Descrizione

Korg Keystage 49 is a 4-octave USB MIDI 2.0 Master Keyboard, equipped with 49 velocity-sensitive keys and Polyphonic Aftertouch. Compatible with MIDI 2.0 and MPE, Korg Keystage  is the first MIDI controller on the market to adopt MIDI-CI Property Exchange for communicating with connected hardware and software instruments. Keystage 49 offers immediate control and visual feedback of parameters thanks to 8 OLED screens, each with a dedicated rotary potentiometer. It includes an arpeggiator, chord playback modes, an integrated audio interface with Jack outputs, and official integration with Ableton Live.

Korg Keystage 49 is a USB MIDI 2.0 keyboard controller, a latest-generation Master Keyboard for music producers, musicians, and performers, which adopts the innovations introduced by the MIDI 2.0 standard. Keystage, available in 49 and 61-key versions, is the first MIDI keyboard controller on the market to support property exchange between instruments (hardware and software), for immediate and unparalleled integration and control compared to the past. 

Creative inspiration meets expressive innovation: Polyphonic Aftertouch, MPE compatibility. Equipped with keys that offer excellent touch response, sensitive to velocity and Polyphonic Aftertouch, with related MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) compatibility, Korg Keystage offers direct control and immediate visual feedback thanks to its 8 OLED screens dedicated to parameters, each with a dedicated rotary potentiometer. It includes a powerful arpeggiator, a series of chord playback modes, an integrated audio interface with Jack outputs, and official integration with the Ableton Live DAW software.

Korg Keystage: the link between past and future 

Korg Keystage keyboards are fully compatible with the traditional MIDI standard, making them universally usable with all previous generation hardware and software devices.

Inspiration can't wait

Say goodbye to complex MIDI mappings that waste time and patience. When inspiration strikes, you need to capture your musical ideas quickly and accurately. Korg Keystage allows you to do just that.

A cutting-edge MIDI controller in keyboard innovation, being the first to truly harness the potential of MIDI 2.0. Simply connect the keyboard to compatible software, and Keystage automatically assigns parameters and even displays their names on its ultra-intelligible OLED screens. Each screen is associated with a knob for real-time adjustments, meaning you will always see the assigned parameters and their exact values. Make informed decisions and act on your instruments without interrupting the creative flow.

Experience the magic of instant plug-and-play connectivity with Keystage. It is compatible with most DAW software and offers unparalleled official integration with Ableton Live and Korg Gadget.

Express yourself musically with Keystage 49

Korg Keystage allows musicians to reach new levels of musical expression, thanks to a newly designed semi-weighted keyboard with excellent touch response. Keystage goes beyond simply pressing a note, because it supports both channel and polyphonic Aftertouch, including MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression). This versatility allows you to play, control, and manipulate a wide range of software and hardware sound sources, managing the most subtle sonic nuances.

Keystage's arpeggiator is powerful and offers features that go far beyond what any other MIDI keyboard on the market has to offer. The wide selection of patterns is complemented by customization options, including aftertouch-activated ratchet, randomization, gating, and more.

Furthermore, Keystage's Chord mode provides a suite of 32 ready-to-use chord sets. These can be used as they are or customized. You can also save them in one of the 32 user slots. Since each set can have a chord assigned to each chromatic note of an octave, rest assured that you will never run out of chords! Chords can even be played in different ways, including strumming mode which simulates rhythmic guitar. 

Korg Keystage allows you to express yourself musically thanks to a fluid and optimized workflow. Gone are the days of dealing with cumbersome and complex controllers. Keystage ensures an efficient musical experience.

Official integration with Ableton Live

Keystage offers certified integration with Ableton Live, one of the most popular DAWs in the industry, giving you control over both transport and devices. Keystage can detect the currently active instrument or effect in Live and automatically adapt (map) to its first 8 parameters! When switching devices, Keystage dynamically reconfigures itself in real time for an uninterrupted, distraction-free experience.

Both Ableton Live and Keystage are MPE compatible, for greater flexibility and creative possibilities. For example, Live's powerful Drift synthesizer (available from version 11.3) uses MPE control to offer even more expressive capabilities.

Additionally, Keystage comes bundled with Ableton Live 11 Lite as part of its software suite: a beginner-friendly version of Live that offers many features to help you start your journey in music creation and live performance.

The future of played music is in MIDI 2.0

MIDI 2.0 is one of the most exciting developments in electronic music production in decades. But what exactly is it? The MIDI Association explains on its official website that MIDI 2.0 means bidirectional MIDI communication. Until now, MIDI 1.0 messages went in one direction: from a transmitter to a receiver. Thanks to the new MIDI-CI (Capability Inquiry) messages, MIDI 2.0 devices can communicate with each other and self-configure to work together.

