Icon Ikeyboard 4 Nano

A hybrid controller designed to speed up studio workflow

The Icon iKeyboard 4 fits the philosophy of "all-in-one" controllers: a 3-octave master keyboard combined with a compact DAW control surface, all housed in a metal casing crafted for both studio and mobile use. While many controllers focus on compact keys, the iKeyboard 4 prioritizes full-size keys and a semi-weighted mechanism to maintain credible musical feel, including when recording piano parts, EPs, or expressive synths.

Who is the Icon iKeyboard 4 for?

This master keyboard targets producers, beatmakers, film composers, and computer-based musicians who want to play and control their session without multiplying devices. With its transport controls, touch fader, and main encoder, it is ideal for quick recording, managing automations, adjusting levels, pan, or sends, then returning to keyboard playing without leaving the workspace. It's also a relevant solution for a home studio with limited space or for a mobile setup requiring solid and easy-to-connect gear.

Control, expressivity, and mapping: key features serving creativity

An expressive touch and immediate performance controls

The iKeyboard 4 combines 37 semi-weighted keys and touch strips dedicated to pitch bend and modulation, an effective choice to maintain smooth control over articulations, vibratos, and transitions without adding bulky wheels. The transpose and octave up/down buttons allow instant range extension, handy for switching from a bass line to a piano part or programming orchestral instruments by changing registers in one gesture.

A true DAW section for faster recording and automation

The controller section is designed to reduce mouse back-and-forth: touch fader with LED feedback to monitor and write automations, mute, solo, and rec arm buttons to arm a track and start recording in seconds, and full transport (play, stop, record, rewind, fast forward, loop) to control a session without interrupting creative flow. The rotary encoder with 11-segment LED ring is particularly useful for panning, send levels, or plugin parameter control with clear visual feedback.

Extended compatibility and customization via iMap

Thanks to support for Mackie Control and HUI protocols, the iKeyboard 4 offers presets for many DAWs to achieve quick and consistent command setup. To go further, each control can be assigned to general MIDI values and custom-mapped in your applications via the iMap software, an ideal approach if you work with personal templates, specific virtual instruments, or live-oriented workflows.

Studio connectivity: pedals, MIDI, and USB

To preserve natural playing, the iKeyboard 4 includes dedicated sustain pedal and expression pedal inputs. The presence of a MIDI out port also allows controlling external machines, while USB ensures a simple and direct connection to the computer. Finally, firmware upgradable via USB helps keep the controller up to date over time.

Technical specifications

Arpeggiator	Yes	Number of keys	37
Bluetooth	No	Inputs	USB, Expression pedal, Sustain pedal, Midi, USB Midi
Compatibility	PC, Mac	Outputs	USB, Midi, USB Midi, USB Type B
Controller	Pitchbend, Modulation, Sustain, Octave up/down, Joystick	Color	Black
Velocity sensitive	Yes

Keyboard controller	37 notes	Screen	3-segment LED
Keys	full-size, semi-weighted, piano-like feel	Expression pedal input	yes
Velocity curves	selectable	Sustain pedal input	yes
Keyboard design	exclusive Icon design	MIDI output	MIDI out
Performance controls	touch strips for pitch bend and modulation	Computer connection	USB 2.0 high-speed
Functions	transpose, octave up/down	Power supply	USB and power
Type	1-channel DAW controller	Included software	Cubase LE
Fader	LED-backlit touch fader with LED feedback	Mapping software	iMap (quick MIDI mapping)
Encoder	rotary encoder with 11-segment LED ring (pan, sends, plugins, etc.)	DAW presets	Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo, Samplitude, Studio One
Buttons	mute, solo, rec arm	Updates	firmware upgradable via USB
Selection	track and bank	Chassis	aluminum and metal
Transport	6 buttons (Play, Stop, Rec, Rewind, Fast forward, Loop)	Security	Kensington lock port
Lighting	all buttons illuminated for status feedback	Weight	6.5 lb
Protocols	Mackie Control and HUI	Dimensions (L x W x H)	25.25 inches x 7.4 inches x 2.7 inches