Review MIDI keyboard Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49. Where to buy it?

Native Instruments is a leading manufacturer of software and hardware for computer audio production and DJing. Native Instruments offers an unparalleled ecosystem of hardware, software and digital services powered by powerful platforms such as KONTAKT, REAKTOR and KOMPLETE. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I will list the features of this Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 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; tables of comparisons with similar keyboards so you can compare.

• Newly developed semi-weighted keyboard
• 49 keys
• 8 touch-sensitive encoders
• Tone and modulation wheels
• Push-button 4D encoder
• Smart Player
• Integration with Maschine
• Intuitive control over Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Garage Band, Cubase and Nuendo
• USB powered
• 6.3 mm input for pedal
• USB port
• Dimensions: 820 x 257 x 89 mm
• Weight: 4.0 kg
• 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

This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €177/£159/$178 and offers 49 semi-weighted keys that allow you to tune and compose different musical ideas on your favorite DAW.

As control functions, we also have a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, tone and modulation wheels, octave up/down, transport buttons (rec, play, pause) and buttons for other functions.

The Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A49 has a built-in sustain pedal and USB connection. And it includes the licenses for The Caballero, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor Six Player, Kontakt Six Player, Guitar Rig Five Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essential.

Now that we have seen the features of this Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 keyboard, watch 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.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €177/£159/$178 while the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 is priced at €135/£125/$137, with a difference of £42 between the two.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In our first comparison, we have two MIDI controllers from the same brand, Native Instruments, the Komplete Kontrol A49 and A25, which offer the control functions: a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, tone and modulation wheels, octave up/down, transport buttons (rec, play, pause) and buttons for other functions. And if it’s the A49, it offers 49 semi-weighted keys and if it’s the A25, it offers 25 semi-weighted keys. If you need a relatively wide range of 4 octaves go for the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49, and otherwise if you’re fine with only two octaves the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 will be your choice.

And here’s a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 review.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 vs Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

The MIDI Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 Keyboard is priced at €177/£159/$178 while the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII is priced at €875/£789/$866. Having a big difference of 700 Euro between them. Let’s go head to head:

• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 offers 49 semi-weighted keys and the Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII offers a Fatar branded hammer action keyboard with 88 speed-sensitive keys and Aftertouch function.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 offers a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, tone and modulation wheels, octave up/down, transport buttons (rec, play, pause) and buttons for other functions. The Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII offers 16 illuminated pads with chord memory function, 9 faders, 9 rotary knobs, a rotary encoder, transport buttons, and tone and modulation wheels.
• In connections, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 features an integrated USB connection and a sustain pedal input. When the Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII is integrated, it features CV outputs (pitch out, gate out, Mod 1 and Mod 2), MIDI input and output, expression, sustains and 3 auxiliary pedal inputs, CV input, external power supply input, and USB connection.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 includes the licenses for 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. And the Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII includes Analog Lab 4 with 6000 synthesizer sounds, Ableton Live Lite, Arturia Wurli V, Arturia VOX Continental V and Arturia Piano V.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this somewhat unfair comparison we have on the one hand the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 that we have already analyzed before and on the other hand the Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII that has a Fatar TP100 LR hammer action keyboard with 88 keys, 16 illuminated pads with chord memory function, 9 faders, 9 rotary knobs, a rotary encoder, transport buttons, and tone and modulation wheels.

As we said in the previous paragraph, this is an unfair comparison since one of the keyboards is at least 5 times more expensive than the other. As an advantage of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 we have a moderate function controller and a very lightweight of 4Kg. On the other hand, the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII has as an advantage its Fatar TP100LR keyboard with hammer action and 88 keys, in addition to all its control functions and CV connections that we find only in high-quality controllers. The Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII is undoubtedly the best, however, for the price it demands, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 is not a bad choice.

And here is a video of the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII review.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32

The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €177/£159/$178 when the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 is priced at €105/£98/$108, with a difference of €72. Let’s go head to head:

• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 offers 49 semi-weighted keys and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 offers 32 speed-sensitive synthesizer action mini-keys.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 offers a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, tone and modulation wheels, octave up/down, transport buttons (rec, play, pause) and buttons for other functions. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 offers 8 touch-sensitive encoders, 1 4D push-button encoder, transport buttons (rec, play, pause), octave up/down buttons, pitch bend and modulation touch sliders.
• Both integrate USB connection and sustain pedal input.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 includes the licenses for 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. And the Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII includes Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essentials, Komplete Start, Ableton Live 10 Lite.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this comparison, we have two MIDI controllers from Native Instruments, on one hand, the Komplete Kontrol A49 that we have already analyzed before, and on the other hand, the Komplete Kontrol M32 that offers 32 speed-sensitive synthesizer action mini-keys, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, 1 4D push encoder, transport buttons (rec, play, pause), octave up/down buttons, pitch bend and modulation touch sliders.

