Recording - August 2018 - 32

IK Multimedia

iRig Keys I/O

A self-contained audio interface and
controllerfor the recording keyboardist
REVIEW BY MIKE METLAY

K Multimedia c ontinue s to add to i t s
impressive roster of audio interfaces with the
iRig Keys I/O models. Available in 25 a n d
49 keys, these boxe s provide c om po s i n g
ke y boardists with pretty much everything they
might need-a keyboard for playing parts, a basic
control surface that covers the most needed
functions when working with a DAW, and a builtin audio interface with one input and two outputs, all in a lightweight package that's designed
to be mobile-friendly. Throw in a great selection of
bundled software, and you've got a starter studio
for the keys-based soloist who's just getting started.

The package

We received the iRig Keys I/O 49 model for review (the 25
has slightly fewer controls-see the IK Multimedia website for details), and opened the box to find an elegant and neatly-laid-out
controller with a light and snappy keybed action. The keys are
full-sized and velocity-sensitive with an adjustable velocity curve;
we wish they had aftertouch too, but that's a more specialized
feature that would have added considerably to the unit's price.
The front panel starts with four touch-sensitive control surfaces:
a pitch bender, modulation strip, octave up/down buttons,
and program up/down buttons. Bright blue and red LEDs indicate

RECORDING August 2018

the status of the controls; the pitch bender returns to zero when
released, while the modulation strip stays set to where you last
touched it.
Next are four touch-sensitive buttons with LED indicators for
Rewind/Return To Zero, Play, and Record, plus a button
labeled ALT. This is a "shift key" to activate secondary functions
for many of the controls, like Fast Forward for the Rewind button.
Next comes a bright blue 3-digit LED display for numeric values
and parameter selection, and an Input LED that changes color
with input level, from blue and green to orange and red.
There are five knobs: one push/turn 'click' encoder and four
touch-sensitive endless encoders. The first is used for data entry
when programming the interface or for setting output volume;
the other four can be assigned to MIDI CC numbers (with the ALT
key providing another four). Note that these encoders can be
programmed to show the current value of the chosen knob when
touched; you can also set them up to send a separate MIDI
CC message as well. For example, I set up MIDI mappings in
Ableton Live so that each knob would control a particular track's
volume, but a simple touch would arm that track for recording.
Last but not least are eight stiff but playable pads that can
send MIDI notes or CC data, or be used to select internal
presets (collections of parameter settings that you've saved).
They're backlit to show velocity when hit, and also have
adjustable velocity curves.
The rear panel of the iRig Keys I/O has a switch for selecting
battery/DC or USB host power; USB host power is almost
always sufficient for normal use, but if you're controlling an
iOS device, four AA batteries can power the unit for several
hours (the custom power supply is not included). Next is the
Device jack-this takes one of IK's 7-pin DIN cables for
connection to a computer. The unit comes with a USB-A cable
for conventional laptop use and a Lightning cable for iOS use.
Next are the outputs: minijack for headphones and two
balanced 1/4" TRS outputs for speakers or connection to a
mixer. Then comes the input: a Gain pot, a single XLR/TRS
combination jack for a microphone or guitar, and a tiny 48V
phantom power button. A 1/4" sustain/expression pedal input
completes the back.
One final accessory qualifies as "not sure what I'd use it
for" for laptop users and "Oh wow this is perfect" for iOS
users. It's a cradle for an iPad or iPhone that fits perfectly
against the rear of the iRig Keys I/O, holding the iOS device

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - August 2018