IK Multimedia has introduced two new iRig Keys controllers for mobile musicians: iRig Keys Pro and iRig Keys with Lightning Connector.
Both devices are compact MIDI keyboard controllers with 37 velocity-sensitive keys.
iRig Keys Pro, above, is a true ‘plug and play’ programmable MIDI controller, designed specifically for making music on the go with an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC. iRig Keys Pro is 30% smaller than other full-size key MIDI controllers, but still offers mod and pitch wheels, illuminated octave and program buttons, 4 programmable ‘sets’ for storing complete setups, and a programmable continuous-controller volume knob,
iRig KEYS PRO also has powerful programming features that are useful during live performance and in the studio. You can program iRig Keys Pro with different set-ups and store them in one of the 4 ‘Set’ banks. In Edit mode, you can set the MIDI transmit channel, velocity (touch) response, assign Control Change numbers to the Volume/Data knob, send custom Program Change messages, transpose the keyboard in semi-tones and more.
Here’s a demo video for the iRIg Keys Pro, featuring Jordan Rudess:
The iRig KEYS with Lightning connector, above, is IK’s new version of the iRig Keys portable mini keyboard. It now comes with a Lightning-connector cable for connecting iRig Keys to the new iPad, iPad mini and iPhone 5 series. It shares the same features of iRig Keys Pro, but with a more compact build, so it takes up minimal space on your desktop.
Pricing and Availability
The iRig Keys Pro is available now for about $150. The iRig Keys with Lightning connector is available for about $130.
Do these companies really not understand that Jordan Rudess is not the ONLY KEYBOARD PLAYER IN THE WORLD!!??? I’m sure he is a wonderful fellow but his endorsement has become a massive joke because there is nothing he won’t endorse.
It’s a double whammy of shittiness. First, it’s from IK. Second, it’s endorsed by Jordan.
Yes, nothing says “shitiness” like being a successful audio company for over a decade and a half or being the guy that started Julliard at age 9 and in general being a musician that likely has forgotten more about music than many here will ever even actually know.
I’m happy that someone is making a 3 octave controller and I have the original iRig Keys, which I may replace with the Pro for my super small rig. That is all good in my book. And while I don’t care for Rudess’ music he is obviously talented, passionate and undoubtably a better keyboard player than I am. (which is not saying much, I’m kinda crap at playing my main instrument) But surely there is at least ONE other keyboard player in the world to endorse gear.
I’m seeing a lot of knee-jerk reactions to Jordan – but did you actually watch the video? I’m impressed that the little keyboard is something that you can really shred on!
Maybe it’s the other way around. Maybe Jordan Rudess is the only guy endorsing new keyboards because no one else would associate themselves with this junk.
Doesn’t that amount to the same thing? He seems to endorse anything, including the junk.
So what’s “PRO” about it?
Real keyboard vs mini keyboard
Anything. In fact, there isn´t midi out. Again¡
Moan moan moan.
All BS aside, what exactly is the difference between these and the original IK Irig Keys??? As in, what would make me go out and get these… ?
The irig keys is updated with lightning connectors so it connects directly to me devices. The irig keys pro is a new version for users that want a full-size keyboard at the expense of a little more weight/size.
at 150 $ i would actualy go with a M-audio 49, now with Imini and beatmaker2 you can midi map.
and there is no knob/slider after this keyboard.
The iRig keyboards are designed to be mobile – the M-Audio 49 is close to three feet wide. Maybe a mobile keyboard is not for you?
Have any mini keyboard designer EVER tried plugging it and realize they need to rethink where to place the usb. Is multiple usb’s tech-possible?