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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

M-AUDIO Keystation 49 MK3

Bottom line: The M-AUDIO Keystation 49 MK3 ($129.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys capture playing dynamics; main trade-off: synth action, not weighted or hammer-action piano feel.

$129.00

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Buy on Amazon — $129.00 Compare to similar audio & midi

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys capture playing dynamics
  • ✓ Plug-and-play USB, no drivers or power supply needed
  • ✓ Bundles MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Velvet, XPand2, Mini Grand
  • ✓ Transport buttons and volume fader control your DAW directly

Cons

  • ✗ Synth action, not weighted or hammer-action piano feel
  • ✗ No drum pads for finger drumming or beat entry
  • ✗ iOS use requires an Apple Camera Adapter, sold separately
  • ✗ Sustain pedal is not included with the controller

Manufacturer description

The M-AUDIO Keystation 49 MK3 is a 49-key USB MIDI keyboard controller built for producers who want full-size, velocity-sensitive keys without giving up desk space. Its synth-action keybed responds to how hard you play, so dynamics carry through to your DAW instead of flattening into fixed velocity. You get a volume fader, transport and directional buttons, octave up/down keys, and ergonomically shaped pitch and modulation wheels, plus a sustain pedal input for phrasing that actually breathes. Setup is plug-and-play over USB on Mac or PC with no drivers and no external power supply, and it…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored M-AUDIO Keystation 49 MK3 using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the audio & midi category. M-AUDIO's audio & midi lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for audio & midi of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the keys weighted like a real piano?

No. The Keystation 49 MK3 uses synth-action, velocity-sensitive full-size keys. They respond to how hard you play, but they are lighter than a hammer-action or weighted piano keybed.

Do I need to install drivers or plug in a power adapter?

Neither. It connects to a Mac or PC over USB as a plug-and-play device, drawing power from the same cable. No drivers and no separate power supply are required.

What software comes with it?

M-AUDIO includes MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Velvet, XPand2, Mini Grand, and Touch Loops, plus free online lessons from Skoove and over 60 app-based lessons from Melodics.

Can I use it with an iPad or iPhone?

Yes, via the Apple Lightning or USB-C to USB Camera Adapter, which is sold separately. Check the product listing for current iOS compatibility details before ordering.

Is a sustain pedal included?

No, but the controller has a sustain pedal input, so you can add any standard 1/4-inch sustain pedal for expressive phrasing and held chords.

Is 49 keys enough for a home studio?

For beat-making, sketching melodies, and MIDI programming, yes. The compact body fits a desk, and octave up/down buttons shift the range so you can reach notes outside the four octaves.

Key Features

  • Ultimate Expression - 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys provide a natural feel that captures every subtle nuance of your performance
  • Total Control - Volume fader, transport and directional buttons for easy control of your software, plus ergonomically-designed pitch and modulation wheels, Octave up and down buttons and sustain pedal input for expressive performances
  • Immediate Creativity - Easy plug-and-play connection to your Mac or PC-no drivers or power supply required; compatible with iOS devices via the Apple to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately)
  • Your Studio Centrepiece - Compact design fits any desk, studio or stage setup perfectly and advanced functionality customizes your controls for your recording software
  • Premium Software suite included - MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Velvet, XPand2, Mini Grand, and Touch Loops
  • Free Lessons - Includes Free Online Lessons from Skoove and over 60 app based lessons from Melodics

Full Specifications

BrandM-AUDIO
Model NameKEYSTATION49MK3
ConnectivityUSB
CompatibilityPC, iOS, Mac
Number of Keys49
Special FeatureCompact, Lightweight, Portable, Velocity Sensitive Key
Connectivity TechnologyUSB
Full listing titleM-AUDIO Keystation 49 MK3 - Synth Action 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Controls, Pitch and Mod Wheels, and Software Included

Ready to buy?

M-AUDIO Keystation 49 MK3 - Synth Action 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Controls, Pitch and Mod Wheels, and Software Included is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $129.00

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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M-AUDIO Keystation 49 MK3 - Synth Action 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Controls, Pitch and Mod Wheels, and Software Included
$129.00
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