Korg nanoSeries 2

Reviews | Korg nanoSeries 2
106
W
hen Korg released the
original nano series of
controllers, they were
fi rst to market and
travelling producers and DJs rejoiced at
the idea of these MIDI marvels. But
they weren’t without their problems and
users quickly began to make a wishlist
for a fresh incarnation. Now it’s time to
fi nd out if Korg answered correctly with
version two of the nanos…
It’s fair to say, visually the nano2
controllers look much better than
before. They’re also a slimmer and
better built, with the robust plastic
shells feeling much fi rmer. All three
devices can be edited using the free
software editor, allowing you to
customise minimum and maximum
values and assign CCs to the controls
with relative ease. A software PIN is
included in the box for the download.
Key commands
One of the biggest gripes with the
original version of the nanoKey model
was the lack of a real keyboard and
considering Korg already manufacture
micro-keyed synths and controllers it
seemed strange that yet again they’ve
failed to deliver on this.
Although the nanoKey2 is without a
doubt an improvement on the original
– it doesn’t clatter as much and delivers
more of a realistic ‘action’ – it’s still way
off being ‘a keyboard’. The nanoKey2
copes with simple tasks and simple
chords, but any real playing is a
struggle. Strangely, the fl aw in its design
as a keyboard makes it much more
fl exible as a button trigger or a drum
programmer, so for many it may be a
better all-round option than, say, Akai’s
LPK25, which serves up a real keybed.
Pad vibes
Moving on to the nanoPad2, there has
been a signifi cant improvement in
squeezing 16 pads on to its surface,
rather than the previous Nano’s 12.
The pads are still comfortably
spaced and feel great, but adding the
pads has moved the hold, gate arp,
touch/scale, key/range, scale/tap and
scene buttons above the pads to the
right of the unit.
This means that the controls that
used to be usefully located next to the
X-Y touchpad are now at the top,
making it harder to press these while
using another fi nger to swipe around the
X-Y pad. Meanwhile, the nanoKontrol2
has lost a fader but gained much nicer
rubberised, back-lit transport controls
and an extra button next to each fader
making solo, mute and record arm
much simpler.
Hooked up to an iPad via the
Camera Connection kit, these tiny
controllers take on a whole new level of
use. Drawing little power, they will
happily work without a powered hub.
After a few tests, I found the
nanoKontrol2 to be the only device that
didn’t work completely as planned
without tweaking, but was perfect for
use with Korg’s brilliant iMS20 app.
Nano limits
Considering their small footprint, razor
sharp looks and the way these three
controllers work with Core MIDI enabled
iPad apps they are an absolute bargain.
The nanoPad2 controller feels rock
solid, the nanoKey2 is a decent fl exible
keyboard replacement and although the
nanoKontrol2 is the most wobbly in
terms of build quality, to get this
amount of faders, rotaries and back-lit
push buttons for such a low price is
quite extraordinary.
It’s true that personally I’d opt for
the Akai LPK with its proper mini-keys,
but don’t rule out the more slender
nanoKey, if you’re not bothered about
complex playability. If you own an iPad
these are a no-brainer when used with
the Camera Connection kit. If you’re on
the road producing and performing
these will certainly be an improvement
on bashing on your laptop’s keyboard.
A sturdy update.
WHAT IS IT?
Three separate ultra
compact controllers aimed
at portable performers
and travelling producers
CONTACT
Who: Korg UK
Tel: [phone]
Web: Korg.co.uk
HIGHLIGHTS
1 Updated design
2 Amazing value
3 Works with iPad
SPECS
Korg nanoKey2 £48
25-button-keys with four
velocity curves
Size:
325 x 83 x 16mm
Weight:
226g
Korg nanoPad2 £60
16 rubber trigger pads, four
velocity curves, X-Y pad
Size:
325 x 83 x 16mm
Weight:
300g
Korg nanoKontrol2 £60
8 knobs, 8 sliders, 24
buttons, transport buttons
Size:
325 x 83 x 29mm
Weight:
300g
Korg nanoSeries 2
| from £48
Portable production and performance tools are
thriving – will Korg’s second incarnation keep them
on top? Chris Barker scopes out the micro machines
VERDICT
BUILD
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VALUE
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EASE OF USE
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VERSATILITY
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RESULTS
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A nice update that should see Korg
retain its position as kings of all
things mini.
FMU241.rev_korg2 106 5/23/11 4:34:01 PM