Samson Carbon 49 Midi Controller - Honest review | Audio Mentor

[@sanjitsingh3863]

Man I watched this video 9 years ago when I was about to buy my first midi keyboard. KZbin recommended this video again. Nostalgia! And this keyboard still works perfectly in my studio. :)

[@reubenchng]

Thanks for coming back. I hope you've made a truckload of music. I miss those times. :)

[@kineticwayss]

@@reubenchng ahhh the man himself

[@Yugeneitor]

and what about that part where he says its a little hard to press the keys ? Is it really an issue?

[@sachinsatam]

Man.. I watch this video in 2024 and going to buy this keyboard. i thought it' s new year model. but I was wrong Samson Carbon Is Legend. so old but still using everywhere. Thank for video.

[@reubenchng]

Many have been asking if these would work with FL Studio. Answer is, it will. A MIDI controller works very similarly to your computer keyboard. Your computer keyboard will work in Microsoft Word and also Google Docs, right? Same way as how any MIDI controller would work with most DAWs

[@nataliepari2623]

Reuben Chng how is the latency

[@reubenchng]

pretty good. Latency is usually caused by your audio card.

[@reubenchng]

You connect it directly to your computer. You don't need an audio interface to use it

[@owen8707]

Fl gang

[@christhompson1393]

Reuben Chng j

[@j_ray0101]

I will be very honest this is a really good and simple review without any useless parts in the video like other peoples....I like it

[@GaryR55]

I thought I was the only one to buy one of these nine years ago. It's sitting on my stand across my living room right now, in fact! What I really like about the Carbon 49 is it's built-in slot that accomodates my iPad. I only wish they'd made it a little wider, so I don't have to take the iPad out of my Zugu case!

[@reubenchng]

Wow, lasted you that long !

[@RadicalCaveman]

@@reubenchng Do not underestimate the staying power of your viewers!

[@Yugeneitor]

and what about that part where he says its a little hard to press the keys ? Is it really an issue?

[@GaryR55]

@@Yugeneitor Not for me. In fact, I prefer a little resistance, which is closer to a real piano feel.

[@Yugeneitor]

@@GaryR55 BUT ARE YOU ABLE TO PERFORM FAST KEYNOTES, VELOCITY ONES WITHOUT STRUGGLING?

[@JackLove]

so which one you would pick between alesis 49,samson carbon 49 or m audio keystation 49 2

[@reubenchng]

+ItsLovesMusic - R&B Beats | pop beats | hip hop Beats instrumentals keystation ftw

[@Aenkor1982]

@@reubenchng yes but the carbon has a seperate midi out which i like for more flexibility inside a room. You dont need to sit right at the computer because of the short USB Connection. A Power cable is needed then of course. I put the keyboard to the site so i can operate the pc with enough space on the Table

[@RXMUZIX]

Velocity good for piano player ? Because I have arturia keylab essentially 61 but key lights weight not good for play piano ! I need now the roch this Samson keyboard can tell?

[@homersimpsonIV]

Have you been able to compare its keyboard action to the Alesis Q61? I'm finding the Q61 too stiff (e.g. try to play a trill or other fast passage at low-to-moderate velocity, and notes will be dropped), but it sounds like this (and its brother the Carbon 61?) may be no better.

[@reubenchng]

USB is much easier for computer music making. Seems like midi cables are old news, but there are still some people using it. Old is gold!

[@norwayguy1976]

I you prefer piano and hard keys. Is it perfect for pianist, or is it just unstable for them too ?

[@jdlanda]

Alright... I was searching info about this and now I am in love with you! ahahaha

[@reubenchng]

thank you. Comments like this encourages me to do more.

[@reubenchng]

Yes it is very worth a buy. Nothing is easier than a midi controller when it comes to playing your softwares on your computer

[@NoHealerJustPain]

So is it worth to buy, let us say, for guitar player who wants to make the base layer with it; and to connect it to a notebook?

