
M-Audio
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
★★★★★
The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 puts 49 velocity-sensitive keys and full DAW transport control on your desk — the clean, no-nonsense controller for focused music production.
$222.74*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Key Features
49 full-size, synth-action velocity-sensitive keys
Pitch bend and modulation wheels provide dynamic performance capabilities
Transport controls let you control your DAW without reaching for the mouse
6.3mm (1/4-inch) sustain pedal input for expressive performance
Now Includes Pro Tools | First and Eleven Lite for all new and existing customers, as well as SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble
Specifications
Keys
49 full-size synth-action, velocity-sensitive
Connectivity
USB (class-compliant, bus-powered)
Sustain Input
6.3mm (1/4-inch) footswitch
Transport Controls
Dedicated DAW transport (play, stop, record, rewind)
Included Software
Pro Tools | First, Eleven Lite, SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble
Compatible OS
Mac, PC
Brand
M-Audio
Model
Keystation 49 MK3
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Class-compliant USB connectivity eliminates driver installation friction and works immediately on Mac or PC
- Dedicated DAW transport controls keep hands on keys and off the mouse during tracking sessions
- 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys provide enough range for two-handed performance and chord voicings
- 6.3mm sustain pedal input adds expressive capability with any standard footswitch
- Bundled Pro Tools | First and SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble deliver immediate production-ready software value
👎 Cons
- Synth-action keybed lacks the weighted resistance that pianists accustomed to hammer action will expect for nuanced dynamic playing
- No pitch bend or modulation wheels on the MK3 limits real-time expressive control during performance or tracking
- Sustain input does not support half-pedaling, which is a notable limitation for piano-forward production work
- 49 keys covers a practical working range but restricts full two-hand voicings at the extreme registers without octave-shifting
- USB bus power only — no option for battery or external power supply for truly mobile setups away from a USB source
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Keystation 49 MK3 require any drivers, or does it run class-compliant over USB?
The Keystation 49 MK3 is class-compliant, meaning it connects and operates over USB without installing drivers on Mac or PC. Power is drawn directly from the USB bus — no external power supply needed for standard desktop use.
How do the transport controls integrate with common DAWs like Ableton, Logic, and Pro Tools?
The dedicated transport controls transmit standard MIDI Machine Control (MMC) messages, which are recognized natively by most major DAWs including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools. Play, stop, record, and rewind functions are accessible without reaching for the mouse, which meaningfully improves tracking session flow.
What is the velocity response curve like on the synth-action keys — is it adjustable for different playing styles?
Synth-action keys are lighter and shallower than weighted hammer action, making the Keystation 49 well-suited to quick melodic passages and chord layering. Velocity sensitivity is active across all 49 keys, and many DAWs allow input velocity curve adjustment if you prefer a more compressed or expanded dynamic response.
Does the sustain pedal input support half-pedaling, or only on/off switching?
The 6.3mm sustain pedal input responds to standard on/off footswitch signals. Half-pedaling — which requires continuous controller sensing — is not supported. For piano-style sustain work requiring graduated pedal response, a separate MIDI expression pedal routed through the DAW would be needed.
What software is included, and is it useful for professional production work?
The MK3 includes Pro Tools | First (the entry-level version of Avid's industry-standard DAW), Eleven Lite (Avid's guitar amp modeling plugin), and SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble (an 88-key piano virtual instrument). Pro Tools | First has track count and third-party plugin limitations relative to the full version, but provides a functional production environment for tracking and arrangement.