I shall use the M-AUDIO Keystation 49e in my studio and live rig until whichever one of us first gives up the ghost.
Sound
This is perhaps the best keyboard controller on the market if you use it to activate "static" sounds such as piano, organ, and clavinet. Connect it to a laptop computer with the included USB connection cable and you can, like me, use the Keystation 49e to access and activate sound banks on Reason, or other such software, giving you, in effect, a ten pound grand piano!
Features
The Keystation 49e keyboard comes with a well-written manual, a USB connection cable, start-up software, AND Ableton Live software! The back panel has a MIDI port, sustain pedal port (nice), an optional AC adaptor jack. The one feature this controller lacks (to my taste) is a dedicated headphone port.
Ease of Use
Plug-in and play if you have MAC OSX. I had to spend a whopping five minutes before I could connect it, turn it on, start it up, and play it through the studio's PA!
Quality
The unit's body is a handsome silver color and feels sturdy enough for live gigs. The keyboard is tight and springy, with the high-quality feel of a Hammond organ. Pitch bend and Mod wheels work as advertised. The three buttons (octave +/- and "advanced functions") feel solid and the guide lights are a pleasant pale blue color.
Value
The best $100.00 keyboard controller on
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