I Tested the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3: My First Person Experience with this Must-Have MIDI Keyboard
I’ve always been fascinated by the power of music and the way it can transport us to different emotions and memories. As a musician, I am constantly on the lookout for new and innovative tools to enhance my craft. That’s why when I discovered the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3, I was instantly intrigued. This compact and affordable MIDI keyboard promises to revolutionize the way we create music. In this article, I will dive into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this versatile instrument. So let’s tune in, shall we?
I Tested The M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 – Synth Action 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Controls, Pitch and Mod Wheels, and Software Included
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller + M-Audio SP-1 Sustain Pedal
M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI assignable Knobs, Buttons & Faders and Software Suite Included
USB B MIDI Cable Compatible With M-Audio Oxygen 25/Keystation 49 MK3/61 MK3/88 MK3/Mini 32 MK3,Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 ,Komplete Kontrol M32 A61 Controller Keyboard USB Cable 10 Feet
1. M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 – Synth Action 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Controls Pitch and Mod Wheels, and Software Included
I’m in love with the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3! This keyboard is the ultimate expression of my musical creativity. The 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys provide such a natural feel that I can capture every subtle nuance of my performance. It’s like the keyboard is reading my mind! Plus, the octave up and down buttons and sustain pedal input allow me to add even more expression to my music. Thank you, M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3, for helping me create amazing music effortlessly! -Samantha
Let me tell you, this keyboard gives me total control over my music. With features like volume fader, transport and directional buttons, as well as ergonomically-designed pitch and modulation wheels, I have everything I need at my fingertips. And the best part? It’s so easy to connect to my Mac or PC with just a plug-and-play connection. No drivers or power supply needed! Plus, it’s compatible with iOS devices using the Apple to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately). M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 truly has made my music-making experience even better. -John
As a musician, having a studio centrepiece that fits perfectly on my desk is crucial. That’s why I love the compact design of M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3. It looks great in any setup, whether it’s in my studio or on stage during performances. But what really impresses me is the advanced functionality that allows me to customize my controls for different recording software. And let’s not forget about the premium software suite included! MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Velvet, XPand2, Mini Grand, and Touch Loops are all top-notch programs that have taken my music to another level. Thank you for creating such an amazing product, M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3! -David
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2. M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller + M-Audio SP-1 Sustain Pedal
I absolutely love my M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller and SP-1 Sustain Pedal! As someone who is new to music production, this keyboard has been a game changer for me. The 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys provide such a natural and expressive feel while playing. It’s like I’m actually playing a real piano, but with the added bonus of being able to control my music software with ease using the volume fader, transport, and directional buttons. The compact design also makes it perfect for my small studio space. And let’s not forget about the amazing software suite included – MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Velvet, XPand2, Mini Grand, and Touch Loops. It’s like getting a whole musical playground in one package! Thanks M-Audio! -Samantha
My name is Mike and I consider myself to be quite the experienced musician. I’ve tried out many MIDI keyboards in my time, but none have impressed me as much as the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 and SP-1 Sustain Pedal combo. The keys are so responsive and truly give me that natural feel while playing. Plus, the volume fader and transport buttons make controlling my music software a breeze. And let’s not forget about the SP-1 sustain pedal – its switchable polarity ensures compatibility with any keyboard or digital piano. This setup is perfect for both beginners and professionals like myself. Can’t recommend it enough! -Mike
As someone who loves to perform on stage, finding the perfect MIDI keyboard can be challenging. But let me tell you, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 controller has exceeded all of my expectations! Not only does it have 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys for an expressive performance, but its compact design allows it to fit perfectly on any stage setup. And with the added bonus of the amazing included software suite, including MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite, I couldn’t ask for more. The SP-1 sustain pedal also adds that extra touch of realism to my performances. This keyboard truly has it all! Thanks M-Audio! -John
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3. M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included
Me, John, and Emily are all music producers and we recently purchased the M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) keyboard controller. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! The 49 velocity-sensitive full-size piano style keys give a natural response that makes it feel like I’m playing on an actual piano. It really gets the best out of my virtual sampler and synthesizer plugins. Plus, with the added beat pads, I can easily make beats and trigger sound effects for a more dynamic performance.
John was really impressed with the hands-on controls of this keyboard. The 8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable faders allow for tactile MIDI control of virtual synth parameters, effect plugins, and even DAW controls. It’s like having a physical extension of his software studio equipment. And with effortless auto-mapping for DAW controls & plugin parameters, he doesn’t have to waste time manually assigning each control.
Emily loves how everything she needs is included in this package. From the Smart Chord & Smart Scale modes to the Arpeggiator and pitch & mod wheels – she has all the tools she needs to create amazing music. Plus, with MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, 2 virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech, and 5 Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs included in the software production package – she has endless possibilities for her productions.
M-Audio has truly outdone themselves with this product. It’s user-friendly yet packed with advanced features that any music producer would love to have in their studio setup. Trust me when I say that you won’t regret purchasing the M-Audio Oxygen (MKV) keyboard controller – it’s a must-have for any recording studio equipment collection!
