Korg Kontrol49 49-Key MIDI Studio Controller

No longer available at zZounds
49 full-sized keys, Windows XP and OSX, 40 assignable control elements

The new Kontrol49 combines intuitive design, great feel, familiar hardware and detailed displays into the most comprehensive controller for all your MIDI needs. Equipped with 40 assignable control elements - including the new Vector Joystick - the Kontrol49 provide new musical dexterity when working with soft-synths, MIDI modules, or any digital audio workstation.

Key Concept
Few controller keyboards can boast the high level of hardware integrity found in the Kontrol49. The 49 keys are not only full-sized; they feature the same great touch and feel proven in Korg's professional workstation instruments. Eight velocity curves let you tailor the response to your own playing, or to a specific application. Octave shift buttons provide full access to the entire 128 note range.

Kontrol Cornucopia
More than just keys are needed to capture a virtuoso performance. Above the keys, the pitch and mod wheels offer performance control that is comfortable and familiar. The newly designed Vector Joystick offers simultaneous control of two separate parameters, and is ideally matched to the Vector control of the Korg Legacy Collection's Wavestation virtual instrument. A pair of assignable switches can toggle two independent functions, or provide incremental up and down control to a single parameter. You can connect an assignable footswitch and footpedal (both optional) to the back panel to provide elements of 'hands-free' performance.

An uncompromising control surface for working with soft-synths read more and audio/MIDI programs, the main panel of the Kontrol49 features eight assignable sliders and eight assignable rotary encoders. Each slider/encoder pair shares a backlit LCD to display their current functions. These eight 'scribble strip' displays provide instant feedback and three level color-coding keeps controllers grouped together visually. For example, you can set the encoder functions to appear on a red LCD background, switching to green to indicate slider functions. In addition, you can create your own names for any function - or choose from a list of common parameter names. Simply touching a controller will cause the display to switch to its current value. Even the main encoder can be used as a MIDI controller for selecting sounds, tempo control and more

Performance Pads
Moving beyond tradition keyboard control, the Kontrol49 is distinguished by the addition of sixteen illuminated and velocity sensitive trigger pads. These pads can perform any MIDI function from triggering loops and samples, selecting sounds, toggling or switching parameters, sending MIDI messages, to acting as transport controls for your computer-based sequencer. The pads can also be used to select and change 'scenes'. Each of the 12 internal scenes reconfigures all of the controllers with a single touch, so you can quickly switch the Kontrol49 to work with multiple programs or go from tweaking a soft synth to mixing your music. Best of all, each scene can be customized to suit your own needs. While you can edit scenes from the front panel, you can easily create,'adjust, manage and save dozens of your own custom scenes and scene 'sets' using the free Editor/Librarian software (Mac/PC) that comes with the Kontrol49. And of course, we provide ready-made scenes for the most popular music software titles. No other controller offers this unique combination of keys, pads, encoders, sliders and multiple displays.

MIDI and more
In addition to a MIDI input and a pair of MIDI outputs, the back panel features a USB port, allowing direct connection to your computer. This arrangement enables the Kontrol49 to function as a USB/MIDI interface. While an AC adaptor is included, bus-power via the USB connector is also supported. The Kontrol49 also operates in the Korg Native Mode, allowing software to directly access, name and map parameters to the various control surface elements - automatically. In fact, both the Korg Legacy Collection and Propellerhead's Reason 3.0 already supports this Native Mode, which sets a new standard in ease-of-use and intuitive operation for a keyboard controller.

Now Bundled With 5 Cutting Edge Software Products!
Starting November 15th, 2005, until further notice, Korg USA will be providing the Creative Kontrol Pack Vol.2 free of charge! This dance music production software bundle consists of five of the most in-demand music software titles, configured for use with Korg's innovative microKONTROL and KONTROL49 USB controllers.

"Live Lite 4 Korg Edition"
"SampleTank 2 Korg Edition"
"UVI Korg Edition"
"Reason Adapted 3.0 for Korg"
"MDE-X"

***Note: For units purchased after November 15, 2005, that did not come with the software, see the documents area on this page to download the redemption form.
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Controller:
Keyboard: 49-full size keys with 8 velocity curves

Rotary Encoder x 8, main encoder

Slider x 8

Pad x 16 (velocity sensitive)

Vector Joystick (independent X and Y assignments)

PITCH Wheel (independent Up and Down assignments)

MOD Wheel

Switch x 2

Display:
Main Display: 8 characters (8x5 dot) three-color backlit LCD module

Sub Display: 8 characters (8x5 dot) three-color backlit LCD module

MIDI Clock/Tempo LED

Memory:
Preset (user) Memory x 12

Global Memory

Connections:
Pedal

Switch

MIDI: IN, OUT, OUT

USB

DC IN

Power:
USB bus power (in USB connection)

DC9V (AC adapter)

Power consumption:
USB bus power: approx. 350mA (max. 450mA)

AC adapter: approx. 450mA (max. 500mA)

Others:
Dimensions (W x D x H): 28.74 x 12.56 x 3.39 in. (730 x 319 x 86 mm)

Weight: 10.8 lbs. / 4.9kg

Accessories:
AC adapter, USB cable, CD-ROM (Kontrol49 Editor/Librarian software for Mac OS X/Windows XP, templates scene data, KORG USB-MIDI driver for Windows XP, demo software), name sheet & sticker for trigger pads

System requirements Macintosh:
Supported OS: Mac OS X v10.2 or later (v10.3 supported)

Supported Computer: Apple Macintosh supported Mac OS X with USB port

System Requirements Windows:
Supported OS: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition / Professional

Supported Computer: PC supported Windows XP with USB port (Intel USB chip set recommended)

Kontrol49 Options:
PS-1 Pedal Switch

DS-1H Damper Pedal

EXP-2 Foot Controller

XVP-10 Expression / Volume Pedal

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-6800
Web: https://www.korgusa.com/support

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (43 ratings)
Submitted June 16, 2008 by a customer from gmail.com

"this might be the one for you"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
so far i am very happy with this. i would recommend it to anyone that doesn't need mpc-like pads or aftertouch but wants a very good looking keyboard.
Features
everything on this keyboard is great except for the velocity on the pads. i really like the simplicity of the layout. the knobs and sliders feel great and the colored screens are very nice to have. you can use the pads as buttons in any way but i wouldn't recommend them for recording accurate drums, i don't know what korg was thinking when they set up the velocity on them the way they did. the keys great and have adjustable velocity. it is also nice to have the xy joystick. only thing this needs is aftertouch and the ability to change the velocity on the pads.
Ease of Use
the "scenes" feature on this keyboard is great. it is all very simple to set-up is you read the instructions.
Quality
some of the sliders are little lose, but other than that it is very sturdy, well made, and it looks fantastic.
Value
i honestly think the price is just about right on this keyboard. maybe a good 50 dollars off would be great though.

Musical Background:

Active Musician/Producer

Musical Style:

Electro/Rock
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