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Korg Kontrol49 49-Key MIDI Studio Controller
49 full-sized keys, Windows XP and OSX, 40 assignable control elements
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Description
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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 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.
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
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 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.
Technical Info
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
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Korg Kontrol49 49-Key MIDI Studio Controller Reviews
9 out of 10
"this might be the one for you"
Feature:
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.
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.
Ease of Use:
the "scenes" feature on this keyboard is great. it is all very simple to set-up is you read the instructions.
Overall:
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.
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.
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.
Ease of Use:
the "scenes" feature on this keyboard is great. it is all very simple to set-up is you read the instructions.
Overall:
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.
Submitted: 06/16/2008
Style of Music: Electro/Rock
10 out of 10
"Perfect central midi-controler setup."
Feature:
Giving it a 9 because there are other midi controllers with more knobs and such to play around with. But this isn't a bad thing. Too much is too much. Plys, since you can label the actual slidersknobs .. very very nice. Better to have less with labels than a bunch with no "LCD Labels". Nice touch. on top of that, labeling them yourself is a sinch. Plus full size keys - 49 of them. I wouldn't be able to stand anything less than 49. Those other controllers with two octave ranges or waht not are next to useless for my personal situation. Then the drum pads are nice as well for offering more "interaction" and as well as a place to hit your drums out instead of the keys - better feel. Apparently the pads get better and more responsive as they age. Of course, not AKAI pads, but still cool to have with the package. As with most similar keyboards (MicroKorg/MicroKontrol) it has the octave shift buttons that give you a total of 10 octaves (or virtually 120 keys). Nice. This also has a vector joystick that lets you assign two functions - one per axis .. which then allows you to blend them around. Quite cool. Also, this has a MOD and PITCH wheel (something which it's little sibling, the MicroKontrol, lacks.
Quality:
I was hoping for it to be made of aluminum as I believe the MicroKontrol is made of it. That alone would have made this definitely a 10!!! ;) Never the less, it LOOKS like it's brushed aluminum. It's aluminum looking plastic though .. good enough. The knobs and slider seem a touch wobbly/delicate .. but even still, they don't seem like they're going to break or anything. All the buttons/pads feel good with a nice little click like a good cellphone button when you push them. The vector joystick does seem quite delicate though. It doesn't autocenter when let go and really feels totally weightless. That said, it feels very very comfortable to use - even relaxing!
Value:
Minus one for there being some other crazier stuff out there for a few hundred more. I don't know if this is a good enough reason for it to loose a point, but what the heck. A lot of midi controllers with lots of functions come with low-octave count keybeds. I find them useless with anything less than what the Kontrol49 has (as I mentioned) but if you're alright with the fewer physical octaves, then perhaps one of the other kontrollers could do. Or there are keyboard ONLY controllers for less with no extra features. In the end, I guess a 9 is a good score in this section.
Desirability:
Definitely a sexy piece for the studio. For everything midi-controlled, this is absolutely perfect. The only thing better would be (with unlimited funds) would be a fullsize 88 key midicontroller, a seperate slider/encoder section all LCD labeled, and a seperate AKAI MPD16 pad controller. That's basically what this is all in one - less physical keys and no akai pads. Looks very sharp as well with it's sleek lines. The moment I unpacked it. "This has high sex appeal!" Yes yes.
Sound:
I can't rate the actual "Sound" it makes since it's a MIDI controller .. so I'm going to say that the control of sounds is really good. Nice velocity sensitive keys let you play your virtual piano very nicely ;) .. as well as any other instrument you throw at it from a bell to a symphony orchestra.
Support:
I've never dealt with them. I'm HOPING they're good. Online registration gives you an extended year of warrenty. So that'll give them a 10.