[@exxy44]

3:59 when u try to make a song at night

[@lusiantoazxid1052]

Nanya gan kok punya ku tuts nya ga peka yah klo di tekan keras baru bunyi..apa bisa di seting gan

[@rlliures4416]

Can you check us how the harpsichord sounds, Reuben? THNKS

[@reubenchng]

Hey, harpsichord sounds on Cubase? MIDI controllers like the Samson Carbon doesn't produce sounds.

[@exionem]

Great video Reuben. Just wondering it the new Ipads ( Air 2 and mini 4) will fit size-wise? Thanks!

[@jondilliom]

to fix the windows 8 problem you have to update the firmware from the website on a windows 7 or under. then plug it into your computer with 8. i literally just did it. works great

[@reubenchng]

The Alesis Q49 has this (most controllers has), but I won't really use it anyway.

[@꽉꽉-b5t]

I can't get my carbon49 to play. i have plugged it into my cpu with a usb cable and it gets power but there is no sound. what am I doing wrong? help please!

[@reubenchng]

Probably not your MIDI controller at fault. MIDI controller doens't produce sound, it doesn't even have speakers! It's your DAW setting.

[@꽉꽉-b5t]

how do I fix it then?@@reubenchng

[@reubenchng]

Without much context, I don't know how to help. Learn to use a DAW, like Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live or FL Studio. Load a virtual instrument in it.

[@꽉꽉-b5t]

can i use the native access controll editor?

[@꽉꽉-b5t]

ou. i don't have any of these software. maybe that's my problem then.@@reubenchng

[@reubenchng]

Hey Jason! The LED thing shows the assignable data & velocity numbers

[@reubenchng]

pedals usually come with a polarity switch making them compatible with any keyboards. Brands doesn't matter.

[@reubenchng]

Amazing. If there are the bads, I don't like the lack of some instruments in the full software and I find the windows management a lil odd

[@andrewbulhoes6420]

hey i would really appreciate if you could answer me back and was wondering if you think the 61 key would be good to learn piano on i'm taking piano lessons and i cant afford a good piano and was wondering if you think this would be good to learn on during the time till i can afford something better

[@reubenchng]

+Andrew Bulhoes yes its good for learning piano. But you must be aware of two things. 1.) If you're playing classical piano, note that the samson carbon does not have hammer touch. Not ideal for classical piano. 2.) 61 keys should be good for most usual pop/rock playing. But you'll need the full 88 key for classical piano. It'll depend on what types of genre you're playing, but if you're just playing chords and learning some rhythmic comps & melodies, a keyboard should be fine.

[@leocomerford]

+Reuben Chng (The Audio Mentor) +Andrew Bulhoes For the first few grades in classical piano, you're likely to be able to get away with a keyboard that can be set to do either C2-C7 or C1-C6, no? Ofc an 88-key board would be very nice to have if only for the peace of mind.

[@꽉꽉-b5t]

does the keyboard need a midi cable or is the usb cable enough?

[@reubenchng]

USB cable is enough. If you like, you can book a call with me tidycal.com/reuben/mpk-reuben

[@lazerorlayy]

I dont know why the latency is bad on when I play on my carbon 61, n I run it in cubase 8

[@tapashkumar4214]

Same prblm

[@mp3mart656]

Try lowering hardware buffer size and/or sample rate in your software if that doesn’t work check your Asio driver

[@russellandrady]

A great review

[@MrEthizzle]

Hey so I'm trying to connect it through the MIDI port on the back but it's not getting power. But I see your just using the USB port on it. Should I just get that type of cord?

[@РостиславВиль]

Reuben, Samson Carbon 49 or Alesis Q49 ?

[@STATiSofVITALETHICS]

do all new systems and controllers use usb for midi? are midi cables old news now?

[@landyflorentinob.8093]

Hey man , Can I conect it to a amp for use it without a pc or ipad? cause I will use it at home and out side , sometimes without laptop at some churchs . bless.

[@yosephkurniawanmusic]

it's a good review, reuben. i have a basic question. Can I use any kind of sustain pedal for this (samson carbon 49) controller? because i heard that m-audio controllers can only use a spesific M-audio sustain pedals (SP 1 or SP 2). what kind of sustain pedal do you use? thanks, Reuben.

