M-Audio Keystation 49e 49-Note USB MIDI Controller Keyboard

 Fantastic Keyboard, for use with Apple's Garageband
A few weeks ago, I found myself browsing the Apple Store. There is always something great to see, when I walked up to an iMac connected to this M-Audio Keystation 49e. I had always been interested in being able to better utilize Garageband, which is included on all Macintosh computers.

I immediately fell in love with the ability to create, edit, and listen to music on the Mac. I purchased the keyboard, and looked forward to plugging it in, when I got home.

I connected the M-Audio Keystation to my Powerbook, and it was detected instantly. I was playing music in Garageband immediately, which speaks to the great design of not only Macs and Garageband, but this keyboard as well.

The appearance of the keyboard will nicely match most Apple products, for it is white and gray. The back of the keyboard features midi output, a USB port, and sustain pedal input. You can purchase an electronic keyboard sustain pedal separately. The USB cable to connect your keyboard to your computer is included. If you're using this midi controller to play or record music on your computer, the USB cable will power it, so an A/C adapter is not necessary.

This keyboard provides fantastic value, for the price. Combined with your computer, you can create amazing music. Overall, if you're interested in creating music on your Macintosh, pick up this M-Audio Keystation 49e. I couldn't be happier with mine, and it has given me an entirely new way to use my computer.

 Good but could be better
As somebody who does all of my music recording and editing using software, I was looking for something with the right features for what I do. If you're familiar enough with your software, this keyboard will do the job. However, it has several short-comings.

First, the keys are very "springy". They actually resist depression more than one would expect. Although the keyboard is velocity-sensitive, the "springiness" actually makes it difficult to control the sensitivity. If you've played on better keyboards, or have never played on a velocity-sensitive keyboard, it will require some "re-learning". Also, 49 keys has a disadvantage in that an entire octave is missing as compared to larger keyboards. Having moved from a 61 key to a 49 key keyboard, you realize how important the additional octave is. However, you can shift the pitch an entire octave using the dedicated keys.

This controller lacks a display. Higher-functions (such as changing MIDI channels or programs) are accessed by pressing an advanced button and one of the keyboard's keys. This requires consulting the manual, especially when you need to do something you don't do on a regular basis. On a positive note, you can assign the volume slider and modulation wheel to any controller you choose, which is helpful for controlling pan, portamento, breath, or any other effect. You can also change the functionality of the "octave" keys, so that you can change the selected program(sound) incrementally. This can be extremely confusing at times -- I plan on cutting and pasting sections of the manual directly onto the unit's body for easy reference.

If using USB, the keyboard requires no power supply. There is a small power switch located on the back of the unit, however, which must be turned on in order for the PC to recognize the USB device. I often find myself forgetting to turn it on. The dedicated MIDI out jack is handy for connecting to legacy MIDI equipment, but since no power supply is included, you'll need to find your own universal adapter. However, using USB means I have one less thing to plug into the power strip.

The unit has significant weight, more than I thought it would have. It's definitely a sturdy unit. But this definitely isn't the best of the lot; it will do the job of a "controller" for under $100. Recommended -- "yes" -- but only if you have a little patience and prior knowledge of MIDI, MIDI controllers, and keyboards.

 Great Beginner MIDI Keyboard
I received this keyboard as a gift so I could play around in GarageBand on my PowerBook. No software installation required, plugging into the USB port worked flawlessly on OSX.

Within 45 minutes I had composed my first little ditty in GarageBand. This is definately a fun toy to have.

I'm sure there are better keyboards out there, but this one has all the functions I need. Pick this up if you're looking for an affordable MIDI keyboard...

 Great for just one thing...
I bought this keyboard with plans to use it with Garage Band via USB and my Yamaha QY-700 via MIDI. The good news is that it works great with Garage Band right out of the box. The drivers are built right into the OS X. The bad news is that the MIDI output is useless; my QY-700 would randomly stop playing when I tried to sustain notes or chords. Worse yet, it would stop responding to the keyboard for about ten seconds unless I first moved one of the controllers (pitch bend, modulation or volume) on the keyboard. Other minor negatives: the printed manual is missing figures (available online) and the AC adaptor (needed if you want to use the MIDI interface or with a USB connector that can't supply the power required by the keyboard) is not included.

If you want a simple, inexpensive USB keyboard then the Keystation 49e may be just the ticket. Just ignore the fact that it has a MIDI connector, because it probably won't do you any good.

I returned the Keystation 49e and replaced it with an Edirol PCR-50. The Edirol works perfectly with Garage Band (after a driver installation, included on CD-ROM) and with my QY-700.

 Great keyboard for no-nonsense playing
I'm learning to play the piano, have an emac, and no room for a piano in my house. The keyboard is wonderfully easy to set up and use, and I haven't had a problem with it in 3 months. Not having an AC adaptor is nice, it's powered by the USB. Flawless integration with GarageBand. I move to a real piano once a week, and have no trouble playing on it after a week on the Keystation. I highly recommend this product.

 Hubby Pleased
Amazon upgraded my shipping of this item free of charge due to unforseen delays. Recvd item two days later. My hubby had emailed me this amazon website as a birthday request. I am quite happy with the service and quality of packaging.

As for the item, it is exactly what hubby was looking for to mess around on his computer. I don't think this is for professional use, but if you just want to putz around at home you cannot find a better deal than this one!

 MIDI controller generates error with MC-303 sequencer
I bought one of these to control my Roland MC-303 sequencer. It generates a "err 02" after pressing a few keys. Will not make music for more then a few seconds. Tried another one at a local music store and a both a keystaion 61es and 49e, both had the same problem. In talking with the salesman he said that other customers have reported simular problems, sound dropping, error codes with a variety of equipment. It seems that it works really well via USB to a computer but there are many issues with the MIDI out. I they tried a Radium 49 and it worked like a charm. From what I hear the Radium series is made by another manufacturer and is totally different.

Bottom line, if your not going to use the MIDI out it would probably work great, it also may work well with some equipment. Just would not work for more then a few seconds or notes with the Roland MC-303.

Buyer beware.