NAMM 2016: M-Audio wants you to take CTRL with its new 49-note MIDI keyboard

NAMM 2016: M-Audio has just announced a new 'premier' controller in the shape of the CTRL 49. This is the latest MIDI keyboard to make use of the Virtual Instrument Player Software, which is used to host plugins and assign controls to the hardware. It follows Akai's Advance series and Alesis's VX49 in this respect.

Other feature highlights include a high-res 4.3-inch screen, 49 semi-weighted keys and a range of additional controllers (faders, buttons and drum pads etc).

The M-Audio CTRL 49 will be available in the second quarter of 2016 and priced at £350. Find out more below and on the M-Audio website.

M-Audio CTRL 49 features

• Integrated 4.3-inch high-resolution full-colour screen with dedicated interface buttons
• Screen provides 1:1 real-time feedback of plugin parameters
• Includes Virtual Instrument Player software - load, play and control any VST or effect plugin quickly
• Mackie/HUI for DAW control
• 49-key M-Audio semi-weighted keybed
• 9 faders and 8 buttons with Mackie Control® and HUI® for seamless control of the DAW
• Performance-ready 360-degree encoders
• FX button for future VIP updates
• 4 banks of 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive drum pads with RGB illumination
• Roll mode, time division, transport, arpeggiator, and tap tempo buttons
• Functions as a standalone MIDI controller or controls your plugins and DAW simultaneously
• Includes software: Ableton Live Lite, AIR Creative Collection FX (20 World Class FX AU/VST plugins as made famous by Pro Tools®), Vacuum Pro, Loom, Hybrid 3, Xpand!2, Velvet, Transfuser, Eighty Eight Ensemble