KeyStage

After many many years of lugging outboard gear to gigs, I started researching alternatives that were easier on my back. After a lot of research, I jumped to KeyStage and am very happy. There is a learning curve, but all in all, this app is great for live gigs. I love the ability to pretty much set up my keyboard with any number of splits using Audio Units, so I can cover just about anything for the band I’m currently working with. The only drawback to this app is the time it takes to load a new song. This is not a huge issue if you are prepared to deal with it, but other than that, I absolutely love using this app for my live gigs.

Thank you Ali for creating an excellent host. It’s exactly what I need and goes far beyond. Have had minimal issues, a few crashes but not on a gig; not even sure that KS2 caused the issue. Still digging into the capabilities of this app. It’s impressive, I’m really happy so far…

This app is everything you could want and need to perform keyboard/synth live from an iPad. I can load my various AU apps like Korg Module, Primer, Model D, etc, with patches and settings in the apps retained. I can control which synths use which part of the keyboard, ignore footpedal, play an octave higher or lower, and more. It has a mixer or it all, with the ability to insert FX, pan, adjust levels. Save song setups. Save section setups within songs. It’s way more powerful than I’ll ever need! You do have to pay all cart for some features but are very reasonably priced if you want/need them. This app has no competition. Please keep supporting it!

Absolutely love this app! I run my entire catalog of tunes in Keystage for all performances. It’s amazing. The routing capabilities and features are extraordinarily helpful and intuitive. Ali is a wonderful developer, communicates very well and is VERY responsive. Highly, highly, highly recommended. Think Mainstage for iPad. A+++++++++++++++++++

This app truly pushes the limits of iOS. I’ve used it for awhile and not wrote a review, but the 2.1 update is a game changer. I’ve used my iPad Pro and KS with various plugins on an international tour. Didn’t even have to bring a keyboard, just midi input and my interface. Same sounds everywhere. Seamless section switching is great. Developer is extraordinarily responsive and personable. Have a problem? Don’t leave a crappy review, just email him. He wants the product to get better, that’s why it sat in development to 2.1 for so long. I’m excited to see where this goes next. With full iOS ported AUs, the iPad is a real contender for live music performance. Maybe Apple will unlock the RAM (or the guru can find a way around it) and we can see seamless song shifting next!

I paid for the full version, thinking it would load my existing iPad apps, several of which are shown loaded in Keystage. Turns out you can only download these apps and then you're expected to pay for them! I already own them! I thought the, like AUM, Cubasis, Garageband or any other AUv3 host DAW, Keystage would let me load my own apps. What a horrible disappointment!

After purchasing for $20, I’m now being asked to pay an addition $8 to unlock units, (that is to access th auv3 apps installed, this was not so in the trial mode), plus other cost for additional features .. come on now. If this is the case let it be known from the onset, at present I feel like I’ve been scammed. I really was not expecting this. Best wishes.

Using KeyStage for live use, has been very powerful and easy to use for gigs. My band mates can’t tell that I don’t have my bigger gigging keyboard with me!

I originally downloaded the lite version and decided to upgrade to the $20.00 full version after trying and liking the features of the app. However, I’m very disappointed that I have to pay and additional $8.00 to use my AUv3 instruments. I should of read the terms of the full version before purchasing. The lite version allows you to demo all the features, so you think you’ll get access to those features, as it allows you to upgrade from within. However, don’t assume you’re getting those by upgrading. I think it’s devious of the developers to get you to upgrade and then spend more money to buy add ons.

Finally an app that makes gigging with IOS musical instruments practical. I’ve used KeyStage for about a month. A bit of a learning curve but now I can quickly organize my favorite AU and IAA apps into songs and set lists. The developer has been very responsive and helpful when I’ve had questions. Designed by a gigging keyboardist for gigging musicians! UPDATE: beta version 2.1 ROCKS! So many new features which make using KeyStage for live gigging even better!