Review M-Audio Code 61 Black MIDI keyboard. Where to buy it?
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 will list the features of this M-Audio Code 61 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.
- 61 full-size keys
- Speed sensitive with aftertouch
- 4 assignable zones for divisions and layers
- Assignable XY control pad for HID control
- 16 fully assignable speed-sensitive trigger pads
- 8 encoders 360 assignable
- 9 assignable faders
- 9 assignable buttons
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels
- Transport control via Mackie/HUI protocol
- LED providing an instant display of each parameter
- Input for volume and sustain pedal
- Operates via USB power with 5-pin MIDI input and output
- Software included: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0, and Loom by Air Music Technology
- Power supply not included optionally available
- Minimum requirements: Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit) and Mac OS X 10.7.5
- Dimensions: 1024 x 257 x 73mm (width x depth x height)
- Weight: 4,95Kg
- Color: Black
It also offers a Pad XY control that can be assigned to any parameter in a DAW or a plug-in you are using. With 16 fully assignable velocity-sensitive trigger pads, 8 assignable 360 knobs, 9 assignable faders, and 9 assignable buttons, it’s truly complete, giving you great control over your favorite DAW’s functions.
It has a volume pedal input and a sustain pedal works with USB power (an external power supply, sold separately, can also be used) and also has a MIDI input and output.
Finally, the M-Audio Code 61 Black is licensed under Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0, and Loom by Air Music Technology.
Now that we’ve seen the features of this M-Audio Code 61 Black keyboard check out these related videos to learn more.
Posts you may be interested in
- Ranking with the best midi keyboards
- My selection of cheap midi keyboards.
- Best MIDI Software to work with.
- MIDI Basic Guide.
- Midi Keyboards by Brand.
M-Audio Code 61 Black vs M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
The M-Audio Code 61 Black MIDI keyboard is priced at €236 and the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 is priced at €155/£133/$154. This makes a difference of £77 between them. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
- Both offer 61 full-size keys, the Oxygen 61 has synthesizer action.
- The M-Audio Code 61 Black offers an assignable XY pad control, 16 assignable sensitive pads, 8 assignable 360 knobs, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons, pitch bend, and modulation wheels, and a transport control, which will allow us to quickly advance our project in the DAW of our choice.
- The M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 features 8 speed-sensitive pads, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable faders, modulation, and pitch bend wheels, and transport buttons for DAW control (rec, play, forward, reverse, etc.)
- Both are USB powered, Code 61 can also be powered by an external power supply (not included) and also has MIDI In and Out. Both accept sustain pedal, Code 61 for volume as well.
- Finally, the M-Audio Code 61 Black includes licenses for Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0, and Loom by Air Music Technology, while the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 includes: SONiVOX Twist (Software), Ableton Live Lite (Software).
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Code 61 Black |
M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 |
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Our first comparison has 2 MIDI controllers from the same brand, M-Audio. Due to its price and features, we can say that the M-Audio Code 61, as the touchpad, is a function that we don’t find in many controllers, besides the popular pads, knobs, and buttons. It also has MIDI input and output. While the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 offers fewer features, we also have it at a lower price. If you are on a budget and would like to have the extra features such as an XY pad, and MIDI input and output, the M-Audio Code 6 will work for you. Otherwise, the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 is not a bad choice either.
Here is a video of the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 keyboard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBFZlBwGpSU
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 review.
M-Audio Code 61 Black vs M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3
The M-Audio Code 61 Black MIDI Keyboard is priced at €236 while the M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3 is priced at €115/£99/$114 With a difference of £121. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
- Both offer 61 full-size keys, the Keystation 61 has synthesizer action.
- The M-Audio Code 61 Black offers an assignable XY pad control, 16 assignable sensitive pads, 8 assignable 360 knobs, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons, pitch bend, and modulation wheels, and a transport control, allowing us to quickly advance our project in the DAW of our choice.
