M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 Review & Comparison to MK2
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Today we will take a look at the M-Audio Keystation MK3 and how it compares to the previous generation Keystation MK2!
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Just ordered the MK3 this morning and after watching your video I feel I made the right decision, cuz I was thinking between Nektar Gx49 and this one
I just bought one, 88€ here in France and I'm totally satisfied. The keybed is so great, I really love the touch.. The transport and directionnal buttons are very helpfull, I use it with Reason and the controller was automtically detected and mapped. Thanks for your videos, it's always a joy to watch your reviews !
Bonsoir ! J’imagine du coup que vous venez de france et que vous parlez français, je viens de me procurer ce piano mais je ne m’y connais pas… je n’arrive pas a trouver le logiciel ni comment faire marcher les touches, pourriez vous m’éclairer svp?
@@dolcegambina5293 J'imagine que vous savez que ça n'est pas un piano, mais un contrôleur midi, donc il ne fait aucun son. Il faut le brancher sur son ordinateur et utiliser un logiciel où il doit être activédans les entrée midi. Et ça, ça dépend du logiciel...
Ever since I discovered your channel I put "John Mike" in front of all my gear review searches. Cheers!
watching him remove that tape was so satisfying
Thank you very much for your honest reviews. Keep making em.
After your excellent reviews. I ordered The MK3 also at Guitar Center. Would have preferred Mk2 but they are not available. Excited and looking forward to receiving it.
Super helpful. The sound of the keys was a big issue for me with my previous keyboard. I think I'm going to try out the 49es based on your review. Thank you!
Which one is better:
M-Audio Keystation 61MK3 or Nektar Impact LX61+???
i need to know too
never heard the word girth in piano review, hehe . good vid . keep it up. 03:58
Lol thanks!
A very helpfull review, thanks a lot for this!
Great video. Watched a few of the videos, as well as reading the comments, both extremely helpful. Ended up ordering this keyboard. Thanks 🙌
I'm thinking of getting either this or the Nektar Impact GX61 ... my yahama psr-79 (yes, old and bleh) broke and I can't complete new masterpieces without a new keyboard!!!!
Mines arriving today it looks like it'll fit in my setup
Just ordered one so I can keep it at my Mom's house. Will try it out tomorrow when it arrives.
Dope!
Thanks for this unboxing wasn't sure how big the 49 key version was I'm sure it will fit on my desk, although this is a few years ago I'm just getting into music production and needed something not too expensive. I'll order one of these.
Thanks for this video John, this is a really helpful and insightful review. I'm looking for a 49 USB Keyboard, I think you've definitely helped me made up my mind!! Cheers.
This is a great video!
what would you recommend, the keystation 61 or keystation 49? theres a 50$ price difference, and i dont mind losing the octave- im mostly considering that keybed feel.
I like the feel better on the 49 honestly...but if you need 61 keys I would go with the other
@@Johnmike thank you! i'll probably go for the 49 then! your channel has been so helpful! ty!
Hey John, nice unboxing and comparison as always! Thank you very much! I'm considering buying M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 or maybe the Komplete Kontrol A61. I know that Keystation 61 has semi-weighted keys and they may feel a little different than those on Keystation 49, but if you were comparing this M-Audio and the A61, what would you choose?
What did you buy?
Xpand2 is my best kept secret. Plenty of patches and Velvet is a Rhodes. I got the Nektar GX61 and I love how it feels. The older Maudio does feel better.
before i move to fl studio i used a lot xpand2 with pro tools, it was great
Andrea Guitamarro you can still use it in FL
What do you recommend, the nektar or m-audio? idk which one to buy
@@TheSecondC2 I would go with MAudio. You get more for what you pay for and it’s built to last.
I ordered this cant wait
Interesting. Thank you!
No prob
Very thorough review. Great job man.
Nice review. I'm looking to buy something like this. Thanks for reviewing this.