As an advantage of the Komplete Kontrol A49 we have its 4 octaves semi-weighted, and as an advantage of the Komplete Kontrol M32 we have a smaller size and weight, in conclusion, they are very similar models however their keyboard has many differences, if you want a more comfortable and better quality keyboard go for the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 and if you are fine with mini-keys and a 3-octave range go for the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32.

And here is a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 review.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2

The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €177/£159/$178 when the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 is priced at €498/£449/$498. Having a difference of 321 Euro between the two, let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• Both offer 49 semi-weighted keys, those of the Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 include Fatar ‘keybeds’ with aftertouch.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 offers a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, tone and modulation wheels, octave up/down, transport buttons (rec, play, pause) and buttons for other functions. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 offers a 4D push encoder, 8 sensitive encoders, transport buttons, buttons for other functions, and tone and modulation wheels, it also has a high-resolution display for navigating, adjusting, mixing and more.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 integrates a sustain pedal input and USB connection, and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 integrates two pedal inputs, MIDI input/output, has a power supply and USB connection.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 includes the licenses for 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. And the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 includes KOMPLETE KONTROL plus KOMPLETE SELECT for free (11 premium instruments and effects: Massive, Monark, The Gentleman, Drumlab, Reaktor Prism, Scarbee Mark I, Retro Machines, Vintage Organs, West Africa, Solid Bus Comp, and Replica)

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this comparison, we have two MIDI controllers from the same brand Native Instruments, on the one hand, it’s Komplete Kontrol A49 that we have already analyzed before, and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 that offers 49 semi-balanced keys with Fatar keybeds with aftertouch, a 4D pushbutton encoder, 8 sensitive encoders, transport buttons, buttons for other functions, and tone and modulation wheels, it also has a high-resolution screen for navigating, adjusting, mixing and more.

As we can notice it is a little unfair comparison since the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 has almost 4 times more than the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49. Therefore we can say that the first one is a better controller, however, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 is an excellent option having a lower price.

And here is a video of the Native 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.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 vs Arturia Keystep

The MIDI Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 Keyboard has a price of €177/£159/$178 while the Arturia Keystep has a price of €102/£89/$101. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• The Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A49 offers 49 semi-weighted keys, and the Arturia Keystep offers 32 thin speed and touch-sensitive keys.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 features a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, tone and modulation wheels, octave up/down, transport buttons (rec, play, pause) and buttons for other functions. The Arturia Keystep offers the transport buttons (play, rec, etc.) and the touch strips or touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation. It also has the polyphonic sequencer function, which means that you can create sequences (loops) with notes that sound at the same time (creating harmonies), allows us to create up to 64 different steps (sequences) and create loops, whether they are percussion, bass, harmonies (chords), melodies and so on.
• The Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A49 features a sustain pedal and USB connection, and the Arturia Keystep features USB, MIDI In/Out, CV/Out, Sync In/Out, Sustain Pedal In, and Power Supply In.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 includes licenses for 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

In this comparison, we have the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 which has the functions and features we have already analyzed, and on the other hand, we have the Arturia Keystep which has the functions of a MIDI controller and thus also a polyphonic sequencer. The Arturia Keystep offers 32 thin speed and touch-sensitive keys, transport buttons (play, rec, etc.) and touch-sensitive pitch bend and modulation sliders.

The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 has 49 semi-weighted keys, and the Arturia Keystep has the advantage of MIDI controller and polyphonic sequencer functions, so if you want to have just one MIDI controller, you can go for the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49. Now if you need a MIDI controller and also a polyphonic sequencer go for the Arturia Keystep.

And here is a video of the Arturia Keystep keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia Keystep 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 post, we find a series of MIDI controllers with a range from 100 to almost 900 euros, and as a star product we nominate the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 that offers a 49-key semi-balanced keyboard, besides control functions, we have 8 encoders and a 4D push encoder, both assignable plus a sustain pedal input and also integrates many plugins and Native Instruments instrument licenses. It is really a good controller and more for a beginner.

Where to buy the keyboard Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49

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.

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.

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
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• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 37 Pro
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• 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
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• 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