# Komplete Kontrol M32 vs A-49: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Komplete Kontrol M32 (Native Instruments) and A-49 (Roland) among midi keyboards. Komplete Kontrol M32 is the cheaper of the two at $129.

## Side by side

| Spec | Komplete Kontrol M32 | A-49 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $129 | $175 |
| Brand | Native Instruments | Roland |
| Released | 2019-03 | 2012-10 |
| Keys | 32 | 49 |
| Key type | synth | synth |
| Drum pads | 0 | 0 |
| Knobs | 8 | 2 |
| Faders | 0 | 0 |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Connection | usb | usb_midi_din |
| Bundled software | Komplete Kontrol software, Komplete Select, Ableton Live Lite, Maschine Essentials | Ableton Live Lite |

## Key differences

- Keys: Komplete Kontrol M32 32 vs A-49 49
- Knobs: Komplete Kontrol M32 8 vs A-49 2
- Connection: Komplete Kontrol M32 usb vs A-49 usb_midi_din
- Bundled software: Komplete Kontrol M32 Komplete Kontrol software, Komplete Select, Ableton Live Lite, Maschine Essentials vs A-49 Ableton Live Lite

## What reviewers say

**Komplete Kontrol M32** — Only one whitelisted, hands-on tester (Engadget) covered the Komplete Kontrol M32 in its five-controller roundup. Engadget praised its studio-grade build, satisfying clicky buttons and encoder, best-in-roundup touch-sensitive knobs and an Arturia-rivaling keybed, but flagged that it failed on Windows 10 out of the box (needing a firmware update), has no pads, and is barely portable at 18.7in/2.3lb with fiddly Ableton transport setup. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Komplete Kontrol M32: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-m32/ (native-instruments.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- A-49: https://www.roland.com/us/products/a-49/specifications/ (roland.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/native-instruments-komplete-kontrol-m32-vs-roland-a-49/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Komplete Kontrol M32 ($129) vs A-49 ($175) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/native-instruments-komplete-kontrol-m32-vs-roland-a-49/
License: CC BY 4.0.