- The M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3 features modulation and pitch bend wheels, an octave switch, transport buttons for DAW control (rec, play, forward and reverse), and an assignable fader.
- Both are USB powered, but can also be powered by an external power supply (not included) and also have MIDI In and Out. Both accept sustain pedal, and Code 61 also accepts volume.
- Finally, the M-Audio Code 61 Black includes licenses for Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0, and Loom by Air Music Technology, while the M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3 includes Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Mini Grand, AIR Velvet, and AIR Xpand!2.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Code 61 Black |
M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3 |
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Again in another comparison, we have the M-Audio Code 61 Black with all of its features and specifications, and another MIDI controller, which is somewhat less expensive and has fewer control features. If you’re on a budget, the M-Audio Code 61 Black will give you more control of your DAW, but if you want a more minimalist controller that focuses more on the keyboard, and also more economical, the M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3 will be your ideal choice.
Here’s a video of the M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3 review.
M-Audio Code 61 Black vs Novation Impulse 61
The M-Audio Code 61 Black MIDI Keyboard is priced at €236 when the Novation Impulse 61 is priced at €321/£295/$325 and we now have a more expensive model to test. Let’s go head to head:
- They both offer 61 full-size keys, the Novation Impulse 61 has semi-backward and aftertouch keys.
- The M-Audio Code 61 Black offers an assignable XY pad control, 16 assignable sensitive pads, 8 assignable 360 knobs, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons, pitch bend, and modulation wheels, and a transport control, which will allow us to quickly advance our project in the DAW of our choice.
- The Novation Impulse 61 offers 8 backlit drums pads, 9 assignable 55mm faders, 9 assignable buttons, 8 assignable knobs, 6 transport keys (stop, rec, play, etc) also modulation and pitch bend wheels, octave up/down and beat-roll and clip-launch buttons.
- Both are USB powered, the M-Audio can also be powered by an external power supply (not included) and also has MIDI In and MIDI Out. The Novation has an input for sustain and expression pedals. And the M-Audio has volume and sustain.
- Finally, the M-Audio Code 61 Black includes licenses for Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0, and Loom by Air Music Technology, while the M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3 includes Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Mini Grand, AIR Velvet, and AIR Xpand!2.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Code 61 Black |
Novation Impulse 61 |
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Now we have a comparison of our MIDI controller, the M-Audio Code 61, with the functions we have already analyzed before, and on the other hand, the Notation Impulse 61 that has very similar functions to the M-Audio, but on the keyboard it outperforms it having keys with aftertouch and semi-controlled. If you have the budget, go for the M-Audio, while if your budget is less, the M-Audio Code 61 is not bad.
And here’s a video of the Novation Impulse 61 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Impulse 61 review.
M-Audio Code 61 Black vs Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
The M-Audio Code 61 Black MIDI Keyboard is priced at €236 when the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 is priced at €239/£215/$240 with a difference so small that it could change depending on the store where you ask. Let’s take a look at the face of it:
- Both offer 61 full-size, sensitivity, and aftertouch keys.
- The M-Audio Code 61 Black offers an assignable XY pad control, 16 assignable sensitive pads, 8 assignable 360 knobs, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons, pitch bend, and modulation wheels, and a transport control, which will allow us to quickly advance our project in the DAW of our choice.
- The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 offers 8 sensitive drums pads, 9 assignable knobs, 13 assignable buttons, a transport section (with 4 switches), and also modulation and pitch bend wheels.
- Both are USB powered, the M-Audio can also be powered by an external power supply (not included) and also has MIDI In and MIDI Out. The Arturia has a sustain pedal input. And the M-Audio has volume and sustain.
- Finally, the M-Audio Code 61 Black includes licenses for Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0, and Loom by Air Music Technology, while the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 includes Arturia Analog Lab 2, Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Grand Piano software.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Code 61 Black |
Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 |
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Again, we have another comparison of two very similar keyboards, both in price and features, but precisely in number of features the M-Audio Code 61 offers more functions, remembering also its XY pad control, which is not found in most MIDI controllers, and that using it in the right way can give very positive results. This would be my personal decision, you get more for the same price.
