6 Best 49 Key Midi Controllers for True Musicians at Heart!

Fact Checked Yoke Wong
Yoke Wong
Review by Yoke Wong
Expert Consultant
Yoke Wong is a talented pianist and piano teacher, author of online piano courses Pianomother.com, founder of Harmony and Melody Studio.
Updated 13-02-2024
Updated 13-02-2024
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If you are shopping for the best 49 key midi keyboards on the market, you are in the right place. While you might think there is a perfect keyboard, there is no right answer to what the perfect keyboard is, since a beginner might have different needs than an expert.

Our Top Choices

#Editor’s Choice
"This midi controller comes with amazing software and core MPC tools. 24 assignable Q-Link controllers. Piano-style keybed."
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#Best Software
"It’s a durable and sturdy controller that is easy to carry around. Analog Lab. Not heavy."
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#Adjustable
"It has a variety of fully-adjustable controls and amazing software. Full-sized square-front keys. Virtual instrument software."
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When we did our product reviews, we considered a variety of factors like controls, software, size, and weight, since each contributes to what tight of 49-key midi keyboard you buy. Size and weight matter if you are going to be traveling and carrying this unit around – in that case, you want a lightweight version. You should consider the controls and software-based upon what type of music you want to play and what type of computer you might link the machine to. No matter what your needs, we have a recommendation for you. Read on for more, and we will help you find which is the best 49-key USB midi keyboard to meet your needs!

Top 6 49-Key Midi Controllers Review 2024

1
Editor’s Choice
Akai Professional MPK249
9,9
Site Rank
Features
  • Controls: piano-style keybed; 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads; 24 assignable Q-Link controllers
  • Software: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech & SONiVOX Twist 2.0
  • Size: 12.28 x 29.06 x 3.39 inches
  • Weight: 12.94 lbs.

More features: onboard USB-MIDI interface; core MPC tools

Akai Professional MPK249
Good
Bad
    Good
  • The illuminated pads make these keys stand out, and the keys are also very easy to use. The assignable control has eight control knobs, as well as faders and switches, to give the user the ultimate experience. With software that works well with macs or pc, this keyboard can be used by just about anyone. The full-size keys mean both adults and kids could use this machine. If you are teaching your young son to play with you, this machine is equipped for both professionals and beginners, and people of all sizes.

    Bad
  • This keyboard cannot be used without connection to an amplifier or a computer. However, that is not such a bad thing when you consider that any computer (mac or pc) is compatible, so you should have no issues connecting it to any computer you own.

Offering a true professional keyboard experience, these keys respond best to your touch, meaning you do not have to hammer on the keys to get the right amount of sound. You will love all of the features with this keyboard, including faders and switches, for the ultimate musical styling. We love the piano style, making it feel as if you are playing away on a grand piano.

Also Product Ranking:
2
Best Software
Arturia Keylab 49 Essential Controller Keyboard
9,6
Site Rank
Features
  • Controls: not specified
  • Software: Analog Lab, Ableton Live Lite and Grand Piano Model D
  • Size: 30.87 x 9.76 x 2.99 inches
  • Weight: 8.38 lbs.

More features: durable

Arturia Keylab 49 Essential Controller Keyboard
Good
Bad
    Good
  • Durable and simple to use, this is a top choice for beginners. Lightweight, this is also a top choice if you are frequently carrying your keyboard. If you are an instructor traveling to homes, you would like this keyboard since it is both lightweight and durable, making it a great choice for travel. Arustria prides itself on creating a keyboard that produces a nice even and well-balanced sound. You do not have to worry about anything sounding too high or too low. This keyboard makes great music whether you are a beginner learning the right pressure for the keys or an expert who has been playing for years.

    Bad
  • While there are not a lot of special gadgets and features to excite more advanced keyboard players, this is a great choice for both beginners and experts who want to fine-tune their basic keyboard skills.