The Korg Keystage MIDI Master keyboard uses Property Exchange MIDI-CI messages to communicate with other devices. It retrieves information such as the Control Change (CC) parameters that should be linked and the appropriate names to display for each parameter. This means that Keystage can communicate with a wide range of MIDI 2.0 compatible devices and exchange information in both directions. This exciting feature extends not only to software plug-ins, such as those included with Keystage, but also to hardware devices!

Since Property Exchange MIDI 2.0 is compatible with MIDI DIN cables, Keystage offers opportunities for integration with existing devices, opening the way for new and exciting possibilities on the horizon. Furthermore, backward compatibility is not an issue – you can control and communicate with devices that do not support MIDI 2.0 using normal MIDI 1.0.

Perfect for the stage

Keystage is not just an incredibly powerful and feature-rich MIDI controller; it's the master keyboard you've always wanted to control your live setup. Equipped with stereo audio output, simply connect the keyboard to your computer, tablet, or smartphone and then directly to the sound system, without the need for additional equipment that only takes up valuable space.

The semi-weighted AT keyboard not only offers exceptional playability but also makes Keystage surprisingly lightweight, weighing only 4.2 kg for the 49-key version and 5 kg for the 61-key version. Its thin and portable design allows for easy transport, while its robust construction ensures durability.

Keystage also offers flexible customization options. You can modify settings directly through the menu or conveniently adjust them using the Korg Kontrol software on your computer.

Keystage includes a dedicated expansion plate ideal for tablets, other devices, or accessories. On the 61-key model, you have the flexibility to adjust the position of the plates in two different positions, providing a stable and solid surface on which to place your laptop.

Full-size keyboard and integrated audio interface 

Thanks to the USB type B port, Keystage not only transmits MIDI data to your tablet or smartphone but also receives audio from music apps via its integrated audio interface and sends it to your sound system via its stereo output. 

Rich software bundle with Korg Keystage 49

In addition to<strong> Ableton Live LITE</strong>, the included downloadable software includes<strong> Korg Gadget</strong>: an all-in-one music production software and also a collection of plug-ins. The intuitive user interface provides over 40 instruments (synthesizers and drum machines) called "Gadget", which you can freely combine for music production. Keystage includes the "<strong>Korg Gadget Producer Pack</strong>": this is a version with most of the features and Gadgets that Korg Gadget 2 software offers. The following gadgets are not included: Kamata, Stockholm, DeeMax, Lexington, Ebina, and Otorii.

The integration between Korg Gadget and Keystage is deep and makes possible the automatic synchronization of Gadget parameters on Keystage, as well as extended control of transport functions that will make using Gadget even easier and faster.

Wavestate native LE

Explore the full expressive potential of Keystage with wavestate native LE and its many preset patches that utilize Poly and Channel Aftertouch, all fully compatible with MIDI 2.0 (currently only in the standalone version). wavestate native LE is a partially limited version of wavestate native, which is a virtualized version of the eponymous hardware synthesizer. Do you know the limit of wavestate native LE? You won't be able to open more than one instance of this plug-in in your project. 

Korg Keystage 49 Features

     
• USB controller compatible with MIDI 2.0
     
• Polytouch MIDI keyboard
     
• 49 keys, 4 octaves
     
• Velocity, aftertouch, and polyphonic aftertouch sensitive keys
     
• 21 velocity curves, 7 octave ranges (-3, 0, +3)
     
• 16 memorizable Scenes

Controls and display

     
• Pitch bend wheel
     
• Modulation wheel
     
• 8 rotary potentiometers for parameter control
     
• Main display and 8 Sub OLED displays

Arpeggiator with 20 rhythmic patterns

Chord Mode: 32 User and as many Presets

Connections

     
• USB type B for audio/MIDI connection to PC and Mac computers
     
• Stereo out audio interface at 44.1 kHz, 16-bit
     
• NB: Drivers required in Windows environment
     
• MIDI DIN IN and OUT
     
• Jack input for expression pedal
     
• Jack input for Damper pedal (Half supported)
     
• Stereo audio output (L/MONO, R jacks)
     
• Headphone output

Power Supply

     
• Via USB 
     
• Via AC adapter (9 V DC): Korg KA350 (NOT included)

Consumption: 

     
• 5 V/500 mA or less (when connected via USB)
     
• 4W when connected to power

Dimensions and weight: 814×234×82mm; 4.2KG.

Included in the package: USB cable (Type A-Type B), object holder expansion

Accessories (sold separately)

     
• Korg KA350: AC adapter
     
• XVP-20: volume/expression pedal
     
• EXP-2: foot controller
     
• DS-1H: Damper pedal
     
• PS-1 or PS-3: pedal switch