Thanks dude, question, 2021 now, u do you think is good idea to buy MK2, I'm afraid soon wont be supported by Mac or DAW's. It's cheaper and according to your review feels better. Also noticed that your MK2 said "ES", but under other stores the MK2 doesn't say that, what is that stand for ? Cheers !
great review, i was just wondering out of the keystation 49 MK3 and Alesis V49 which one would you recommend?
Keystation
Hi John, there's a new Alesis Q49 Mk2 out now and it looks just like the M Audio keystation 49 Mk3, do you know what's the difference? Does the keybed feels better on the Alesis? Would appreciate if you could do a comparison? 🙏
It’s the same board...m-audio and Alesis are owned by the same company
@@JohnmikeGot it! Thanks John!
John Mike! Good day to you! I really need your help as a specialist, I really need your advice and your help in choosing a midi keyboard for myself, as for a beginner, in a home studio. Please tell me which of these three would you options would advise me more than one, the only one, and that it would be normal and in quality, it also didn’t make much noise, but it was also suitable for playing and recording at the computer, here are these options: 1) Alesis Q49 mk2 ;M-Audio Keystation 49 mk3;Nektar SE61;which of these three budget options do you think would be best for me to create electronic music in the style of Trance and Uplifting Trance, I think you know these styles? Looking forward to hearing from you!
Hey Dear John, I was thinking and hoping if I could buy one of your M-Audio Keystations, The only Shipping option to my country on Amazon is pretty High.
Awesome comparison!! I'm watching a lot of your reviews nd comparison videos before deciding which midi I should buy.... I wish u reviewed the Roland a49 midi keyboard... I'm trying decide between the m audio keystation 49 mk3 nd roland a49... I've heard a lot of good reviews of the keybed feel of the Roland but I'm not sure if it's as compatible in Ableton live 10 in Windows, nd how good is the pitch nd modulation bend.
Hi, which one did you get? Any insights to share please? :)
Great Review!!! but How does the 49 mk3 compare its 61 key version mk3? Is the 61 mk3 really semiweighted?
It’s a different keybed in the 49 vs 61...I prefer the the one that’s in the 49
solid review, thanks man
I think i'm gonna get this controller, i've been using my dell keyboard for about 4 months xD
Thanks for the videos John, they've been extremely valuable!
Do you recommend the Mk3 or Komplete Kontrol 49 for hardcore finger-drumming lol? My Mk1 keys didn't last that long.
ES was my first keystation, but after I noticed of MK3 existent I just switched to this one
Which ES did you own? I currently own a 61 ES and want to know how they compare.
Enjoy your reviews John Mike-saw an MAudio Keystation at the swap meet last week, wasn’t sure if it was a 49 or 32. If it doesn’t have the software I’ll pass. Thanks!🎶
Great review. Do you know what's the difference between Mk2 49 and Mk2 49es?
I want to know too. Did you find it?
@@jakubd3426 No, sorry.
@@MillaresMusic Ive found it. ES has less software added to it in box.
@@jakubd3426 Thanks!
Hi, I have M - AUDIO KEYSTATION 49 and its stop working. Only octave + button works and its orange. Can you help me please ? What to do ? Yesterday it works but today.......:(
Does the MK3 have softer or harder key action compared to the earlier one? Also, You have reviewed so many keyboards which one according to you has the softest keybed? Thank you.
harder action...mk2 is still one of the softest actions...mk3 isn’t bad tho
@@Johnmike Thank you for your reply, If you had to suggest me the best keybed (soft action) full size49 and mini keys 37 midi keyboard, which one would you recommend?
P.s I don’t care about knobs, faders and pads etc
@@sumitbhal8635 full size...probably Arturia Keylab essential...mini...Native Instruments M32
Thanks for your honest review. I just purchased this keyboard; it was a pick between either this or the Korg 37. The free software swayed me 😀. Pro Tools alone is worth buying this keyboard controller for.
Hi, I wanted to know between the MK3 and the GX49 which one would you recommend.
MK3
as a pianist, do 49 keys suffice for all your playing? Not sure if I want 49 keys or 61...
As a pianist no...as a producer yes I can work with it..,or for using it for an auxiliary board...
i love the MK3 going to get it soon :D
I Don't need faders,knobs..i need Best Durable Keys that last long..which one should i choose keystion49mk3 or Roland a49?
