Roland

Description

There's no shortage of portable MIDI keyboard controllers on the market, but portability in some cases, that means you get subpar keyboard action. M-Audio's engineers wanted to ensure that the A-49 is not one of them. It's a lightweight, slim-line controller which features a premium-grade, full-size keyboard. It's a dream for musicians seeking a simple, easy-to-use MIDI keyboard with pro-quality playing feel.

Great Keys, Great Controls
The A-49's keys have a rounded shape for better reaction to the player's touch and more comfortable glissandi. Other enhancements have been made to reduce the already low mechanical noise and eliminate vertical shake. All of these features add up to a keyboard that even the most discerning pros will appreciate. Add color to your sound and excitement to your performance by waving your hands over the invisible D-BEAM. The A-49 can assign all its controllers automatically for fully utilizing an external SuperNATURAL sound module such as the INTEGRA-7. It's also a great second keyboard for controlling synthesizers that have onboard SuperNATURAL sounds, such as the JUPITER-80 and JUPITER-50 (sold separately).

Mobile Music
The A-49 was born for mobile use. It's strong yet amazingly lightweight (less than 6lb./2.5kg), making it easy to lift and carry. And although it has a very streamlined design, the A-49 features a full-size, premium keyboard with 49 velocity-sensitive keys. For the ultimate in portable convenience, the A-49 is powered from your computer's USB bus - no power cable or adapter is required. It draws a minimal amount of current, which is ideal for a USB bus-powered device.

Make Music With Your Mac or PC
The A-49 provides clean connections via its recessed rear panel, so you can place a computer monitor or laptop in the perfect position for creating music. Two knobs, two switches, and the D-BEAM controller are all easily accessible and intelligently arranged to make your workflow fast and fluid. Dedicated octave buttons offer immediate control of the key scale, and a transpose button is provided for adjusting the scale in semitone steps; LED indicators give you instant visual feedback of your octave/transpose settings. Other settings can be accessed via the Function button, which lets you use the keys to perform additional tasks printed above the keyboard.

Perfect for the iPad*
Recently, many musicians have gravitated toward their Apple iPads to record musical ideas. While there are small MIDI keyboards that can be used with the iPad, the A-49 gives you pro playability as well as mobility. Its clean, clutter-free surface and excellent feel keeps your fingers on the keys and your mind on the music.

*The A-49 can be connected to the iPad via Apple's iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately).

It comes bundled with Cakewalk SONAR LE software.
Open Box Roland A-49 MIDI Keyboard Controller Level 2 Black 197881392116
Open Box Roland A-49 MIDI Keyboard Controller Level 2 Black 197881392116
Open Box Roland A-49 MIDI Keyboard Controller Level 2 Black 197881392116

Features

  • 49 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity
  • Controllers: Buttons: S1, S2 (Assignable) Knobs: C1, C2 (Assignable) Foot Pedals: HOLD, EXPRESSION Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever D-BEAM Controller
  • Buttons: [Function] button [SuperNATURAL] button [Octave +/-] button [Transpose] button
  • Display: Power Indicator LED Octave Indicator LED
  • Connectors: HOLD Pedal jack: 1/4-inch phone type EXPRESSION Pedal jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type MIDI OUT connector USB COMPUTER port (USB Type B)
  • Interface: USB
  • Power supply: Supplied from the computer via USB COMPUTER port
  • Current Draw: 98 mA
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Includes:
    • Owner's Manual
    • A-49 CD-ROM USB Cable
    • SONAR LE DVD-ROM (Windows)
    • SONAR LE installation guide (Windows)

    Specs

    • Dimensions (WxDxH): 836mm x 182 mm x 84 mm, 32-15/16" x 7-3/16" x 3-5/16"
    • Weight: 5lb., 9oz. (2.5kg)

    Reviews

    4

    4 Reviews

    50%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend

    Filters
    Best Uses
    1. Practicing1
    2. Recording in home studio1
    Cons
    1. Not Functional1
    Describe Yourself
    1. Professional Musician2
    2. Experienced1
    Pros
    1. Easy To Use1
    2. Functional1
    3. Good Quality1
    4. Improves Sound1
    • Does not work without PC

      1

      submitted9 months ago

      byMichael

      fromTampa, FL

      Even though it has a midi cable, you cannot use this thing on without connecting via usb to a computer. A usb power supply will not work.

    • Yes I would buy this product again..

      5

      Verified Buyer

      submitted8 years ago

      byBryan

      fromNYC

      I purchased this MC with my Integra 7 together with my A88..love this product

    • Totally lives up to Rolands' reputation for quality.

      5

      Verified Buyer

      submitted8 years ago

      byPiano Farmer

      fromMissouri

      Roland delivers with an easy to use controller. I didn't need all the bells and whistles on this one and opted for smaller platform with better function. Nice key feel and just enough choices for sensitivity and other functions. It's light without feeling like a toy and the full-sized keys were most welcome after trying to play minis with aging hands.

    • I will get another one in the future

      5

      Verified Buyer

      submitted9 years ago

      byCarlos

      fromundisclosed

      For home and live use,so far it's great.

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    Q&A

    Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

    • asked bynickname

      fromundisclosed

      Does it require a driver installation to use it on iMac? ( Catalina 10.15.7)

      Open Reply - Thomas
      I’m sorry, we don’t have that information available. Perhaps an inquiry to Roland
    • asked byDiane

      fromHawaii

      what are the dimensions of a Roland A-49 and what are the dimensions of a Roland A-61 (black)

      Open Reply - Thomas
      A-61: Width 1001.9 mm 39-1/2 inches Depth:250.8 mm 9-7/8 inches Height:91.4 mm 3-10/16 inches Weight:4.5 kg 9 lbs. 15 oz. A-49: Width:836 mm 32-15/16 inchesDepth:182 mm 7-3/16 inchesHeight:84 mm 3-5/16 inchesWeight:2.5 kg 5 lbs. 9 oz.
    • asked byRogu3

      fromBrooklyn NY

      Does the work with ableton daw ?

      Open Reply - Kenneth
      Yes, this will work with any DAW
    • asked byJesse

      fromWinston-Salem NC

      Can this product be ran straight into a P.A. System without being linked to a laptop?

      Open Reply - Charles
      This is a MIDI controller so it would require a computer or iPad before sending to a PA System.
      Open Reply - Charles
      This is a MIDI controller so it would require a computer or iPad before sending to a PA System.