Irig Keys Io Garageband Ipad
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.
Jan 12, 2018 iRig Keys is a MIDI keyboard with extras. The keyboard part is nice, with full-sized velocity-sensitive keys, plus a set of hardware knobs, and pads, which can be used to control the software. Described by IK Multimedia as its “all-in- one music production station”, the iRig Keys I/O combines a MIDI controller keyboard (49- and 25-key; we’re looking at the 49 here) and audio interface in a single unit, designed to be as compact as possible without compromising on playability. I found garageband to be a bit funky at times so switched to Cubasis which works well with this setup. Also I used the iRig HD guitar interface before I got the IO keys and noticed that I had to plug the headphones into the iPad directly instead of using the phones out on the iRig HD. Get the guaranteed best price on MIDI Keyboard Controllers like the IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49 at Musician's Friend. Get a low price and free shipping on thousands of items. At this time, it is not possible to bypass just the iRig Keys I/O audio interface, and route the audio output to the iPad speakers. This routing is set this way by iOS. You can route to Bluetooth/Airplay devices, but not to the built-in speakers. We do hope Apple allows this in. IK Multimedia has announced a new plug-in is available for iRig Keys I/O that enables control surface integration for GarageBand and Logic Pro X.Using the touch-sensitive knobs and buttons on iRig Keys I/O this allows users to control functions such as: transport control with play, record, fast-forward and rewind buttons; moving the play head forward or backward via the data knob; looping on.
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).
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.
Irig Keys Io Garageband Ipad 3
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/
In this feature I ditch the recording studio and take a look at the best portable interfaces for GarageBand musicians who want the freedom to record anytime, anywhere.
The beauty of an app like GarageBand for iOS is that you no longer need to spend ludicrous amounts of money renting studio time or wait until your ‘big break’ to write, record and release your own music.
If you want your DIY music to sound its best however, you’ll need to ditch that inbuilt mic on your iOS device and invest in an audio interface of some kind.
There’s tons of choice out there and it can be hard to work out what interface is right for you. I’ve brought together 3 of the best portable recording interfaces on the planet to help you narrow down your options.
Let’s take a look.
£74.99/$99.99
Compact, portable, and easy to use, the Roland GO:MIXER makes it simple to record high-quality audio with your iDevice.
With multiple inputs available, you can connect a mic, musical instruments, and media players and mix them all together at the same time.
The unit features the ability to combine five sources at once via inputs for a ¼” jack vocal mic (no XLR input or +48 V Phantom Power here), guitar, stereo keyboard, and two stereo line-level devices (such as music players, drum machines, etc.).
The quality is great, assuming you don’t clip/peak the audio. There is a dial for each main instrument input as well as a master volume dial to adjust as appropriate. The GO:MIXER also has a peaking LED which is useful to have.
All in all this little box is incredibly versatile, though the lack of XLR input or 48v Phantom Power would definitely prove limiting for some.
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Tech Specs
- Inputs: 8 channels
- Outputs 2 channels
- Connectors INSTRUMENT (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
- LINE IN 1 jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- LINE IN 2 jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- MIC jack: 1/4-inch phone type (no plug-in power)
- GUITAR/BASS jack: 1/4-inch phone type (high impedance)
- MONITOR OUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- USB port: USB Micro-B type USB Bus PowerCurrent Draw40 mA
- Accessories: Lightning to USB Micro-B type cable (50 cm, 1 ft 7 inches)
- USB OTG Micro-B type to USB Micro-B type cable (50 cm, 1 ft 7 inches)
£81.99/$119.99
Focusrite has a great track record for producing extraordinarily high quality USB and Thunderbolt audio interfaces for Mac and PC. With the iTrack Solo Lightning, they’ve packed most all of the killer features from their range into this little box.
While it is smaller and lacking a few of the features of some of Focusrite’s more expensive units , the iTrack Solo packs enough of a sonic punch to hold its own against most other interfaces at this price range.
The mic preamp used here series are nothing short of phenomenal, giving you clean and clear recordings every time. There’s also +48 V Phantom Power available, so you can use a studio quality condenser microphone to really push the quality of your recordings to the next level.
Super-low latency brings confidence to your performance, letting you record and monitor with software effects in real time.
New gain controls and a sleek metal chassis underscore its industrial design – this thing can take one hell of a beating!
Irig Keys Io Garageband Ipad Free
Tech Specs
- 1 microphone input – XLR, 1 Instrument input ¼’ unbalanced, 2 Gain knobs,
- 48V Phantom power switch, Direct monitor switch
- 2 unbalanced monitor outputs – RCA Phone, DEVICE LINK port (to connect iTrack Solo to iPad)
- USB 2.0 Port, Kensington Lock slot
- Supported sample rates 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz, 88.2 KHz, 96 KHz – Mac and PC 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz – iPad
- In the box: iTrack Solo, 1.2m USB cable, 1.2m “DEVICE LINK” cable (to connect to a Lightning iPad), Getting started guide, Registration card, USB power supply (US only)
- Compatible with: iTrack Solo Lightning: Any iPad with Lightning connector, Standard iTrack Solo: iPad (1st gen), iPad (2nd gen) and iPad (3rd gen)
£127.99/$149.99
iRig Pro I/O is a pocket-sized full-featured audio and MIDI interface that gives you 24-bit/96kHz recording studio quality sound everywhere you go with a few additional essential features for mobile recording.
Its designed to be “plug and play” and easy to use with all of your gear — studio mics, vocal performance mics, guitars, basses, keyboards — whatever it is, iRig Pro I/O can probably handle it.
It features a new 1/8″ stereo headphone out with preamp and level control, making it compatible with even the most recent iOS devices. Plus, when used with the optional DC power supply, the unit will charge your iPhone or iPad while in use for unlimited playing and recording time – super handy!
The Pro I/O also features a new MIDI Out jack that gives you even more flexibility and control over your outboard MIDI gear.
Irig Keys Io Garageband Ipad Free
Despite it’s small size the iRig Pro I/O has it where it counts, packing the features you’d expect from a full scale audio interface into it’s sleek form factor.
Tech Specs
- High definition 24-bit/96kHz audio plus MIDI interface for iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC and Android devices
- Connects to everything, yet easily fits in your laptop bag, gig bag or pocket
- Neutrik™ combo input for guitar, microphone or other instruments with a professional quality preamp, phantom power and gain control
- iPhone 7 ready with integrated headphone output with volume control
- Powered via USB bus, two AA batteries or the optional iRig PSU 3A (PSU simultaneously charges iOS device)
- Detachable Lightning and USB cables included for connection to iPhone, iPad, Mac and PC (MFi certified)
- Comes with a Velcro strip to secure iRig Pro I/O to a mic stand
- Comes with over $/€550 worth of full version Software & Apps
There you have it, that’s my top 3 favourite portable audio interfaces for use with GarageBand for iOS.
Is your favourite on the list? What did I miss out? Leave a comment and let me know, or come and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.