Line 6 Announce Mobile Keys – Keyboard Controllers for iOS, Mac and PC

Date Added: Jan 17, 2012

17 January 2012:

Line 6 have announced Mobile Keys premium keyboard controllers for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC. Mobile Keys 25 and Mobile Keys 49 are a pair of new, lightweight, ultraportable keyboards designed to control iOS music apps and do double duty as USB MIDI controllers for Mac and Windows computers.

Both models have full-size keys and solid keyboard action. The keys are velocity sensitive, allowing them to accurately interpret the nuances and subtleties of a keyboardist’s playing. Both Mobile Keys models are compatible with any iOS app that supports the CoreMIDI standard for input, including GarageBand and numerous drum machines, synthesizers and virtual instruments.

“With Mobile Keys 25 and 49, not only do you have two extremely portable options for playing and recording on the go with your iPhone and iPad music apps,” says Line 6 co-founder and digital audio innovator Marcus Ryle, “but you can move seamlessly between your iOS music apps and your Mac or PC, as well.”

The keyboards require no additional hardware to function—they plug right into an iOS device’s dock connector. They’re bus powered, so they need no external power supply or batteries. The two keyboards are equipped with pitch bend and modulation wheels for additional sonic control, and they also have a pair of 1/4-inch TRS jacks for plugging in sustain and expression pedals. Both keyboards also have USB jacks and are USB class-compliant, allowing seamless connection with Mac and Windows desktop and laptop computers.

Whether you’re a beginning musician or a seasoned studio professional, you can now perform, record and capture inspiration with MIDI keyboard controller solutions that work with all your music-making devices.

Perfect for GarageBand and Other CoreMIDI Apps

Get more from GarageBand and other CoreMIDI virtual instruments, drum machines, multi-track studios and more. Simply connect your Mobile Keys controller to your device and let the musical ideas flow. There’s no need for additional hardware, power sources or downloads — you can start making music immediately.

Record Your Music When Inspiration Strikes

Because Mobile Keys controllers are powered by your iPad, iPhone or computer, you can capture inspiration precisely when it strikes. No power supply, batteries or adapter needed. Make music as you would in a studio — but do it anytime, anywhere.

Power-packed Portability

Mobile Keys controllers are the perfect size for musicians on the go, and the perfect add-on keyboards for any rig. Mobile Keys 25 is just over 1.5-feet long and Mobile Keys 49 is just over 2.5-feet long. Never sacrificing function for form, Mobile Keys controllers are sleek and low-profile while remaining extremely comfortable to play.

Pro Keybed for a Powerful Performance

Action is everything, which is why Mobile Keys controllers feature pro keybeds. The full-sized keys have a consistently solid feel that supports great performances unlike other, lower-quality controllers that feel thin and fragile. From ten-note chords to single-note riffs, Mobile Keys controllers have the natural action you need to perform your best all the time.

Mac and PC Compatibility

Why spend time readjusting your brain and your hands to a new keyboard every time you want to go from your iPhone or iPad to your computer? If you like to work in multiple platforms — CoreMIDI, Mac, PC or all of the above — then Mobile Keys controllers are the perfect choice. They seamlessly integrate with each platform, are plug-n-play simple without downloads or drivers, and are powered by the connected device — there’s no need for batteries or a power cable.

Mobile Keys 25 and 49 are compatible with Mac and PC computers, and these mobile devices: iPod touch (3rd and 4th generation), iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2 and iPad.

Sustain, Expression and Other Tone Controls

To make sure your music contains your unique voice, Mobile Keys controllers employ essential tone controls including smooth-action Pitch and Mod wheels, Volume and Pan knobs with full MIDI controller range and Octave Up and Octave Down buttons for instant access to different registers. Press the Shift button to access advanced functions including Transpose, MIDI Channel, Program Change, Velocity Curve and Controller Assign (knobs, pedals and Mod wheel).

Essential Jacks for Inspired Performances and Seamless Integration

The back panels of both Mobile Keys controllers feature all the essential connections you need to make music with your iPad, iPhone, Mac and PC. They include a 1/4″ TRS sustain pedal jack, 1/4″ TRS expression pedal jack, USB jack and a special jack for connection to the 30-pin jack on your iPad or iPhone dock connector. Special 3-foot/1-meter cable included.

Features

Class-compliant USB MIDI keyboard controllers for making music on iPad, iPhone, Mac and PC
Ideal for GarageBand and other CoreMIDI music apps as well as workhorse DAWs
Powered by connected device — no batteries or power adaptor needed
Full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys for expressive playability (Mobile Keys 49 features 49 keys; Mobile Keys 25 features 25 keys)
Pro keybed for a consistently solid feel
Mod and Pitch wheels for expression effects
Volume and Pan knobs
Octave Up and Octave Down buttons
Shift button for accessing advanced functions including Transpose, MIDI Channel, Program Change, Velocity Curve and Controller Assign (knobs, pedals, and Mod wheel)
1/4″ TRS Sustain pedal jack
1/4″ TRS Expression pedal jack
USB jack and special jack for connection to the 30-pin jack on your iPad or iPhone (special 3-foot/1-meter cable included)
Extremely portable
Sturdy construction, sleek design
Compatible with Mac and PC computers
Compatible with iPod touch (3rd and 4th generation), iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2 and iPad