[@JasonG]

Can you do a sustain pedal video? I bought a sustain pedal and it doesn't work with Studio One Artist. I am not sure what I am doing wrong. I just connect the Carbon 49 via usb and not MIDI out. Thanks in advance!

[@papobermudez]

where I get the drivers for Samson's Carbon 49 USB MIDI Controller? Do this one is like the Masterkey49 is no drivers for it and is imposible to be use.

[@reubenchng]

+Justino Bermudez you dont really need a driver to use it. Works like a plug and play mouse. But you can find firmwares on the site itself. www.samsontech.com/samson/products/usb-midi/keyboard-controllers/carbon49/

[@twentypho7663]

so samson carbon key touch is realy weight right..can you recommend me midi keyboard with soft touch like other yamaha psr keyboard..thanks

[@reubenchng]

+Judas Touch92 its like a keyboard.

[@surgeo91]

What software do you use on your pc to record the songs & what app are you using on iPad @ the start? Thanks guy 👍

[@ThePixelShowJonathan]

+Alexander Ieuan Surgeon the ipad was garageband

[@fernandozurlo1]

tomorrow i´ll buy a new notebook with windows 8. do you think i´ll have to upgrade software , or fimware ot it´ll run correct ? .

[@reubenchng]

Im running with windows 8 before then 8.1. Should work fine. Don;t worry!

[@fernandozurlo1]

THANKS A LOT REUBEN . I HAVE IT NOW BUT I USE IT WITH ABLETON LIVE , OK. BUT I CAN´T USE NATIVE INSTRUMENTS IN KOMPLET ELEMENTS I DISC. I HAVE TO MAKE A REVISION OF ALL.

[@feverishrelic]

Do you need to use external speakers to play the sound? As of now I have the carbon 49 plugged to my computer via USB. When I open up Komplete I am able to play the notes but there is no sound. Any idea what I am doing wrong?

[@shubhshinde3892]

+Rueben chng please help me. i should buy carbon49 or graphite m(32or25) i can only buy one of them because i am also buying samson md13 trigger pad.so which one i should to make songs (using cords)

[@BayuAkbarK]

i have the 61 keys Samson Carbon, it often delayed even if i tried to plug it in different PCs. and thats annoying..

[@reubenchng]

It's not your Samson Carbon which is at fault. It's because you don't have an audio interface and you're experiencing audio latency, not midi latency. Read the blog for more learning: www.audiomentor.com/beginner/quickstart-guide-to-midi-composing

[@tomszee]

so do you need a software to play with it or can you just play it without anything running?

[@reubenchng]

+tom levi you need a software to use a MIDI controller. Without a software, it's just an empty keyboard.

[@charisyabest]

How many good spesification PC do the korg midi controller can work?

[@TheMinisterEd]

Nice review. My sustain pedal has stopped responding on carbon 49.any help?

[@bandavid17]

Hey Man... What are the monitors that you use? are they the Tapco? If they are? let me know how they work... Thanks...

[@reubenchng]

bandavid17 Just plug them into the mixers or audio interface and wallahh!

[@Kotkamusic]

Hey Reuben... This keyboard reach the127 level of velocity? I'm looking for a VERY EXPRESIVE keyboard for midi recording (similar as an acoustic piano). Do you recommend this key for that kind of work? Greetings!!!

[@yehabon]

no. it's a very soft or smash type response.

[@reubenchng]

if you're looking for VERY EXPRESSIVE keyboard, why not go for digital pianos with midi outputs.

[@eduardovillar282]

Reuben Chng sir, can i connect carbon 49 to windows XP? and can i play midi in my vanbasco while playing the carbon 49 at the same time using different app..

[@reubenchng]

Eduardo Villar haha please just call me Reuben. Yeah you can do that.

[@reubenchng]

Keyrig 49 for me. I like the softer touch on the Keyrig :)

[@ByeAutumnBye]

Reuben.. May i ask for your opinion. What do u think about blue yeti microphone? Some say it was better then another mic. Such samson/c-1u n etc. Please help me. N share about your opinion. May be a review from you. Would be great.

