OVERVIEW

Designed for musicians who demand both portability and premium playability, the Roland A-49 sets a new standard for MIDI keyboard controllers. It features 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys with an exceptionally smooth and responsive action – delivering a natural, expressive playing experience in a streamlined, lightweight form factor. With rounded key edges, reduced mechanical noise, and no vertical wobble, this controller is engineered for serious performance on the go or in the studio.

Beyond the keys, the A-49 offers intuitive features like two assignable knobs, two switches, and Roland’s D-BEAM controller for expressive hands-on interaction. It’s USB bus-powered, making it perfect for mobile setups without the need for external power. Whether you’re producing on your laptop, triggering SuperNATURAL sounds, or composing on an iPad using the Camera Connection Kit, the A-49 delivers premium control in a portable package.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Great Keys, Great Controls

The A-49’s keys have a rounded shape for better reaction to the player’s touch and more comfortable glissandi. Other enhancements have been made to reduce the already low mechanical noise and eliminate vertical shake. All of these features add up to a keyboard that even the most discerning pros will appreciate. Add color to your sound and excitement to your performance by waving your hands over the invisible D-BEAM. The A-49 can assign all its controllers automatically for fully utilizing an external SuperNATURAL sound module such as the INTEGRA-7. It’s also a great second keyboard for controlling synthesizers that have onboard SuperNATURAL sounds, such as the JUPITER-80 and JUPITER-50.

Mobile Music

The A-49 was born for mobile use. It’s strong yet amazingly lightweight (less than six pounds/2.5 kilograms), making it easy to lift and carry. And although it has a very streamlined design, the A-49 features a full-size, premium keyboard with 49 velocity-sensitive keys. For the ultimate in portable convenience, the A-49 is powered from your computer’s USB bus – no power cable or adapter is required. It draws a minimal amount of current, which is ideal for a USB bus-powered device.

Make Music with Your Mac or PC

The A-49 provides clean connections via its recessed rear panel, so you can place a computer monitor or laptop in the perfect position for creating music. Two knobs, two switches, and the D-BEAM controller are all easily accessible and intelligently arranged to make your workflow fast and fluid. Dedicated octave buttons offer immediate control of the key scale, and a transpose button is provided for adjusting the scale in semitone steps; LED indicators give you instant visual feedback of your octave/transpose settings. Other settings can be accessed via the Function button, which lets you use the keys to perform additional tasks printed above the keyboard.

Perfect Partner for the iPad*

Recently, many musicians have gravitated toward their Apple iPads to record musical ideas. While there are small MIDI keyboards that can be used with the iPad, the A-49 gives you pro playability as well as mobility. Its clean, clutter-free surface and excellent feel keeps your fingers on the keys and your mind on the music.

*The A-49 can be connected to the iPad via Apple’s iPad Camera Connection Kit.

FEATURES

• 49 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity
• Lightweight and compact
• Easy to use
• Two knobs, two switches, and D-BEAM controller
• USB bus powered; no AC adapter required
• Pearl white and black finishes

TECHNICAL SPECS

Keyboard: 49 keys (with velocity)

Controllers:

• Buttons: S1, S2 (Assignable)
• Knobs: C1, C2 (Assignable)
• Foot Pedals: HOLD, EXPRESSION
• Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever
• D-BEAM Controller

Buttons:

• [Function] button
• [SuperNATURAL] button
• [Octave +/-] button
• [Transpose] button

Display:

• Power Indicator LED
• Octave Indicator LED

Connectors:

• HOLD Pedal jack: 1/4-inch phone type
• EXPRESSION Pedal jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
• MIDI OUT connector
• USB COMPUTER port (USB Type B)

Interface: USB

Power Supply: Supplied from the computer via USB Computer port

Current Draw: 98 mA

Accessories:

• Owner’s Manual
• USB Cable
• Ableton Live Lite Serial Number Card

Options (Sold Separately):

• Pedal Switch (DP-2/DP-10)
• Expression Pedal (EV-5/EV-7)

Dimensions:

• Width — 836 mm (32-15/16 inches)
• Depth — 182 mm (7-3/16 inches)
• Height — 84 mm (3-5/16 inches)

Weight: 2.5 kg (5 lbs. 9 oz.)