XKEY PLUS APP WALKTHROUGH | The XKEY Air’s Secret Weapon

[@jonathankeith6186]

Bro, I definitely appreciate this tip because I've been wrecking my brain trying to figure out why my Xkey Air would shut off so quickly, thanks bro.

[@MusicTechnologist]

No problem! 👍🏽

[@SidEOE]

Another great video! Thanks for the walkthrough. I hadn’t really touched that app!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mauriziomauricone]

What most people don’t know is that these CME keyboards are CHANNEL and POLY AFTERTOUCH configurable in settings (Xkey Plus app)!

[@hamerray]

I just got the Xkey 25 today and I can’t get it to work. I registered it and I download the Xkey Plus App and it does not recognize the Xkey. Maybe I’m using the wrong lightning adapter. I’m using a iPad Pro Version 14.6. If I can’t get it to work I will definitely be taking it back

[@romanoviedo1976]

Hi, from Argentina here! I need advice please: xKey Air or Korg Microkey Air? I have a Kronos+iPad/iPhone+Yamaha BT01, I use some vintage sounds from the iPad playing from the Kronos keyboard and I want to do that with an additional bluetooth keyboard so I can free the Kronos and BT01 from that. I don't like the mini keys but I dislike not having a physical control over sustain too... another one: I see the app from CME isn't available on iPhone app store, it works only on iPad? And the last: I saw the xKey is from 2014 and Microkey from 2015, in 5 years nobody in the industry has produced any 61 normal keys midi bluetooth controller? Any chance of a 61 key xKey Air or full size Microkey Air 61? Thanks in advance!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Great question! I have never used a Kong Microkey Air, but I can give you my thoughts based on what I’ve seen of it. It looks to me like the only thing the Kong does better than the CME is the sustain pedal input. If that’s something that’s crucial to you, I would say the Korg may be better for you. The Korg runs on AA batteries though, so it’s not rechargeable. The Korg also lack full size keys. In regards to the xkey plus app, unfortunately the xkey plus app is only available for iPad, but the keyboard itself definitely works with both iPhone and iPad. As far as 61 key bluetooth controllers go, I believe the reason they’re near impossible to find is that most people are looking at bluetooth keyboards because of their portability, and 61 key keyboards are not particularly portable. Most people that purchase a 61 key or an 88 key keyboard are going to put it on a stand and leave it setup. I personally use an 88 key, weighted-key keyboard for use in the studio, and I keep my 25 key xkey on the desk or in my bag. This is the big keyboard use ➡️ amzn.to/2JD8LB7 It’s on sale for $350 rn. Best of luck!

[@stysnappin]

I have the microkey air and I just got the xkey air (thanks Music Technologist for the helpful review). I prefer the synth-action of the microkey over the "laptop" action of the xkey, but the full-size keys of the xkey make it the winner for me. I've been learning how to play keyboard over the last year and the full-size keys of the xkey are better for my muscle memory. If you're looking for 61 keys check out the Roland GO:KEYS/PIANO. They have bluetooth midi, are battery-powered and are around the same price as the xkey air 37.

[@MyztaJay]

I'm wondering if this can be connected to a macbook and used as a midi keyboard + if it can be connected to macbook with bluetooth? Don't know if many programs accept midi through bluetooth.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Yes, you can connect the xkey air natively to Mac using bluetooth! It's pretty easy. Check out this article for how ➡️ xkeyair.com/forum-index/topic/the-xkey-air-connects-to-mac-os-and-ios-via-native-bluetooth/

[@soda4351]

i've been having a lot of trouble trying to turn mine on and connect it to anything. do you have any tips?

[@MusicTechnologist]

I've had issues like that before. Usually restarting your iPad will do the trick!

[@chenchaso39]

Is there something extra I need to do to have the keys work in beat maker? I used the Xkey app to connect via bluetooth and selected it in beat maker settings however when I hit the keys no sound is playing from iPad.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Did you ever get this worked out? Definitely make sure you have an instrument loaded up and that you’re on the correct bank. If you’re still not getting sound, turn off midi out for the XKEY in the BM3 settings, then it should work.

[@chenchaso39]

@@MusicTechnologist yes I did it is still a little wonky but I started using a midi controller from presonus the second gen one and its working a lot better.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

How do you like the Behringer audio interfaces.

[@MusicTechnologist]

I personally have never used one, but I know Behringer to be a good brand when it comes to audio equipment!

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

@@MusicTechnologist So which one do you have in your videos?

[@MusicTechnologist]

@@bjamminsincebirth3494 It’s the M-Audio Mobilepre. Really old interface, but it works well. I’m considering upgrading to one of the Focusrite Scarletts. Not ready to drop the money for an Apollo twin quite yet.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

@@MusicTechnologist You should look at the Motu M2. It’s got great preamps and it’s like $170.00

[@BGP_yt]

Thank you for this!!

[@MusicTechnologist]

No problem 😊

[@MatthewMoonMusic]

Hey man! Thank you for the awesome tutorial! For some odd reason, there is no "connect to bluetooth Xkey" button on my Xkey Plus App (even when keyboard is powered on and searching). I can connect via USB but then when I unplug none of my settings are saved (ie power shutoff mode). Have you experienced this? Any ideas?

[@MatthewMoonMusic]

PS. I have gotten Xkey air to connect to logic and have all my midi peripherals going, just having trouble connecting to the app to make changes. Thx

[@MusicTechnologist]

Hey Matthew, I have experienced some finickiness like this before. Generally if you’re experiencing any connection issues with your xkey air, make sure the battery is charged, and/or restart your iPad! Hopefully that helps!

[@MatthewMoonMusic]

@@MusicTechnologist Thank you! I think I got it figured out today. Much appreciated!

[@hamerray]

I heard that CME went out of business.

[@the88s19]

CME is still in business and leading the Wireless MIDI Category for the professional and studio markets. Artesia Pro and ESI have taken over the Xkey Distribution and designing new controllers like the Xjam with the CME team.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

Yeah the app is extremely buggy. It won’t even let me register.

[@MusicTechnologist]

I had the same issue. Hopefully the figure that out. For now, the main utility of the app is editing the auto-sleep duration and setting the sustain button to toggle.

[@TekxBe]

Midifighter 64

[@MusicTechnologist]

This thing looks like a beast! Might have to cop one!

[@wc7511]

I think your videos would have more engagement if you looked at yourself less, on your device screen - look directly at the camera - pretend it's a 'professional' production environment..........