Korg nanoSeries puts laptop users in control

Korg's nanoSeries features a controller for every creative situation.
Korg's nanoSeries features a controller for every creative situation.

Korg's new nanoSeries devices are designed to meet the needs of artists who like to make music on the go but don't want to make any sacrifices in the control department. The range features three compact products: nanoKEY, nanoPAD and nanoKONTROL.

Predictably enough, nanoKEY is a keyboard - a 25-note, velocity-sensitive model. As well as being useful for recording chords and melodies, it can also be used to send MIDI control data. It will ship with a download code for the full version of Korg's M1Le - a cutdown version of the synth that forms part of the Legacy Collection Digital Edition bundle.

With its 12 trigger pads, the nanoPAD looks set to appeal to laptop DJs - an X/Y pad is also included - though the roll and flam functions suggest that it'll also be useful for drum programming. Toontrack's EZDrummer Lite will be freely available to owners of this one.

Finally, there's the nanoKONTROL: this offers nine faders, nine knobs, 18 switches and a transport section. As such, it seems perfect for DAW and plug-in control, though there is also a note input mode. A discount code for Ableton Live will come in the box.

All the nanoSeries controllers are bus-powered and connect over USB.

No news yet on when these cute-looking devices will be available, but if Korg can get them out at the right price - initial reports suggest that each controller will cost no more than £60 - MusicRadar reckons it could have three big hits on its hands…

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Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.