M-Audio is a business unit of inMusic Brands that designs and markets digital audio and MIDI interfaces, keyboards and MIDI controllers, synthesizers, speakers, studio monitors, digital DJ systems, microphones and music software. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of this M-Audio Code 49 Black keyboard. Then you have a video or two, shopping links and useful reviews from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison charts with similar keyboards so you can compare.

It also features the assignable XY Control Pad functions for HID control that can be assigned to any parameter in a DAW or any plug-in you are using, 16 fully assignable velocity-sensitive trigger pads, 8 assignable 360 encoders, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
When connected, the M-Audio Code 49 features MIDI input and output, two pedal inputs (sustain and expression), USB connection, and power supply input. Includes Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0 and Loom by Air Music Technology licenses.
Now that we’ve seen the features of this M-Audio Code 49 Black keyboard, check out these related videos to learn more.
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The M-Audio Code 49 Black MIDI Keyboard is priced at €199/£177/$199 and the Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 is priced at €222/£205/$224, with a difference of $26. Let’s go head to head:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Code 49 Black |
Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 |
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In our first comparison we have two good quality MIDI controllers, on the one hand, the M-Audio Code 49 which offers 49 full-size keys, an assignable XY control pad for HID control, 16 fully assignable velocity-sensitive trigger pads, 8 assignable 360 encoders, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels. A Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 also offers 49 speed-sensitive keys, 16 RGB illuminated sensitive pads, 8 faders, buttons for octave up / down, arp / scale / fixed chord, play / stop / record / loop, track navigation, stop / solo / mute, MIDI capture / quantization / click / undo, scene start, Device selection and Device lock functions, and Pitch and modulation wheels.
The M-Audio Code 49 features assignable buttons, a MIDI input, and an additional pedal input. There is also an assignable XY control pad for HID control, which is a great advantage because it allows you to control a parameter or plug-in in two dimensions. As an advantage of the Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 we can have certain buttons for specific functions. M-Audio Code 49 has more advantages and has a lower price.
Here’s a video of the Novation Launchkey 49 MK3
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 review.
The M-Audio Code 49 Black MIDI keyboard is priced at €199/£177/$199 and the M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 is priced at €125, with a difference of $74. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Code 49 Black |
M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 |
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In this comparison, we have the well-known M-Audio Code 49 with its respective functions and features, and the M-Audio Oxygen 49 that offers 49 sensitive keys, 8 sensitive pads, 8 freely assignable rotary buttons, 9 freely assignable sliders, 4 transport buttons for DAW control, pitch bend and modulation wheels.
The advantages of the M-Audio Code 49 include a larger number of assignable pads and XY control, as well as integrated MIDI input and output, and input for two pedals. Because of this, we consider it a better controller.
Here is a video of the M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 review.
The M-Audio Code 49 Black MIDI Keyboard is priced at €199/£177/$199 while the Alesis VI49 is priced at €185, with a small difference of €14. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Code 49 Black |
Alesis VI49 |
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In this comparison, we find two good MIDI keyboards, on one hand, the already known M-Audio Code 49 with its functions and features already analyzed, and on the other hand we have the Alesis VI49 that offers 49 semi-balanced keys with full-size aftertouch with square front, 16 backlit RGB pads sensitive to speed (intensity in MIDI language), we also have 12 knobs and 36 buttons, both assignable and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
The M-Audio Code 49 features assignable faders, an XY pad control, a MIDI input and a second pedal input. The Alesis VI49 also has a large number of buttons and knobs, and its semi-weighted keyboard gives a better quality of play. Because of these great advantages, the decision of which one is better is reflected more than anything else in the needs of the user. If you care about the quality of the keyboard, you’ll go for the Alesis. If you want to experiment with the pad control, the M-Audio will be your choice.
Here’s a video of the Alesis VI49 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Alesis VI49 review.
The M-Audio Code 49 Black MIDI Keyboard is priced at €199/£177/$199 when the Novation Impulse 25 is priced at €165/£149/$168, with a difference of €34 between them. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Code 49 Black |
Novation Impulse 25 |
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In this comparison, we have on the one hand the M-Audio Code 49 that we have already analyzed before, and on the other hand, the Novation Impulse 25 that offers 25 semi-heavy keys and with the Aftertouch function, 8 backlit Drum-Pads, 1 55mm Fader, 8 assignable knobs, transport buttons, modulation and pitch bend wheels and up/down octave keys.
