M-Audio today released their new line of Keystation 61, 49 and Mini 32 MK3 USB/MIDI keyboard controllers.
The Keystation models are USB-powered, class-compliant, and support USB-MIDI connectivity. All three support iOS connectivity with the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, enabling you to perform and compose with audio apps on your iPad and other iOS devices.
The 61 and 49 MK3 feature transport and directional controls and a 1/4” (6.3mm) sustain pedal input to use an external control pedal, such as the M-Audio SP2. The Keystation 61 MK3 adds 5-pin MIDI output and semi-weighted keys as step-up features from the Mini 32 MK3 and 49 MK3.
The 61 and 49 MK3 add:
- Ableton Live Lite performance/production program
- Air Music Technology Mini Grand virtual pianos
- Air Music Technology Velvet virtual electronic pianos
- Skoove online interactive piano lessons
- Melodics instructional desktop app for MIDI keyboards
- 2GB of Touch Loops premium loops, one shots and sound elements
Pricing and Availability
The new controllers are available now, with retail prices of $169 for the 61 MK3, $99 for the 49 MK3 and $49 for the Mini 32 MK3.
Looks good, apart from the wheels. They do not look like they’re fit for subtle control.
Pretty darn boring except for the “ADVANCED” button
id rather have a bed of mini keys and tons of knobs and faders with tight daw integration. this is just the same shit. with ios capability and free loops . whats the point?
My Alesis QX49 I got for $20 blows this away. 😛
Pads and knobs and faders oh my!
What are the keys like on these? Tried a cheap Akai in a shop a few years back and the keys were unbelievably springy and weird.
no midi din sockets..pointless for me then.
So how are they different to mk2? Slightly darker casing?
i don’t need knobs. i don’t need faders. i don’t need drumpads. i don’t need ribbon controllers, touchscreens, d-beams, xy-pads, arpeggiators, sequencers, sound module options, ios connectivity. i just need a simple keyboard with 49/61 keys with aftertouch and din midi. why doesn’t such a masterkeyboard exist?
oh yes. perhaps something like the Radias keyboard, only with a tabletop-like surface to fit laptops and synths
Yore wrong Kmx. Check the nearly to be realeased Arturia Keylab MKII. Great keybed with aftertouch. Just leave the faders and knobs alone where they are. Who knows one day they will come in handy?
no, i’m not. but please prove me wrong and tell me there is such a thing. (the arturia keystep would be fantastic if it had more keys).
i have enough masterkeyboards with aftertouch and faders and knobs and drumpads and xy-pads and displays and and and… (novation remote is pretty awesome, though discontinued). i just want something basic and (first of all!) compact!
CV out. Seriously.