14 DAY TRIAL // From time to time, devices that can hardly be called ordinary are released for the PC market, and Korg has just finished introducing what can be seen as a reincarnation of its original nanoSERIES USB controllers.
The first nanoSERIES USB controllers from Korg were revealed back in 2008 but got mixed reviews because of their plastic frame and the QWERTY keyboard feel, among other things.
Now, the outfit has revealed their new form, or will do so during NAMM 2011.
Three products have been created, bearing the names of nanoKEY2, nanoPAD2 and nanoKONTROL2.
The nanoKEY2 can be seen as the more 'common' of the three, featuring 25 keys that can sense velocity.
The nanoPAD2 is also a low profile device, only it has 16 pads and an X-Y touchpad, being aimed at drum line input.
Thirdly, the nanoKONTROL2 Slim-Line USB Control Surface adds some faders, switches and knobs to the mix, plus new track select and marker advance parameters.
All of them are meant to be used with personal computers and Apple Mac systems and should control music apps the likes of Apple Logic, Cakewalk SONOR, Ableton Live, Steinberg Cubase, MOTU Digital Performer and GarageBand.
They need only to be plugged into a USB connector, which will not just transmit commands sent through the nanoSERIES but also provide them with whatever power they need.
All in all, korg's new inventions are “three compact and convenient USB-MIDI controller models” which offer “serious features for the computer-based musician.”
“Each of the nanoSERIES2 of ultra-compact and low-profile USB-MIDI controllers will fit perfectly in front of your laptop computer or desktop keyboard, offering impressive control while conserving valuable set-up space,” says the company.
Unfortunately, not pricing details were given, but the amount of money required for their purchase should not be monumental.