Korg Kontrol 49

A MIDI keyboard becomes particularly versatile when its keys, knobs and pads can be assigned to suit the software or hardware in use. The Korg KONTROL49 combines a velocity-sensitive keyboard with extensive control surfaces for DAWs, software synthesisers and external MIDI devices.

Eight rotary knobs and eight faders send freely assignable MIDI messages, including Control Changes and RPN and NRPN messages. Small displays show the parameter name and value; their three-colour illumination can indicate the active assignment. This lets you control mixer levels and panning, or filter and envelope parameters, directly on the device. An additional main knob is used for entering values.

The 16 velocity-sensitive pads can be set up to play notes or send MIDI control messages. Depending on their assignment, they can also trigger switching or transport functions. For different programmes and setups, you can save up to twelve scenes with their respective controller assignments. The Editor/Librarian software lets you name and manage scenes on your computer and transfer them between the computer and keyboard.

Other controls can also be customised: the X and Y axes of the vector joystick and the modulation wheel can send MIDI control messages; the pitch-bend wheel is programmable. Using the footswitch and pedal connections, you can control functions such as sustain, sostenuto, soft pedal, portamento or freely selected Control Changes. Optional accessories include the Korg PS-1, DS-1H, EXP-2 and XVP-10.

A MIDI input and two MIDI outputs are available for connecting external MIDI equipment. Via USB, the keyboard sends and receives MIDI data and can also serve as a USB MIDI interface for connected devices. It is powered via USB or the included 9-volt power supply; the power supply is required if USB power is insufficient. Korg also recommends using the power supply when directly operating external MIDI devices.

The package includes Editor/Librarian software, scene and template data, and drivers on CD-ROM. The CD also contains demo software: KORG Legacy Collection, AAS Lounge Lizard EP-2, IK Multimedia SampleTank 2 KORG Edition, Native Instruments Vokator and Propellerheads Reason 2.5. The programmes are subject to their respective licence terms; Korg and the named providers do not offer support for this software. The documented computer requirements refer to Mac OS X 10.2 or later, or Windows XP Home Edition/Professional; Intel USB chipsets are recommended for Windows.

With 49 keys, assignable controls and versatile MIDI connections, the KONTROL49 is suitable for computer-based music production and live setups with external sound generators. It is particularly suitable if you want to combine keyboard playing and parameter control in one device and recall different assignments as scenes.