Music

iRig Pads portable MIDI controller now shipping

iRig Pads portable MIDI controller now shipping
Gizmag was introduced to a pre-release iRig Pads at IFA 2014 (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
Gizmag was introduced to a pre-release iRig Pads at IFA 2014 (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
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The iRig Pads draws its power from the device it's connected to (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
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The iRig Pads draws its power from the device it's connected to (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
Each of the 16 rubber pads has multicolor backlighting (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
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Each of the 16 rubber pads has multicolor backlighting (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
Gizmag was introduced to a pre-release iRig Pads at IFA 2014 (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
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Gizmag was introduced to a pre-release iRig Pads at IFA 2014 (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
Favorite tacks can be remixed on the fly with the help of the company's DJ Rig free app
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Favorite tacks can be remixed on the fly with the help of the company's DJ Rig free app
MIDI-class compliance allows beat masters to use the iRig Pads with any MIDI-compatible app/software, such as GarageBand, FL Studio Mobile, Ableton Live and Maschine
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MIDI-class compliance allows beat masters to use the iRig Pads with any MIDI-compatible app/software, such as GarageBand, FL Studio Mobile, Ableton Live and Maschine
The iRig Pads has been designed for use with an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch via the included Lightning cable (30-pin connector is available separately) as well as Mac and PC over USB
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The iRig Pads has been designed for use with an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch via the included Lightning cable (30-pin connector is available separately) as well as Mac and PC over USB
The iRig Pads will come with SampleTank 3 SE for Mac/PC users, which will work as a standalone or plug-in virtual instrument for most popular DAWs
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The iRig Pads will come with SampleTank 3 SE for Mac/PC users, which will work as a standalone or plug-in virtual instrument for most popular DAWs
The iRig Pads is smaller than an iPad and weighs just over a pound
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The iRig Pads is smaller than an iPad and weighs just over a pound
View gallery - 8 images

Earlier this year, IK Multimedia shared its product roadmap for 2014 with Gizmag, which included a brief overview of a 16 pad groove controller called the iRig Pads. We got a quick look at the portable digital beat maker and MIDI controller for the electronic musician on the move at IFA 2014, but the company wasn't quite ready to release final specs. IK Multimedia has today announced that the device is now available for shipping.

The iRig Pads has been designed for use with an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch via the included Lightning cable (30-pin connector is available separately), as well as Mac and PC over USB. Mobile groovers needn't worry about forgetting the power adapter because it doesn't need one, the 7.5 x 8.1 x 0.9 in (190 x 205 x 23 mm), 1.2 lb (547 g) unit draws the power it needs from the device it's connected to.

The controller sports two MIDI knobs, two buttons, one slider and a pushbutton rotary encoder, which are all user programmable. Its 16 velocity-sensitive rubber pads are laid out in a familiar 4x4 configuration, and each pad has multicolor backlighting. All controls are MIDI-assignable, and users can save up to 16 different MIDI maps for quick recall during a performance (the device ships with six preset maps already loaded). MIDI-class compliance allows beat masters to use the iRig Pads with any MIDI-compatible app/software, such as GarageBand, FL Studio Mobile, Ableton Live and Maschine.

Favorite tacks can be remixed on the fly with the help of the company's DJ Rig free app
Favorite tacks can be remixed on the fly with the help of the company's DJ Rig free app

At the moment, iPhone and iPad users will be able to get straight into beat creation courtesy of the included free edition of the company's SampleTank suite. In the near future, GrooveMaker 2 will be made available for looping and grooving, together with DJ Rig free for remixing of favorite tracks. Mac/PC users will be treated to SampleTank 3 SE, which will work as a standalone or plug-in virtual instrument for most popular DAWs (digital audio workstation). This suite includes more than 6.5 GB of top notch samples, 400 instruments and 150 MIDI patterns.

IK Multimedia is also dangling a tasty carrot for those who register their iRig Pads, in the shape of more samples and more MIDI patterns known collectively as The Grid.

The iRig Pads is available from today for US$149.99.

The promo video from IK Multimedia is below.

Product page: iRig Pads

iRig Pads Trailer

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