KeyRIg 49 User Guide

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The KeyRig 49 Keyboard

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Key Names

The letters printed above the white keys stand for the names of the musical notes the keys represent. The number next to each letter marks the octave each key belongs to. (More information on octaves can be found in the following section.) Black keys are “semitones” to their adjacent white keys and don’t have a dedicated letter. A semitone represents the distance in pitch from one note to its immediate neighbor.

Black keys usually have the same name as the next higher or lower white key, but have an additional sharp symbol (# – semitone higher than the letter indicates), or flat symbol (b – semitone lower than the letter indicates) attached to them. For example, the name of the black key to the right of C3 is C#3 (C-sharp 3), but it can also be called Db3 (D-flat 3), since it is also adjacent to the D key on its right. In other words, black keys have two valid names, depending on the context of the musical notation they are part of.

Octaves Buttons

An octave contains 12 notes, and each octave is marked out clearly on your KeyRig 49 keyboard by black and white sections starting on C. Each octave is given a number.

KeyRig 49 is able to shift the pitch of its keys up or down by one or more octaves. When the keyboard’s octaves are not shifted (octave shift set to zero), the lights above both the Octave “<” and Octave “>” buttons will be lit. The default octave shift designation is zero and will be the octave setting each time you power up the keyboard.

If you press the Octave “>” button once, the light above the Octave “<” button will go out, indicating the keyboard is now playing an octave higher. If you press the Octave “>” button again, the keyboard will be shifted up two octaves. It is possible to shift the keyboard up a total of four octaves using the Octave “>” button. To shift the octave down, press the Octave “<” button in the same manner: pressing once for one octave, twice for two octaves, and three times for three octaves. It is possible to shift the keyboard down a total of three octaves.

To return the keyboard’s octave shift to zero, press both the Octave “<” and “>” buttons at the same time. Both LEDs will light, indicating that the octave shift has returned to zero. In summary, when the Octave buttons are set to control octave shift (default), if the light is only lit above the Octave “>” button, the octave is shifted up. If the light is only lit above the Octave “<” button, the octave is shifted down.

Pitch Bend Wheel

As the name indicates, the Pitch Bend wheel is usually used to bend the notes played on the keyboard up or down. This allows you to play phrases not normally associated with keyboard playing, including guitar-style riffs. Your sound source determines how far you can bend the note. The usual setting is two semitones but can be up to two octaves up or down.

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M-Audio manual KeyRig 49 Keyboard, Key Names, Octaves Buttons, Pitch Bend Wheel
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49 specifications

The M-Audio 49 is a versatile and compact MIDI keyboard controller designed for musicians, producers, and performers. Featuring a 49-key layout, this controller provides an excellent balance between portability and functionality. Its velocity-sensitive keys allow for expressive play, making it suitable for various musical genres, whether you're composing electronic tracks or playing classical piano melodies.

One of the standout features of the M-Audio 49 is its user-friendly interface. With a variety of assignable controls, including knobs, faders, and buttons, users can easily map these elements to their preferred software parameters, enhancing the overall workflow. This customization capability is a key advantage for those looking to streamline their music production process.

The M-Audio 49 supports both USB and MIDI connectivity, making it compatible with a wide range of devices and software. The USB connection allows for easy plug-and-play functionality, while the traditional MIDI output offers the ability to connect to external synthesizers and sound modules. This dual connectivity ensures that artists can integrate the controller into any studio setup with ease.

Additionally, the M-Audio 49 incorporates advanced technologies, such as MIDI controller functionality that extends well beyond traditional keyboard playing. It includes features like pitch bend and modulation wheels, providing further control over the sound and performance dynamics. The incorporation of velocity sensitivity enhances the touch response, allowing musicians to add subtle nuances to their playing.

The keyboard is also designed with portability in mind, making it an ideal choice for musicians on the go. Its lightweight construction and compact design allow for easy transport without sacrificing key range or playability. This makes it a perfect fit for live performances or studio sessions where space is limited.

Moreover, the M-Audio 49 often comes bundled with an impressive array of software, which may include digital audio workstations and virtual instruments. This software package enhances the value of the controller, providing users with everything needed to start creating music right out of the box.

In summary, the M-Audio 49 is a powerful and flexible MIDI controller that combines portability, functionality, and an intuitive interface. Its key features, such as assignable controls, dual connectivity, advanced technologies, and bundled software, make it an attractive option for musicians looking to enhance their creative possibilities. Whether you're in the studio or performing live, the M-Audio 49 stands out as a reliable tool for music production.
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