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.
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.
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.
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.
If you have any interest in electronic music, you owe it to yourself to check out these mini-marvels.
