Korg Keystage 49-key MIDI 2.0 Poly Aftertouch Controller

Keystage is the ultimate MIDI keyboard solution for producers and stage performers. As the first keyboard to adopt the MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange, Keystage puts unparalleled integration and control at your fingertips, taking your music-making experience to a whole new level.

Featuring a new keybed design with outstanding touch response, Polyphonic / Channel Aftertouch and MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) compatibility, Keystage offers hands-on control and instant visual feedback through its parameter-dedicated OLED screens. It features a powerful arpeggiator, an array of chord modes, an integrated audio interface, and official integration with Ableton Live.

Whether producing in the studio or performing live, Keystage offers an unparalleled integrated and distraction-free experience to keep your musical creativity flowing uninterrupted.

Express your -Musical- selfA newly developed semi-weighted keybed with excellent touch and response provides an immersive playing experience. Keystage goes beyond feel alone, with support for both channel and polyphonic Aftertouch, and MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression). This versatility lets you manipulate a vast array of sources, transmitting nuanced subtleties that add an extra layer of richness to your music and live performances.

Keystage's arpeggiator is extraordinarily powerful and offers features that go well beyond what any other MIDI Keyboard out there has to offer. The vast selection of patterns is complemented with unparalleled customisation options including aftertouch-trigged ratchets, randomization, gating, and more.

In addition, Keystage's chord mode benefits from a suite of ready-to-use inspiring 32 chord sets. These can be used out-of-the-box, or fully customized and saved into any of the extra 32 user set slots. Because each set can have one chord assigned to each chromatic note of an octave, you can be sure you won't run out of chords! Chords can even be replayed in different ways, including a strumming mode for realistic guitar-like playing.

Keystage allows you to express your musical self effortlessly thanks to a seamless and streamlined workflow. Gone are the days of dealing with cumbersome and frustrating controllers. Keystage ensures a clean and efficient musical experience.

Official Ableton Live IntegrationKeystage offers official integration with Ableton Live, one of the most popular DAWs in the industry, putting both transport and device control at your fingertips. As the go-to choice for live performance musicians, Lives innovative dual Session/Arrangement view, smooth clip triggering, looping, and powerful production tools cater to countless musical styles.

Both Ableton Live and Keystage are MPE-compatible, enabling enhanced flexibility and creative possibilities in your music. Live's powerful Drift synthesizer (available with version 11.3) leverages MPE to offer even more expressive capabilities.

Additionally, Keystage comes bundled with Ableton Live 11 Lite as part of its software suite. Ableton Live 11 Lite is a beginner-friendly version of Live, providing many of the core features to help you kickstart your journey in music creation and performance.

Seamless DAW controlKeystage offers immediate, seamless plug-and-play compatibility with most popular DAWs, giving hands-on control on your most important playback / transport controls.

Currently supported DAWs:

- Ableton Live (Official Integration)

- Korg Gadget (Official Integration)

- Logic (*)

- FL Studio

- Cubase (*)

- Studio One (*)

- Digital Performer

- Pro Tools

- Cakewalk

- GarageBand (*)

(*) Additional script necessary

The future of music is now: MIDI 2.0Thanks to new MIDI-CI (Capability Inquiry) messages, MIDI 2.0 devices can talk to each other, and auto-configure themselves to work together.

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

Note that backwards compatibility is not an issue with Keystage. It can still communicate using MIDI 1.0 with devices that do not support MIDI 2.0.

Take your performance on the roadKeystage is not just an incredibly powerful MIDI controller packed with features; it is the ultimate master keyboard you've always desired to control your live rig. Equipped with direct stereo output, simply connect Keystage to your computer, tablet or smarphone and directly link to the sound system without the need for additional gear that takes up valuable space.

The semi-weighted AT keybed not only provides exceptional playability but Keystage is also surprisingly lightweight, weighing in at just 4.2 kg/9.3lb for the 49 key version and 5.0 kg/11.02lbs for the 61 key version. Its slim and portable design allows for easy transportation, while its robust build ensures durability during long gigs and travel.

Keystage includes a dedicated expansion plate that can be attached at two different angles, making it ideal for tablets and other devices. On the 61-key model, you have the flexibility to adjust the placement of the plates in two different positions, providing a stable and solid surface to place your laptop.

Full size control and integrated audio interface for your portable devices

Thanks to its plug-and-play-ready USB input, Keystage not only transmits MIDI data to your tablet or smartphone but also receives audio from your favorite music apps via its internal audio interface and sends it to your speakers through its direct stereo output. Additionally, Keystage boasts a dedicated expansion plate that ensures a perfect fit and optimal visibility, making it the ultimate all-in-one solution for modern music production on the go.

Powerful Software BundleKeystage comes bundled with an incredible software set that provides all the tools needed to take your music production to the next level:

The bundle includes:

- Korg Gadget Producer Bundle

- wavestate native LE

- Ableton Live and more

Specifications

Keyboard

Keystage-49: Polytouch keyboard*, 49 keys

Keystage-61: Polytouch keyboard*, 61 keys

Features velocity sensitivity, aftertouch and polyphonic aftertouch

Velocity curves: 21 (100+10)

Octave range: 7 (30+3)

Controllers

Pitch bend wheel, modulation wheel, parameter control knobs 8

VOLUME knob, SETTINGS button, WRITE button, EXIT button, SHIFT button, ARP button, CHORD

button, VALUE ^/ buttons, VALUE dial, PAGE /+ buttons, transport buttons, TEMPO button,

OCTAVE /+ buttons

Display

Main display: organic EL (electro-luminescence) display

Sub display: organic EL displays 8

Scenes

No. of scenes: 16

Arpeggiator

Arpeggio rhythm patterns: 20

Chord mode

Preset chord sets: 32

User chord sets: 32

Input/output jacks and ports

USB port, MIDI (IN, OUT connectors), EXPRESSION jack, DAMPER jack, AUDIO OUT (L/MONO, R jacks), headphone jack

Audio output

AUDIO OUT (L/MONO, R): 6.3 mm TS phone jack (unbalanced)

Headphones: 6.3 mm stereo phone jack

Control inputs

DAMPER (half-damper supported)

EXPRESSION

MIDI

IN, OUT

USB

Type B

MIDI/audio interface

MIDI: 1 in/1 out

Audio: 2 ch out

Audio format: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit

Power supply

USB bus power or AC adapter (9 V DC, : Korg KA350, sold separately)

Power consumption

5 V/500 mA or less (when powered via USB)

Power consumption

4 W (when using an AC adapter)

Dimensions (W x D x H)

Keystage-49: 814 x 234 x 82 mm/32.05" x 9.21" x 3.23"

Keystage-61: 979 x 234 x 82 mm/38.54" x 9.21" x 3.23"

Weight

Keystage-49: 4.2 kg/9.26 lb.

Keystage-61: 5.0 kg/11.02 lb.

Included items

USB cable (Type A-Type B), expansion plate, Quick Start Guide, Precautions

Accessories (sold separately)

Volume/expression pedal (XVP-20)

Foot controller (EXP-2)

Damper pedal (DS-1H)

Pedal switch (PS-1, PS-3)

AC adapter (KA350)