I like the keystation better
hello, thank you for your video; I wanted to know how is the touch of this midi keyboard? I'm looking for a light-touch keyboard (synthesizer type); would this one fit? if not which one would you recommend? thank you !
Hi, I can't decide between M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 and Nektar Impact GX49. What would you recommend in terms of keys quality and feel?
Keystation
Hi, really nice video. Could you tell me is there a diffrence between standard keystation mk2 and this mk2 ES that you're using? And if so, where can i buy Es?
Also would you recommend that mk3 version since you purchased it? Thanks
That’s pretty much what I did in this video...compared the two against each other...also the links to buy both are in the description of the video
Hi John, does the Acorn Masterkey 61 have the same keybed that you like? Thanks.
Yes it does
@@Johnmike seems they've changed some rubber parts or whatever - not getting good reviews lately
Hi, there s no sustain button on this modelz right?
Brother i have one m audio 49 mk3 midi controller but i dont have a laptop there is no midi out slot in that keyboard how i connect it in church for playing...its a doubt that i am worried about ...pls reply..
Yea there’s no way to connect that to a standard midi keyboard that I know of sorry
Hi John, good job on your review, I have the chance to buy a Maudio axiom 61 first generation for 100 dollars, do you think is a good deal?
Yup that’s one of my favorite controllers ever!
for the MK2 is there any difference between keystation 49 and keystation 49es ?
Reza Pratama no
found a listing still selling the es instead of the Mk3 and bought it based on you saying it felt like a better keybed. seems like the best at $100.
$100!?!? I just got an es for $47 used....
@@pesto12601 it's okay I can afford a new one but that's a great deal
@@kshigsm Nice.. enjoY!
I like how you toss everything around c: reminds me of Amsterdam red light 💡 district days
Sus
Hey dude
Do you mean we get those software in out PC and laptops ?
Or you mean this keyboard is only for those software which are given on the box ?
when u buy this keyboard it comes with some software which u can choose to download, but it will work for any software u want to use
Hi John, the Acorn 49 retails for a few dollars more than the Keystation 49 mk3 in my regional store. Which one would you recommend?
I love the keystation...haven’t checked out the acorn yet...I’ll put it on the list to check out
@@JohnmikeOh. Yeah the keystation became all the more attractive because of the ton of added software packages in mk3. I'll skip the nektar ones as I've seen in your reviews how clanky/noisy the keys are. Saw some videos on the Acorn one but still can't decide. It has some knobs and a screen that the keystation doesn't have and one reviewer said that it's keybed feels better than other ones in this price range. I hope your video on it is coming soon as I plan to pick one of these up in the Black Friday week :3. Your conclusive opinion helps out a lot. Thanks!
hi John please help me , MK3 or Nektar Impact SE49 ?
Do you still have the same set up at your church it's been a long time since we have seen your latest set up. But I like your video I always look out for your videos. 👍
Thanks John. I want to buy one midi (I'm just a beginner). And i don't like noisy keys at all. What would you recommend in this budget? Nektar SE49, GX49 or M audio Mk3?
M-audio out of those...the nektars are noisy
thanks for the vid
What is the difference between this and the es? Their site only shows the one that says "keystation49mk3" printed on it, but the one guitar center sells says "keystation49es" only, but discription says it's a keystation49es mk3. Hard to find info
I would have also liked a small tidbit about how the Mk1 then compares to Mk2 and the newer models? 'Cos I just found bunch of Mk1's on a thrift shop for cheap!
Could you plug in and play them next with with a midi logger on? My keystation 2 has a relatively tight velocity range, and I was hoping key 3 would have a wider range, but no way to tell without buying one and sending it back if I don't like it.
Is alesis q49 mk ii same as keystation mk3 or mk2؟
Yup! Alesis and m-audio are owned by the same company
@@Johnmike thanks john, but you said in your video keys of mkii are better than mk3, i want to know alesis q49 mk2 is same as keystation mk2 or keystation mk3?
