M Audio KeyRig 49 49 Key USB Keyboard Controller
	Rating
	Brand	M Audio
	Type	Electronics
	List Price	$129.95
	Special Price
	Lowest New Price	Too low to display
	Lowest Used Price	$88.88
Categories
Portable Keyboards
Features
Edit mode button Assignable octave +/- buttons Pitch bend wheel Assignable modulation wheel and volume slider Consists of Ableton Exist Lite music creation software
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Description
The M-Audio KeyRig 49 will turn your Mac or PC into a virtual keyboard workstation!The KeyRig 49 package consists of prize-winning Key Rig software for the PC and tons of virtual instruments to have fun together with. You can audition loops and compose songs together with M-Audio's Session, Apple's GarageBand, Ableton's Exist Lite (integrated) or other music-creation programs. Key Rig 49 consists of pro features like a pitch and mod wheels, an assignable volume slider, octave +/- buttons and sustain pedal input. It's powered via a single USB cable and works instantly together with computers running Mac OS X or Windows XP.The KeyRig 49 has officially replaced the popular Keystation 49e. It's just It's a better package at the same cost!Full Features49-note, synth-action keyboard for professional feel and responseassignable modulation wheel and volume sliderpitch bend wheelassignable octave +/- buttonsedit mode buttonsustain pedal inputUSB 2.0 and USB 1.1 compatibleconnection and power via a single USB cableinstant installation on Mac OS X and Windows XP computers-just plug and playincludes prize-winning M-Audio Key Rig software (PC only) featuring:four top-excellence virtual sound modules: SP-1 Stage Piano, MS-2 Polyphonic Synthesizer, MB-3 Tone Wheel Organ and GM-4 General MIDIuse stand-alone or together with a sequencervariable velocity and controller settingssplit and layer modules for performance combinationsmodule and master results processorscompatible together with much popular softwareincludes Ableton Exist Lite music creation software
Customer Reviews
Difficult to install, too quiet.   2010-08-31
By Eric Simmons
I had purchased this product as an inexpensive way to learn a little keyboarding without buying the full item with all the bells and whistles. Took 2-3 hours to figure out how to install it thanks to poor instructions from the manufacturer. The keyboard was obviously primarily for Macs (I run a Vista home machine) and certainly did not work with my OS out of the box with any of the software provided! Took awhile to figure out the problem (even with repeat visits to the website) before I finally got it installed. Definitely not plug-n-play if you run Windows, although it is doable. When it does play, the sound tends to be far too quiet and I find myself often using headphones just so I can ensure I hear what I'm playing. The Keyrig program included is nice and offers a lot of options, but may be a bit much for first-time users who just want to connect up the board and rock on. Other reviews have already mentioned the lead hazard, be sure to wash your hands after playing and do not touch mouth/nose/eyes while you are playing. On the plus side, it is an inexpensive option for those willing to put a little time into getting it installed (Hint: Vista users visit the website FIRST, before anything else!), and who are looking just to get their toes wet in playing. Myself though, if I knew the hassle it would be, I might very well have spent a few more dollars for one that would have been less hassle, and withe more options.
Good midi keyboard   2010-07-30
By Declanus45
This is definitely for someone who has a computer that does everything for them, which is how mine is set up. All my effects and everything are on the computer side, this is just a keyboard for input, I use mine for production. Unit is somewhat flimsy, but doesn't matter if it's just sitting on a desk. Not a performance keyboard, but great for basic use. I would recommend it for a beginner or someone who just wants to use a keyboard with their computer. Remember though this has NO SPEAKERS, solely for use with a computer.
Works well for Finale with my Mac   2010-07-25
By L. Hamel
I purchased this keyboard for use with Finale 2010 on my Mac. It works as I expected and I have had no problems so far. As others have noted, the keys are not weighted, but for note entry it works as I would like. I also like that it is a half size keyboard so it is easy to store. I didn't need any extra functions and this keyboard is simple. I only use it for note entry.
not a stand alone keyboard - no speakers   2010-02-11
By D. Kane
It doesn't matter so much to me, but it's important you know that the keyboard has no speakers to play by itself. It can only be played through your computer. But for GarageBand on Mac, you just plug it in and it works. Great for producing/arranging music.
Maybe a great keyboard, but only for one computer!   2009-12-05
By Robert John Metz (Woodland, CA , USA)
We wanted a simple keyboard to plug into our Xp laptops, and use to practice our choral work regardless of where we might travel. We needed to use the keyboard on multiple computers for different members of our family. Further, we were looking for something "compact" (portable) hence the purchase of a 49 key keyboard with adjustable octaves for bass, alto, soprano singing parts. This is truly a full size keyboard - the same size keys as a grand piano. Hence, even though it is only 49 keys, it is huge! The biggest drawback for us is that this maufacturer has elected to go the "Microsoft" route - to incorporate the simple Xp drivers with their proprietary music software, and to allow the package to ONLY be installed on ONE computer, using a unique key number that has to be "certified" on their website (similar to Microsoft's operating system licenses). So, you are not really purchasing a keyboard, you are purchasing a single use SOFTWARE license! Thought buyers might find this information useful. We have had to return this product. This is only the second time We have ever had to place a return to Amazon. We were VERY disappointed. I would guess that the same condition prevails for all M-Audio products, but I cannot be sure. We will avoid their products in the future. Wish someone like Yamaha would make a keyboard that plays like a piano, without all the MIDI instrument, rhythm variations or similar options, and make it small enough to be portable!