Can the Korg microKEY-2 Air 49 connect to a Windows PC via Bluetooth?

While the Air series is designed primarily for native Bluetooth support on Mac and iOS, Windows users typically require a specific Bluetooth MIDI driver or a Korg-branded USB-MIDI Bluetooth dongle to achieve low-latency wireless performance. Otherwise, it functions as a standard MIDI controller via a USB cable.

Does the keyboard have internal sounds?

No, the microKEY-2 Air 49 is a MIDI controller and does not produce sound on its own. It must be connected to a computer, tablet, or smartphone running software instruments to generate audio.

What type of batteries does it use for wireless operation?

The unit typically requires two AA batteries to operate in Bluetooth mode. The battery life is designed to last for approximately 30 hours of play time depending on usage conditions.

Is the key size the same as a standard piano?

No, it features 'Natural Touch' mini-keys. These are smaller than standard piano keys to keep the controller compact and portable, though they are designed to maintain a tactile feel for musical performance.

Can I connect a sustain pedal to this controller?

Yes, the 49-key model includes a assignable switch jack that is primarily used for a damper (sustain) pedal. This is an advantage over the smaller 25-key version which lacks this input.

Is the USB cable included in the box?

Yes, Korg typically includes a USB cable for wired connection and bus powering. This allows the unit to be used immediately with a Mac or PC without needing batteries.

What is the benefit of the 'Air' version over the standard microKEY-2?

The 'Air' version includes Bluetooth connectivity for wireless use with iOS and Mac devices. The standard microKEY-2 requires a USB cable for all operations.

Does it have a MIDI DIN output?

No, it does not have traditional 5-pin MIDI DIN ports. All MIDI data is transmitted either over USB or via Bluetooth LE.

How many octaves can I access with the 49-key version?

The physical keyboard covers four octaves. By using the onboard Octave Shift buttons, you can access the entire MIDI note range from C-1 to G9.

Can I use the Korg microKEY-2 Air with an iPhone?

Yes, it is designed to work with iOS devices. You can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth using the Korg BLE-MIDI utility or directly within compatible apps like Korg Gadget.

Are the pitch and modulation controls wheels or buttons?

The 49-key model features physical pitch-bend and modulation wheels. This provides more traditional tactile control compared to the joystick found on the 25-key model.

What software comes with the Korg microKEY-2 Air 49?

It includes a bundle code for various software, including the Korg Legacy Collection, Korg Module for iOS, and Propellerhead Reason Limited. The specific software included may vary slightly by region and time of purchase.

Gear article

Korg microKEY-2 Air 49

The Korg microKEY-2 Air 49 is a portable wireless MIDI controller designed for music production on Mac, PC, and iOS devices. It features 49 velocity-sensitive natural touch keys and utilizes Bluetooth LE technology for low-latency wireless connectivity.

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Overview

The Korg microKEY-2 Air 49 is a versatile MIDI controller that balances portability with a generous four-octave range. It belongs to the second generation of Korg's microKEY series, specifically distinguished by its 'Air' designation, which indicates the inclusion of wireless Bluetooth capabilities. The unit is designed to provide a compact solution for composers and producers who require a lightweight setup without sacrificing the ability to play two-handed parts.

Design and Key Action

The controller uses Korg's 'Natural Touch' mini-keyboard design. These keys are velocity-sensitive and engineered to remain playable even when performing chords or rapid phrases. Despite its compact footprint, the 49-key layout provides enough range for complex arrangements. The physical interface is streamlined, featuring traditional pitch-bend and modulation wheels, along with octave shift buttons to access the full MIDI note range. A dedicated damper pedal input is also included on the rear panel, which is a significant feature for a controller of this size.

Connectivity and Power

A primary feature of the microKEY-2 Air is its support for Bluetooth Low Energy (LE). This allows the keyboard to connect wirelessly to Apple iOS devices (iPad/iPhone) and Mac computers with minimal latency. For standard desktop use, it can also be connected via a traditional USB cable to both Mac and PC systems. When used wirelessly, the unit is powered by batteries; when connected via USB, it draws bus power directly from the host computer, eliminating the need for an external power supply.

Software Bundle

Korg includes a comprehensive suite of music software with the microKEY-2 Air 49. This bundle provides immediate tools for music creation and includes:

Korg Legacy Collection: A suite of software synthesisers emulating classic Korg hardware.
Propellerhead Reason Limited: A streamlined version of the popular DAW.
Korg Gadget and Korg Module: Dedicated apps for iOS music production.
Various other third-party software licenses for sounds and production tools.

Suitability and Comparison

This controller is particularly suited for mobile producers and laptop-based musicians who require a wireless workflow. Compared to the smaller Korg microKEY 25, the 49-key version allows for more traditional piano-style playing. When compared to full-sized controllers like the M-Audio Keystation 49 MKIII, the Korg is significantly more compact but features smaller keys. For users needing advanced performance controls, devices like the Expressive E Osmose or Nektar Aura offer different tactile responses, but the microKEY-2 Air remains a primary choice for simple, wireless note entry.

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Frequently asked questions

Can the Korg microKEY-2 Air 49 connect to a Windows PC via Bluetooth?: While the Air series is designed primarily for native Bluetooth support on Mac and iOS, Windows users typically require a specific Bluetooth MIDI driver or a Korg-branded USB-MIDI Bluetooth dongle to achieve low-latency wireless performance. Otherwise, it functions as a standard MIDI controller via a USB cable.
Does the keyboard have internal sounds?: No, the microKEY-2 Air 49 is a MIDI controller and does not produce sound on its own. It must be connected to a computer, tablet, or smartphone running software instruments to generate audio.
What type of batteries does it use for wireless operation?: The unit typically requires two AA batteries to operate in Bluetooth mode. The battery life is designed to last for approximately 30 hours of play time depending on usage conditions.
Is the key size the same as a standard piano?: No, it features 'Natural Touch' mini-keys. These are smaller than standard piano keys to keep the controller compact and portable, though they are designed to maintain a tactile feel for musical performance.
Can I connect a sustain pedal to this controller?: Yes, the 49-key model includes a assignable switch jack that is primarily used for a damper (sustain) pedal. This is an advantage over the smaller 25-key version which lacks this input.
Is the USB cable included in the box?: Yes, Korg typically includes a USB cable for wired connection and bus powering. This allows the unit to be used immediately with a Mac or PC without needing batteries.
What is the benefit of the 'Air' version over the standard microKEY-2?: The 'Air' version includes Bluetooth connectivity for wireless use with iOS and Mac devices. The standard microKEY-2 requires a USB cable for all operations.
Does it have a MIDI DIN output?: No, it does not have traditional 5-pin MIDI DIN ports. All MIDI data is transmitted either over USB or via Bluetooth LE.
How many octaves can I access with the 49-key version?: The physical keyboard covers four octaves. By using the onboard Octave Shift buttons, you can access the entire MIDI note range from C-1 to G9.
Can I use the Korg microKEY-2 Air with an iPhone?: Yes, it is designed to work with iOS devices. You can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth using the Korg BLE-MIDI utility or directly within compatible apps like Korg Gadget.
Are the pitch and modulation controls wheels or buttons?: The 49-key model features physical pitch-bend and modulation wheels. This provides more traditional tactile control compared to the joystick found on the 25-key model.
What software comes with the Korg microKEY-2 Air 49?: It includes a bundle code for various software, including the Korg Legacy Collection, Korg Module for iOS, and Propellerhead Reason Limited. The specific software included may vary slightly by region and time of purchase.