboard. Some MIDI controllers may offer an excellent map of the DAW’s functions, but their actual controls do a poor job of controlling them in as easy a manner which can lead to a host of frustrations–though not outright failures in most cases. Whether that’s fully-weighted or semi-weighted will depend on your style of music and your budget. 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