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Samson Carbon 49 49-key Keyboard Controller

49-key Velocity-sensitive USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Pitch and Modulation Wheels, LCD Display, Sustain Pedal Input, iPad Stand, and Software - Mac/PC
$119.99

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Samson Carbon 49 49-key Keyboard Controller
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An Affordable Semi-weighted Controller With Cool Features

The Samson Carbon 49 USB MIDI controller boosts your musical productivity with its 49 velocity-sensitive keys and versatile, easy-to-use featureset. At the heart of the Carbon 49 is its great-feeling semi-weighted keybed. Designed to feel like an instrument rather than a computer peripheral, these keys transmit all the expressive subtlety of your performances to your DAW. The Carbon 49 has everything you expect of a modern controller - and then some. It even has an integrated stand for your iPad! Give your creativity a shot in the arm with the affordable Samson Carbon 49 USB MIDI controller.

A Great Featureset

Samson's Carbon 49 USB MIDI controller sports a great featureset. The wizards at Samson had their thinking caps on when they juiced this puppy with an iPad stand. You can even power the Carbon 49 directly from your iPad if you have the optional Apple Camera Connection Kit! The Carbon 49 is fitted, naturally, with pitch and mod wheels, a sustain/expression pedal jack, and traditional MIDI out. You also get an assignable data encoder, volume slider, and a 3-digit, 7-segement LCD that displays everything you're doing in real-time. But there's even more to the Samson's Carbon 49 USB MIDI controller - including a price that will make you think a digit fell off and got lost! Check it out.

Samson Carbon 49 USB MIDI Controller Features:
  • Great-feeling, compact semi-weighted keyboard controller
  • 49 velocity-sensitive keys capture the full dynamics of your performances
  • Dedicated Transpose and Octave buttons
  • Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels
  • Assignable data encoder and volume slider
  • Shift key to adjust up to 14 performance-related control parameters
  • 3-digit, 7-segement LCD displays the behavior of every function in real-time
  • MIDI Out, sustain pedal input and USB connections
  • Integrated iPad stand; can be powered directly by your iPad
  • May be used with your favorite iPad apps (requires optional Apple Camera Connection Kit)
  • Ships with Native Instrument's Komplete Elements software
  • iPad and USB bus powered
  • Mac OS X and Windows compatible
Enhance your productivity in the studio with Samson's Carbon 49 USB MIDI Controller!

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Controller
  • Number of Keys: 49
  • Type of Keys: Semi-weighted
  • Velocity Sensitive: Yes
  • Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
  • Encoders/Pots: 1
  • Faders: 1
  • Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" TRS (sustain)
  • MIDI I/O: Out/USB
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • Power Supply: USB bus powered
  • Height: 3.00"
  • Width: 31.20"
  • Depth: 8.50"
  • Weight: 6.2 lbs
  • Manufacturer Part Number: SAKC49

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Does what I want

Out of the box, using an Ipad, and garage band's instruments, the sustain pedal sustains the piano in piano mode and acts as a leslie fast/ slow foot switch in organ mode.
Music background: better than a lot and way below the musicians I admire.
Rated 4.5/5

There Is Only ONE Reason Why This ISN'T Getting 5 Stars

And that is because it doesn't have 127 levels of MIDI velocity control, OUT OF THE BOX!

I've been assured by someone that if you "dig in" and do some editing
that you CAN get the 127, but for musicians who have enough "programming duties" to worry about, this is a small pain.

The 4 VC's that are included are useless, except for #3, but I still haven't "dug in".

My 12 year old Casio WK-1350 had 127 OOTB, so, Zoom, please take note! 127 out of the box!

Aftertouch is not in here, but I've spent most of my musical life NOT really caring about it. Think about it, does a REAL piano have "aftertouch"? NOPE!

Bad news aside, I LOVE this! 99 bucks for so much!

Nice, compact 49 full-size keys which are semi-weighted. I've done the hammer action ( on a REAL piano) and the synth action ( again, my Casio) and semi is a nice compromise and has given my "synth fingers"
a nice workout, as of late.

USB POWER! YAY! Since I only use this in my studio, one less cord "to answer" is MY idea of a good time! That Zoom doesn't even include an AC option confirms this!

I'm aware of the ipad slot-it may yet come in handy in the future, but for me, it's a dead issue. Never say "Never" though.

I might also be able to use the MIDI jack with my much venerated SR-16, no?

For the first time also, I can actually SEE this keyboard! White is a nice change!

Haven't had a chance to work with the included Komplete Elements but am looking forward to it! All I need is a DAW that can accept 3rd party plugs! I love the way that "Value Added" rigs are available today!

To Studio One Free Users! The Carbon 49 plays VERY nice with this DAW!

Improvements will be in the offing with this controller ( 127 Out Of The Box!) but for a picture of Mr. Franklin, you CAN do a lot worse!

I am a fan of Samson/Zoom and I can't *wait* to see what they come up with......*next*....
Music background: Lifelong Musician and Keeper Of The Faith
Rated 4/5

Effective

A simple and effective midi controller. I was pleasently surprised by the depth of midi implementation. The action on the keys isn't great, but at least they feel sturdy.
Rated 4/5

great controller

Great piano-like feel to the keys, and a great value considering its overall flexibility and features. (I was using an M-Audio KeyRig 49 [the consumer-branded 49-key edition of the KeyStation ES line], and the Carbon is a big step up even for the price.)

(WARNING: Sweetwater will "recommend" the Gator GKB-49 case, but that case is WAY too big for this keyboard in all three dimensions.)
Music background: music teacher; pro musician; live engineer
Rated 4/5

A handy little winner

The Carbon filled a real need in my rig, making life a lot easier. The keyboard feel is surprisingly good for the price point, my main concern. It handles trills well, which is the real acid test. I'd like a few more velocity-curve choices and the programming setup is spartan, though serviceable. The build isn't one you'd rely on for a front-line keyboard, but as a home studio tool or a back-up when playing out, it has great bang-for-buck factor going. Unless you're more into mini-keyboards and DJ setups, the Carbon is a competitive option for those who like to dig in to full-sized keys. Thumbs up!
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