Topic: Gemini iKey Plus - out soon

[sunjan]

Hi all,

Haven't seen much posted on this since Will's original review of the iKey in February.

Links:
http://www.ikey-audio.com/ikeyplus.htm
http://www.nuloop.com/en/dj-equipment/item/44585/recorders/gemini_ikey_plus.html

I didn't find any actual reviews online yet, it's supposed to be launched in July.

Some of the new features are:
"Mic Input with Phantom power, Phono Preamp, VU Meter Display, and Headphone Output"
Too bad that the added features puts iKey Plus beyond stealthable, in my eyes:
Unit Dimensions: 138 x 28 x 83 mm
Weight: Approx. : 0.9 kg

This pretty much adresses the wishlist Will put up, so this looks like a potential (but overpriced at $255) decent rig, paired up with the right mic and a small USB memory.
Although with a size like that, there are hardly any advantages in the field compared to an iRiver HP120, I guess...

And maybe I got it all wrong, but I thought true phantom power was only available thru XLR jacks? What does Gemini actually refer to here, given the 1/8" jack???

/Jan

[sunjan]

Just found some IRL pictures, apparently from some trade fair:
http://www.ipodfun.de/images/galerien/iKEY_Recorder/index.html

[el gato]

The biggest problem I can see with this device is that it doesn't have an internal hard drive.  Storage is from a connected usb device.  Maybe there can be a way to hack into it to add a flash drive, but that would seem like too much work.  I do like the way the meters are set up though (too bad it doesn't show both channels)

[Rick]

The biggest problem I can see with this device is that it doesn't have an internal hard drive.  Storage is from a connected usb device.  Maybe there can be a way to hack into it to add a flash drive, but that would seem like too much work.  I do like the way the meters are set up though (too bad it doesn't show both channels)

I wonder if you can just hook up a USB hard drive to it.

[Will_S]

Looks like a definite improvement on the orginal, but...

Still no hold switch.  That pretty much renders it useless for stealthing IMO.  Looks like it has the same LEDs as the original iKey, which are BRIGHT, although that's easier to fix.

Yes, you can plug in a USB hard drive....but...drives that draw too much power won't work.  A flash thumb drive works fine, an iPod works but it runs down the iPod's internal battery to help run the drive, and the one larger external USB drive I tried (one that will run off USB bus power alone using my laptop) would not spin up.

With regards to hacking a flash drive into it...probably possible but even harder than you probably think.  At least on the original iKey, the entire PCB inside is covered with black goop.  This would pretty much preclude any changes to the preamp, A/D, or input circuits (ie no way to add a coax digital input) but you probably could find a way to highjack the USB connection.

"Phantom" power has got to be a misprint/misunderstanding, I'm sure it's just plug-in power.

[hiRes]

Uhh, the reason it's no good for stealthing...


It weighs 0.9 kilos.

For you and me, that's about ohh, let's see.  1.984 lbs. Try lugging that thing in in your boxer's baby!

you guys crack me up