49 Key MIDI Keyboard Controllers

With a full-sized piano having 88 keys, it would be fair to call 49 key MIDI keyboard controllers something of a half-size option. But don't get the wrong impression - that doesn't mean they're any lesser than their 88-key cousins. What these controllers are all about is balance: by trimming down the range, they also shrink the overall size of the keyboard. And that makes them outstanding travelers that offer a good hybrid between performance and portability. If you're looking for a keyboard that's easy to take anywhere but still comes loaded with a rich set of features, this lineup of 49 key MIDI keyboard controllers will have you all set.

With that said, features are flexible and not every musician needs all the bells and whistles. Maybe you prefer to handle the details in software, or you're just looking for a simple, straightforward controller to hammer out your ideas on-the-fly. In that case, a modest configuration like the M-Audio Keystation 49ES with Ableton Lite or the Alesis V49 49-Key Keyboard Controller should have you covered. On the other hand, if you're a power user who wants a ton of hardware control, check out some of the more elaborate models such as the MAX49 USB/MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller or the Advance 49 MIDI Keyboard Controller, both from Akai Professional. These feature a full suite of extra controls above and beyond the keys, so you can have full command of your MIDI setup right at your fingertips.

It goes without saying that there's no universal controller for every musician - which makes finding the best option a personal journey based on what you need your keyboard to handle. And there's no better place than this selection of 49 key MIDI keyboard controllers to get you started on that journey: with as many different models and feature sets as there are here, it's a cinch to narrow them down until you're left with the perfect personal fit.