@@amirhosseinkhoie7030 gotcha just re-read the question…they will be 1 to 1 Mk2 beds will be the same and Mk3 beds will
Be the same
@@Johnmike thanks
This might be a dumb question but what if I just wanted to hear myself play real time, could I just plug the usb into an outlet or do I have to have the software up and running?
You have to have software...there aren’t any built-in sounds...so you have to connect to a computer or iPhone or iPad and use instrument apps in order to get any sound
John Mike thank you
Can i plugged to an android phone by usb ??? The mk2 or mk3.. works with android cellphone ?? Thks
hi john, i want to buy the mk2 and i have a little doubt. which one do you recommend between mk2 and nektar gx49 all around ?
arash I would go with the MK2 still my favorite 49-key midi board
@@Johnmike love you ♥️ 🙏
Mk2 or mk3
Keystation 49 MK3 or iRig Keys 2 Pro? Which one hast the better key feel? Can't decide between the two.
Keystation is a better buy...feel and software
have you still got it and has it held up fine
Yes I do and yes it has
They come with full version of Pro Tools?
No it’s a “lite” version called Pro tools First
@@Johnmike Ok thanks mate. One more question, you think it's good for beginners to learn on?
@@darko.ristanovic sorry for being late, but yes I definitely think its great not only for beginning producers, but for people who want to learn piano too.
I’m hearing a lot of people saying it feels really cheap and it’s terrible for music production and I wanted to know your take?
Ehhhhh cheap I wouldn’t go that far...it feels great...but I definitely liked the feel of the MK2 over the MK3...but there isn’t too much difference
John Mike thank you
Dope vid thank you
Hi i like keystation 2 but why is it marked es on your keyboard?
Hey John, I've been looking at your midi controller reviews (all of which are great by the way!) over the past couple days trying to figure out what controller to buy, and right now there is only one thing that I'm uncertain about: clicky keys. I have a little bit of acoustic piano background, and as the keys are pretty silent there I feel like the clicky keys on controllers like the MK3 will throw me off quite a bit, and sadly I can't find the 49es available in my country, so I was wondering, is the 61-key MK2 keybed is as quiet as the es49? And if not, what controllers can you suggest that have generally quieter keys? My price range is around $100-$200.
Thanks for watching! The 61 key will be more clicky...it’s a different keybed in that one...but I’d say the Novation Launchkey is probably the quietest keybed in the bunch...
Thanks a lot for replying! I checked it out and it looks really good! The 61 is way too expensive, although I suppose a 49 will do the job too and fits nicely in my price range, so I will definitely get it.
Again, thanks a lot for your reviews and replies!
Why is the start and stop button on my device not on?
This m audio 49 or midiplus ak490, or midiplus mini? (for play a jazz solo with a backing track) Thanks
M-audio 49 all day
@@Johnmike :) yeeees
@@Johnmike the mk3 61 is on my house at Badajoz and i like it too much, yeah! Thanks!
Is it possible that the old one MK2 is better, cause sometimes is like this, newer is worse...(because of the resistance you said, it should not be like this i think on MK3 loose :) ?
Dude.. You do realize that the MK2 and the ES are completely different right? The ES models are always smaller and made way cheaper than the regular mk models. So you were actually comparing the MK3 to the ES that came out a couple years ago. The actual MK2 you will not find anywhere because they stopped making them cause they were way better and way bigger
JGS Music no...here’s the 49mk2 on the m-audio website:
www.m-audio.com/products/view/keystation-49
And here’s the 49es on the musician friend website:
www.musiciansfriend.com/keyboards-midi/m-audio-keystation-49es-black-with-ableton-lite
They are the same exact dimensions and keys...and buttons...the only difference I’ve found is in the software package offered with them...
