Samson

Samson SAKGR49 Graphite 49-Key USB MIDI Controller

4.4 (404 reviews)

Take Control of Your Music with Expressive MIDI Performance The Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Controller gives you the control and expression you need to get the most out of your music software. It combines a semi-weighted keyboard with a feature set that is both useful and accessible. The Graphit...

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Overview

Take Control of Your Music with Expressive MIDI Performance

The Samson Graphite 49 USB MIDI Controller gives you the control and expression you need to get the most out of your music software. It combines a semi-weighted keyboard with a feature set that is both useful and accessible. The Graphite 49 is a sleek, powerful tool that allows you to express your most dynamic musical ideas.

Specifications:

  • Keyboard: 49-key semi-weighted with aftertouch
  • Controls: 9 faders, 8 encoders, 16 buttons
  • Pads: 4 velocity-sensitive trigger pads with aftertouch (two banks)
  • Display: Large LCD
  • Connectivity: MIDI Out, USB, sustain pedal
  • Software: Native Instrument's Komplete Elements software

Key Features

49-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch

9 programmable faders, 8 encoders and 16 buttons for hands-on control over your DAW and virtual instruments

4 velocity-sensitive trigger pads (2 banks) for drum sounds and samples

Large LCD display provides real-time feedback

Includes traditional MIDI Out and USB connections

Specifications

Keyboard Type
49-key semi-weighted
Key Feature
Aftertouch
Programmable Faders
9
Programmable Encoders
8
Programmable Buttons
16
Trigger Pads
4 (velocity-sensitive, 2 banks)
Display
Large LCD
Connections
MIDI Out, USB

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • The 49-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch offers a responsive and expressive playing experience for musicians.
  • Features 9 programmable faders, 8 encoders, and 16 buttons, providing extensive hands-on control over DAWs and virtual instruments.
  • Includes 4 velocity-sensitive trigger pads across two banks, ideal for programming drum sounds and samples.
  • A large LCD display provides real-time feedback, making it easier to monitor and adjust parameters during performances or production.
  • Equipped with both traditional MIDI Out and USB connections, ensuring broad compatibility with various music setups.

👎 Cons

  • The 49-key format, while portable, might be too small for pianists requiring a full 88-key range for certain performances.
  • The semi-weighted action, while expressive, may not fully replicate the feel of a traditional acoustic piano or fully-weighted keyboard.
  • The number of trigger pads (4 pads with 2 banks) might be limiting for producers who require a larger grid for complex beat programming.
  • The controller relies on a host device (computer or MIDI interface) for sound generation, as it does not have built-in sounds.
  • While it offers MIDI Out, it lacks additional MIDI connectivity options such as MIDI In or Thru for more complex hardware setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Samson Graphite 49-Key USB MIDI Controller features semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, offering a responsive feel that is more expressive than unweighted keys, though not fully weighted like a digital piano.
Yes, the Samson Graphite 49 is equipped with 9 programmable faders, 8 encoders, and 16 buttons, providing extensive hands-on control over your DAW and virtual instruments.
The Samson Graphite 49 includes 4 velocity-sensitive trigger pads, which can be switched between two banks, offering a total of eight assignable pads for drum sounds and samples.
The Samson Graphite 49-Key USB MIDI Controller features both traditional MIDI Out and USB connections, ensuring versatile connectivity to computers and other MIDI hardware.
Yes, the Samson Graphite 49 includes a large LCD display that provides real-time feedback on your settings and parameters, enhancing usability during performance and production.