Overall:
I like this a lot. Good for everything I can possibly throw at it. The only thing it lacks is weighted keys. If it were to have that though, then it'd feel weird with every other sound I control with it. For real piano controlling, one would have to get a seperate nice weigthed keyboard along side this. That said, this is still very well suited for acoustic piano controlling on the PC. Just have to wait for the weigthed keyboard I guess. ;) All the nice features (LCD labels, sliders, encoders, drum pads, joystick, pitch and mod wheels, velocity sensitive keys, 4 octaves, etc.) .. all make it out to be a nice piece for any home studio. Comes with some nice demo software as well. go buy one ;) These are selling like hotcakes .. I wonder why? ;)
Giving it a 9 because there are other midi controllers with more knobs and such to play around with. But this isn't a bad thing. Too much is too much. Plys, since you can label the actual slidersknobs .. very very nice. Better to have less with labels than a bunch with no "LCD Labels". Nice touch. on top of that, labeling them yourself is a sinch. Plus full size keys - 49 of them. I wouldn't be able to stand anything less than 49. Those other controllers with two octave ranges or waht not are next to useless for my personal situation. Then the drum pads are nice as well for offering more "interaction" and as well as a place to hit your drums out instead of the keys - better feel. Apparently the pads get better and more responsive as they age. Of course, not AKAI pads, but still cool to have with the package. As with most similar keyboards (MicroKorg/MicroKontrol) it has the octave shift buttons that give you a total of 10 octaves (or virtually 120 keys). Nice. This also has a vector joystick that lets you assign two functions - one per axis .. which then allows you to blend them around. Quite cool. Also, this has a MOD and PITCH wheel (something which it's little sibling, the MicroKontrol, lacks.
Quality:
I was hoping for it to be made of aluminum as I believe the MicroKontrol is made of it. That alone would have made this definitely a 10!!! ;) Never the less, it LOOKS like it's brushed aluminum. It's aluminum looking plastic though .. good enough. The knobs and slider seem a touch wobbly/delicate .. but even still, they don't seem like they're going to break or anything. All the buttons/pads feel good with a nice little click like a good cellphone button when you push them. The vector joystick does seem quite delicate though. It doesn't autocenter when let go and really feels totally weightless. That said, it feels very very comfortable to use - even relaxing!
Value:
Minus one for there being some other crazier stuff out there for a few hundred more. I don't know if this is a good enough reason for it to loose a point, but what the heck. A lot of midi controllers with lots of functions come with low-octave count keybeds. I find them useless with anything less than what the Kontrol49 has (as I mentioned) but if you're alright with the fewer physical octaves, then perhaps one of the other kontrollers could do. Or there are keyboard ONLY controllers for less with no extra features. In the end, I guess a 9 is a good score in this section.
Desirability:
Definitely a sexy piece for the studio. For everything midi-controlled, this is absolutely perfect. The only thing better would be (with unlimited funds) would be a fullsize 88 key midicontroller, a seperate slider/encoder section all LCD labeled, and a seperate AKAI MPD16 pad controller. That's basically what this is all in one - less physical keys and no akai pads. Looks very sharp as well with it's sleek lines. The moment I unpacked it. "This has high sex appeal!" Yes yes.
Sound:
I can't rate the actual "Sound" it makes since it's a MIDI controller .. so I'm going to say that the control of sounds is really good. Nice velocity sensitive keys let you play your virtual piano very nicely ;) .. as well as any other instrument you throw at it from a bell to a symphony orchestra.
Support:
I've never dealt with them. I'm HOPING they're good. Online registration gives you an extended year of warrenty. So that'll give them a 10.
Overall:
I like this a lot. Good for everything I can possibly throw at it. The only thing it lacks is weighted keys. If it were to have that though, then it'd feel weird with every other sound I control with it. For real piano controlling, one would have to get a seperate nice weigthed keyboard along side this. That said, this is still very well suited for acoustic piano controlling on the PC. Just have to wait for the weigthed keyboard I guess. ;) All the nice features (LCD labels, sliders, encoders, drum pads, joystick, pitch and mod wheels, velocity sensitive keys, 4 octaves, etc.) .. all make it out to be a nice piece for any home studio. Comes with some nice demo software as well. go buy one ;) These are selling like hotcakes .. I wonder why? ;)
Submitted: 04/17/2005
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