IK Multimedia’s new keyboard controller is shaping up to be the be-all-end-all solution to portable music production. Sure, audio interfaces are portable enough; controllers are portable enough, too, in certain cases. What if, and I’m just spitballing here, they made a keyboard with the audio interface built in? A single component with which to start producing on the go.
IK has done just that with their iRig Keys I/O (in 25 or 49 key variations), set to release this October:
The only keyboard controllers with 25 or 49 full-size keys to integrate a professional high-definition audio interface, iRig Keys I/O features 24-bit audio up to 96kHz sampling rate, a combo input jack for line, instrument or mic input with phantom power, balanced stereo output and high quality 1/8″ headphone output ideal for use with the latest Apple® devices like the iPhone® 7. iRig Keys I/O also includes all the controls users would expect from a premium keyboard, including velocity sensitive multicolored pads and programmable touch-sensitive sliders, buttons and knobs in an ultra-portable package that includes everything needed to create complete music productions and is unmatched for speed and simplicity to connect and set up.
Well hot damn! If making bangers anytime and anywhere is your forte, I’d say this is just about the only piece of gear you’d need. The getup also comes with over $550/$750 (for the 25/49 key versions, respectively) of software, including Ableton Live 9 Lite and SoundTank 3 with 43GB worth of 5000+ sounds. Basically, the keyboard itself – with all the software – costs less than the software alone.
Set to drop in October, you can currently preorder the IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25 or 49 here.