This Arturia is incredibly easy to use and is one of the best 49 key synth midi controllers available. Nice and simple, this is a great choice for beginners who are looking to learn the basics of piano or keyboard playing. This keyboard does come with a virtual studio, so you can record your sounds. This is helpful if you want to track your own improvement over time and listen back to see where you made any mistakes in the music.

3
Adjustable
Alesis V49
9,3
Site Rank
Features
  • Controls: 8 backlit pads, 4 assignable knobs and buttons; 49 full-sized, velocity sensitive square-front keys
  • Software: ProTools, First Alesis Edition, Ableton Live Lite 9 and Eleven Lite, plus Mini Grand, DB-33 and Xpand 2 virtual instrument software by Air Music Tech
  • Size: 9.6 x 37.6 x 4.53 inches
  • Weight: 6.27 lbs.

More features: adjustable

Alesis V49
Good
Bad
    Good
  • The customizable knobs and buttons make this a unique keyboard. These buttons interface directly with your software, for easy feedback to you from the computer. With these controllers, you get buttons that allow you to raise or lower the octave, which is a nice feature. The premium software package with this keyboard included everything you could possibly need.

    Bad
  • Users could find the keyboard a little lightweight depending on what you are used to. The keys are not weighted, so you might find that you need to push them harder than some other keyboard, but the sound the keys produce will still be perfect. While the keys might take some getting used to, once you figure out the right feel, you will have no issues with this keyboard.

This keyboard from Alesis is a top choice for playing virtual instruments, and it comes complete with a full suite of software making the interactions with your computer easy and efficient. The keyboard is slim and sleek and will into just about any workstation you have. This also makes it a solid option for travel. With full-size keys, this keyboard feels like you are playing right on a piano, and you do not have to worry about using smaller keys.

Also Product Ranking:
4
Travel-Friendly
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
9,0
Site Rank
Features
  • Controls: full size velocity sensitive keys, volume fader, transport and directional buttons, pitch and modulation wheels, octave up and down buttons
  • Software: ProTools First, Ableton Live Lite, Eleven Lite, Velvet, Hybrid 3, Loom, Vacuum Pro, Eighty Eight Ensemble, XPand 2
  • Size: 32.36 x 2.68 x 7.44 inches
  • Weight: 4.85 lbs.

More features: no drivers or power supply required; compact design; premium software

M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
Good
Bad
    Good
  • The semi-weighted keys make it easy to use with the right amount of pressure on the keyboard. This keyboard is easy to use on its own, and you do not need to worry about buying additional drivers or power supplies, allowing you to easily plug in play with your mac or pc. With the included software suite, you will be using this with your computer in no time at all. The volume fader allows you to control how loud your keyboard is, and it is easy to adjust depending on your surroundings and sound desires.

    Bad
  • Users might find the plug-in play features a bit cumbersome before they are familiar with them. But, once you figure them out, you will not miss a beat playing on this keyboard. You might need to use a USB hub to use these features efficiently.

From M-Audio, this semi-weight keyboard comes with a software suite making it easy to use with any computer system. Compact in design, you can fit this keyboard into any workstation. You can also customize the controls on this keyboard to use this while you are recording, and make the music sound exactly the way you intend it to. This is a great option for recording sound.

Also Product Ranking:
5
Best Value
midiplus USB MIDI keyboard controller
8,8
Site Rank
Features
  • Controls: 49 piano-style keys, pitch and modulation wheels
  • Software: not specified
  • Size: 32.68 x 2.76 x 10.04 inches
  • Weight: 9.83 lbs.

More features: powered via USB cable; comes with a manual

midiplus USB MIDI keyboard controller
Good
Bad
    Good
  • The semi-weight keys make this keyboard great for beginners or experts, as it is easy to find the right amount of pressure to make the best sounds. There are buttons that let you control how high or low the octave is, which is nice. The keyboard is powered by an easy to use USB cable, meaning you can use it near any device or outlet that lets you plug a USB in. The included owner’s manual takes away any questions or concerns about how to get set up and start using the keyboard.

