Korg plugKEY, Portable MIDI & Audio Interface For iOS Musicians

Rounik Sethi on Jun 10, 2016 in News 4 comments

Korg have come out with something that iOS musicians and producers are simply going to love. PlugKEY is a portable audio and MIDI interface that every iPad and iPhone wielding producer will want.  

Here's what Korg tell us about the new plugKEY iOS music interface.

Melville, NY - - June 9, 2016 - - Always on the cutting-edge of innovation and aiming to satisfy the needs of music makers, Korg introduces plugKEY, which lets users connect any 5-pin MIDI-equipped instrument - - including their keyboard, home digital piano, workstation and more - - to their iOS device’s Lightning ™ connector to control MIDI-enabled apps. High quality stereo ¼” outputs- and audio out via the same Lightning ™ connection also allows users to connect their iOS device with their mixer, audio interface, or monitors with high-quality D/A conversion. Rounding out the feature set is a convenient volume knob and 1/8” headphone jack. Every plugKEY also includes LE versions of Korg’s acclaimed Module and Gadget apps. 

You can get plugKEY in white...

You can get plugKEY in white...

“Korg’s new plugKEY is a tool that every music maker should have access to. There is nothing on the market with a 5-pin MIDI In, stereo ¼ audio out, and optional charging for iOS. It’s really an ingeniously simple and useful MIDI and Audio tool for anyone using an iOS device for music,” shared James Sajeva, Korg USA’s Director of Technology Brands. “It’s also perfect for Digital Home Piano owners, from student to pro level, and opens up a world of control for iOS beyond small USB-only controllers.” 

... or black

... or black

With a compact design and weighing just 2 ounces, the extremely portable MIDI and audio interface is Apple Certified; providing users with confidence to use plugKEY as an approved device to interface their MIDI gear with music apps. 

Available in August for $99, with LE versions of Korg’s best-selling apps included with every purchase (Module and Gadget), learn more at www.korg.com.  

plugKEY connected to an iPhone.

plugKEY connected to an iPhone. 

plugKEY Operating Requirements

OS: iOS 8 or later

Devices:iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini, iPad 4th generation, iPod touch (5th, and 6th generation)

plugKEY Specifications

Connectors: Apple Lightning, MIDI IN: 5-Pin Din jack, Charging Port: DC 5V microUSB

Audio Outputs: Audio Line Outs (L/MONO, R): 1/4” phone jacks, Headphones: Stereo 1/8” mini phone jack, 

Web: http://www.korg.com/products/computergear/plugkey/

 

 

Rounik Sethi

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Rounik is the Executive Editor for Ask.Audio & macProVideo. He's built a crack team of professional musicians and writers to create one of the most visited online resources for news, review, tutorials and interviews for modern musician and producer. As an Apple Certified Trainer for Logic Pro Rounik has taught teachers, professional... Read More

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Discussion

ReTracer
Hi Rounik, I was about to purchase the plugKEY - compact and functional, very cool, but when I looked on the Korg website at the specifications I was very surprised to see that the iPad Pro is not listed under compatible devices http://www.korg.com/us/products/computergear/plugkey/specifications.php. I find this quite baffling, and wondered if it is a mistake, or if it actually does work even though it's not officially supported. Any insight you might know on this would be great to hear.

Cheers,
ReTracer
Dec 02, 2016
Felix
it doesn’t work with ipad pro 2017 ios 11.2 properly. it starts to crackle when using apps in the background mode, builtin mic or when you use more then one app the same time. neither korg nor apple seem to solve the issue. so for now its just useless.
Jan 08, 2018
Rounik
Hi ReTracer, that's odd. I imagine that's an oversight. Can't imagine why the PlugKEY wouldn't work on iPad Pro but is fine on iPad Mini and other models. Must be a mistake. :)
Dec 02, 2016
Elrac
Would the PlugKey be compatible with an early ipad with iOS 9.3.5., assuming a 31pin adapter for Apple Lightning exists?
Jan 26, 2018

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