NAMM: iRig BlueBoard Announced
The first Bluetooth MIDI pedalboard for iPhone, iPad and Mac
23 January 2013
Winner of the iLounge “Best in Show” at the recent CES, iRig® BlueBoard, a groundbreaking new Bluetooth MIDI pedalboard for iPhone, iPad and Mac, which gives you: the guitarists, bassists and keyboard players hands-free control of mobile and Mac music apps.
iRig BlueBoard is a great addition to any mobile or studio rig for live performance and recording. You can use it to extend control of your preferred music apps by switching presets, changing sounds or modifying effects parameters – all hands-free. You don’t have to put down your instrument, and can remain focused on your performance.
Any music app or software that is MIDI compatible (the standard communication protocol for musical instruments) – such as IK’s AmpliTube, VocaLive, SampleTank, iGrand – or any other Core-MIDI-compatible app like Apple GarageBand, can be operated wirelessly with iRig BlueBoard.
This ultra-portable unit uses Bluetooth 4.0 technology to transmit the actions of its four onboard, backlit footswitches and its two optional external pedals to the mobile device or Mac. Then using the included iRig BlueBoard app and software, the Bluetooth signals are converted into MIDI messages and routed internally to the music app that’s running on the device.
Because it’s wireless, iRig BlueBoard lets you setup onstage without being tethered to your mobile device. The unit’s range is 10 meters (over 32 feet), giving musicians a great deal of mobility to roam the stage that would be impossible with a wired unit. Because the footswitches are backlit, they’re easy to see in all lighting conditions, even on a dark stage. Additionally, the fact that iRig uses wireless Bluetooth leaves all the wired ports of the device free, so they can be used simultaneously by interfaces or controllers that feature the 30-pin or Lightning connector, like IK’s iRig HD, iRig MIDI or iRig Keyboard, and adapters or microphones that use the device mini-jack such as iRig or iRig MIC.
Features:
Bluetooth MIDI pedalboard (10m/32.8′ range)
4 backlit switches for sending program, bank and other MIDI messages
2 1/4″ inputs for optional expression pedals or switches that can used for sending continuous controller or on/off messages
BlueBoard iOS app runs in background on mobile device or Mac, and translates Bluetooth messages to MIDI
Runs on standard AAA batteries
Small enough to fit in a laptop bag
Pricing and Availability
iRig BlueBoard is priced at $99.99 / €79.99 MSRP (excl. tax) IK Multimedia iRig Blueboard wireless floor controller