    Bad
  • While the keyboard is not very durable, it makes up for that by being lightweight and easy to transport between locations. Do not worry too much about durability when you are just starting out, since by the time the keyboard wears out you might be ready to consider upgrading to a fancier model. You can’t go wrong with this option as it is one of the best 49 key USB midi controllers on the market.

This USB keyboard controller from Midi-plus is a sleek option and is one of the best 49 key midi controllers with fl studio for beginners. The power source is simply the USB cable, meaning this machine can be used almost anywhere. Lightweight, this is a great module for just starting out, as it is responsive to the keystrokes.

6
Premium Pick
Novation SL MkIII MIDI and CV 49 Keys Keyboard Pack
9,7
Site Rank
Features
  • Controls: synth-style semi-weighted keyboard; 16 full-color RGB backlit velocity sensitive drum pads; 8 continuous rotary knobs; 59 backlit buttons with tact switches
  • Software: Ableton Live Lite included along with 4 GB of Loopmasters sounds and samples
  • Size: not specified
  • Weight: not specified

More features: CR3-X monitors; professional build quality; internal eight-track pattern-based sequencer; comprehensive connectivity

Novation SL MkIII MIDI and CV 49 Keys Keyboard Pack
Good
Bad
    Good
  • The full-color backlit drum pads make this keyboard look cool while you are playing it. Including 4GB of sounds and samples, this keyboard has a great memory that will only add to the music you produce. This keyboard is a great choice if you are starting from scratch. The complete package means you can do one-stop shopping and have everything you need with this keyboard package.

    Bad
  • The one downside to buying such a complete package is that if you are just getting started out, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are looking for a basic piano or keyboard, this is not it. However, once you get acclimated to all of the wonderful features, you will never want to use another keyboard again. While the learning curve can be steep, it pays off in the long run.

This keyboard pack from Novation is the total package as you get more than just a keyboard. The monitors and cables with this package mean you do not have to buy anything else to set up this keyboard and start playing. The quality sounds will have you wonder how you played on any other instrument. With a lot of knobs and accessories, you can create some unique sounds.


Things to Consider

Now that you have read through our top recommendations, let’s take a look at all the things you should consider before deciding upon what unit to purchase. Whether you are concerned with durability, software compatibility, or octave controls, we’ve got your covered.
One of the things to think about will be how fancy do you want your unit to be? Decide what your goals are. Are you a professional musician who needs a lot of faders and other controls to make your music stand out from the competition? Or, are you teaching a bunch of beginners and want access to an easier machine so the kids to now get scared off? There is something for everyone, and once you decide on your priorities, you can be ready to make your purchase.

Advantages of 49-key midi controllers

6 Best 49 Key Midi Controllers for True Musicians at Heart!

There are a lot of advantages to buying this type of keyboard. You will be able to perform live concerts, and you can also do studio-level recording. With the right sound effects, you can sound like an expert keyboard player without much practice.

Features to consider before you buy a 49 key midi controller

You will want to consider a variety of features before making your purchase. But, with a little reading, you will soon be able to purchase the best 49 key synth midi controller. Not all keyboards are created equal, and you will have to decide which of the below features you prioritize the most.

Controls

This is where you can get some unique options. From backlights to knobs, switches, and faders, you need to decide how many controls you want access to. Some of the more basic models do not have many of the fancy controls. This is fine if you are just playing at home or just for practice.

However, if you are looking to play live concerts or do a lot of studio recording, you want a lot of control. Some of these controls can add some unique sounds, and you can play with octave controls and faders which can make your music stand out from everybody else’s.

Software

Will you be hooking up to a laptop? If so, is it a mac or a pc? While most of the items on our list are compatible with both, you need to find out for sure depending on what your software needs are. Pretty much all midi controllers come with some sort of software package, but some are more complete than others.

Our Editor’s Choice, the Akai Professional MPK249, comes with a software package that works on both pcs and macs. So, if you will be using a few different computers with your unit, this is a great choice for you. Even if you have a mac now if you think you might change to a pc sometime in the future, you should go with the software package that will work on either type of computer, so you do not find yourself shopping again in the future for another 49 key midi controller.

