iKEY-Audio has introduced the new iKEY Portable USB Recorder - a cool device that records audio directly to any external USB storage device (including the iPod). The iKEY is capable of recording audio from any any audio device and write it directly to MP3 or WAV formats in real time.

The iKEY is compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 and directly connects to external USB storage devices. MP3 files can be encoded in bit rates up to 256 kbps and is user selectable. The device uses gold plated RCA inputs and has a LED indicator to show how much storage space is left on the target drive.

The iKEY is battery powered making it a truly portable (it requires 4 AA batteries) audio recorder. It also accepts power via a DC adapter which also charges the batteries.

The coolest feature for the iKEY is its ability to directly record to a device such as the Apple iPod. Hear something you like? Connect the iKEY to it and connect the iPod and record away! Check out the Product Page for additional information. The iKEY has an MSRP of $229.99.