The M-Audio CTRL49 is a premium 49-key USB/MIDI controller that
combines the creative power of Virtual Studio Technology (VST)
instruments and FX plugins with dedicated Digital Audio
Workstation (DAW) fader and transport controls to create an
entirely hands-on production experience.
The CTRL49's integrated high-resolution full-color display and
robust hardware controls instantly auto- themselves to your
VST plugin controls using the included Virtual Instrument Player
(VIP) software. This unprecedented tight integration between
hardware and software enables immediate 1:1 access to your all of
your plugin controls as well as your DAW channel level, solo,
mute, record, select and transport controls—all without ever
reaching for the computer.
The VIP software and CTRL49 also work together to give you even
deeper access to sorting and manipulating your VST virtual
instrument and FX plugin library. An integrated patch browser
presents every patch for every VST plugin you have, and lets you
to quickly filter, select and preview patches based on their
specific attributes. You can layer patches together (from up to 8
different VST plugins) to create new patches and timbres. You can
also create setlists that provide instant on-demand access to
your instruments for stage performance and studio work.
Most importantly, the CTRL49 intuitively combines an all-new
custom premium keybed and hardware control surface with
groundbreaking software features to create a truly next-level
workflow experience. The CTRL49 lets you focus on what's really
important-creating music.
This is the MIDI controller that you’ve been waiting for.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Where do I download the software?
---------------------------------
You will find download links for most of the software on your
M-Audio account page after registering the CTRL49. VIP, Hybrid,
Vacuum Pro, Loom, and Xpand!2 will all be included in a single
download. The AIR Creative FX Collection and Eighty-Eight
Ensemble will be separate download links on your account page.
Transfuser and Velvet will be available from your VIP store after
VIP has been installed and activated (Select STORE from the main
browser in VIP). You can also use the store to download any of
the other included plugins, including Eighty-Eight Ensemble, and
even some complimentary expansion packs for Hybrid (Mark Knight
and Rene Amesz expansions).
Ableton will be available via download from the Ableton website.
You will find a card with download instructions and authorization
code included in the box.
Does the CTRL49 require any drivers?
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Yes, there are drivers necessary for both Windows and Mac OS X
for integration with VIP. The latest drivers will be available
directly on your account page, as well as from the Drivers &
Updates page.
Does the CTRL49 require a power supply?
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Yes, the CTRL49 will be provided with a necessary power supply.
This is an external, auto-sw 9V 800mA supply.
What is VIP?
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VIP, or Virtual Instrument Player is a unique software interface
that automatically s your favorite VST plugins (instruments
and effects) to controls on your keyboard. VIP comes as both a
standalone VST player and a VST, AU, and AAX plugin to bring VST
control into your favorite DAW. The software was initially
developed for use with the Akai Pro Advance series but is now
integrated with the Alesis VX49 and the M-Audio CTRL49.
Some of the keys aren't working. Are they broken?
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If most of the keys on the keyboard have stopped working, this
may be because of the keyboard's setup as a Mackie control
surface. If the wrong MIDI port has been assigned to the Mackie
control surface input, this may route the MIDI note data from the
keys to the Mackie control surface instead of your virtual
instrument. Please make sure to use the CTRL49 Mackie/HUI ports
when selecting input and output ports for your Mackie Control
Surface in your DAW.
My faders are affecting the pitch wheels in Ableton. Is this
normal?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Similar to the last question, this is also related to Mackie and
the ports selected during the set up. If the CTRL49 Mackie/HUI
port is activated as a MIDI input, the MIDI data from your faders
may be sent to your virtual instrument, affecting the pitch of
the instrument instead of the faders in your DAW. To prevent
this, make sure that the CTRL49 Macki/HUI portis not activated as
a MIDI input for your instrument track. For example, in Ableton,
this may include turning off "Track" for the CTRL49 Mackie/HUI
input port, or in Cubase, assigning your instrument track input
as CTRL49 USB, instead of "All MIDI Inputs."
Can the knobs, switches and pads be used outside of VIP?
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Yes! While VIP is closed the knobs, switches (buttons below the
knobs on the right), and pads will default to normal MIDI
operation. Simply press the MIDI buttonto enter the MIDI control
screen. Continue to press the MIDI buttonto view either the
knobs, switches or pads.
