Korg microKEY USB Keyboard Controller (37-Key)

No longer available at zZounds
Korg's surprisingly playable 37 mini-keys make this USB MIDI controller perfect for mobile keyboardists, and the handy built-in hub adds two extra USB ports.

Musical inspiration has struck - and you can't wait to bust out your keyboard chops on the soft synths and pianos that were bundled with your DAW. But you don't have time or space to set up a full-size keyboard, run power, or deal with MIDI cables. Fear not: the Korg microKEY is here! Korg's series of "Micro" keyboards has proved popular with musicians who find Korg's mini-keys surprisingly playable. With the release of the microKEY, Korg puts three octaves of velocity-sensitive mini-keys right where they're most useful: as a budget-friendly USB MIDI controller for software instruments. Just over 22 inches wide, this controller fits neatly in front of your computer keyboard or laptop (not to mention in your backpack or messenger bag). The microKEY even has a built-in USB hub with two extra ports, so there's plenty of places to plug your external USB drive, iLok or mouse. It's a simple and easy way to put a keyboard on your desk - or just about anywhere.

Portability Plus Playability

There's a reason that Korg's "Micro" series boards seem to be showing up on so many pro artists' stages: serious build quality, and playability that defies their small size. Just because it weighs 2.2 pounds doesn't mean the microKEY is a toy. Rather, the microKEY has a reassuringly solid, velocity-sensitive synth-action keyboard, the same as those found on the MicroKORG XL and MicroSTATION - designed for keyboardists to comfortably play chords and glissandi despite the ultra-compact size. After read more all, Korg is first and foremost a keyboard manufacturer, so it stands to reason that the Korg microKEY is no glorified drum machine - it's made to be played by real keyboardists.

Easy Octave Shifting

You can't miss the Octave Up and Down buttons that light up and change color with each press, cycling through green, orange, red, and blinking red to show you what range you're playing in. You can shift the microKEY's keyboard 4 octaves up or down, to access the entire MIDI range. Right above these buttons, you'll find full-size pitch and modulation wheels with a reassuringly firm feel. Korg's free Kontrol Editor software lets you customize the range of the wheels and set the keyboard to respond to one of eight velocity curves to match your playing style.

Soft Synths Bundled In the Box

A MIDI controller is only as good as the sounds you can play through it. Luckily, the microKEY comes with licenses for several software instruments ready to plug in to your DAW, so you can start making music right away. There's M1 Le, a software limited edition of Korg's M1 workstation synth. You'll also find EzDrummer Lite, Toontrack's software drum module packed with quality drum sounds, and Lounge Lizard Session, known for expressive electric piano sounds. There's even a discount coupon for the ubiquitous Ableton Live loop-based performance software, that more and more musicians are using as a DAW.

On-board USB Hub

What if you've got more dongles and USB gear than USB ports? Sooner or later, you're going to need a USB hub for it all. That's why Korg includes a USB hub right on the side of the microKEY. Two extra hubs provide a place to plug in your USB drive, mouse, or even other USB gear like a Korg nanoPAD. With all this versatility, plus the bundled software instruments, why not add a microKEY to your setup and see how playable Korg's mini-keys really are?

Features:

- Thin, light, USB-powered MIDI keyboard
- Korg Natural Touch keyboard with 37 comfortable, velocity-sensitive mini-keys
- Octave Shift buttons and Transpose feature let you access the full MIDI note range
- Full-size Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels
- Two USB ports - use the microKEY as a USB hub in your home studio
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Keyboard: 37 mini keys; Natural Touch, Velocity-sensing keybed
Controllers: Pitch bend wheel, Modulation wheel; Octave Up, Octave Down buttons
Connections: USB: Type A (x 2); Type B (x1)
Power: USB bus power
Power Consumption: < 500mA
Dimensions (W x D x H):
- 22.24 x 5.47 x 2.13 in.
- 565 x 139 x 54 mm
Weight:
- 2.21 lbs.
- 1.0 kg
Accessories: USB cable

System Requirements

Mac
Supported Computer: Apple Macintosh with USB port, satisfying the operating requirements of Mac OS X or Apple Macintosh with Intel or PowerPC supported
Supported OS:Mac OS X10.4 or later

Windows
Supported Computer: Computer with USB port, satisfying the operating requirements of Windows XP/ Vista/7 (Intel USB chipset recommended)
Supported OS: Windows XP SP3 (32bit), Windows Vista SP2 (32bit, 64bit) or Windows 7 (32bit, 64bit)

*Keyboard operation is not guaranteed with all computers that satisfy these system requirements.

