The Yamaha KX-49 Keyboard Studio Controller is made slim and small to fit your home studio but gives you big performance through smart software integration. From Yamaha KX Series, the KX49 Controller provides a dedicated DAW control section, assignable synth control section with templates, and over 300 one-touch phrases for instant arpeggiation. Impressive software bundle includes editor software, Cubase AI, HALion One, and thousands of dollars of sounds, top-name VST instruments, and rebate coupons and services.
The Yamaha's USB Keyboard Studios from the KX Series were conceived and designed to support creativity and MIDI music composition without getting in the way. Based on a range of innovative features with advanced software integration and connectivity via a single USB cable, these control keyboards help create an efficient environment that supports traditional music production workflow.
They also feature a range of drum, guitar, bass, keyboard, and other musical phrases built in, minimizing the need for complex manual MIDI data programming. Complete compositions can easily be created with just one finger. Yamaha keyboard know-how offers feel and response that provide optimum musical control and comfort for smooth production.
The KX Series USB MIDI Studio was built for discerning keyboard players for use on stage or in the studio, featuring a high-quality Yamaha keyboard, numerous creative control features, and advanced integration with Steinberg DAW products. The KX Series is the next step in Yamaha's philosophy of hardware and software integration. Discerning keyboard players will appreciate the genuine Yamaha keyboard action while composing and recording seamlessly with Steinberg Cubase AI and its many creative options.
The KX Series enables easy song creation with its built-in arpeggio function. Inspired by the Motif ARP phrases, these arpeggios can be played back by the included HALion One softsynth using sound content from the Yamaha Motif or the VST Mega Pack Bundle featuring exclusive content from IK Multimedia, BFD, and Arturia. A dedicated control section on the KX enables complete control of sounds and content.
The KX USB Studio includes Cubase AI, a special "Advanced Integration" version of Steinberg's legendary music production software. Cubase AI is conveniently controlled via a dedicated control section on the KX, turning it into a complete music production solution.
The KX Series is also bundled with the X Factor DVD from Yamaha. This DVD contains a massive collection of sounds and VST instruments from industry leaders like IK Multmedia, Sonic Reality, FXpansion, Arturia and Keyfax. In addition to the bundled sounds there are thousands of dollars worth of rebate coupons and added values from Antares, ASK Video, Broadjam, Electronic Musician , Electrix, Garritan, KeytoSound, Obedia, Steinberg and Tunecore.
Advanced feature and software integration
The design of the KX series control keyboards is based on in-depth research into the latest software-based music production and workflow approaches. Control capability has been refined for optimum compatibility with DAW software, software-based tone modules from major manufacturers, and the workflow methodologies they involve. There are transport functions to control DAW recording and playback, assignable buttons that can be assigned to a range of functions to suit individual needs, control templates for 30 different types of software tone modules everything needed for smooth music production is right at your fingertips.
AI functions provide high-level Cubase integration
In addition to the bundled Cubase AI4 software, the KX series provides high-level integration with Steinberg Cubase 4 and Cubase studio 4 DAW applications. You can open any edit window with a single button, add instrument tracks right from the controller keyboard, and automatically switch control templates for different software tone modules when tracks are switched, as well as other advanced functions to facilitate a smooth, efficient workflow. Quantize and delete functions are pre-assigned to the assignable keys so you can start MIDI production without the need for complex setup procedures.
Phrase factory offers an extensive range of built-in one-touch phrases
The KX series features a built-in arpeggiator with more than 500 pre-programmed phrases. Select an instrument and style, then simply hold the appropriate notes on the keyboard to play or enter the MIDI phrase data. For example, a guitarist could create a demo by entering all the required parts other than guitar by using the arpeggiator, and then overdub the actual guitar tracks. The KX series makes it easy to create background music for your home page, backing for solo practice, and much more.
Four control knobs plus templates for 30 software tone modules
In addition to advanced control of DAW software, the KX series keyboards feature control templates for 30 different software tone modules built in. The most commonly used parameters for all 30 tone modules are automatically assigned to the keyboard's four real-time control encoders. When using Cubase the appropriate control templates are automatically selected when switching tracks, so you won't be distracted by having to change settings manually.
KX editor for versatile parameter assignment
The KX editor application, downloadable from the Yamaha website, allows detailed parameter assignment and editing for the four encoders and assignable buttons. You can create different parameter sets for production and performance, or for different types of music, and simply switch them as required.
Velocity curve control for optimum response with individual tone modules
Keyboard velocity response can be adjusted in six steps to match a wide range of tone modules and sample players. Optimum matching of player, keyboard, and tone module means maximum playing comfort and fluid performance.
USB power compatible
Since the KX series keyboards are compatible with USB bus power, they can be simply plugged into a USB port and used without a separate power adaptor.
Expression pedal and external MIDI tone generator connectivity
Since the KX series keyboards are compatible with USB bus power, they can be simply plugged into a USB port and used without a separate power adaptor.
