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View all Compact Keyboard Controllers »

CME M-Key

Item ID: MKey49

49-key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Joystick, Slider, Function and Entry Buttons, and 2 Pedal Connections

Sorry, the CME M-Key is no longer available. We've left this page up for reference only. Check out the great alternatives on this page or call toll-free (800) 222-4700 to speak with a Sweetwater Sales Engineer about similar products.

From Our Research Team:

This Quality, Streamlined Controller Is a Great Value!

The CME M-Key 49-key MIDI keyboard controller continues the spirit of the U-Key Mobiltone in a streamlined, affordable unit that lets you easily and effectively play and control your virtual instruments and programs. Featuring thin, full-action semi-weighted keys and a programmable joystick control, the M-Key gives you straightforward performance. Controls also include a function button, assignable slider, and two data entry buttons. A USB port and MIDI out are also onboard. If you're looking for an affordable, efficient, controller with the features you need, check out the CME M-Key.

CME M-Key 49-key MIDI Keyboard Controller Features:
  • 49 notes ultra thin full action semi-weighted keyboard
  • Velocity sensitive
  • 1 x Programmable Joystick
  • 1 x function button
  • 2 x data entry button
  • 1 x slider (assignable)
  • 1 x power LED
  • 1 x USB port
  • 1 x MIDI out
  • 2 x pedal connect
  • USB MIDI, class-compliant with Windows XP and Mac OS X
  • Firmware upgraded via USB
  • Universal pedal connector
  • Full compatible with switch and expression pedal
  • Note-key shortcut function

The CME M-Key is a no-nonsense, easy-to-use MIDI controller!

M-Key Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Manufacturer Part Number M-Key

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Reviews

Great Value

by Trevor from Sodus, NY
August 1, 2011
Music Background: Active musician, Recording Engineer student
I was looking for a midi controller that used classic MIDI rather than just usb for under $150. It was harder than I thought. Then i came across this and am glad I did! For under $100, this could not ... read more [+]be better. The velocity sensitivity is great, and it seems to be built pretty well. It's not a tank, but it's also not asking for an arm or leg before you take it home. As soon as I plug it into the midi input on my interface, Pro Tools 9 recognized and away I went. No driver to download or anything. The only thing that I would change, but doesn't change the value to me, is the pedal inputs. CME installs 1/8" jacks. I would rather they went ahead and used 1/4", but that's personal preference. close [-]

I LIKE THIS BOARD!

by DJ from ATL, USA
August 10, 2008
Music Background: Musician / Engineer
I was looking for a simple USB controller and did not need a lot of controls since the app I am using does not recognize more than a couple. The two things I DID want was something that felt like an ... read more [+]instrument and looked like an instrument and not a computer peripheral. I was a little hesitant to order this due to the lack of reviews, so I thought I would write one.

I have not had this board very long, but so far I am very very happy with my choice. I think the USB controller market has to be one of the most crowded product categories, yet so many of them are almost the same. I feel that CME has distinguished themselves with this board both with the look of the board (its dark grey not silver or light grey) and the feel of the keys. For under $100.00 you get a very compact no nonsense midi controller that does not look or feel like a computer peripheral but more like a real instrument. I am not saying you should expect hammer graded grand action here, but the keys feel good. The quality seems very good to me, but time will tell how well it holds up.

I was also considering the AKAI mpk-49 because it too looks and feels more like an instrument, but it had a ton of features that I can't currently use and could not justify spending the money. I may one day still upgrade to that or a novation, but this board has perfectly met and exceeded my expectations so far. close [-]

Not bad, not great.

by Chris from S. ON, CA
March 10, 2009
Music Background: Student, amateur composer.
This board does its job well, considering the price. The little knobby pitchbender is cool, and the action is light. It has virtually no latency compared to FL Studio which it controls.

... read more [+]> The keyboard itself is OK. The keys bend a little if you play hard. You have to push the keys almost all the way down to trigger notes, which is a change for me. The velocity sensitivity is good. There are blobs of glue under and sometimes betwen the keys that should be removed as gently as possible with one's fingernail. The glue holds a bending-reducing aluminum plate under each key.

You can transpose up or down 3 octaves, for a total range of 10 octaves. One quirk to be aware of is that sometimes if you remove a hold pedal the board continues to sustain until you switch the polarity of the removed pedal.

The software it comes with is pretty lousy. The best one is Arturia Analog Factory, which contrry to the name does NOT allow you to make your own sounds - you get 200 presets to play, and you can change a dozen params and save them, which is a lousy substitute for a real synth. There are lots of great freeware synths out there tho.

"The Waldorf Edition" will not install.

If you buy one of these, there is NO SUPPORT except you can take it back if it's still under warranty. There are user focums at www.cme-pro.com but posts there can go a year unanswered. CME's support is ultra-unprofessional.

All in all, a good keyboard if you're short on space and money. Don't buy it if you can afford something better. Get it in a real store, rather than online, if possible (in general). close [-]

Satisfied user

by kyle from nashville
August 15, 2008
Music Background: Semi Pro Engineer Hobbyist Extraordinaire
Just right size for me. Not too big not too small. Fits very nicely on my recording desk. It does feel like the structural integrity of the unit is quite fragile. I wouldn't recommend moving it aroun... read more [+]d a bunch. The semi weighted keys have a really nice action. The joystick and octave buttons are a nice feature too. If your like me and just wanted that just right sized keyboard controller, this is a great buy for the money. close [-]

Sleek design, lacking in quality

by Nevin Freeman from Seattle, WA USA
July 9, 2008
Music Background: Drummer, beginning pianist
The good: The M-Key is the perfect size for a 49 key controller; barely bigger than the keys themselves. I like the no-nonsense layout, and the simplicity. They keys themselves look a little funky, bu... read more [+]t they actually don't feel bad on the fingers.

The bad: The overall quality of this unit is pretty bad. One of the keys doesn't function properly out of the box, and the unit just doesn't feel very sturdy. I was tempted to keep it for it's sleek layout, but am going to have to return it in favor of something of better quality. I would recommend going with the M-Audio. close [-]
See Also: CME , CME Compact Keyboard Controllers

CME M-Key

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Our Customers Say...

I can talk to my Sales Engineer about any piece of equipment, and he always steers me in the right direction. He truly knows what he's talking about, and he never tries to over-sell me on anything. If he worked in the Nashville area, I'd probably owe him about 20 dinners by now!
Michael Erin Woody, Brentwood, TN

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