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-6800
Web: https://www.korgusa.com/support

Korg MicroKey USB Keyboard Controller

The perfect choice for controlling your computer music software - in production or in performance the Korg microKEY is a slim, lightweight, USB powered and compatible with all of your computer music software; use it to create your own compact and customized command center.

Features

- USB MIDI keyboard - thin, lightweight, and USB-powered
- 37 velocity-sensitive mini keys
- Comfortable and easy-to-play Natural Touch keyboard
- Octave Shift and Key Transpose features access the full MIDI note range
- Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels add expression to your performance
- Dual USB ports are ideal for adding Korg's nanoPAD or nanoKONTROL
- (or other USB devices) to your setup

Natural Touch Mini Keyboard

The microKEY features 37 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, and the key touch makes it easy to play chords, glissandos, and rapid-fire phrases. The microKEY accurately conveys the dynamics of your performance to any software plug in.

Extended Range and Expression

The Octave Shift buttons extend the range of the Korg microKEY by four octaves in either direction - up or down. The Key Transpose allows you to play in any key instantly. Used together, these two features provide access to the entire MIDI note range. For adding tasty expression to your performance, the Korg microKEY is also equipped with both a Pitch Bend wheel and a Modulation wheel.

USB versatility

Your Korg microKEY serves double-duty as a USB hub. The two USB ports (Type A) allow you to expand your custom control center by adding on a Korg nanoPAD or nanoKONTROL - or any other USB device!

Free Editing Software

Download the free "Korg Kontrol Editor" and customize the Korg microKEY for your production or performance system. Using the editor software, you can set the keyboard to respond to one of eight distinct velocity curves, or set a fixed velocity value. In addition, the range of the modulation wheel can be customized by setting minimum and maximum control change values.

*Korg Kontrol Editor can be downloaded from the Support section of the Korg website.

Software License Bundle

The microKEY ships with the following software licenses and discount coupons so you can start making music right away.

- 1. M1 Le (license)
Included is a license for the "M1 Le"*, a limited edition of the M1 software synthesizer (included in the Korg Legacy Collection - Digital Edition) that brings to your computer the sounds of the ground-breaking M1 music workstation. (This software can be downloaded for use.)

- 2. EzDrummer Lite (license)
Included is a license for Toontrack's software drum sound module "EzDrummer Lite"*, giving you numerous high-quality drum sounds. (This software can be downloaded for use.) You'll be able to immediately start enjoying realistic drum sounds played from your microKEY.
- *Please be aware that neither the software manufacturer nor Korg can provide support regarding the use of this software. For details on upgrading the demo software or purchasing the full version, please refer to www.toontrack.com or www.crypton.co.jp/prod/28301.

- 3. Ableton "Live" series (discount coupon included)
Included is a discount coupon* for Ableton's "Live," "Live Suite," and "Live LE" DAW software, widely popular for its sophisticated functionality.
- * For details on this software, please refer to www.ableton.com or www.h-resolution.com.

- 4. Lounge Lizard Session (license)
Included is 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 refer to www.applied-acoustics.com/loungelizardsession/overview or wwww.applied-acoustics.com/korg-microkey/.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars. (3 ratings)
Submitted September 27, 2015 by Shawn R in Cleveland, OH

"Worth it for the software alone"

Overall: 3 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
The keyboard is functional, with mini keys. Not for large hands. I got this mainly for entering bass lines and pad patches with soft synths. I owned a Korg M1 back in the day and loved it. The free Korg M1 soft synth software you download is worth the cost alone. You can stack a bunch of M1 voices with this, and the voices are as good as the originals. You also get Reason Limited, with audio recording, and I love Reason as well, so hey, I'm happy. I will probably get a different controlled (again bundled with software I want) in the near future, but this is a great package for the money. The download process is a pain in the ***, but stick with it, it's worth it. Also, the software is not intuitive (never was) you gotta read the manual. It's worth it. I love Korg, what can I say? I also love Yamaha and Roland, heheh. I'm an 80's keyboard kinda guy. Lastly, you can get Syn Sations, which includes DX and Roland style soft Synths, I just haven't downloaded it yet cause its freakin 9 GB! It's probably improved over the actual hardware synths, and I'm excited to try them, those are timeless classic patches! There are some other downloads as well, I haven't dug into them all yet... Great hardware/software bundle for the Morgan Bucks!

Musical Background:

Primarily a guitarist, play some keys for composing. New how to program a Yamaha DX-7 from scratch. I mean really program it.

Musical Style:

I'm Dabbling with Metal, Psychedelic, and Hard Rock at this time.
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