[@reubenchng]

I think the Blue Yetis definitely have their place. But again, I think they both have their own sound to be honest. If you can get a Blue conveniently, go for it

[@HenriCleven]

Hi Reuben, I've got a question about connecting the Carbon 49 to my DAW (Nuendo 4.3). Nuendo gets a signal from the keyboard, but Hallion/Nexus doesnt process it to make sound... any suggestions?

[@reubenchng]

Think you need to route the signal into halion as well. Check your midi ins

[@S3lvah]

Right now I can buy Samson Carbon 49 for 68 euros, Alesis Q49 for 77 euros, or Swissonic EasyKeys 49 also for 77 euros. Which one's the best deal? Context: I used to play an acoustic / digital piano before, but that was ages ago. I just want to tinker a bit and maybe play some chords over my drums.

[@Crims0nMakesStuff]

Selvy I would go for Alesis, the velocities are better than the others

[@ft790]

Have you tried the Acorn Masterkey keyboards? if so do you prefer the key action to this, considering your comments on the velocity problems of the Carbon Thanks

[@Eduardo.Letria]

Hey nice video, But which one would you buy, this one (Samson Carbon 49) and the Alsesis Q49? Thank you

[@Timbermannetje]

I bought this thing today, you really have to hammer on the keys to hear something, and the power USB cable is so short I cant even put it on my desk.. Is there a way to change the touch-volume so I dont have to hammer so hard on the keys? Otherwise I have to return it and buy another one. Good review, you are truly honest and I agree with your opinions!

[@yehabon]

yeah finding the exact same thing.

[@Timbermannetje]

I returned it for a smaller and more expensive (better) one, I'm glad I did !

[@ZigZagHerbiv0re]

Turn velocity off.

[@yehabon]

too late, went back to the store and got the microbrute in the end.

[@ZigZagHerbiv0re]

Nice

[@benjaminmarcelocaballero1706]

What about the M AUDIO Keystation 49 II vs this one? Which one would you prefer with a similar budget? I really like experimentation so this velocity issue worries me. Great review and video!

[@funkybasstrix]

I hate my keyboard controller! I purchased the AKAI MKII and it's been about a month and a half and I'm still having trouble getting started, Plus, loading plugins are not recognized... Was yours an easy installation?

[@reubenchng]

Dave Groove Master Gore that’s weird. The plug-ins has nothing to do with the midi controller. I think something is up with your PC

[@funkybasstrix]

Okay, I start from scratch. one step at a time and pay close attention to what I'm doing. it could very well be me... thanks

[@eleutheras]

Can I connect a carbon 49 with my android through USB otg cable?

[@monemo2341]

Does it work with Windows 10 pro or home?

[@kingjamm23]

Could you help me decide please... I was thinking Carbon 61 + Korg NanoKontrol 2 Vs Graphite 49 I really wish they had a graphite 61... Would really appreciate some help Thank you.

[@reubenchng]

More keys go for carbon 61. I rarely use the buttons in Graphite 49, but thats subjective

[@MrJasonJFD]

That means that i can switch difernt sounds quickly without going into the computer to do it? The alesis q49 doesnt have something like this right?

[@kabelomkhabela4766]

Looking for a MIDI in the cheap range that I can use/control a Korg Microkorg S with. Any recommendations there?

[@fariedrachman6921]

samson carbon 61 and nektar impact 61, which one is better? and why? I starting learn classical piano, is it good for playing classical? or you have a suggestion what keyboard i must buy to learning classic play with budget around USD 150?

[@reubenchng]

i'd go for the nektar impact 61. But if i've a lower budget, go for the samson. Classical music wise you'd want to get a keyboard that has hammer touch.

[@fariedrachman6921]

thanks, it help me

[@Enlazador9]

The nektar does not have hammer touch, does it? Just better velocity sensivity I'm guessing?

[@193709806]

hey Reuben...just wanna ask what kind of pedal polarity can be used for this carbon 49?? , i had it now...and wondering what pedal to buy...does yamaha pedal the FC5 polarity can be useful or the korg pedal polarity...., im afraid i might buy not the exact pedal polarity for this thing...coz korg and yamaha are totally different.

