M-audio Radium 49 Review

The Radium 49 seemed like an affordable midi controller solution for my needs. I originally paid about 230 $ CAD for it after tax. This product features a USB bus powered midi interface, 8 sliders, 8 knobs, pitch and mod wheel, sustain peddle input, 4 octaves, 2 midi-outs (one from the keyboard itself and another independent out to control other gear from a sequencer program) and a very lightweight design.

The keys have somewhat of a harsh plastic feel to them; it was generally difficult to get a well-rounded velocity response while playing. The knobs and sliders have a slightly cheap feel to them, but not much worse than other keyboards in this price range. The lack of independent midi parameter controls was annoying as well (you have to use a function button and certain keys to change parameters) The biggest problem I had with this keyboard was notes ‘sticking’ when many keys were played (such as a a large chord). By sticking I mean one note will not release when it is supposed to and keep playing. I consider this a serious defect and it basically ruled out the keyboard for any kind of live playing. After asking some other users, I discovered that this problem is common with many of M-Audio’s lower end midi keyboards (I have also experienced it with my oxygen 8, although not as often). If you are looking for a keyboard for live performance I’d suggest you STEER CLEAR of this product. For studio use it may be ‘good enough’ but the problem with notes sticking was just too much for me to deal with.

Personally I’d suggest saving a few extra bucks and getting a better controller such as the Edirol PCR-M50, which has similar features but is much more robust.

What’s good: Lightweight

What’s not good: Annoying menu system for editing midi parameters, serious problems with the keys keyboard

Who needs it: People who need 4 octaves, 8 sliders and 8 knobs, but can’t afford to spend a bit more for a better midi controller.

more information available at http://www.m-audio.com