Yamaha KX-49 USB Keyboard Studio Controller Features:
Advanced feature and software integration
AI functions provide high-level Cubase integration
Phrase factory offers an extensive range of built-in one-touch phrases
Four control knobs plus templates for 30 software tone modules
KX editor for versatile parameter assignment
Velocity curve control for optimum response with individual tone modules
USB power compatible
Expression pedal and external midi tone generator connectivity
Make making music easier with a KX controller. Order now.
Yamaha KX-49 USB Keyboard Studio Controller Specifications:
Keyboards: 49 keys (Initial Touch)
Sequencer: Arppegio, each 342 type
DAW Software compatible with the remote control function
Windows CUBASE 4, CUBASE Studio 4, CUBASE AI, SONER 6
Macintosh CUBASE 4, CUBASE Studio 4, CUBASE AI, Logic 7.2, Digital Performer 5.1
* Function to be controlled differ depending on the software
Controllers
Pitch Bend Wheel: 1
Modulation Wheel: 1
Assignable Encoder knobs: 4
Panel Switches: 37
Power Switch: 1
Connectors
MIDI Connectors IN x 1, OUT x 1
FOOT SWITCH Phone Connector x 1 (Not availavle FC3)
USB Connector TO HOST Connector x 1 (USB bus Powwered)
DC-IN 1
Display: LCD 16 x 2 Characters backlit LCD
Power Consumption: AC Adapter 3.5 W, USB Bus Power 0.6 W
Dimensions (W x D x H): 830 x 286.6 x 92 mm
Weight: 3 kg
Accessories: AC Adapter PA-130(U) or PA-3C(others), CD-ROM x 2, USB Cable x 1, Owner's manual
KX Series Keyboards System Requirements
Windows Vista
Computer: 1 GHz or faster Intel Core/Pentium/Celeron family processor, with USB terminal
RAM: 1 gigabyte minimum
Windows XP Professional/XP Home Edition
Computer: 750 MHz or faster Intel Core/Pentium/Celeron family processor, with USB terminal
RAM: 128 megabytes minimum
Macintosh
Compatible OS: Mac OS X 10.3.3 or later
Computer: PowerPC G3 or later processor, with USB terminal
RAM: 128 megabytes minimum
Cubase AI System Requirements
Windows
Compatible OS: Windows XP Professional SP1/XP Home Edition SP1/Windows Vista (32-bit)
CPU: 1.4 GHz or faster Intel Core/Pentium/Celeron family processor
RAM: 512 megabytes minimum
Hard Disk: 400 megabytes free space, minimum
Macintosh
Compatible OS: Mac OS X 10.4 or later
Computer: 1 GHz or faster PowerPC G4 or later processor, or 1.5 GHz or faster Core Solo or later processor
Posted by Studiotramp from Melbourne, Australia on Jun 12, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: 25 yr keyboard experience, 10 years in production
Reviewer's Play Style: rock, alternative, electronica
I bought this keyboard as a semi-portable controller for my laptop. I'm a Yamaha man from way back and though Yamaha gear is never on the cutting edge of design or particularly fashionable, I've never had a piece of Yamaha gear fail on me either.
Here are my impressions after a month's use.
The unit is very light for its size. It looks really pro and is made out of good quality black plastic. The keyboard action is great for a cheap controller and there is a pitch bend and mod wheel just like on grown up Yamaha synths. Aftertouch is absent though. For a controller there are not many controls! Just 4 endless rotary knobs that feel cheap and notchy. Addition of some sliders would have been nice given the amount of unused real estate on top of the unit (the vast expanse of plastic on the top RHS is a GREAT place to locate your mouse though!).
The KX-49 is much better kitted out with transport buttons than rotary knobs. Unfortunately you'll need to be a Cubase user to make full use of them. At least 4 of the transport buttons are Cubase specific but I've managed to map all the others into Sonar 7 where they work perfectly. The KX-49 is very tightly integrated with Cubase and you're completely on your own if you use other DAW software. The manual is almost 100% dedicated to getting up and running with the included Cubase AI software. I've only fired Cubase AI up once but the KX-49 does integrate very nicely with it right out of the box.
The arpeggiator is mostly a gimmick and the included drum and bass lines are generic beyond belief. On the other hand some of the sequenced arpeggios are very useable and I'm guessing they have been lifted from Yamaha's Motif synths.
The USB drivers were easy to install and they work perfectly in Vista - hooray. Yamaha's KX Editor software can be used to easily configure the KX-49 from your computer rather than scrolling through all the menu parameters. It also works faultlessly in Vista so well done Yamaha.
One of the BIG selling features of the KX series controllers is the inclusion of Yamaha's XFactor DVD. This DVD contains loads of bundled goodies like samples from Yamaha's flagship S90ES electric piano, BFD Lite drum software, Sampletank LE, Arturia's Analog Factory and other contributions from Sonic Reality and Keyfax. How does all this content sound? Unfortunately I can't tell you as the DVD wasn't included with my KX-49. Apparently it has been pulled because of various issues with bugs. I hope Yamaha do the right thing and supplies me with an XFactor DVD soon! I can't wait to try out some of the sample content and loops.
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