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Korg nanoKontrol £59
Is this the smallest mixing device ever created? Quite possibly
Computer Music, Thu 11 Dec 2008, 4:56 pm GMT
The nanoKontrol is a compact mixing-orientated device that connects to your computer over USB.
It offers transport controls and a nine-channel 'mixer', with each strip comprising a slider, rotary knob and two backlit buttons.
It's a configuration that lends itself well to a classic volume/pan/solo/mute setup, although you can configure each control to send any CC you like. The transport can send MMC or MIDI CC data.
Fire up the downloadable Kontrol Editor and the attack/release times of these buttons can be altered, so that when pressed, the CC does not jump to the new value but glides smoothly – a nice touch. The upper/lower values of the sliders and knobs can also be redefined.
Crucially, this software also enables you to configure up to four scenes for the nanoKontrol, switchable via a button on the device. This effectively gives you 36 channels and four transport sections. Complete setups can be saved, so you can create custom ones for your favourite apps or plug-ins.
The nanoKontrol is a surprisingly smooth operator, registering both tiny movements and large sweeps. It doesn't come with any free software but, as is the case with its sister products the nanoKey and nanoPad, there's the option of saving €30 on Ableton's Live 7, LE or Suite.
Verdict
The nanoKontrol is a superb portable mixing device and DAW controller.
MusicRadar rating:
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User comments (1)
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Thought I'd put up a quick user review of this seeing as there isn't one.
I got one a few days ago and while I whole heartedly agree it's a it complicated to set up for the novice (me) I bet if you Google your DAW you'll find someone who has already done it and has graciously put a file online you can load into the software. I run Reaper and did exactly that et voila... transport controls and 4 scenes of 8 tracks with vol, pan, mute and solo.
I almost knocked a star off for this but it's sooooooooo cheap I let it off.
As for the using the thing. Well the faders and pots are smooth enough for the price, perfectly usable. I have seen a few people say the rubber buttons can stick but that's certainly not happened to me, I've tried!
I wasn't expecting much build quality but it's pretty rugged for a but of plastic, I was pleasantly surprised.
All in all it's bargain. I mean 9 faders and pots, mute and solo, plus transports controls, now going for £30! Stick that in your laptop and you've got a very usable portable studio. Obviously, it only has basic functionality... no motorised faders and bi-directionality (is that a word?)... so if you mute a track with the mouse the LED on the Nano won't light up... and the faders are only small. But it's £30! And for £30 it's an absolute steal. It's worth it just to have to transport controls for your DAW.
If you get to grips with programming the thing it will of course also control synths etc etc should you wish... very versatile if you put the time in.
As I say, I got one purely to control Reaper on my laptop and it's just perfect.
Neat, usable and a bargain.
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MusicRadar rating
Pros
Super-portable. Ridiculously affordable. Sturdily built. Good sensitivity on nanoKontrol. Kontrol Editor enhances functionality.
Cons
Editing not easy for novices.
Verdict
The nanoKontrol is a superb portable mixing device and DAW controller.
Review Policy
All MusicRadar's reviews are by independent product specialists, who are not aligned to any gear manufacturer or retailer. Our experts also write for renowned magazines such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm. All are part of Future PLC, the biggest publisher of music making magazines in the world.
User rating
Where to buy
Buy similar products from Andertons Music Company
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Specification
nanoKontrol
- Price:
- £59
- Additional Requirements:
- USB Port
- OS Requirements:
- Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP
flarts
Mon 6 Dec 2010, 1:41 pm GMT
User rating 5 of 5