Last Updated on August 25, 2017 by Andrew Culture
IK Multimedia have announced a combined midi controller keyboard and audio interface, the iRig Keys I/O. The iRig Keys I/O will be available in 25 or 49 key variants. Despite the fact that those 25 or 49 keys are full size, the iRig Keys I/O still has a surprisingly small footprint.
iRig Keys I/O audio interface
The iRig Keys I/O features 24-bit audio up to 96kHz sampling rate. The rear of the device has a combined input for line, mic or instrument input. This input supports phantom power. There’s also a balanced stereo output and a 1/8″ headphone output.
IK tell us the interface functionality of the iRig Keys has been designed to keep cabling to a minimum, making set up fast and easy. Fast set up will appeal to any performer who has just a few minutes to get stage ready in a live environment. When used for live performances the 1/4″ balanced stereo output allows for long cable runs directly to a PA or mixer which is perfect for keyboard players and DJs.
But this new combined controller and interface is just as at home in the studio as it is in the live environment. For recording the combination input handles 1/4″ or XLR sources and provides the best possible audio quality with a Class A preamp for dynamic and condenser mics (including 48V phantom power), to line instruments along with guitars and basses.
iRig Keys I/O midi controller
Both versions of the iRig Keys have all the functionality you would expect from any decent midi controller. In addition to the full-size keys there is a volume / data push knob, 4 touch-sensitive knobs on 2 banks (acting as 8 total controls) and 8 multicoloured LED velocity sensitive pads. There are also 2 fully programmable touch control strips acting by default as Pitch and Modulation controls. A complete touch sensitive transport and button section rounds out the controls available. All knobs, sliders and buttons are touch-sensitive using capacitive technology for ultra-fast action and immediate feedback, displaying the related parameter value just with a simple touch.
Compatibility
Being certified Apple MFi hardware (Made for iPhone and iPad) and thanks to the on-board audio interface, iRig Keys I/O works out of the box with all iOS devices with a Lightning port, including the latest generation iPhone 7 that does not have an audio output jack. The included Lighting cable allows for easy plug-and-play operation with Apple iOS devices and the USB cable connects Mac and PC computers. iRig Keys I/O also works seamlessly with popular Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software like GarageBand®, Logic®, Ableton® Live™ and more.
Included software
Both versions of the iRig Keys comes with an impressive collection of included software. IK tell us they have put together the software packages so users can start composing, recording and mastering as soon as they have their iRig out of the box.
Here’s what is included:
- Ableton® Live 9 Lite™
- SampleTank 3 sound and groove workstation with over 43GB and 5000 sounds
- T-RackS 4 Deluxe mix and mastering suite with 9 EQ and dynamics processors
- Syntronik Pro-V vintage synthesizer
The 49-key version also comes with Miroslav Philharmonik 2 CE orchestral workstation for Mac/PC and the mobile edition for iOS.
Find out more about the IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O…
IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O pricing
The RRP for the 49-key version is $/€299.99
The RRP for the 25-key version is $/€199.99
What’s in the box
- 4 x AA batteries
- Mini-DIN to USB adapter
- Mini-DIN to Lightning cables
- A device stand for iPhone and iPad
IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O trailer video
