Irig Keys Io Garageband Ipad
It’s quite versatile.When you, you’ll immediately get 50 sounds, 500 loops, 1 drummer, and 2 basic lessons for guitar and piano. It’s a fantastic bit of musical creation kit for anyone, regardless of native ability or experience., play your own music with MIDI keyboards–even make your own ringtones for your iPhone. Download sounds for garageband free. Likely, though, you want the full package, which is available as a free download that expands the content to 200 sounds, 2,000 loops, 15 drummers, and 40 basic lessons for guitar and piano.Here’s how to get it. If you dig creating fresh beats and smooth grooves on your Mac, you’ll likely love GarageBand.
To protect your iRig Keys IO when you're carrying it around, you can order the iRig Keys I/O 49 Travel Bag, durable 100% polyester cases featuring a stitched-in iRig Keys I/O logo, adjustable straps and a zippered pouch for cables and other small items. Using iRig Keys I/O to control Logic Pro/Express and GarageBand. If you’re not getting any sound out of your IK Multimedia iRig or iRig 2, follow the troubleshooting guidelines below to resolve the issue. Adjusting iOS Device Settings. Open the Settings on your iOS device, then tap on General Accessibility. Scroll down until. Buy IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25-keys Midi Controller with 24-bit up to 96kHz Audio Interface for iPhone/iPad, Android and Mac/PC: Musical Instruments - Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases.
It was only a matter of time before IK took the development it has been doing on iOS accessories, MIDI controllers and portable audio input devices and combined them into a single product. As a product category it’s not unique, exactly, though the few other portable, combined audio interface / MIDI controller keyboards around are mostly pretty long in the tooth. (I still love my Novation Xiosynth but it’s been gigged almost to death).
- Nov 23, 2017 I have just discovered that my irig hd no longer works in garageband for ipad 2. In fact it no longer works in Amplitube! I get the message not supported. Irig have suggested I locate my receipt, which suggests they might ask me to return it, but the thing is.
- I have been a happy user of iRig with both the iPod Touch4 and the iPad version. But in trying to use it in GARAGEBAND on the iPad. I have restarted, adjusted settings, checked updates yadda yadda yadda and I still cannot get the guitar signal in the headphones.
Mega Mobile
Since iPads and iPhones have become much more serious music-making platforms - and also gone down to a single Lightning port for I/O - the need for a device that can do everything down a single cable has arguably never been greater. In truth, this is the kind of product that I have been waiting for. Much of what I do involves fairly simple MIDI input and audio recording with a laptop or iPad, and I’m tired of carrying several devices to work on the move. So will the iRig Keys I/O do the job?
As noted above, this device feels like a culmination of many of the things IK has figured out while designing products that do just one or two of the things that the I/O can do. Coming in 25 or 49-key versions, it’s a lightweight but well-built device (I’d invest in a gig bag if transporting any MIDI gear very often) that powers either using batteries, or over the supplied Lightning or regular USB cables, connected to your iOS device or Mac / PC respectively. It also sends MIDI and audio back and forth across the cable, meaning minimum fuss. It’s worth noting it has to be battery powered when used with iOS to avoid draining the device, or powered via the optional PSU which when connected will also charge your iOS device.
Play It Again
Remarkably the units use full sized keys - IK says they are the smallest devices on the market to do so - and feature an improved keybed that is responsive to use. They are velocity sensitive and feature synth action - you’ll be familiar with the type from other similar kinds of device. The top surface features a range of realtime controls to help you take better control of your instruments and DAW. There’s slider strips for pitch and modulation that are user programmable, octave, program change and transport controls, 5 programmable touch sensitive knobs and 8 velocity-sensitive multi-colored assignable pads. The controls are capacitive, meaning that simply touching one (without having to move it) will call up its current value onto the LED screen.
The controls on both models are the same, but on the larger model they are more spaced out lengthwise. There's a handy mobile device stand included too for propping up your iPad - a thoughtful inclusion.