The advantages of the M-Audio Code 49, as mentioned above, are its XY pad control, its number of faders, and its assignable buttons. The advantage of the Novation Impulse 25 is that it has a semi-weighted keyboard with a better aftertouch function. As in the last comparison, we will make the decision according to the user and his needs.
And here is a video of the Novation Impulse 25 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Impulse 25 review.
The M-Audio Code 49 Black MIDI Keyboard is priced at €199/£177/$199 when the M-Audio Code 61 Black is priced at approximately €240, leaving a difference of approximately €40.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Code 49 Black |
M-Audio Code 61 Black |
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In this last comparison, we have two MIDI keyboards of the same brand, and the Code 49 and Code 61 models, both having the same functions and features, but as the main difference one has 49 keys and the other 61. If you need a 5-octave keyboard in order to have a wider range of notes, go for the M-Audio Code 61, if 4 octaves is fine, the Code 49 will save you money and space.
And here’s a video of the M-Audio Code 61 Black keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Code 61 Black review.
While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest range of notes possible, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price demanded by the controllers, a kind of value for money.
In this post we find MIDI controllers with an average price of 200 euros and the MIDI controller that we can comment on that wins the comparison among others is the M-Audio Code 49, thanks to its set of control functions, which we find among others: an XY control pad, pads, knobs, buttons and faders all of them assignable. There are also two pedal inputs, both sustain and volume, as well as software licenses for beginners.
Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:
I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of the IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.
Features:
IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro; usb controller keyboard; 37 full-size secrets with velocity; incorporated headphone production; controls: amount knob, 4 double-assignable knobs, 1 assignable data push encoder, octave up/down buttons, program up/down buttons, setup switch; connections: micro USB, MIDI In 2,5 mm jack, MIDI out 2,5 mm jack, headphone stereo output 3,5 mm stereo jack, pedal input 6,3 mm TRS jack; scope of distribution: iRig Keys 2 Pro, Lightning to micro-USB cable 60 cm, USB-A to micro-USB cable 60 cm, 2,5 mm TRS to DIN adapter 10 cm; proportions: 605 x 212 x 64 mm; fat: 1,87 kg

Now that we’ve seen the features of this keyboard IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro watch these related videos to learn more.
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The keyboard IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro is usually 66 € more expensive than Akai MPK mini Mk2.
And then a video of the keyboard
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IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro |
Akai MPK mini Mk2 |
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IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro; usb controller keyboard; 37 full-size secrets with velocity; incorporated headphone production; controls: amount knob, 4 double-assignable knobs, 1 assignable data push encoder, octave up/down buttons, program up/down buttons, setup switch; connections: micro USB, MIDI In 2,5 mm jack, MIDI out 2,5 mm jack, headphone stereo output 3,5 mm stereo jack, pedal input 6,3 mm TRS jack; scope of distribution: iRig Keys 2 Pro, Lightning to micro-USB cable 60 cm, USB-A to micro-USB cable 60 cm, 2,5 mm TRS to DIN adapter 10 cm; proportions: 605 x 212 x 64 mm; fat: 1,87 kg |
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And then a video of the keyboardAkai MPK mini Mk2
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai MPK mini Mk2 review
The keyboard IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro is usually 85 € more expensive than Swissonic EasyKey 49.
And then a video of the keyboard
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IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro |
Swissonic EasyKey 49 |
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IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro; usb controller keyboard; 37 full-size secrets with velocity; incorporated headphone production; controls: amount knob, 4 double-assignable knobs, 1 assignable data push encoder, octave up/down buttons, program up/down buttons, setup switch; connections: micro USB, MIDI In 2,5 mm jack, MIDI out 2,5 mm jack, headphone stereo output 3,5 mm stereo jack, pedal input 6,3 mm TRS jack; scope of distribution: iRig Keys 2 Pro, Lightning to micro-USB cable 60 cm, USB-A to micro-USB cable 60 cm, 2,5 mm TRS to DIN adapter 10 cm; proportions: 605 x 212 x 64 mm; fat: 1,87 kg |
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And then a video of the keyboardSwissonic EasyKey 49
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Swissonic EasyKey 49 review
The keyboard IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro is usually 43 € more expensive than Arturia Keystep, but the difference is so small that this can vary..
