Samson Carbon 61 61-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller

81
GEARANK

81 out of 100. Incorporating 225+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$130
Samson Carbon 61 61-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller
Samson Carbon 61 61-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller

The Samson Carbon 61 is as streamlined as it gets, with minimal controls, focusing only on what's important in the entry level price range, which is the keybed.

This reduces clutter and movable parts, resulting in a more compact and lighter controller that gets the job done.

The 61-key keybed is semi-weighted, which gives it a synth style action that many prefer. The keys are velocity sensitive, allowing for expressive playing.

Another nifty feature of the Samson Carbon 61 is its integrated iPad stand, which makes it an ideal companion for your iOS tablet.

Key Features:

  • Keys: 61/ semi-weighted / synth-action / velocity-sensitive
  • Pads: None
  • Bundled Software: Komplete Elements
  • Power: USB Bus powered
  • Connectivity: USB, MIDI Out, 1/4" Expression Pedal, 1 x 1/4" Sustain Pedal
  • Controls: 1 Encoder, 1 Fader, Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
  • Octave: Octave/Shift transpose buttons
  • Compatibility: Mac OS X and Windows Compatible
  • Dimensions: 39.37 x 4.76 x 11.02 inches
  • Weight: 7.48 lbs

Pros

Most of the positive reviews are from users who paired the controller with their iPad, which goes to show that it is doing well for that purpose. Others are happy with the feel of the keys and its portability. There are a few users who report using the keyboard for many years without any hiccups.

Cons

There are some who are not happy with the keybed's velocity settings, while others were hoping for a few more control options.

Overall

All in all, the Samson Carbon 61 is a nice MIDI keyboard controller for those who want something affordable and easy to use.

The Samson Carbon 61 isn't currently on our recommended list - to see that go to our guide: The Best 61 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards.

Comments

Good day,

Good day,
Is it possible to use the Samson Carbon 61 with Yamaha PSRS975. I will use it as a lower key board as you find it on a organ to play chords with left hand. Can the Samson Carbon 61 split the key board.
Thanks
Willem
willembyleveld@outlook.com

Yes you can use the two

Yes you can use the two together - although you can use the Samson to send MIDI data to the Yamaha you can't do it the other way around because the Samson doesn't have MIDI In.

Unfortunately the Samson Carbon 61 can't be split into zones.

Hi Richard,

Hi Richard,

Yes you can! Though you have to go to the settings and enable midi input as sometimes it's off by default.

Hope it helps!