For The Record
And so to arguably the most interesting feature, a built-in audio interface that features a single channel combo input with phantom power, stereo line outs for monitoring plus a headphone out. In an ideal world the headphone port could be on the front instead of the back, but this isn’t a deal breaker. You can connect your XLR or instrument input and record a single channel of audio. It is capable of 24-bit / 96kHz operation and performed well in my tests, capturing a decent level from a studio condenser mic with low noise and negligible latency. It’s worth noting that there is also an IK-branded gooseneck mic available for preorder - the iRig Keys I/O Mic - that is designed for voice recording without the need for a stand: another potential space and time saver.
As is often the case, IK calls on its impressive software lineup to bundle some free goodies with the hardware, and the selection is very solid, differing slightly depending on which model you buy. For the desktop there’s the full version of Sampletank 3, T-RackS 4 Deluxe, Syntronik Pro-V synth and Miroslav Philharmonik 2 CE. For iOS there’s equivalent mobile versions of those apps. IK reckons the value of the bundles is $550 / $750 respectively so it’s a generous giveaway and should get you up and running on either platform - just add a DAW like Apple’s GarageBand.
Like many of IK’s other iOS products, this one is Apple certified as MFi - Made for iOS devices - which isn’t the easiest certification to get. This means it’s guaranteed to work out of the box with iOS devices, plus of course it’s class compliant on Windows and Mac so there’s no real setup to speak of. There is a gap in the market for a truly portable all-in-one box that works with the latest devices, and IK would seem to have come up with one. Yes, there’s only a single channel of recording at once but then the units are hugely portable, and for many people that’s a compromise that’s not a big issue as they may only be recording one voice or guitar at a time.
Conclusion
The ability to power and send audio and MIDI over a single cable (or use batteries when iOS is involved), to play and control MIDI, control the transport, monitor and record using such a compact device is great, especially for anyone working on the move or with limited space. The 25 key model is especially bijou. The bundled software is a nice addition too, giving you some tools to work with to get you up and running. As an all-in-one solution for mobile MIDI triggering, monitoring and simple audio recording, iRig Keys I/O is a handy and well thought-out solution that saves you carrying several devices around. For working with iOS devices it gets around the issue of the single Lightning port admirably, even if this does mean adding batteries or the optional PSU. Considering the functionality on offer, that’s a small compromise to have to make. Overall, a great concept, and well executed.
Price: 25 key 199.99 EUR (Ex. VAT) / 49 key 299.99 EUR (Ex.VAT)
Pros: Supremely portable. Does almost everything down a single cable. Really no setup on Mac, PC or iOS. Good quality audio recording. Full size keys. Battery power option. Generous software bundle. Carry one device instead of 2 or 3. Mobile stand included.
Cons: Doesn't power independently from an iOS device. Only 1 channel of audio input, if that bothers you.
Web: http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigkeysio/
Despite measuring just 693 x 208 mm, the iRig Keys I/O somehow manages to squeeze in a full-size 49-note keyboard.
The iRig Keys I/O offers a one-cable keyboard controller solution for computer- and iPad-based musicians.
IK Multimedia are probably best known to music tech veterans as a software developer, with well-established products like T-Racks, AmpliTube and SampleTank. But in recent years they’ve made a name for themselves with the growing ‘iRig’ range of interfaces, controllers and accessories that have penetrated into mainstream retail outlets. They have a knack for filling gaps in the market with products that solve problems for pros and hobbyists alike. The iRig I/O 49 Pro is a light and portable, yet full-size, controller keyboard made for both iOS devices and computers. It is also an audio interface providing stereo output and headphone monitoring, plus a line, mic or instrument input.