[@1010Craig1010]

Great video! :) I'm trying to decide between either this one or the Alesis V25? Thoughts? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[@reubenchng]

+Craig Moodie Go for more keys. Trust me, those midi controllers with very few keys can be very limiting.

[@1010Craig1010]

+Reuben Chng (The Audio Mentor) Thanks! Really appreciate the advice and quick reply! Yeah thats what I was think thinking as well :)

[@naufalputera]

Does it work with ableton? Thanks

[@ngulamquan2287]

Thanks so much for your video, I want to buy a keyboard for playing piano along singing, could you recommend which one out of Samson 61, Acorn Masterky 61 (cheapest) and Korg 61(most expensive I can afford). Is semi-weighted kayboard important for my purpose? Thanks a lot

[@reubenchng]

nguyen id go carbon 61. Korg 61 keys are full sized keys?

[@ngulamquan2287]

Thanks for response, now I shorten my list to Samson 61 and Nektar Impact GX61, which is at similar price. If I want something a bit more piano-like (so in the future I could play a real one when singing), could you recommend which one? Those two are only online so I dont have chance to touch it

[@ngulamquan2287]

I also consider M-audio station 61 as well, it is also said that semi-weighted keyboard. can I ask is the keyboard of Samson really semi-weighted?

[@JamesHutner]

Can you use this keyboard with a Mac ?

[@yamiluwu2135]

pc and Mac :D

[@sanuchakraborty7271]

Hello sir i am in search for a good 49 keys midi keyboard ?? Will you suggest me a best from the below 1. Nektar gx49 2. Samson carbon 49 3. M-audio keystation 49 4. Alesis q49 Typically, i love to work with orchestral music in cubase pro 10. So please suggest better touch sensitive, better feel midi keyboard !

[@JulioPerez94]

Hey Reuben this work on ableton and fl studio? nice review men

[@WeaizGaming]

Hi Reuben! I'm a little bit worried buying this keyboard cause i don't know if it will work with my fl studio 11 on windows 8.1. If someboy please can response to me that know if it is compatible with fl studio 11 on windosw 8.1 or if I just need to buy another keyboard?

[@WeaizGaming]

A respond from somebody who knows this would mean the world to me :)

[@fireflame608]

***** Yes,It will work easily. It'll work with any DAW pretty much

[@WeaizGaming]

fireflame608 Thanks for your respond :) But iv'e heard that midi devices doesent get detected in windows 8.1. Is that true and/or has it been fixed? :)

[@fireflame608]

***** They do get detected if for some reason it doesn't detect it automatically you'll either need to do it manually by mapping it from within your DAW or you might have to download drivers for the controller. Sometimes the driver comes with the controller itself other time you have to go to their website for drivers. I use 8.1 myself and I use Fl Studio too. Like I said no problems at all just sometimes you have to map it yourself. :)

[@WeaizGaming]

fireflame608 Thank you so much for the help man :) I also wonderd if you are using this exact controller (Samson Carbon) or do you use another one? :)

[@bibinbennyy]

Can you please do a video using nektar impact gx 49 or 61 ?

[@WeAreELECTRON]

is sennheiser HD 180 is a midi headphone???? good for music production???

[@hmcrecords3668]

We Are ELECTRON Nope Not good quality for monitoring

[@KerpKat]

How do you connect it to FL studio?

[@leemsky]

+Kerp Kat Options > Midi Settings > Refresh Device List/Rescan Devices. then select your midi controller name on the"input" section and then select "enable"

[@KerpKat]

ty

[@mrmayo1336]

It is compatible in android? Like Xiaomi, Samsung etc

[@DanieleNasutiComposer]

Hi, I was thinking to buy this Acorn, did you have some problem with it ?

[@MysteronLunaris]

Roland A49 or Nektar Impact LX49? Your video was helpful by the way - kept me from buying one lols!

[@jeremejazz]

is it durable? would it likely to last for years?

[@garapatawars]

Hi, im planning to buy this one, any tips. I dont have any software or app would it still play or be use given that it has a music staller included. Tnx for the help ill be waiting

[@garapatawars]

I mean the komplete software, tnx reuben

[@thingsgauravlearned4166]

how to fix the velocity?

