From the company committed to offering musicians high-quality MIDI controllers at an outstanding price comes the Nektar SE49. This strikingly sleek keyboard controller is as feature-packed as it is portable. Featuring 49 velocity-sensitive full-size keys, four velocity curves, and a fader with a full complement of assignable buttons, the SE49 delivers flexible, hands-on control for virtual instruments and DAW workflows. A 1/4" TS footswitch input adds even more expressive MIDI control options, making the SE49 a powerful yet compact solution for modern music production.
Nektar devoted extensive research and design to the SE49’s velocity-sensitive, full-size keys. The result is a keybed with a firm, responsive feel and excellent rebound that supports expressive playing. With four selectable velocity curves, you can tailor the keyboard’s response to perfectly match your playing style, ensuring a comfortable and inspiring experience as you explore virtual instruments and software synths.
Pitch bend and modulation wheels, four multifunction buttons, and a MIDI-assignable fader provide deep, customizable control directly from the keyboard. Octave shifting from -3 to +4 is clearly displayed via multicolored LED indicators, while transposition of up to ±12 semitones allows quick key changes. These same controls can be reassigned to switch MIDI channels, change programs, select tracks, or browse patches when DAW integration is active. MIDI assignments are stored internally, so your setup is always ready when you power back on.
With Nektar’s DAW integration software, the SE49 lets you control DAW transport functions and track selection directly from the keyboard, reducing reliance on a mouse or trackpad. The SE49 also includes Bitwig 8-Track, featuring over 50 software instruments and effects, giving you a complete music production environment right out of the box. Whether you’re new to MIDI controllers or an experienced producer, the SE49 offers powerful tools to elevate your workflow.
The Nektar SE49 and SE61 USB MIDI controller keyboards give you everything you need to start making music with your computer right away. Compatible with any MIDI music software, the SE Series features a full-size, velocity-sensitive keyboard, essential performance controls, and Nektar DAW integration. Simply plug in the included USB cable and start capturing your ideas the moment inspiration strikes.
The keys are the most important part of any keyboard controller, and the SE Series delivers a fun and expressive playing experience. The synth-action keybeds feature 49 or 61 velocity-sensitive full-size keys with a defined, firm feel. To suit different playing styles, the SE models offer four adjustable velocity curves plus three fixed options, allowing you to fine-tune the response to your personal preference.
Four buttons and a MIDI-assignable fader located to the left of the keys make the SE MIDI controllers highly flexible. Octave shifting from -3 to +4 is clearly displayed via multi-colored LED indicators, while transpose buttons allow key changes of up to ±12 semitones. When DAW integration is active, these buttons can be reassigned to switch MIDI channels, change programs, select tracks, or browse patches. With a simple key combination, the octave and transpose buttons can even trigger MMC transport functions such as play, stop, and record directly from the keyboard.
Take control even further with custom MIDI CC assignments. Many software and hardware instruments use MIDI CC messages to control parameters such as filter cutoff, panning, and effects. You can assign the MIDI fader, modulation wheel, or footswitch pedal to any MIDI CC message you choose. All assignments are stored internally, so your setup is instantly recalled when you power the keyboard back on.
Nektar DAW Integration software provides hands-on control of your DAW’s most important functions, including transport control, level mixing, and track selection. While the SE controllers work with any MIDI software, DAW integration unlocks deeper functionality such as automatic fader assignment to the selected track and transport control using the octave and transpose buttons. Supported DAWs include Bitwig, Cubase, GarageBand, Logic, Nuendo, Digital Performer, Mixcraft, Reason, Reaper, Sonar, and Studio One.
The SE MIDI controller keyboards are USB class compliant and require no drivers. Setup is as easy as plugging the keyboard into a USB port on your computer. The SE49 and SE61 can also be connected to Apple iOS devices using an optional camera connection kit. A 1/4" input jack allows connection of a footswitch pedal for sustain or MIDI message control.
Included with the SE controllers is Bitwig 8-Track DAW, featuring over 50 software instruments and effects and support for up to 8 audio or MIDI tracks. You can also use third-party VST plug-ins, along with the Bitwig Essentials Package of loops, clips, and samples. Combined with Nektar DAW Integration, this setup offers an intuitive and powerful music production environment for beginners and experienced users alike.
| Type | Keyboard Controller |
|---|---|
| Number of Keys | 49 |
| Type of Keys | Full-size, Synth action |
| Velocity Sensitive | 4 velocity curves, 3 fixed |
| Other Controllers | Pitch Bend, Modulation Wheel |
| Faders | 1 x 30 mm fader |
| Pedal Inputs | 1 x 1/4" sustain |
| MIDI I/O | USB |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| Computer Connectivity | USB |
| Software | Bitwig Studio 8-Track |
| OS Requirements (Mac) | OS X 10.8.5 or later |
| OS Requirements (PC) | Windows 7 SP1 or later |
| Power Supply | USB bus powered |
| Height | 2.71" |
| Width | 31.69" |
| Depth | 7.75" |
| Weight | 4.85 lbs. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | SE49 UPC: 859383002343 |