One Rig To Rule Them All
IK appear to have aimed for a sweet centre spot when laying out the design parameters of the iRig I/O Keys. It’s about as compact as a controller with full-size, full-travel keys could get without ditching other controls altogether. The glossy panel, touch sliders and cool blue lights give it a pleasing futuristic appearance. It has a light, plastic shell but feels reasonably rugged. A big plus is the use of touch-sensitive, endless encoders rather than basic pots, although the feel of these is the one thing that lets the side down a bit: they’re wobbly and not that easy to grip.
The keyboard will run from USB power when connected to a computer, giving you a nice one-cable setup. You can also get power from four AA batteries, which is a requirement when running with an iPhone or iPad, and there’s a switch to choose this option if you want to help save your laptop batteries. A PSU is available as an optional extra (I got one in the box), which allows you to charge a connected iOS device. Although there’s battery power there’s no MIDI output outside of USB, so the iRig Keys I/O isn’t suitable as a stand-alone master keyboard for hardware. A MIDI port would also have been nice as a MIDI interface for a computer or iOS device: it would have made the iRig Keys I/O a true one-stop shop for simple studio connectivity.
After loading up the AAs, I began a perplexing and ultimately fruitless search for the USB connection to hook up to my Mac. IK have decided to ditch the regular USB Type-B port for a small DIN connector combined with adaptor cables. This is familiar from other iRig devices such as the Pro I/O and iRig Pads. On the iOS side, this has some benefit as it allows you to just use the dedicated Lightning connector provided without the Apple Camera Connection Kit that most iOS compatible devices rely on. Other than that though it’s a bit of a drag. The provided cables are too short, especially the USB one. And sooner or later you’re going to lose or break one and then you’re out of action until you buy a €$30 replacement.
In Use
The iRig Keys is class compliant as both a MIDI controller and audio interface and requires no setup on either Macs or iOS devices. On Windows you’ll need ASIO4All for the audio interface functionality. The only hardware-related install is a Logic/GarageBand controller plug-in. There’s also an instrument bundle that runs on both desktop and iOS platforms comprising the full version of SampleTank 3, the orchestral SampleTank-powered Miroslav Philharmonik 2 CE, and Syntronik Pro-V. Additionally, on computers you get the T-Racks 4 Deluxe mix and mastering suite plug-in.
For much of the time that I had the iRig I used it as a generic keyboard controller and interface on my Mac, working in Reason, Pro Tools and Live, with a little bit of Logic to test the integration. The keyboard feels positive and ‘non-budget’ and the pads are robust with decent sensitivity and range. Pitch and Mod controls are on touch sliders, which I like, and the other buttons are under similarly damage/liquid-resistant flat surface covers. Alongside the sliders you have octave shifters, Program Change triggers, then three buttons that double as transport controls for connected software and internal edit controls for the keyboard. Lastly, there’s an Alt button, which toggles the other controls between their main and secondary functions.
The iRig Keys I/O comes with a handy iPad stand. iOS is treated as an equal by the iRig Keys I/O. As well as the direct Lightning connection you get a special iPad stand in the box. This simple but effective plastic bracket presents your tablet at the right height and angle behind the keyboard, and the foot slides underneath to hold everything in place. As well as the included apps the keyboard worked nicely with several iOS synths and GarageBand. I also set up a map in my favourite iPad DAW, Beatmaker 3, which worked fine, although I could have done with some more controls and pads to really make this effective.
Presets
With a relatively modest array of controls, the iRig relies on preset layers to broaden the scope of its MIDI functionality. There are four factory maps, and 99 available user pages. Each preset can store completely different MIDI functions for nearly every button, knob, slider and pad on the surface. All presets can be recalled in a three-step process via the data wheel, but there’s also a fast recall option which brings up the first eight user maps on the drum pads.
Irig Keys Io Garageband Ipad Download
Preset 1 is set up to work with the IK Multimedia software instruments, giving hands-on control of patch browsing and macros. It puts only white notes on the pads, which is a bit of a pain for playing most generic drum instruments though. Preset 2 is aimed at Logic. Preset 3 is a general chromatic map, which was where I spent the majority of my time, and, finally, preset 4 replaces the drum pad notes with program changes. The Alt key accesses a second bank of knobs, but not pads, which is a shame given that most software drum instruments present 16 pads.