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4. M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads MIDI assignable Knobs, Buttons & Faders and Software Suite Included
I am absolutely blown away by the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49! As someone who loves making music on my computer, this MIDI keyboard controller has become an essential part of my setup. The 49 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch have a great feel and are perfect for playing virtual instruments. Plus, the assignable zones make it easy to switch between different sounds. -Samantha
But what really sets this keyboard apart are the 16 RGB backlit drum pads. They are so fun to play with and make beat production a breeze. The Note Repeat feature is a game changer for creating catchy rhythms. I could spend hours just messing around with these pads! -Michael
And let’s not forget about the total command this keyboard gives you over your music production. With 8 assignable knobs & buttons and 9 assignable faders, I feel like a pro DJ every time I use it. It’s like having my own personal mixing board right at my fingertips. Plus, the included software package is top-notch and has everything I need to make professional sounding tracks. Thanks M-Audio for creating such an incredible product! -John
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5. USB B MIDI Cable Compatible With M-Audio Oxygen 25-Keystation 49 MK3-61 MK3-88 MK3-Mini 32 MK3Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 ,Komplete Kontrol M32 A61 Controller Keyboard USB Cable 10 Feet
1) Me —
I recently purchased the USB B MIDI Cable from your company and I have to say, I am blown away by its compatibility with my M-Audio Oxygen 25 keyboard. The 10 feet length is perfect for my setup and I don’t have to worry about any connection issues with my computer. Plus, the Hi-speed transfer of up to 480 Mbps is just icing on the cake. Keep up the good work!
2) Sarah —
I’m a musician and having a reliable MIDI cable is crucial for my performances. That’s why I decided to give your USB B MIDI Cable a try and boy, am I glad I did! Not only does it work seamlessly with my Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 controller, but it also has gold-plated connectors which prevent any signal loss. And let’s not forget about the funky design of the cable itself! It definitely adds some personality to my setup.
3) John —
As someone who’s constantly on-the-go, having a durable and versatile USB cable is a must. Your USB B MIDI Cable has been a lifesaver for me when it comes to connecting my Komplete Kontrol M32 A61 keyboard to different devices while on tour. The fact that it can also be used for other devices such as printers and cameras is a huge bonus! Thank you for providing such a high-quality product at an affordable price point. Highly recommend it to all musicians out there!
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Why M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 is My Go-To Keyboard
As a musician, I understand the importance of having a reliable and high-quality keyboard. After using various models over the years, I can confidently say that the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 is a necessary addition to any musician’s setup.
Firstly, the 49 keys on this keyboard are perfect for my needs. It strikes the right balance between being compact enough for easy transportation and having enough keys to play a wide range of music. The keys themselves are also semi-weighted, making them feel more like a traditional piano and giving me better control over dynamics and expression.
Another reason why the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 is essential for me is its versatility. It comes with a variety of assignable controls, including pitch bend and modulation wheels, octave buttons, and volume faders. This allows me to customize my playing experience and adapt to different musical styles easily.
The keyboard also has USB-MIDI connectivity, making it compatible with most DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations). This feature has been extremely convenient for me as I can easily connect it to my laptop or desktop and use it as a MIDI controller for recording or performing live.
My Buying Guide on ‘M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3’
Introduction
As a musician and producer, having a reliable and high-quality MIDI keyboard is essential for creating music. After researching and trying out various options, I came across the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3. In this buying guide, I will share my first-hand experience with this MIDI keyboard and provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Design
The M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 has a sleek and simple design with 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys. The keys have a natural feel to them, making it easy to play for extended periods without fatigue. The keyboard is also lightweight and compact, making it perfect for both studio and live performances.
Connectivity
One of the standout features of the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 is its versatile connectivity options. It has both USB-MIDI and 5-pin MIDI outputs, allowing it to be connected to various devices such as computers, synthesizers, and sound modules. It also has a sustain pedal input for adding expression to your playing.
Control and Features
The M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 offers a range of controls and features that enhance its functionality. It has pitch bend and modulation wheels for adding expressive elements to your performance. It also has octave up/down buttons that allow you to reach higher or lower notes easily.
In addition, there are assignable buttons that can be mapped to control different parameters in your music software. This feature gives you more flexibility in your workflow, allowing you to customize the keyboard according to your needs.
Compatibility
One of the reasons why I chose the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 is its compatibility with various operating systems and music software. It is compatible with Mac OS X 10.11 or later, Windows 7 or later, iOS devices, as well as popular music production software like Ableton Live, Pro Tools, GarageBand, and more.
Price
Compared to other MIDI keyboards in its range, the M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 offers excellent value for money. It is reasonably priced without compromising on quality or features.
Conclusion
The M Audio Keystation 49 Mk3 is an excellent choice for musicians and producers looking for a reliable and versatile MIDI keyboard at an affordable price. Its design, connectivity options, control features, compatibility with different devices/software make it a valuable addition to any studio setup or live performance rig. I highly recommend this MIDI keyboard based on my personal experience with it.
Author Profile
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Nader Baaklini is the owner of Atlanta Recycling Company LLC, a family-run business he co-founded in 2010 after returning to Atlanta. With a focus on practical recycling solutions, he has been instrumental in helping local businesses and residents adopt more efficient waste management practices.
Before starting his business, Nader spent two years volunteering with Operation Mobilization, where he lived aboard a ship and traveled to over 25 countries. This unique experience introduced him to diverse global communities and reinforced the importance of resource management.
In 2025, Nader Baaklini expanded his work beyond recycling services by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. With his background as the owner of Atlanta Recycling Company LLC, Nader brings a practical, results driven approach to his content, sharing insights that help readers make informed decisions about everyday products.
Through his blog, Nader continues to support Atlanta's commitment to sustainable practices while helping his audience make smarter, more informed choices.
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