IK Multimedia has announced iRig BlueBoard, a new Bluetooth MIDI pedalboard for iPhone, iPad and Mac, which gives guitarists, bassists and keyboard players hands-free control of mobile and Mac music apps.

iRig BlueBoard can be used to extend control of your preferred music apps by switching presets, changing sounds or modifying effects parameters – all hands-free.

Any music app or software that is MIDI compatible – such as IK's AmpliTube, VocaLive, SampleTank, iGrand Piano – 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 BlueBoard 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 KEYS, 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 & Availability

iRig BlueBoard is priced at $99.99 / €79.99 MSRP (excl. tax), and will be available in the second quarter of 2013 from the IK network of music and electronic retailers around the world.