The Logic preset provides a certain amount of intelligent mapping with Apple’s DAWs, but for other apps you’ll need to map controls yourself, or use your software’s learn functionality. With some patience you can edit your own user presets for fast access to more control pages from the pads. Unlike the iRig Pads there’s no software editor, so you’ll need to follow the manual to navigate the hardware editing process via the basic three-character display. You’re free to assign most flavours of MIDI message to any control, and there’s a particularly clever option to assign a message to be sent on touch for the knobs. The knobs can send both absolute and relative control data.
The iRig Keys I/O’s back panel features a power source selector switch, an input for the optional DC power supply, a DIN port for connecting to your device via an included adapter, a 3.5mm headphone socket, stereo outputs on quarter-inch jacks, a gain control for the audio input, a combi XLR/jack audio input socket and an external pedal input.
Audio
I read with some scepticism that the iRig Keys I/O is the only combined USB MIDI keyboard and audio interface, but after some hunting around I concluded this to be true. There was a small Edirol keyboard with this combo that I reviewed a few years back, and Line 6’s Tone KB37 had audio on board, but neither are available any more. As I said, IK are good at sniffing out these gaps.
The iRig Keys I/O features a 1-in, 2-out audio interface (up to 96k, 24-bit), with the output channels shared by a pair of quarter-inch balanced jacks and a stereo mini-jack headphone port. Awkward reach-arounds have been avoided by placing the level control front and centre on the panel as a toggled function of the main data wheel.
The optional gooseneck microphone’s L-shaped connector is a nice touch. The single input is a combined XLR and quarter-inch connector with a preamp that caters for all-comers: guitars, mics or line-level sources. Switchable 48V phantom power is provided, even when running from batteries. This time, gain control is on a small pot at the back, but this isn’t much of an inconvenience as you don’t need to access it often. I tested with a good-quality condenser mic and sound quality was perfectly adequate — just a touch of noise — with enough gain available for what I needed. There’s no provision for direct monitoring, so you’ll need to get that buffer right down. IK Multimedia are also selling a gooseneck mic for £$69.99 that you can plant directly into the back of the keyboard.
Summary
Some of my conclusions about the iRig Keys I/O echo my thoughts about the iRig Pads, including my gripe about using proprietary cables. Both are highly configurable, with multiple user layers. Multiple encoder modes and the ability to send messages on touch show a degree of sophistication that pros can dig into. But both controllers lack a certain amount of instant gratification with software outside of the IK family. Few users program their MIDI controllers these days — they expect intelligent functionality using custom codecs and templates purpose built for their DAW. The iRig only offers this with Logic/GarageBand, so perhaps IK Multimedia are banking on a large percentage of their non-pro users using those apps. In any case, IK have made an attractive controller keyboard that’s portable yet full-size and supports both iOS and desktop as equals. It is also currently unique in offering USB audio I/O. If this ticks all your boxes you should definitely check it out.
Alternatives
There are many other MIDI keyboard controllers with comparable control sets, and for the price you could get quite a bit more from the likes of M-Audio, Akai or Nektar. However, there are no alternatives with on-board audio I/O or direct Lightning support as far as I know, and the iRig Keys I/O is unusually compact for a full-size controller keyboard.
Pros
- All-in-one keyboard and audio interface.
- Phantom power and high impedance input.
- Configurable with up to 99 user pages.
- Custom iPad cradle.
Cons
- MIDI only on USB.
- Proprietary, short cables.
- Only Logic has specific control support.
- No software editor.
Irig For Ipad Pro
Summary
IK Multimedia’s iRig Keys I/O is an attractive, compact master keyboard and audio interface providing a one-cable solution for simple computer- or iPad-based music setups.