korg nano usb midi controllers let you make beautiful music

February 24th, 2009 comments stumble it! digg it! by: technabob

These little USB controllers let you build out a full-fledged recording studio anywhere you go. The Korg nanoSeries of controllers are small enough to throw in a backpack or briefcase, but when connected to your computer let you set up a robust studio on the road.

For starters, there’s the nanoKEY, which offers a 25-key velocity-sensitive piano keyboard, that can control your music creation software. There’s even the ability to quickly switch between octaves, so you can access the entire range of a full-size keyboard if you want.

korg_nanokey

Next up is the nanoPAD, which is great for playing digital percussion or other sound effects. The nanoPAD has a dozen trigger pads, each of which can send up to eight notes or MIDI control messages. There’s also an X/Y touchpad which can use for pitch-bending or other MIDI control messages. You can even set up individual pads to trigger chords.

korg_nanopad

Last, but certainly not least is the nanoKONTROL, which lets you easily control your mixing board software, providing 9 faders, 9 knobs, 18 switches, playback and recording controls.

korg_nanokontrol

The entire Nano series is available over at ProSound and Stage Lighting, with the nanoKEY selling for $49.99 (USD), and the nanoPAD and nanoKONTROL retailing for $59.99.