6 Best 49 Key Midi Controllers for True Musicians at Heart!

Size

You can get some 49 key midi controllers that are a close equivalent to a regular piano, complete with full-size piano keys. These are great options if you are a serious player who wants to feel like you are playing the piano. However, do not be scared away by options that are a bit smaller, or have smaller keys. Sometimes beginners or children prefer the smaller option as it is easier to get a response from the keys that sounds best. Consider who will be using your midi controller the most, and what his skill level is.

If the size does not matter because you will be keeping this midi controller mostly stationary and set-up in one spot, then go with a bigger machine since it can carry more controls and give you more unique sounds to build into your playing.

Sometimes, a heavier or bigger midi controller can give you better music than a lightweight, smaller option that is a little bit more portable to carry.

Weight

Will you be traveling with your keyboard a lot? Are you an instructor who needs to carry the unit from house to house giving private lessons? If so, you want something lightweight that easy to travel with and also easy to learn for the beginners you are teaching.

If you want something lightweight, consider our Best Value choice, the midiplus USB MIDI keyboard controller. This is a great unit that is a good choice for beginners and is light to carry. It is powered by USB, so there is not much to carry around besides the plug and the keyboard.

The only downside to going lightweight is that most machines do not have a lot of widgets and fancy controls to help elevate your music. By sacrificing quality, you make the machines lighter and more portable. So, weigh the pros and cons of going lightweight with sacrificing some funkier controls and sound creation.

Accessories

You can get a variety of accessories with your 49 key midi controller. Consider our Premium Pick, the Novation SL MkIII MIDI and CV 49 Keys Keyboard Pack, which comes with just about everything you could need in a package. You get more with this package than any other midi controller on the market. With monitors, drum pads, and 4GB of sounds and samples this is the total package complete with a wide variety of accessories that you will fall in love with.

If you do not want a lot of accessories, you have that option too. Maybe you just want a portable, lightweight controller that you just plug in via USB and are all set-up. Accessories are really an area where you have to decide what your priorities are before making your purchase.

FAQ

Which midi controller is the best one for live concerts?

You want to consider a choice that has a lot of faders and other unique features to create interesting sounds. You definitely want a machine that allows you to control the octave. With the right keyboard, you will not need to lean on a computer at all. Our choice for live concerts would be the Alesis V49, as it’s got the octave control and premium software package that allows you to control unique sound effects. You can put on quite the live show and this is one of the best 49 key midi controller with Fl studios on the market today. The unique controls will allow you to play better, and different, music than on a controller that did not have those controls.

Is it difficult to set up a 49 key midi controller?

The short answer is, there are not really to set-up. The long answer is, some are a little more difficult than others depending on how much comes with the controllers. In the case of our Premium Pick, the Novation SL MkIII MIDI and CV 49 Keys Keyboard Pack, it will take a little longer to get set up because it is the total package. You are setting up more than just a keyboard. However, it is well worth it. You will love the gadgets that come with this keyboard. While some of the more basic keyboards are just plug it in and play it, you might miss out on having access to some of the more unique features that come with that total package. Most of the items on our list are compatible with both macs and pcs, and come with software packages, so they should all be easy to connect to your computer.

Conclusion

We love all of the products on our list, but our top choice is clearly the Editor’s Choice, the Akai Professional MPK249, since it has such a great software system, making it compatible with just about any type of computer. If you are looking for value, take a look at our Best Value, the midiplus USB MIDI keyboard controller, since it is lightweight and ready for use by beginners. Now that you have read through our recommendations and product guide, you are all set and ready to buy the best 49 key midi controller to meet your needs!

References

1.
Akai Professional
MPK49 Operator`s Manual
2.
The Complete Guide to Choosing a MIDI Controller
An article on how to choose the best MIDI controller for your music production needs.
9,9
Total Score
Akai Professional MPK249 - Editor’s Choice
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