From the manufacturer
A-49 MIDI Keyboard Controller
PORTABLE CONTROL WITH PRO ACTION
There’s no shortage of portable MIDI keyboard controllers on the market, but portability often equates to subpar keyboard action. With the new A-49, the game has changed — this lightweight, slim-line controller features a premium-grade, full-size keyboard that raises the bar in its class. Available in pearl white and black finishes, the A-49 is a dream for musicians seeking a simple, easy-to-use MIDI keyboard with pro-quality playing feel.
Recently, many musicians have gravitated toward their Apple iPads to record musical ideas. While there are small MIDI keyboards that can be used with the iPad, the A-49 gives you pro playability as well as mobility. Its clean, clutter-free surface and excellent feel keeps your fingers on the keys and your mind on the music.
Make Music with Your Mac or PC
The A-49 provides clean connections via its recessed rear panel, so you can place a computer monitor or laptop in the perfect position for creating music. Two knobs, two switches, and the D-BEAM controller are all easily accessible and intelligently arranged to make your workflow fast and fluid. Dedicated octave buttons offer immediate control of the key scale, and a transpose button is provided for adjusting the scale in semitone steps; LED indicators give you instant visual feedback of your octave/transpose settings. Other settings can be accessed via the Function button, which lets you use the keys to perform additional tasks printed above the keyboard.
Mobile Music
The A-49 was born for mobile use. It’s strong yet amazingly lightweight (less than six pounds/2.5 kilograms), making it easy to lift and carry. And although it has a very streamlined design, the A-49 features a full-size, premium keyboard with 49 velocity-sensitive keys. For the ultimate in portable convenience, the A-49 is powered from your computer’s USB bus — no power cable or adapter is required. It draws a minimal amount of current, which is ideal for a USB bus-powered device.
Great Keys, Great Controls
The A-49’s keys have a rounded shape for better reaction to the player’s touch and more comfortable glissandi. Other enhancements have been made to reduce the already low mechanical noise and eliminate vertical shake. All of these features add up to a keyboard that even the most discerning pros will appreciate. Add color to your sound and excitement to your performance by waving your hands over the invisible D-BEAM. The A-49 can assign all its controllers automatically for fully utilizing an external SuperNATURAL sound module such as the INTEGRA-7. It’s also a great second keyboard for controlling synthesizers that have onboard SuperNATURAL sounds, such as the JUPITER-80 and JUPITER-50.
The A-49’s keys have a rounded shape for better reaction to the player’s touch and more comfortable glissandi. Other enhancements have been made to reduce the already low mechanical noise and eliminate vertical shake. All of these features add up to a keyboard that even the most discerning pros will appreciate. Add color to your sound and excitement to your performance by waving your hands over the invisible D-BEAM. The A-49 can assign all its controllers automatically for fully utilizing an external SuperNATURAL sound module such as the INTEGRA-7. It’s also a great second keyboard for controlling synthesizers that have onboard SuperNATURAL sounds, such as the JUPITER-80 and JUPITER-50.
- 49 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to use
- Two knobs, two switches, and D-BEAM controller
- USB bus powered; no AC adapter required
- Pearl white and black finishes
RAVI VERMA –
Vksamhith –
Don’t buy
Amazon Customer –
Feels right
Cost a little more but well worth it. Keyboard action is really good! So much better than other 49 key controllers, action is as good or better than any high-end synth with non-weighted keys.
William Cornock –
Old but still great
I was a little hesitant to buy a keyboard that debuted so long ago, but no others met my needs.I wanted a keyboard with good synth action, full size keys, but minimally deep as to fit nicely on a desk. In my search there were many more appealing options at first glance, with pads and various controllers, but they all seemed to have reliability problems or lacked a good feel. Since my other keyboard is a Yamaha U1 piano (super old and nothing fancy, but its a real piano none the less) I need the key feel. This sure doesn’t feel the same, but it feels good all the same. Synth action, not piano action, but really nice synth action.The mod / pitch controllers work well, although I’ve heard complaints that the pitch is not high enough resolution, for my needs that hasn’t been an issue.I miss the pads but honestly I’m happy to be able to get some on the side.Really enjoying playing this as an instrument – not just an input device. That’s the difference here. Its old but it still feels good.
Collin –
Works perfectly on Big Sur
There are some Catalina horror stories in the reviews, but I can confirm that the controller works perfectly on Big Sur on my x86 16″ MacBook Pro. Great midi controller!
Dan Magorian –
be sure your DAW doesn’t suffer from MIDI delay
This is a good keyboard controller with good weighted feel at a good price. But make sure your DAW (software) doesn’t suffer from MIDI delay, which can have many causes inc buffering on the sound card etc that are hard to track down. I ended up returning it and getting an Alexis weighted keyboard with internal sound modules as a workaround.
Michael J. Van Bebber –
I love this controller! The best key action available and excellent build quality
This is my favorite controller, period. I wish they have a 61 key version, but this is great for composition, portability and performance of synth parts. The keys just feel so good to press. Roland has the best synth keys, no doubt. Many pianists have told me the same thing. Excellent build quality – one of the few products that I think is “under-priced”.