Although Korg are not the first to release a MIDI 2.0 Capable device, they are the first to implement the much anticipated Property Exchange function - essentially connected devices can tell the Keystage what parameters are available to control - a real time saver! Though we still have to wait for a wider range of software and hardware to also implement this to take full advantage. Korg are first to market with hardware supporting the Property Exchange though and shows a commitment to MIDI 2.0.
Also the Keystage controllers (available in 49 and 61 key verions) have poly aftertouch - about flipping time someone did this! Bravo to Korg for adding this.
The keybed is referred to as "newly developed" not sure if this is in house, or in conjunction with the ubiquitous Fatar.
Keystage is 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. However the price does seem on the high side with the Keystage 49: £499 and the Keystage 61: £599. However as we know the poly AT keybed does add some cost. Note, you do also get Korg Gadget Producer Bundle and Wavestate Native LE as well as Ableton Live 11 Lite. Oh and an included expansion plate to mount your tablet or phone etc.
Keystage offers plug-and-play compatibility with the following DAWs
with playback/transport controls.
Currently supported DAWs:
More information:
http://www.korg.co.uk/keystage
Sonic Ware Liven lofi-6, questions