New Korg microKey Controllers Debut At Musikmesse

Korg microkey midi controller

Musikmesse 2012: Korg announced today that it is expanding its microKEY family of USB Powered Keyboard and MIDI Controllers.

The microKEY-37 is now joined by the more portable microKEY-25 and the five-octave microKEY-61 for studio use. As a bonus, the microKEY-61 comes with the Legacy Collection Suite – a collection of software versions of some of Korg’s most coveted synthesizers, including the iconic M1 Workstation, plus effects plug-ins.

Compact USB Powered MIDI Controllers

For added flexibility and control, the microKEY 37- and 61-key models both serve double-duty as a USB hub. Two USB ports (Type A) allow users to expand their control center by adding on a Korg nanoPAD2, nanoKONTROL2 or any other USB device. The Mac and PC-compatible microKEYs also run on USB power, making them well-suited for on-the-go laptop musicians. For iPad musicians, the microKEY-25 can be used to control apps such as the Korg iMS-20 via MIDI.

All microKEY models feature velocity-sensing mini keys, using the same Natural Touch keybed found on the Korg microKORG XL and microSTATION. This keybed has been designed with careful attention to the touch and feel: the proportions of the black keys and white “waterfall” keys have been adjusted for optimal playability, with a key touch that makes it easy to play chords, glissandos and rapid-fire phrases. The microKEY also accurately conveys the dynamics of the user’s performance to any software package.

Octave Shift buttons, when used in conjunction with the Key Transpose function, enable the full range of notes in the MIDI specification to be covered. For added expression during a performance, the 37- and 61-key models feature a pitch bend wheel and modulation wheel. The 25-key model features a built-in arpeggiator, a sustain/tap button, and an assignable joystick for pitch bend, modulation, or any other control change.

korg microkey usb midi controller family

Korg microKey Software Bundle

Free “Korg KONTROL Editor” software enables users to customize microKEY for their production or performance system. Eight velocity curves plus fixed velocity (nine total types) are provided, as well as options for specifying the control change number of the modulation wheel or joystick and the maximum and minimum values.

In addition to the Korg Legacy Collection software included with the microKEY-61, all microKEY models ship with the following software licenses and discount coupons so users can start making music right away:

  • A license to download “M1 Le,” a limited edition of Korg’s M1 software synthesizer that brings the sounds of the M1 Music Workstation to computer musicians. Users may also upgrade to the full “M1 software synthesizer,” “Wavestation v1.6 software synthesizer,” or “MDE-X v1.2 multi-effect plug-in” bundles (included with 25- and 37-key models only).
  • A license to download Toontrack’s software drum sound module “EZdrummer® Lite,” giving users access to numerous high-quality drum sounds. Visit www.toontrack.com for details.
  • A discount coupon for Ableton’s “Live,” “Live Suite,” or “Live LE” DAW software, widely popular for its sophisticated functionality. For details on this software, please refer towww.ableton.com or www.h-resolution.com.
  • A license for “Lounge Lizard Session,” the physical modeling sound module from Applied Acoustics Systems, famed for its richly expressive electric piano sounds. For details on this software, please visit www.minet.jp/aas/lounge-lizard-session.
  • A license for “Ultra Analog Session,” the analog modeling synthesizer from Applied Acoustics Systems, acclaimed for its fat, powerful sounds. For details on this software, please refer to www.minet.jp/aas/ultra-analog-session.

Pricing & Availability

  • Available now:
    • microKEY-37 – U.S. street price $79.99
  • Summer 2012:
    • microKEY-25 – U.S. street price $69.99
    • microKEY-61 – U.S. street price $179.99

See the Korg site for details.

12 thoughts on “New Korg microKey Controllers Debut At Musikmesse

  1. I went to a music shop to buy the microKey 37 for my iPad2, but plugging it into the camera connection kit did not work. It was not recognized at all. Other keyboards were recognized (by my iPad2+camera connection kit). So? Did Korg change anything to make it compatible?

  2. I love and buy Korg gear, but mini-keys are just bigger buttons. Yes, they “work,” but I only used my old CZ-101 as an expander. Playing it meaningfully from its own keys only worked for a few one-finger things. You lose a meaningful dimension in your music if you don’t physically engage it by hand part of the time. Although I prefer 5 octaves, 4 is the sweetheart size for desktop work, IMO. If this one suits you, cool, but spend a little more and get a LOT more. Look at full-sized-key Novation and Akai controllers; these things rock.

    1. I think with a CZ-synth, I’d be temped to exploit the CZ itself, too. It’s hard finding synths that go beyond the standard ADSR envelopes. My CZ-1000 is in storage, but it’s been on my mind lately.

      “You lose a meaningful dimension in your music if you don’t physically engage it by hand part of the time.”

      That’s part of the reason I like apps that make good use of the touchscreen. TC-11, Orphion and GeoSynth come to mind. If the iPad is just going to be used as a synth module, I don’t really see the advantage over the VSTi’s on my desktop.

  3. It appears that the Microkey 37 has had its price reduced $20 BUT you no longer get the chance to download the special edition of the Legacy Collection for $99.00. That’s truly a bummer because the Microkey plus the Legacy Collection (digital and analog) was the deal of the year last year.

  4. I just checked the korguser.net website. It appears that at least for now, if you have a licensed copy of M1LE, you can upgrade to Legacy Collection Special Edition for $99 (USD).

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