Roland A-500PRO 49-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller

Roland A-500PRO MIDI Keyboard Controller

The Roland A-500PRO is a 49-key MIDI keyboard controller designed for studio production, live performance, and DAW control. It does not generate sound on its own and is intended to control virtual instruments, software synthesizers, and external MIDI hardware.

As part of Roland’s A-PRO series, it combines a velocity-sensitive keyboard with extensive real-time control options, making it suitable for detailed music production workflows and expressive performance setups.

49-Key Velocity-Sensitive Keyboard

The A-500PRO features a responsive 49-note keyboard with velocity sensitivity and channel aftertouch, providing expressive control for melodic performance and software instrument articulation.

• 49 velocity-sensitive keys
• Channel aftertouch support
• Selectable velocity curves
• Designed for expressive studio and live use

Extensive Control Surface

The controller provides a deep hardware control layout, allowing hands-on manipulation of DAW parameters and virtual instruments without relying on mouse input.

• 9 assignable knobs
• 9 assignable sliders
• 4 assignable buttons
• Dedicated transport controls for DAW operation
• Pitch bend and modulation stick

Dynamic Performance Pads

Eight velocity-sensitive pads allow triggering of drums, samples, loops, or MIDI commands in real time, supporting beat production and live performance workflows.

• 8 velocity-sensitive pads
• Assignable functions for drums, samples, or control messages
• Hold/latch functionality for sustained triggering
• Performance-oriented pad layout

DAW Integration and Control

The A-500PRO is designed for seamless integration with major digital audio workstations and virtual instrument environments.

• Compatible with major DAWs (Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, etc.)
• ACT (Active Controller Technology) support for automatic parameter mapping
• Fully assignable MIDI mapping system
• Editor software for custom controller configurations

Connectivity and Power

The controller offers flexible connectivity for both studio and mobile setups, including USB bus power and traditional MIDI ports.

• USB MIDI connection
• MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports
• USB bus-powered operation
• Optional DC power input
• Sustain and expression pedal inputs

Low-Latency Performance

Roland’s Fast Processing Technology (FPT) ensures stable and low-latency MIDI transmission for accurate performance capture and responsive control of software instruments.

• Low-latency MIDI transmission
• High-resolution controller data
• Stable performance for DAW and VST use

Design and Build

The A-500PRO is built for studio durability and ergonomic workflow, with side-panel connectivity for convenient desk setups and reduced cable clutter.

• Compact desktop-friendly form factor
• Side-panel connections for easier setup
• Backlit LCD display for visibility
• Rugged build quality for long-term use

Specifications

• Keyboard: 49 keys (velocity-sensitive with channel aftertouch)
• Pads: 8 velocity-sensitive pads
• Knobs: 9 assignable
• Sliders: 9 assignable
• Buttons: 4 assignable + transport controls
• Display: Backlit LCD (16 characters × 2 lines)
• Connectivity: USB MIDI, MIDI IN/OUT
• Pedal Inputs: Sustain and expression
• Power: USB bus power or DC input
• Width: 838.9 mm
• Depth: 250.8 mm
• Height: 91.4 mm
• Weight: 3.8 kg

Applications

• DAW music production and control
• Virtual instrument performance
• Beat making and sampling workflows
• Studio MIDI control setups
• Live electronic performance rigs

The Roland A-500PRO is a comprehensive MIDI controller designed for producers who require deep hands-on control, expressive playability, and tight DAW integration in a professional studio workflow.