iRig Keys w/ Audio Interface

fprintf

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/iRigKeysIO25

I'm trying to build up an inexpensive way of controlling my iPad while playing guitar, using pedals and running a microphone for less than $300.

All day I've been exploring the plethora of interfaces and it is completely overwhelming! It looks like the iRig Keys 25 might fit the bill, however one thing concerns me... there are two inputs, one for XLR/1/4" and the other for 1/4". However I've been burned on hardware before, getting it home and finding out it isn't compatible with an iPad... or in the case of my microphone, a Shure SM-58, that it is the wrong impedance.

I don't already own a midi controller and I am not a keyboard player. So for me, buttons I can press are about the best that I can do.

The other thing I need is a foot pedal for my guitar and ToneStack. I've been looking at the iRig Blueboard, which is $100 out of my budget. Thoughts on this as a foot pedal? I don't really need the whole Behringer FCB1010 with all those buttons!

ikmultimedia

You can use an SM58 with the interface that is in iRig Keys I/O 25. And yes it will be iPad compatible - you can read the full specs at http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigkeysio/index.php?pp=irig-keys-io-specs

Note that there is a combination input so you can only plug in either XLR or 1/4" but not both at the same time.

fprintf

@ikmultimedia said:

Note that there is a combination input so you can only plug in either XLR or 1/4" but not both at the same time.

Thank you very much for the quick response! I think I will end up going another route then because I need to do both guitar and microphone at the same time.

YZJustDatGuy

Do you want everything to be in one excluding the pedal or do you just want separate things that work properly?

StMichaels

I have had the IRIG 49 which I purchased for my son during Christmas. It is a great keyboard controller and is probably the easiest integration into IOS. Plug and play. I also purchased the charger so that it would power the iPad in use. No camera connection kit needed as it comes packaged with the right connection. It sounds great. Currently using the headphone output. The IRIG 49 and 25 also supports USB powered and can connect to a DAW. My son and I love it.

Question for IK: Can audio interface built into the IRIG run the IPAD connection and USB to a MAC or PC DAW for simultaneously?

For example if you used IPAD and you also wanted to record into a DAW (Midi) and have sound play back out of the MAC DAW back to audio interface to a pair of studio monitors? Can you run both USB and IPAD connection for that use case or do u still need to buy a dedicated separate audio interface?

fprintf

I ended up jumping in on the Zoom U-24 sale posted in the other thread and buying an iRig BlueBoard and some other stuff like an Apple USB3-lightning adapter and a 7-port powered USB hub. I will wait on an inexpensive MIDI keyboard to plug into the hub.

rs2000

So the keys i/o will also charge the iDevice when used with the A/C adapter, right?

YZJustDatGuy

@fprintf said:
I ended up jumping in on the Zoom U-24 sale posted in the other thread and buying an iRig BlueBoard and some other stuff like an Apple USB3-lightning adapter and a 7-port powered USB hub. I will wait on an inexpensive MIDI keyboard to plug into the hub.

I use the Novation Launchkey Mini in combination with my U24 (using 2AA batteries) with an unpowered USB hub and it works with the iPad without having to supply power to the iPad. Perfect for creating anywhere

ToMess

Get korg microkey if you want good budget small keys. Others in the price range feel very bad in comparison.

ikmultimedia

@StMichaels said:
I have had the IRIG 49 which I purchased for my son during Christmas. It is a great keyboard controller and is probably the easiest integration into IOS. Plug and play. I also purchased the charger so that it would power the iPad in use. No camera connection kit needed as it comes packaged with the right connection. It sounds great. Currently using the headphone output. The IRIG 49 and 25 also supports USB powered and can connect to a DAW. My son and I love it.

Question for IK: Can audio interface built into the IRIG run the IPAD connection and USB to a MAC or PC DAW for simultaneously?

For example if you used IPAD and you also wanted to record into a DAW (Midi) and have sound play back out of the MAC DAW back to audio interface to a pair of studio monitors? Can you run both USB and IPAD connection for that use case or do u still need to buy a dedicated separate audio interface?

You would not be able to use the same audio interface to record simultaneously connected to both iPad and Mac/PC at the same time.

ikmultimedia

@rs2000 said:
So the keys i/o will also charge the iDevice when used with the A/C adapter, right?

Yes, per http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigkeysio

Additionally, they offer more iOS friendly features that can’t be found with any other controller like the included mobile device stand and the possibility to keep the device charged during long playing session using an optional power supply adapter...