To change the assignment of a parameter, simply highlight the
chosen parameter by touching it or using the cursor buttons and
press down on the Data Dialto enter the MIDI Edit Mode. Use the
cursor buttons and data dial to change the editable parameters on
the screen such as Type, CC#, MIDI Channel, Min/Max, etc. You can
use the MIDI button to again scroll through pages of editable
parameters on the CTRL49 including:
* Knobs
* Switches
* Pads
* Footswitch input
* Expression input
* Mod Wheel
* Pitch Wheel
* DAW/Faders
What if VIP is open and I want to use the knobs and switches with
my DAW?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
While VIP is open (whether in standalone or plugin operation) the
knobs, switches and pads will automatically default to
communicate with VIP. But, you can quickly exit VIP mode and jump
into MIDI Mode by simply pressing the MIDI button. Press the
Control buttonto return to VIP control. You can continue to play
your instruments in VIP, even when in MIDI Mode.
Can I use the CTRL49 with my external MIDI gear?
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Yes! When no USB cable is connected, the CTRL49 will
automatically default to sending all MIDI messages out to the
MIDI Output port. If you do have the CTRL49 connected via USB and
still want to send MIDI data out through the MIDI Output port,
you have two options:
* To send MIDI directly from the keyboard to the MIDI Output
port, press the GLOBAL button to change the Common Channel to
B1-16. The A channels are for USB, the B channels are for the
MIDI Output. You can also use the MIDI Edit mode to assign
specific parameters to be sent out of a B channel to the MIDI
Output port.
* Route MIDI data from your DAW or other midi software to the
MIDI Output port by choosing CTRL49 MIDIas your output port. For
example, you can create a MIDI track in your DAW with CTRL49
USBas the input and CTRL49 MIDI as the output to route all
incoming MIDI data from the CTRL49 back out to its own MIDI
Output.
Why won't the CTRL49 turn off when I press the power button?
------------------------------------------------------------
To power off the CTRL49, hold down the power button for about 3
seconds. This works as a precaution to prevent accidentally
powering off the keyboard.
What does the SPLIT button do?
------------------------------
The SPLIT button is a quick way to access a VIP feature that
allows you to split the keyboard between different plugins in
your VIP multi. This works a little like the classic split or
zone features found on many keyboards, except without the need to
use different MIDI channels or additional routing.
Simply press the SPLIT button and use the Lo Key andHi Key
options to change the range of keys you'd like for the particular
patch. Use the cursor buttons to select the different options and
the data dial to change the value. Press the SPLIT button again
to cycle through and select the next multi slot.
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Further Technical Support
-------------------------
Whether you are a customer or dealer, if you already own an
M-Audio product, or if you just have pre-sales questions, the
M-Audio technical support team is available to help!
Visit the link below to connect with any of the following support
options: online community support, phone support, email support.
* M-Audio Support Contact
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Technical Specs
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* Keyboard* (49) velocity- and pressure-sensitive keys
* 128-note range with Octave Down/Up buttons
* (1) Pitch-bend wheel
* (1) Modulation wheel
* Faders: (9) Mackie Control/HUI faders
* Encoders* (8) 360° assignable encoders
* (1) 360° encoder with push function for display navigation
* Pads: (8) velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads,
multicolor-backlit
* Switches* (33) function switches, single color-backlit
* (11) Mackie Control/HUI switches, multicolor-backlit
* (8) assignable switches, amber-backlit
* (4) directional cursor buttons, red-backlit
* Display: 3.75” x 2.125” (95.3 mm x 54 mm) full-color LCD
* Connections* (1) USB port
* (1) 1/4” (6.35mm) TS sustain pedal/footswitch input
* (1) 1/4” (6.35mm) TRS volume/expression pedal input
* (1) 5-pin MIDI input
* (1) 5-pin MIDI output
* (1) power adapter input
* (1) Kensington lock slot
* Power: via 9V DC, 800 mA, center-positive (included)
* Dimensions(width x depth x height): 32.04” x 12.36” x 4.08”
* Weight: 13.22 lbs
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Requirements
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* VIP SOFTWARE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
* 2 GB free disk space for basic installation, 20GB free disk
space for full content installation
* 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
* Multi-core CPU
* 1280 x 768 pixel screen resolution
* Mac OS X 10.8 or later
* Windows 7 32-Bit, Windows 7 64-Bit, Windows 8 64-Bit, or later
* HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
* (1) available USB port
* 200 MB free disk space
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Box Contents
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* CTRL49
* Power Adapter
* USB Cable
* Software Download Cards
* Quickstart Guide
* Safety & Warranty Manual
- Premium USB/MIDI controller and drum pad with Integrated 4.3" high-resolution color screen.
- Custom 49-key M-Audio semi-weighted key bed with after touch.
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels, dedicated pad bank, transport control, octave, and performance buttons.
- Expression pedal and footswitch inputs; 5-Pin MIDI In/Out.
- Now Includes Pro Tools | First and Eleven Lite for all new and existing customers, as well as Virtual Instrument Player (VIP) M-Audio CTRL 49.