IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49 portable keyboard MIDI controller 24-bit/ 96Khz audio interface full-size synth velocity-sensitive, 48V phantom power, XLR mic preamp, iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, PC

This is the first vst/midi instrument controller I’ve ever purchased and I’m really happy with it. It seems well built and works as it’s supposed to. It includes an input for guitar, microphone, etc, which I’m using now, but I miss having a second input and discreet monitoring. However, it works really well for controlling the included vst instrument packs that come free with the unit, as well as the various instruments I’ve collected over the years. Overall, it’s a pretty great value for everything you get.

I got this as a gift for my partner to use with their iPad because they had been playing with apps for months. They had actually around the same time ordered themselves a beat pad but this ended up being a much better product with both the beat pad and piano keys. They've now made a few mixtapes using this and really enjoy learning the software it came with. They had an issue with the software at one point but the customer service was excellent and it got solved right away. The tool is sturdy and looks nice also. I am so happy I got this after going back and forth on different models.

PROS:1. For "synth-action" keys, these are actually pretty nice. The tension is just right and not TOO noisy, but that "hollow plastic" feel manages to creep in when playing fast.2. Overall compactness with full-size keys. I wasn't sure how I'd like the layout of the keyboard with the Mod wheel and Pitch bend above the low end. Turns out I actually do like it. The touch-based mod/pitch are very responsive - much better than i anticipated.3. That little device stand ... lol, I actually like that too. It doesn't 'lock' onto the back of the keyboard, and although it is rather cheap and flimsy, it works and is very convenient. the foot slides under the controller to keep it from tipping backwards when you are poking your screen.CONS:1. No power cable included. They want another $40 (not sure if that includes shipping) for a $5 AC adapter for an already $300 MIDI keyboard. Right now I'm using a powered USB 3.0 hub to deliver power to the keyboard when using it with an iPad. That might have something to do with #5 below, but it doesn't explain that issue when connected to a PC ... I dunno.2. Proprietary Data Cables. Seriously? Fragile mini-DIN style cables that terminate in either USB or Lightning. Oh, and if you break or lose one of those cables ... $30 each (not sure if that includes shipping). I suspect with this being a 'portable' keyboard and those cables getting plugged in and unplugged frequently, pins are going to get bent. I thought Apple was bad about this, but at least you can buy cheaper and better cables from 3rd-parties to replace Apple cables.3. Bright, eye-damaging blue LEDs. Please give us a firmware update that actually dims ALL of the lights on this controller. No joke, I see ghost images of the info panel and drum pads for a while after I turn this thing off. That's really not funny. I really wish companies would stop using blue lights on their gear or at least give people the option to change the color to something less blinding.4. Can't disable the Audio Interface to use only as USB MIDI controller. Maybe they can create a firmware update for this as well. Depending on where I use this, I don't always want to use THIS as my interface, but I DO want to use it as my MIDI keyboard - like I said, the controller is actually good.5. Audio Interface sometimes disconnects from iPad and PC. Not sure whats up with that. Note: this does NOT happen while its being actively used, but when I take a break and come back, I usually end up having to unplug it and plug it back in.6. Registration/Passwords/Downloads ... I don't even know where to begin with this mess - an absolute miserable experience. How about just give us codes in the box to download software or apps. If you create a new account, do NOT use a password with more than 19 characters and do NOT use any special characters in your password. If you do you may not be able to login with your iOS device inside of their apps. I ended up locked out of my account for a while. I had to reset my password a few times before I figured out that their system will not accept special characters on the website (even though it let me create a password with those characters when I signed up). Also took a few password resets to figure out that SampleTank iOS and Syntronik iOS don't allow you to input a password with more than 19 characters. Brilliant!7. Even with the latest firmware (1.0.9 at the time of this review) and the pad sensitivity set to "REG" (the most sensitive), I still have to beat the crap out of the pads to reach full velocity. Its easier to just use the keyboard keys or go back in and adjust the velocity in the DAW. Unfortunately that pretty much 'de-humanizes' the performance. I can't imagine anyone using the other 2 velocity settings.8. The middle of the keybed bends with very little effort while playing. The overall construction really seems a bit cheap. I get it - its a $300 controller AND interface (that you can't disable). But when I compare the overall construction to an old $120 Evolution 61-key controller, I can't help but be a bit disappointed. (Before you ask, that Evolution is really old, has become 'creaky', the keys now have spring-noise, and its a bit big to travel with).UNDECIDEDI REALLY like the keyboard itself (the keys). I am a bit torn right now. I'd rate it closer to 2.5 stars if we could give half stars. I am on the fence as to whether or not I want to return this. Some of the issues could probably be fixed with a firmware update. The bright blue lights I don't think can be fixed, so if I keep it I will probably just tape a piece of cloth over the info panel (brightest light) that I can lift up when I need to see it and probably not use the pads and just put tape over them too.Knowing what I know now, if I hadn't already bought it, I think I would probably buy a separate controller and interface. I'm just not sure there is another compact 4-octave controller with a full-size keybed this nice. I think if I find something in the next week or two I will end up returning this.UPDATE 2018-11-16I ended up returning it. Currently have no idea what I will get in its place. What finally made up my mind was it started dropping connections on my PC while actively using it (didn't do this the first couple of weeks, just dropped when idle for a while). For now I'm back to an old Focusrite interface (works fine, doesn't drop connection) and Evolution keyboard with noisy keys.-----------Completely Unrelated to This Review: @IK, thank you for adding AUv3 support to Syntronik in iOS! When can we expect it in SampleTank?

I am revising my written review below with an apology. This DOES work (despite my statement below). In fact, it works flawlessly as compared to another MIDI controller keyboard I have. My oversight was to expect that if you put batteries in and turn on the switch, it should at least light up. IT DOES NOT, unless connected to a computer with appropriate software (I've used both GarageBand and Logic ProX to good effect). Headphone jack still does not seem to behave yet.It would save grief if the instructions simply stated that if this is not hooked up to an iPhone, iPad, or computer, NOTHING will even light up when you turn it on under battery power.I sent the first unit back and received a second unit, but I suspect the first unit was just fine. The keyboard feel is wonderful... perfect amount of key drop and resistance. I was not (yet) able to make it work with the IK Multimedia software that they make available for free (not sure if perhaps that software is paired with the unit that I sent back).ORIGINAL REVIEW STARTS HERE (ignore the part about "it does not work."Had great expectations of a true 4-octave full size keyboard of minimal width (no "cheeks" on either side of keyboard), with great promised capabilities for Logic Pro X and great keyboard "feel."It has great keyboard "feel" and minimal width, as hoped.But it does not work. My unit would not light up at all under battery power, even though I tested the batteries (that came with it) to be good. Under USB power, it would light up and it would connect to my Logic Pro X on my Mac using its supplied cables, but then very quiet, extremely distorted sound was all I could get from headphones plugged into the unit. I could register and record MIDI actions on my Logic Pro on my Mac, but no sound came forth, either in playback or from headphones connected to keyboard. To check all settings, I used another MIDI keyboard (CME Xkey Air) to assure that all settings were correct and that I got proper sound, which I did. It was only the iRig Keys I/O that failed me. I spent more time than I liked trying to get it to work, and now it is going BACK!