And here is a video of the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 review.
M-Audio Code 61 Black vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61
The M-Audio Code 61 Black MIDI Keyboard is priced at €236 when the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 is priced at €222/£199/$223. Let’s see the face-to-face:
- Both offer 61 full-size, sensitive keys. Those on the M-Audio have aftertouch, while those on the Kontrol A61 are semi-weighted.
- The M-Audio Code 61 Black offers an assignable XY pad control, 16 assignable sensitive pads, 8 assignable 360 knobs, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons, pitch bend and modulation wheels, and a transport control, which will allow us to quickly advance our project in the DAW of our choice.
- The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 offers 8 touch-sensitive encoders, pitch and modulation wheels, and a 4D push button.
- Both are USB-powered, the M-Audio can also be powered by an external power supply (not included) and also has MIDI Input and Output. The Kontrol A61 has a sustain pedal input. And the M-Audio has volume and sustain.
- Finally, the M-Audio Code 61 Black includes licenses for Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0 and Loom by Air Music Technology, while the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 includes Komplete effects and instruments: The Gentleman, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor 6 Player, Kontakt 6 Player, Guitar Rig 5 Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essential.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Code 61 Black |
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 |
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In this comparison, we again find somewhat similar MIDI controllers with their respective advantages and disadvantages. M-Audio has many features, including the XY pad we discussed earlier. The Kontrol A61 offers a 61-key keyboard that is sensitive and semi-weighted, which greatly improves its quality and is a few euros cheaper. In this comparison, you should see which one best meets your needs and choose the best one for you.
And here is a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 review.
M-Audio Code 61 Black vs Alesis VI61
The M-Audio Code 61 Black MIDI Keyboard is priced at €236 when the Alesis VI61 is priced at €249 with a difference of £13 which, because it is so small, can change depending on which shop we ask. Let’s take a look at the face-to-face:
- Both offer 61 full-size, sensitive keys. The ones on the M-Audio have aftertouch, while the ones on the Alesis VI61 are semi-weighted and also have aftertouch.
- The M-Audio Code 61 Black offers an assignable XY pad control, 16 assignable sensitive pads, 8 assignable 360 knobs, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons, pitch bend, and modulation wheels, and a transport control, which will allow us to quickly advance our project in the DAW of our choice.
- The Alesis VI61 offers 16 speed-sensitive pads with RGB backlighting, 48 assignable buttons and 16 assignable knobs, also pitch and modulation wheels.
- Both are USB powered, the M-Audio can also be powered by an external power supply (not included) and also has MIDI In and Out. The Alesis VI61 has a sustain pedal input. And the M-Audio has volume and sustain.
- Finally, the M-Audio Code 61 Black includes a license for Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0 and Loom by Air Music Technology, while the Alesis VI61 includes Ableton Live Lite software (download), Xpand! software and the Alesis VI61 has a USB port 2 software (download).
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Code 61 Black |
Alesis VI61 |
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As a final comparison, we have two MIDI controllers that are very similar, both in price and function, on the one hand the well-known M-Audio Code 61 that offers us its controls such as: 61 full-size keys, with sensitivity and aftertouch, the XY pad, 16 pads, 8 knobs, 9 faders and 9 buttons, all of which are assignable. And on the other hand the Alesis VI61 that offers us: 61 semi-balanced and sensitive keys, 16 pads, 48 buttons and 16 knobs both assignable. Both with good control functions, which personally I would go for the M-Audio for its XY pad control, although both options are very good.
And here’s a video of the Alesis VI61 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Alesis VI61 review.
Which is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a low budget?
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 comparison, we find a price range between 115 and 321 euros, and the MIDI controller that has the best value for money in our opinion is the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 which for a fair price offers certain control features that other controllers do not offer even at a more expensive price, and so its sustain pedal connection and licenses add up to this being a quality MIDI controller.