[@MsMikov]

Hi! What apps on the iPad did you use? GarageBand or other app. Thank you

[@MrJasonJFD]

Nice! What does the red LED thing on the top left do?

[@anurooppv4619]

Hey reuben, carbon 49 or keystation 49?? Help!!

[@danilodawsonvideos]

When you press the sustain and then (with the pressed sustain) press octave, does the sound continues? I have had bad experiences with low price and that thing in particular (pressing and octaving) so I keep looking for something low price but at least, that works in that basic form. I hope you have an answer (or anyone) Thanks in advance!

[@asdasdasd1509]

M-Audio keyrig 49 or Samson carbon 49 ? and why ?

[@arjunbnair007]

Samson Carbon 61 worth buying?

[@Zushikikato]

There you go! Keep it up!!

[@asdasdasd1509]

so it's hard to get velocity in carbon ?

[@ozyoung6360]

Reuben brother I make hip hop beats will this work because I am looking for an affordabl keyboard style midi controller

[@trckfl1f2lds3]

Thanks for this review!

[@ByeAutumnBye]

How can i get the Cubase 7?

[@reubenchng]

yup, buy it

[@yussanid]

is it worked on Linux, especialy debian family ?

[@sablesanctum]

I use it on Ubuntu 16.04. It works great.

[@reubenchng]

Wow, i've never met someone making music on Linux before.

[@sablesanctum]

Sure, it can be a little hard to set up initially due to its rather complex underlying sound system. But I'm running FLStudio 12 now through the Wine compatibility layer, and I'm having to problems at all. And most of my windows Vsts work beautifully too.

[@reubenchng]

Sounds cool man. And the reason for Linux is for its efficient OS? Was just wondering if you're game to create a tutorial post about it at audiomentor.com?

[@sablesanctum]

Sounds interesting, but it would require a bit of research since I only know how to set up my particular system. Let me try a couple of different distros on a spare computer and see how it goes first.

[@michaeljacksonfanpagepro2015]

can I use it with an Android device pls reply ☺

[@Zushikikato]

Do more reviews! Maybe the Graphite49 too! Greetings from the Philippines!!

[@justaxtheproducer4085]

Whats the latency like?

[@alsyanbayu]

can i use that with varanger2?

[@reubenchng]

+Al Amin Baso Not sure which the varanger is? Is it a DAW? Googling it didn't show me much relevant results

[@alsyanbayu]

sorry i mean vArranger2

[@reubenchng]

+Al Amin Baso Yes it'll work with vArranger2 for sure

[@alsyanbayu]

Thank's for your help

[@reubenchng]

I think it is!

[@KamalCharles]

Can i turn off the velocity ?

[@reubenchng]

Kamal Charles I think turning the velocity is a wrong term. erm, well you can change the velocity sensitivity. Meaning you can have a harder or flat velocity when programming drums and have a softer velocity when programming keyboards/strings.

[@harshsuniltrivedi8284]

+ZigZagHerbiv0re - does the velocity curve thng makes it work proprly again? M hving similar issues of banging the keys hard to get sound

[@glenling]

will this power off an iphone?

[@hello95116]

Does this work with Reason?

[@reubenchng]

most definitely.

[@hello95116]

+Reuben Chng (The Audio Mentor) Thank you so much!!

[@raj-bu2mq]

samson 49 key not working in nuendo 4 no sound provide

[@WeAreELECTRON]

ONE QUESTION IS DO I CONNECT IT TO PC OR ONLY IN LAPTOP/////////////////MY ONE FRIEND SAYS THAT IT'S ONLY SUPPORTS LAPTOP NOT PC////////IS THIS TRUE???

[@reubenchng]

Your friend is a liar and you should un-friend him immediately.

[@WeAreELECTRON]

THANKS MAN

[@reubenchng]

hahaha. I'm just kidding. On a serious note, it works with any computer whether be it a PC or a Laptop, Windows or Mac.

[@WeAreELECTRON]

OK THANK YOU VERY MUCH YOU ARE A GOOD REPLYER/////HAHA