Korg Keystage 61-Key Midi Controller Keyboard

Tech nerds can excited about new gear and music technology developments on a daily basis. However, very few things have stirred as much excitement as the arrival of MIDI 2.0. This Korg KeyStage MIDI Keyboard Controller represents a new era for how we work and create with MIDI. Plus, it’s just an awesome keyboard controller! It features an all-new keybed design that supports MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) plus Channel and Polyphonic Aftertouch. The KeyStage also contains an onboard audio interface plus stereo outputs, so it’s ready to rock both studio and stage, and the visual feedback provided by its OLED screens really streamlines your workflow. With deep chord modes and a vibrant arpeggiator, the KeyStage adds instant flair to any sound — and you’ll have plenty of sounds to work with, courtesy of Korg’s Gadget producer bundle, Korg’s wavestate native LE plug-in, and support for Ableton Live Lite 11.

MIDI 2.0 is here!

There are many gems on the Korg KeyStage, but the crown jewel is that the Korg KeyStage is one of the first — if not the first — keyboard controllers to feature MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange (PE) capabilities. MIDI 2.0 is legitimately the biggest music tech development in decades. Whereas MIDI 1.0 messages were one directional — transmitter to receiver — MIDI 2.0 messages are bidirectional, enabling MIDI 2.0 devices to detect and route to each other automatically. If you’ve ever wanted to pull your hair out while trying to get your MIDI devices routed correctly (which is most of us), then this is huge news. Simply plug your Korg KeyStage in and get right to work: no manual routing or drop-down menus required. That said, the KeyStage will still work with your MIDI 1.0 devices as MIDI 2.0 is backward compatible.

Even without MIDI 2.0, the Korg KeyStage would still be a fantastic keyboard controller with features like an all-new keybed that supports MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) as well as Channel and Polyphonic Aftertouch. The Keystage also has a built-in audio interface for recording and stereo output for performance, visual feedback from OLED screens allocated to individual parameters, and its comprehensive chord modes and arpeggiator instantly add depth and movement to any sound. Lastly, the Korg KeyStage is available in a 49- or 61-key configuration, so it easily fits on any desk or keyboard stand.

Ableton Live integration and more

The KeyStage’s cherry on top is its Ableton Live integration. In fact, it comes stock with Ableton Live Lite 11, Korg’s Gadget producer bundle, and the Korg wavestate native LE wave sequencing synthesizer plug-in — which is incredible even in LE form! It’s not hyperbolic to say that the Korg KeyStage is all you need to make great music, no matter where you go.

Features:

• Korg’s first MIDI controller with MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange integration
• Built-in audio interface for recording plus stereo output for performance
• New keybed design with MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) compatibility as well as Channel and Polyphonic Aftertouch
• Available in 2 lightweight and portable configurations: 49- or 61-key
• Ableton Live integration plus comes stock with Ableton Live Lite 11, Korg’s Gadget producer bundle, and Korg’s wavestate native LE wave sequencing synthesizer plug-in
• Robust chord modes and deep arpeggiator add instant flair to any sound
• Streamlined workflow with visual feedback provided by OLED screens allocated to individual parameters

Tech Specs

• Type: MIDI Keyboard Controller
• Number of Keys: 61
• Type of Keys: Full-sized
• Aftertouch: Polyphonic/Channel
• Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
• Encoders/Pots: 8 x Knobs
• Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS
• Headphones: 1 x 1/4" TRS
• Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (expression), 1 x 1/4" (damper)
• MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB, MIDI 2.0, MIDI Polyphonic Expression
• USB: 1 x Type B
• Computer Connectivity: USB
• Software: Korg Gadget Producer Bundle, Wavestate Native LE, Ableton Live 11 Lite
• Power Supply: USB Powered, 9V DC Power Supply (sold separately)
• Height: 3.2"
• Width: 38.5"
• Depth: 9.2"
• Weight: 11 lbs