Where to buy the M-Audio Code 61 Black keyboard
Thomann
- Free Shipping.
- Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
- 100% reliable payment.
- A leader in trouble-free shipping.
- Usually the Best price.
- Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.
Amazon
- Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
- Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
- Sometimes a better price.
- He’s got worse stock than Thomann.
Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
- Akai MPK mini Mk2
- Akai MPK miniplay
- Roli Lightpad Block M Studio Ed.
- Arturia MiniLab MKII
- Roli Beatmaker Kit
- Novation Impulse 25
- Akai MPK mini MK2 white
- Alesis V25
- CME Xkey Air 25
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25
- Akai APC Keys 25
- Akai LPK 25
- M-Audio Code 25 black
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
- Alesis V mini
- Arturia MicroLab Black
- Akai LPK 25 wireless
- Akai MPK mini Limited Black
- Arturia MiniLab MKII Inverted Edition
- M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4
- Korg nanoKEY Studio
- Swissonic EasyKey 25
- Korg nanoKEY 2 black
- Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Orange
- Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Blue
- Akai MPK mini MK2 white – AIEP3 Bdl
- Nektar Impact LX25+
- Novation Launchkey 25 MK2
- Alesis Q25
- Akai MPK 225
- Korg microKEY 25
- Miditech Midistart Music 25
- Alesis VI25
- Korg nanoKEY 2 white
- Arturia MicroLab Blue
- Nektar SE25
- Korg microKEY Air 25
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 25
- Midiplus X2 mini
- Icon iKeyboard 3X
- Keith McMillen K-Board
- CME Xkey 25 silver
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
- Alesis V49
- Arturia Keystep Black Edition
- Swissonic EasyKey 49
- Arturia Keystep
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
- Nektar Impact LX49+
- M-Audio Code 49 Black
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro
- M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
- M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
- Novation Impulse 49
- Nektar Impact GX 49
- Novation Launchkey 49 Mk2
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
- M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4
- Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller
- Roland A-300 Pro
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49
- Alesis VI49
- Midiplus AK490
- Alesis Vortex Wireless 2
- M-Audio Axiom Air Mini 32
- Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 Network
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 37 Pro
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 BE
- Haken Audio Continuum Half Size
- CME Xkey 37 LE
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro
- Korg microKEY 49 MkII
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
- Miditech Midistart Music 49
- Roland A-49 Black
- Korg microKEY 37 MkII
- Swissonic ControlKey 49
- Roland A-500 PRO
- Nektar SE49
- Korg microKEY Air 37
- Korg microKEY Air 49
- Roland A-49 White
- Nektar Panorama T4
- Miditech Garagekey mini
- Miditech Minicontrol-32
- Midiplus X3 mini
- Miditech i2-Control 37 Black
- Icon iKeyboard 4X
- Miditech i2-mini 32
- Midiplus X4 mini
- Miditech i2-mini 32 Bluetooth
- Icon iKeyboard 5X
- Acorn Masterkey 49
- M-Audio Code 61 Black
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
- Nektar Impact GX 61
- M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
- Alesis V61
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61
- Swissonic EasyKey 61
- M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
- Roland A-800 Pro
- Korg microKEY Air 61
- GSi DMC-122
- Nektar Impact LX61+
- Alesis VI61
- Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
- Icon iKeyboard 6X
- Acorn Masterkey 61
- Miditech i2-61 Black Edition
- Midiplus X6 mini
- Korg microKEY 61 MkII
- Midiplus X-6 II
- Viscount Physis Piano K5 EX
- M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII
- Kawai VPC1
- Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH black
- Swissonic ControlKey 88
- Viscount Physis Piano K4 EX
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH grey
- Nektar Impact LX88+
- Haken Audio Continuum Full Size
- Midiplus Stage 88
- Studiologic Numa Concert
- Icon iKeyboard 8X
- Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH without Case
- Midiplus X-8 II
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH GR without Case
