"For me, being able to connect the keyboard directly to my iPhone and MacBook via the supplied cables is a blessing. There’s even a little attachable stand to put your mobile device onto to help you keep everything contained."

MI Focus has taken a close look at iRig Keys I/O 49, courtesy of editor Laura Barnes. Portability and ease of use were the top highlights of her review.

Here are some of her key comments:

"The iRig Keys I/O is not only a savvy MIDI controller, but also an audio interface with 24-bit audio and a 96kHz sampling rate."

"The 49-key model is surprisingly light weight for its size. In fact, I have a couple of smaller sized controllers that feel slightly heavier."

"Its big, touch sensitive buttons and knobs not only look good, but allow musicians to easily adjust and manipulate their sounds on the fly without fear of jabbing the wrong thing."

"The device comes with a set of touch sensitive programmable sliders, as well as a series of knobs and a row of velocity-sensitive multi-coloured pads. All three sections, which run along the top of the controller are a joy to use."

"For me, being able to connect the keyboard directly to my iPhone and MacBook via the supplied cables is a blessing. There’s even a little attachable stand to put your mobile device onto to help you keep everything contained."

"Moving on to the iRig Keys I/O’s audio interface, it’s quite easy to see the advantages this gives users. There are much fewer cables, wires and head scratching when getting your controller set up."

Laura's final verdict is:

"In a recording studio situation, everything can be connected directly to the Keys I/O, and with a built-in headphone output, you’ll also find this a useful device for practicing on.  And if you’re having trouble finding a power point, you can insert four AA batteries to make the iRig Keys I/O a truly portable, and powerful, piece of kit."

Read the full review from MI Focus
Learn more about iRig Keys I/O 49