Carry-On FC49 Folding 49-Key MIDI Controller with Bluetooth MIDI and Arpeggiator, Black
The FC49 is a full length 49-key MIDI controller that folds down to a lightweight, compact shape for the bag. It is built to run wirelessly off a tablet or phone as easily as it plugs into a laptop, with an internal battery so there is no hunt for a spare USB port or a socket.
- 49 folding keys: velocity sensitive keys with a unique design that gives good touch, feel and reactivity.
- XY trackpad: a touchpad for comprehensive parameter control and expression.
- 2 assignable knobs: quick access to the parameters you keep reaching for.
- Transport controls: pre-mapped for easy integration with a DAW.
- Arpeggiator: a fully featured built-in arpeggiator for MIDI sequencing.
- Bluetooth MIDI: direct wireless connection to a mobile device.
- Wired MIDI: MIDI over USB plus a dedicated 3.5mm TRS MIDI output.
- Battery: built-in USB rechargeable battery, up to 8 hours on a full charge.
- Cross-platform: compatible with Mac, PC, iOS and Android.
- Software: comes with Cubase or Cubasis LE, plus access to 40 keys lessons on Melodics and a bonus keys course.
Most 49-key controllers are portable only in the sense that two people can lift one. The Carry-On FC49 folds in the middle, so a full length 49-key keyboard collapses into something that fits a rucksack, and it carries enough hands-on control to be the only controller in a travel rig.
Keys and hands-on control
The keys are velocity sensitive and use a design of Carry-On's own that gives excellent touch, feel and reactivity. Above them sit an XY trackpad for comprehensive parameter control and expression, and 2 user assignable control knobs for the parameters you want under a finger at all times. Transport controls are pre-mapped, so record, play and stop line up with your DAW without you building a map first. A fully featured built-in arpeggiator is there when you want to explore MIDI sequencing from the keyboard itself.
Three ways to connect
MIDI over Bluetooth links the FC49 straight to a mobile device, which is the shortest route to a genuinely portable rig. When you want a wire, there is MIDI over USB for direct-to-device work and a dedicated 3.5mm TRS MIDI output for hardware. The controller is compatible with Mac, PC, iOS and Android. Power comes from a built-in USB rechargeable battery that gives up to 8 hours of life on a full charge.
Setting it up your way
The Carry-on Control app for Mac and Windows configures every control on the FC49, including touchpad behaviour and custom velocity curves. Setups can be saved and recalled to the keyboard, so the FC49 can be set once for a live rig and once for writing at home. The intuitive PC and Mac editor gives complete control over MIDI mappings.
Software included
Cubase or Cubasis LE is included for recording and production, available for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android. There is also access to 40 keys lessons with Melodics plus a bonus keys course, available for Mac, Windows and iPad.