Korg microKEY air 37 MIDI Controller User Manual

Introduction

The Korg microKEY air 37 is a compact and versatile 37-key MIDI keyboard controller designed for musicians and producers seeking a portable and flexible solution for music creation. It offers both USB and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless integration with various devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your microKEY air 37 to ensure optimal performance.

Image: The Korg microKEY air 37 MIDI Controller, a compact black keyboard with 37 mini-keys, pitch bend, and modulation wheels on the left side.

Key Features

37 Natural Touch Mini Keys: Provides a comfortable playing experience in a compact form factor.
USB and Bluetooth Connectivity: Offers flexible connection options for computers (Mac/PC) and mobile devices (iOS/Android).
Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels: Dedicated controls for expressive performance.
Damper Pedal Input: Allows connection of an optional sustain pedal for enhanced playability.
Bus-Powered: Operates via USB power when connected to a computer, or with two AA batteries for wireless use.
Class-Compliant: No special drivers required for most operating systems.

Korg microKEY Air Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard

Image: A banner displaying the Korg microKEY Air logo and text "Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard", emphasizing its wireless capability.

Setup

1. Unpacking and Contents

Carefully remove the microKEY air 37 from its packaging. Verify that all included items are present:

Korg microKEY air 37 MIDI Controller
USB Cable
2 x AAA Batteries (pre-installed or included separately)

2. Powering On

The microKEY air 37 can be powered in two ways:

USB Bus Power: Connect the microKEY air 37 to a computer using the supplied USB cable. The unit will draw power directly from the USB port.
Battery Power: For wireless operation, ensure two AAA batteries are correctly installed in the battery compartment on the underside of the unit. The unit will automatically power on when a key is pressed or a control is moved.

3. Initial Connection (USB)

Connect one end of the supplied USB cable to the USB port on the microKEY air 37.
Connect the other end of the USB cable to an available USB port on your computer (Mac or PC).
The microKEY air 37 is class-compliant, meaning it does not require special drivers for most operating systems. Your computer should automatically recognize the device.
Open your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or music software and select "microKEY air" as your MIDI input device.

Korg microKEY air 37 connected to a laptop

Image: The Korg microKEY air 37 MIDI controller connected via USB to a laptop computer, demonstrating a typical studio setup.

4. Initial Connection (Bluetooth MIDI)

For wireless connection to iOS devices or Mac computers, use the Korg Bluetooth MIDI Connect app.

Ensure the microKEY air 37 is powered on with batteries.
Download and install the "Korg Bluetooth MIDI Connect" app from the App Store (iOS) or Korg's website (Mac).
Open the Korg Bluetooth MIDI Connect app.
The app will scan for available Bluetooth MIDI devices. Select "microKEY air" from the list to connect.
Once connected, you can use the microKEY air 37 wirelessly with compatible music applications.

Image: Screenshot of the Korg Bluetooth MIDI Connect application interface on a Mac, showing available MIDI devices.

Image: Screenshot of the Korg Bluetooth MIDI Connect application interface on an iOS device, showing available MIDI devices.

Operating Instructions

1. Basic Playback

Once connected to your music software, the microKEY air 37 functions as a standard MIDI keyboard. Pressing keys will trigger notes in your software's virtual instruments. The velocity of your key press will affect the loudness and timbre of the sound, depending on the instrument's settings.

2. Pitch Bend and Modulation

The microKEY air 37 features dedicated pitch bend and modulation wheels located on the left side of the keyboard. These controls allow for expressive manipulation of sounds:

Pitch Bend Wheel: Moves the pitch of the notes up or down. It is spring-loaded and returns to the center position when released.
Modulation Wheel: Typically controls vibrato, tremolo, or other assignable parameters within your music software. It stays in the position you set it to.

3. Damper Pedal Input

Connect a standard sustain (damper) pedal to the "ASSIGNABLE SWITCH" jack on the side of the microKEY air 37. This allows you to sustain notes, similar to a piano pedal. The functionality of this jack can be customized using the Korg Kontrol Editor software.

Side view of Korg microKEY air 37 showing USB and assignable switch ports

Image: A close-up side view of the Korg microKEY air 37, highlighting the USB port and the assignable switch input for a damper pedal.

4. Korg Kontrol Editor Software

The Korg Kontrol Editor is a free software application that allows you to customize various settings of your microKEY air 37, including:

Velocity curves (how key pressure translates to MIDI velocity)
MIDI channel assignment
Function of the assignable switch jack
Transposition settings

Download the Korg Kontrol Editor from the official Korg website for your operating system.

Connectivity

The microKEY air 37 offers flexible connectivity options to suit various setups.

USB Connection

The USB port provides both MIDI data transmission and power to the unit when connected to a computer. This is the most common method for studio use.

Bluetooth MIDI Connection

Bluetooth MIDI allows for wireless connection to compatible devices, offering freedom from cables. This is ideal for mobile setups with iOS devices (iPhone, iPad) or Mac computers. The Korg Bluetooth MIDI Connect app facilitates this connection and ensures stable performance with minimal latency.

Korg microKEY air 37 connected to a tablet

Image: The Korg microKEY air 37 MIDI controller wirelessly connected to a tablet device, showcasing its portable and cable-free usage.

Maintenance

Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the surface of the microKEY air 37. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by a dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents, or waxes.
Battery Care: If using battery power, remove the batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage. Always use fresh, high-quality AAA batteries.
Storage: Store the unit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the keyboard.
Transportation: When transporting the microKEY air 37, use a protective case or bag to prevent damage to the keys and controls.

Troubleshooting

No Sound from Software Instrument

Ensure the microKEY air 37 is properly connected via USB or Bluetooth.
Verify that your music software (DAW) recognizes "microKEY air" as a MIDI input device and that the correct track is armed for recording or monitoring.
Check the volume levels in your software and on your audio output device.
Confirm that a virtual instrument is loaded and active on the selected track.

Bluetooth Connection Issues or Latency

Make sure the microKEY air 37 has sufficient battery power.
Ensure you are using the "Korg Bluetooth MIDI Connect" app for pairing, as direct Bluetooth pairing through system settings may not work for MIDI.
Reduce the distance between the microKEY air 37 and your device.
Minimize interference from other wireless devices.
Close other applications that might be using significant system resources.

USB Connection Not Recognized

Try a different USB port on your computer.
Use a different USB cable.
Restart your computer and the microKEY air 37.
Ensure your operating system is up to date.

If you encounter issues not covered here, please refer to the official Korg support website for further assistance.

Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model Name	MKEYAIR37
Number of Keys	37
Key Type	Natural Touch Mini Keyboard
Controllers	Pitch Bend Wheel, Modulation Wheel
Connectivity	USB (Type B), Bluetooth Low Energy (Apple Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI compliant)
Power Supply	USB bus power or 2 x AAA batteries (Alkaline or NiMH)
Battery Life	Approximately 30 hours (with alkaline batteries)
Dimensions (W x D x H)	25.82 x 7.32 x 3.14 inches (65.6 x 18.6 x 8.0 cm)
Weight	3.21 pounds (1.46 kg)
Included Items	USB cable, 2 x AAA batteries
Compatible Devices	Smartphone, Tablet, Computer (Mac/PC)
Hardware Interface	USB 2.0

Image: A top-down view of the Korg microKEY air 37, showing the layout of its 37 keys and control wheels.

Warranty and Support

Korg products are covered by a limited warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Korg website. For technical support, driver downloads, and additional resources, please visit www.korg.com/us/support/.

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KORG MKEYAIR37