When iRig KEYS, IK Multimedia’s mobile MIDI keyboard, hit the streets about a year or so ago, people were most impressed with it’s functionality, ease of operations with iOS devices and loved its size. It was adored by most people who used it except for those who felt the actual keys themselves were slightly on the small side – a tradeoff for ultra-portability. For those people, today is a happy day as IK Multimedia released the iRig KEYS PRO. It’s identical in functionality and performance compared to the original with some exceptions: it’s bigger, it has full-sized keys and features Apple’s new Lightning connector built right in.
Like its predecessor, iRig KEYS, the PRO model features 37 velocity-sensitive full-sized keys (three full octaves plus one note). Traditional keyboardists and, unlike me, those who are truly proficient at two-handed playing, will certainly appreciate the natural feel of the Pro version over the smaller compact keys.
Bigger yet Smaller
Now “bigger” is a relative term. At 23.2″ x 7.5″ x 2.24″ (W x L x H) and 3.5 lb., it certainly overshadows its little brother (19.8″ x 4.72″ x 1.57″ and 1.45 lb.), yet it’s still fairly compact, about 30% smaller and 20% lighter than others on the market.
On the left side you see both full-sized pitch-bend and modulation wheels. On the top is an assignable volume/data control knob and lighted program and octave up/down buttons. It also allows for four programmable user presets as well as an expansion jack for connecting an optional sustain pedal on the rear.
Cables Included
Like many of IK Multimedia’s products it comes with more than just the basic hardware. It ships with USB, 30-pin, and Lightning connector cables. This will allow you to connect to virtually any compatible device like your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and PC or Mac without running to the music store. Furthermore, it’s bus-powered so it takes power from the device it connects to so you don’t need an extra adapter for that.
iRig KEYS PRO is totally Core MIDI compatible so you don’t have to worry about downloading any special software or drivers, it’s plug-and-play so you can get to work with apps like Sample Tank, iGrand Piano, and iLectric piano from IK Multimedia or with your other favourites like GarageBand.
Software Selections
With purchase, you get the FREE versions of Sample Tank, their multipart sound module as well as iGrand Piano, which I think is self-explanatory. Both apps can be expanded to full versions through in-app purchase. You are also eligible to get free bonus sounds for both these apps – including 48 bonus instruments for Sample Tank in addition to the 20 already included, and a bonus Rock Piano 1 for iGrand Piano by ensuring that your apps are registered.
If using a Mac or PC, a serial number is in the box for a full version of Sample Tank 2 L, a fully featured and expandable sonic workstation that includes a whopping 2 GB, an 1100+ item sound library that includes instruments, loops and more. Sample Tank 2 L can be used as both a standalone app or as a plug-in for other software like GarageBand, Pro Tools and the like.
If you’re a frequent buyer of IK’s products you know that IK is pretty smart at keeping you within the family. Each time you make a purchase, you can earn more JAM points by ensuring that you register your product. And by doing so you’ll also be eligible for a number of other little freebies along the way.
Bottom Line
Overall, the iRig KEYS PRO is a great addition to the iRig KEYS family and would be an equally great addition to your home studio. Those who need it, you get the benefit of 37 full-sized keys yet it’s housed in a form factor that could technically fit in a 2 foot wide space.
It’s also well laid out, easy to use and has great connectivity to so many different devices.
One unique feature might also be something to be aware of. It’s convenient to be able to direct connect quickly from the mini-Din on the back of the keyboard right to your iOS device without any intermediate adapters. However it’s IK’s proprietary cable. If you lose or damage it or if it’s not long enough, which you’ll find out likely at the most inopportune time, you could potentially find yourself in a jam – but not the jam of the music kind.
The only other minor thing is that it would have been nice if the unit came with a little carry case or at least a cover to protect it from dust and dirt.
At $149.99, iRig KEYS PRO is well priced. It’s not the cheapest MIDI keyboard in its category, but it’s extremely well-built and with the included accessories, especially the cables which on the average run about 30 bucks a piece along with IK’s app ecosystem, makes the iRig KEYS PRO a great bang for your buck. It’s a multi platform device, but it really shines under iOS, especially with an iPad.
To run iRig KEYS PRO you’ll need a Macintosh running Mac OS X 10.5, a PC running Windows XP (SP 3), any iPad, iPhone 3GS and up or third-generation iPod touch and up running iOS 4.3 or later.
iRig KEYS with Lightning
For those of you who still prefer the compact size, fear not. iRig KEYS is still available although it has been updated to include the lightning connector and appropriately called iRig KEYS with Lightning, making it easier to connect to the new iPad Air, iPad mini and iPhone 5 series phones. It’s priced at $129.99 US.
iRig KEYS PRO and iRig KEYS with Lightning are available directly from IK Multimedia, Amazon or your favourite music retailer.
Rating: 4.5 / 5 (both models)
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Greg Gazin is the Real Canadian Gadget Guy.
Follow me on Twitter @gadgetgreg or Empire Avenue (e)GADGET1.
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