Pros and Cons
If you want to play the piano on the go, the IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O is an affordable, practical solution. In addition to its velocity-sensitive keyboard, it offers versatile controller functions. Thanks to the built-in audio interface, it also serves as a compact recording solution for both home studio setups and mobile use.
If you’re looking for an authentic piano touch, the IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O is naturally not the ideal choice. However, an 88-key MIDI controller with piano-style keys isn’t always practical either, especially if you want a compact option for practicing on the go. As a travel-sized piece of music gear, this compact MIDI controller offers a range of useful features, including bundled software.
The IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O is available in two versions, with 25 or 49 keys. One advantage is that even the smaller iRig Keys I/O 25 features full-size keys rather than mini keys. Designed with portability in mind, you naturally can’t expect too much from the 4.4-pound iRig Keys I/O 49. The key action is light and slightly too smooth, but it responds accurately to velocity input. Despite its lightweight design, the casing feels solid, and the controls and connections also make a robust impression.
The IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O can be connected to virtually any DAW running on a laptop, desktop computer, or mobile device. A particularly useful feature is the transport controls, which allow you to operate essential DAW functions, such as play, record, and fast forward, via touch-sensitive buttons. In addition, there are five assignable controls for adjusting parameters in software instruments. The standard pitch bend and modulation controls are also implemented as touch strips. While this takes some getting used to, it makes the controller more compact and practical for transport in a backpack.
The package includes adapter cables for USB connection to a computer as well as a Lightning adapter. This means the iRig Keys I/O can connect directly to an iPhone or iPad without requiring Apple’s Camera Connection Kit. If you prefer to power your mobile device while playing, however, you can also use the included USB adapter to connect the keyboard via the Camera Connection Kit.
The iRig Keys I/O can also run on four AA batteries. Alternatively, you can use an external power supply, which at the same time charges a connected iOS device. The required power adapter is available as an optional accessory, presumably because the keyboard is primarily designed to be powered via USB.
The compact iRig Keys I/O offers impressive functionality for a mobile MIDI setup. Its built-in audio interface effectively transforms the controller into a small, portable recording studio. In addition to routing the DAW’s output via main outputs and a headphone jack, it also provides an audio input for connecting an instrument or microphone. This makes it easy to plug in a microphone on the go and quickly capture ideas directly in your DAW. The unit even features 48V phantom power for use with condenser microphones. The audio interface supports multiple sample rates of up to 96 kHz.
You can configure the way the iRig Keys I/O communicates with software instruments and DAWs using up to 99 user presets. These presets store all custom settings, including controller assignments. In addition to pitch bend and modulation, the assignable controls can be mapped to virtually any MIDI parameter. You can also configure the pedal input for use with either a sustain pedal or an expression pedal. This allows you to control parameters such as volume or reverb send.
Next to user presets, several factory presets are permanently stored in the device. These provide optimized configurations for specific applications at the touch of a button. For example, there are presets for IK Multimedia instruments, such as the bundled SampleTank 4 software workstation. The drum pads can be set up to either trigger chromatic notes or send program change messages. There are also preset configurations dedicated to DAWs, such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and Apple MainStage.
It’s impressive how much functionality IK Multimedia has packed into such a compact format. The IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O is a practical, space-saving solution that performs equally well in a small home studio or in a mobile setup. The key action is light and smooth, yet responsive enough for everyday use. Thanks to the included USB and Lightning adapter cables, as well as the iPad stand, you can start making music with the iRig Keys I/O right away.
Last but not least, the built-in audio interface with headphone output and audio inputs and outputs adds significant value. You only need to connect a computer or iOS device via USB or Lightning to handle both MIDI and audio simultaneously. To round things off, IK Multimedia includes the full version of SampleTank 4 free of charge, making this an attractive package in terms of value.
Release date: November 2017
Concept: MIDI controller for use with computers and iOS devices
Included accessories: Two mini-DIN adapter cables (USB and Lightning), four AA batteries, iPad stand, SampleTank 4 (including 100 GB sound library)
Manufacturer/Distributor: IK Multimedia/Sonic Sales
Pros and Cons
Jörg Sunderkötter
The keyboard plays slightly too smoothly but gets the job done. The built-in audio interface with headphone jacks and audio inputs and outputs is a real bonus.
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