So if they stopped making them...then why are they still listed on the m-audio website? Amazon? Musicians friend and guitar center?
the same reason you can still find a playstation 1 for sell. lol it's called "used" instruments. And that link you sent me is just a picture of their "ES"instrument before they decided to put the letters "ES" on it and that ES is still smaller and more hallow than the original MK2. Like I said. Just tryin to help out. The one in your video is an es version and not an MK2. I would send you a link to show you , but it would go to your spam
JGS Music I appreciate the help...but like I said...if you go on amazon and look up both the MK2 and the ES and look at the “Product Dimensions” you’ll see that they are both exactly the same dimensions...same weight...same color...and the same transport controls buttons and fader...again...the ONLY difference is in the software package that is offered with each one...if you can see any other differences please provide a link or reference that maybe I’m not finding in my research...Plus I’ve owned an MK2 and I’ve played them at guitar center...I’m pretty confident that I’m right about it...heck I might just go buy an MK2 (non ES branded) and just compare them here on the channel 🤷🏾♂️
Is it useful to study piano?
Which one is better?
Is it possible to assign an undo function to any key or button on this? ( Using Logic Pro X)
No
thanks... then I guess I will go for Oxygen series ... 🙂
My key station 49es does not work at all I tried changing usb wires but that didn’t make no difference. Does anyone know how to reset it?
Can you give your review on this now
Received it today and did a short demo. The keys feel as if there is some type of sensitivity setting that needs to be adjusted. I'll read the owner's manual later, to see if there is a way to do that. I shouldn't be messing with this stuff right now. I have a computer certification test Monday morning. But music is just soooo much fun for me.
i wanted to know that its having key transpose facility or not?
Yes
All of those plug-ins are on pro tools. So if you use pro tools. You can be buy a used one that is in excellent condition. I got mine from guitar center
i just noticed that this is the same key board as the alesis q 49 mk 2
Yup
Keystation 49 or roland a49 ??
Did you ever decide?
@@miltonsaucedo2223 I don't know which one is better yet but I got Samson graphite 49 it's really nice so far
Does anybody know what ES stands for in that name of the keys on top?
Is the keybed same in Oxygen MKIV?
Yes I believe so
Can I use it to learn piano?
Yes
do you know if this works for fl12+?
for sure :)
Of course it does, its a midi controller that works with most DAWS & music software designed to master/slave in unison with most midi controllers like this one! Just plug in the USB wire into your computer and turn on FL Studio... go to MIDI settings hit REFRESH LIST where keyboards and midi controllers are listed, and it'll show up there or click "generic controller" to use it .. It should work instantly once you open up a synth/vst plugin or piano sound ! good luck 😎👍👍😂😂
This one vs Alesis q49 mkii?
They are the same...both made by the same company...Alesia and M-audio are both owned by inmusic brands
@@Johnmike Thank you so much
I see this video is 9 months old. But, I’m seeing it for the first time. And it’s pretty apparent by all of your comments that you’re trying to talk yourself into liking this new board. But, in reality you’re somewhat disappointed.
Does it come with a usb?
Yes
@@Johnmike Awesome! thanks brother!
M audio 49 MK3 Doesn’t have semi weighted keys but the m audio MK3 61 does smh 🤦♂️
midi usb cable or midi AND usb cable?? thanks
It’s only USB
No expert by any means, but I believe that the M-Audio Keystation 49es that you are comparing with the M-Audio Keystation 49 mk3 is the equivalent of an M-Audio Keystation 49 mk1. Even your Amazon link to an M-Audio Keystation 49 mk2 doesn't show a keyboard labeled "M-Audio Keystation 49es", which makes me wonder what you are actually comparing. I am considering purchasing an M-Audio Keystation and it makes a difference as to what you are comparing to an M-Audio Keystation mk3, when you are talking about key quality...
The keystation 49mk1 was actually a different color than the mk2...it was gray and also did not include the transport control buttons...the “es” that was added is actually there to denote a difference in software packages that came with it(so maybe it stands for “extra software”? Lol🤷🏾♂️) So is more so like the different added monikers that are on cars like “LX” or “EX” or “LS”...but it’s the same board because I’ve owned both the ES and the non ES labeled one over the years and even the MK1 version...I used to sell midi keyboards years ago
Will it work with Mixcraft 8?
Not sure don’t have it to test with