And then a video of the keyboard
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IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro |
Arturia Keystep |
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IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro; usb controller keyboard; 37 full-size secrets with velocity; incorporated headphone production; controls: amount knob, 4 double-assignable knobs, 1 assignable data push encoder, octave up/down buttons, program up/down buttons, setup switch; connections: micro USB, MIDI In 2,5 mm jack, MIDI out 2,5 mm jack, headphone stereo output 3,5 mm stereo jack, pedal input 6,3 mm TRS jack; scope of distribution: iRig Keys 2 Pro, Lightning to micro-USB cable 60 cm, USB-A to micro-USB cable 60 cm, 2,5 mm TRS to DIN adapter 10 cm; proportions: 605 x 212 x 64 mm; fat: 1,87 kg |
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And then a video of the keyboardArturia Keystep
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia Keystep review
The keyboard IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro is usually 5 € more expensive than M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII, but the difference is so small that this can vary..
And then a video of the keyboard
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IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro |
M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII |
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IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro; usb controller keyboard; 37 full-size secrets with velocity; incorporated headphone production; controls: amount knob, 4 double-assignable knobs, 1 assignable data push encoder, octave up/down buttons, program up/down buttons, setup switch; connections: micro USB, MIDI In 2,5 mm jack, MIDI out 2,5 mm jack, headphone stereo output 3,5 mm stereo jack, pedal input 6,3 mm TRS jack; scope of distribution: iRig Keys 2 Pro, Lightning to micro-USB cable 60 cm, USB-A to micro-USB cable 60 cm, 2,5 mm TRS to DIN adapter 10 cm; proportions: 605 x 212 x 64 mm; fat: 1,87 kg |
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And then a video of the keyboardM-Audio Keystation 88 MkII
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII review
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I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of the Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 Black keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.

This keyboard usually has a price around 407.00 €
Now that we’ve seen the features of this keyboard Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 Black watch these related videos to learn more.
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Some comments from people who come to the forum about this model:
Comment:
Comment:
I like the quality and its particular features a lot but I had been only a little disapointed on how one of the keys’s feel compared to my Yamaha E413 that is a cheaper and older electric piano(and incredibly used). The important thing’s in the Arturia Keylab49 are a whole lot softer, these are typically to simple to press to feel good for me at the very least.
despite the fact that I might have made a blunder buying a midi keyboard considering I would also like to master to play the piano on, the Arturia Keylab is fantastic for creating music plus it works perfectly with Ableton, you rarely have to get in touch with the mouse/keyboard so it really speeds things out.
Pro’s: Great quality, a lot of features, works perfectly with music pc software’s
Con’s: Key’s are soft, response time is not as snapy as I could have liked to
The keyboard Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 Black is usually 74 € more expensive than Novation Impulse 61.
And then a video of the keyboard
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Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 Black |
Novation Impulse 61 |
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And then a video of the keyboardNovation Impulse 61
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Impulse 61 review
The keyboard Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 Black is usually 19 € more expensive than Studiologic SL88 Studio, but the difference is so small that this can vary..
And then a video of the keyboard
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Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 Black |
Studiologic SL88 Studio |
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And then a video of the keyboardStudiologic SL88 Studio
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Studiologic SL88 Studio review
The keyboard Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 Blackis usually 72 € cheaper than Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2.
And then a video of the keyboard
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Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 Black |
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 |
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And then a video of the keyboardNative Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 review
The keyboard Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 Blackis usually 22 € cheaper than Nektar Panorama P6, but the difference is so small that this can vary..
And then a video of the keyboard
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Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 Black |
Nektar Panorama P6 |
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And then a video of the keyboardNektar Panorama P6
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Nektar Panorama P6 review
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