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Which 49-key Bluetooth MIDI Controllers Do You Recommend for 2025?
So I'm sure this topic has been covered before, but in this case, I'm looking for recommendations for a nice 49-key MIDI keyboard to compliment my SMK-25. Again, the requirement is it must be easy to connect to my iPad like the SMK-25, and it must have a rechargeable battery.
Thanks in advance.
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I spent time searching for a 49 key midi controller not long ago. Didn’t find any bluetooth ones, or any battery powered ones.
I did try out the Yamaha MX49 synth, which takes batteries and could do bluetooth with an additional dongle. I loved the class compliant USB midi/audio which meant only one cable needed with iPad. It also works pretty well as a midi controller.
Ended up going with a Korg Keystage 49 midi controller, which also has an audio interface (out only) and has poly aftertouch. Has very deep integration with Gadget, but can also be easily customised for other apps directly from the keyboard (no other app needed). Has a comprehensive chord mode and arpeggiator, and the Midi 2.0 Property Exchange is great on those apps that support it (Module on iPad and a number of Korg synths on computer). It has a great stand for the iPad, and the iPad powers the keyboard.
Not sure how much those two suggestions will match your requirements, good luck with the search! 👍
Battery powered and Bluetooth are going to make it tricky. Most 49 key controllers aren't designed to be as portable.
@zzrwood that Korg looks sweet! I wish every controller had aftertouch...
I've always been a fan of Novation and the new Launchkey MK4 is lovely and bus powered so connection to an iPad is a breeze. The pads are a real delight to play and have poly AT, plus you get faders, endless encoders, chord mode, arp, etc. It's also significantly cheaper.
I don't think you'll find a battery and bluetooth inside a 49 key...very hard to find even in 37.
Maybe power it with a power bank?
The Novation at least is bus-powered, so no need.
he wants bluetooth to connect
Yes, to get bluetooth, I think you'd use a power bank with a bluetooth adapter like Yamaha BT-01 or one from CME. Power bank might be $20, bluetooth adapter $50-60. Then you have your choice of USB powered keyboards, which is most of them, I think.
But wouldn't it be easier & less to carry around to just use a cable rather than a power bank and Bluetooth adapter? I guess it depends on the rest of your setup/equipment. Maybe he's already lugging around a power bank.
Yes, USB cable is simpler. But then you're tethered by a cable. Power bank/bluetooth adapter you'd just have velcro'd to back of keyboard. You can use a quite small power bank, keyboard takes little power. And bluetooth adapter is light as a feather. Also, once someone has a bluetooth adapter they may well find other equipment they want to use it with, can bluetooth-enable anything you want.
Hey friends.
Yeah, I'm looking for a studio MIDI keyboard with the 49-key one. The M-Vave still remains my favourite for portable keys, knobs and drum pads.
I see it may be trickier to find a decent 49-key controller that has Bluetooth, which is fine I'm guessing. Even if I need to keep the 49-key keyboard plugged in, but it still has Bluetooth, that's fine by me to be fair.
Not to mention that a powered hub + power supply + yet another cable will often be needed as well.
The Korg Keystage 49 I mentioned can be powered over USB (from iPad or Computer) or via a separate 9v power adapter. It has DIN MIDI in and out sockets so could have Bluetooth added by a simple dongle - e.g. CME WIDI Master.
Another great option would be the Launchkey 49 Mk4. Pretty good semi-weighted keybed (new for the Mk4) and DIN MIDI out socket - again, for Bluetooth adapter. It has good pads with aftertouch, great chord and arpeggios features, and very flexible customisation - including QWERTY keystrokes on the pads, enabling decent control over Logic Pro transport, modes and navigation. Does need a computer to do the customisation, however.
+1 on the Novation 👍
Thanks for the info about needing a computer to do the customization. The Korg Keystage also has midi 2.0 .
Yeah, a computer I don't have sadly, lol. 😂 But that's okay. Launchkey 49 Mk4 sounds pretty stellar.
Edit: Checked it out on Amazon, and holy shit it's got all the bells and whistles! Sliders, knobs, pads, you name it! Think that's the one I'll go for once next month arrives.
@zzrwood and others - what would be the Bluetooth DIN MIDI adapter you'd recommend? US Amazon link preferred.
Would definitely recommend the CME WIDI Master, particularly if you go for the Novation - as the CME allows you to separate the MIDI out part of the dongle and just use that in the single MIDI port.
My only caveat is that the MIDI port needs to supply power to the MIDI out dongle (I think that is part of the MIDI spec for DIN out ports). It certainly works that way on every synth I've tried it on, including battery operated ones and ones that can be powered by USB-C (e.g. Roland Boutique JX-10). Haven't tried it on a Launchkey but it should work.
The CME has an iOS app to look after configuration and firmware upgrades - haven't tried it but at least it doesn't need a computer.
https://www.amazon.com/CME-WIDI-Master-Synthesizer-Pedalboard/dp/B08F8F57JX/ref=sr_1_3
Here are a couple of videos about the CME WIDI Master:
Whoa. For an extra 50 quid, I can nab a 61-key Launchkey. Omg, be still my beating heart, lol. 😂 Yep, the GAS is official. This Friday, I'm nabbing the WIDI master and financing the 61-key Launchkey, both in my Amazon cart.
I like the Bluetooth-enabled Korg Microkey Air 49 and power it with two rechargeable AA batteries.
Use the CME WIDI dongles a lot, one in my Keystep 37 they work pretty well for the money. Have 5 in total for all my gear. Have had no problems.
Right on mate! The MK4 is truly a thing of beauty. I have the 37 key myself to pair with my iPad when I'm on the go, but also have an older Novation 49 key (SL Mk3) in my studio above my 88 key piano, as well as a Launchpad and Launch Control XL, so you could say I'm a bit of a Novation fan boy at this point. 😂
You could always get a Korg Microkey Air. It doesn't have built-in rechargeable batteries, but it does take batteries and it has Bluetooth. So you just buy some rechargeable batteries and a battery charger, if you don't already have those things. I did this and it worked fine for me. Batteries last a very long time as these don't use much power. Having a battery charger can be useful for other products that need batteries too, both the charger and the batteries are pretty cheap.
Good point. I have this and the other suggestions in my Amazon wish list. 😂
@jwmmakerofmusic :You don’t own a computer either? That makes two of us …What about the customizations though?
U have a nanokontrol 2 as well, right? That uses batteries so you could also use a battery charger for those
Probably need a computer for that, sad to say. That's okay though. Not looking to customise anything. Just to have keys, sliders and knobs. ^_^
Nice tip mate! Just saw it just now, lol. So sorry I missed it at first. Thanks and Happy 2025 to you.
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M-Vave MS1. $10 (that’s what i paid for it). Works flawlessly
No experience with M-Vave MS1, but it doesn't appear to be a Bluetooth adapter. Seems to (1) use a proprietary wireless protocol, (2) require using its USB dongle on the iPad end, and (3) requires separate charging of the DIN plugs, doesn't draw power from midi ports on the controller device. That said, maybe it works quite well.