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M-Audio Key Rig 49
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M-Audio Key Rig 49

49-Key MIDI Keyboard from M-Audio belonging to the Key Rig series

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JackLudden JackLudden
Published on 08/10/08 at 04:23
I have been using this MIDI controller for about 3 months. It seems to be meant to be a compact, simple and easy to use MIDI controller that you can keep on your DAW desk for easy access. To that end, it works great and I'm very happy with it. You get 49 keys, not a whole keyboard, however there is a simple button layout for switching which traditional octaves are being covered by the keyboard section. So unless you're trying to play something with a really big note range, it isn't a problem. This is more suited for playing monophonic synth or piano lines, or something like that, rather than playing full piano parts with rhythm and lead within them. The key action is not that life-like when compared to a piano, but rather the light, bouncy action that you expect from a low cost keyboard. This is fine, considering the common application of just laying down simple synth lines.

It has a volume slider which can be used to change your output velocity. It also has a pitch bend wheel that snaps back to center, which is useful for the more lively sounding synth lines. In addition, it has a mod wheel, which can also provide for more dynamic performances. It also is rather comact, sleek, and stylish, so it looks good up on the DAW desk. Connection to your DAW is also a cinch - no MIDI interface required - so you just plug in the USB cable after installing the provided driver, and you should be good to go. Not only that, but the unit is powered by the USB as well, so this cuts down greatly on the amount of cables needed. It also has a jack for a sustain pedal (not included), and an on/off switch to kill the light blue LEDs when not in use. I have used other MIDI keyboards, and while this won't amaze anyone, certainly gets the job done and looks good doing it. It's also pretty cheap, so it's a great value. I'd buy it again.