Korg nanoKEY

The Korg Nano Key is a great midi keyboard. Korg always brings some of the best midi keyboards on the Market. After using the Axiom 61, I didn’t think that the mini would have much for me. But I gave it a chance and its great, this midi keyboard is very small and portable. I packed it right in my laptop bag with my laptop and had my production studio go anywhere that I went. On the Nano, there aren’t knobs and sliders that you can use to sync with your software to automate certain things. That is really the only thing that is missing from the mini that is on most other models that Korg creates.


UTILIZATION

Even though this is a small midi controller its still very sturdy and holds up great. Its all plastic but still holds its own weight. I didn’t even have to load the drivers. I just plugged it in via usb and it automatically was recognized by my windows computer and was ready to use in Cubase and Fl Studio. But if you need to load the disk up to get your drivers in you can and will have no problem doing so. Even if you need to update your drivers M Audio makes it extremely easy to do so on their website you can go on there and update the drivers for free anytime you wish for any of the products that they create.


OVERALL OPINION

Overall this is worth it, the price is affordable and all producers need a midi keyboard that can be hooked up with usb or with midi cables. You can take this with you anywhere and have your studio on hand no matter where you are so when inspiration hits you are prepared to start creating on the spot. This little midi controller is well worth it.

The Korg NanoKey is a small USB based MIDI controller. It's perfect for bringing on the go and for getting quick ideas. The keyboard has 25 keys, all of which are mini and it's not a realistic feel for a keyboard instrument, feeling more like a computer keyboard than an instrument keyboard. This is definitely best suited for use with a laptop when it might not be possible or necessary to have a bigger MIDI controller. There isn't much that you need to know about getting the NanoKey up and running as it's a simple plug and play controller, although you probably have to install a drive on a PC. It doesn't really have any connections beyond the USB port, but in situations where you're going to be using this, that's really all you will need.

UTILIZATION

It's not at all hard to operate the Korg NanoKey controller. In addition to the 25 keys, it has octave up and down buttons, pitch up and down buttons for shifting, a modulation button and a CC mode which allows you to use the keys to control MIDI assignable controls for your parameters on your virtual instruments and the like. The keyboard itself certainly is not as smooth playing instrument, but again it's not meant to be used as a traditional instrument like that. It's really just meant to be an extension of your computer keyboard and to have a piano like keyboard that gives you quick access to notes for laying down simple MIDI parts or getting ideas down. I wouldn't expect this to replace your regular keyboard MIDI controller...

OVERALL OPINION

The Korg NanoKey is a unique product and is definitely one worth checking out if you think you might benefit from a mini, portable MIDI controller. It of course doesn't have the most options in the world or anything close to a realistic piano feel, but it does the job for getting a simple idea down or laying down other MIDI parts. It's cheap enough where it's probably worth picking up if you think you could use it as I can definitely see if being helpful on the go with your laptop. This isn't for everyone, but for those who might need it, it can be very helpful to have.

(Originally written by elgbl/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
See global section.

UTILIZATION

See global section.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for a few months. I've transported it a lot and not always with due care but still I've had no problems.

Don't pay attention to comments regarding the playing feel! This keyboard is about 0.4" slim so it's normal that the playing feel isn't comparable with a classic synth. It's just impossible but that doesn't have anything to do with quality.

The main advantage of this keyboard is that it is ultra slim, ultra light and very affordable.

People disappointed with this keyboard bought the wrong product!!! If you want a keyboard you can put in a small backpack with your laptop and a sound card to make music while you travel, make holiday or visit friends, this product is for you!

(Originally written by opaze/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
It doesn't have a lot of features but you don't buy it for its versatility... It's super convenient for mobile applications and it doesn't require any drivers since it is immediately detected as USB device... I use it with Reason on a Macbook.

UTILIZATION

Average finish and feel although I expected it to be even worse. Some buttons are already worn out after a few hours of use even though I handle it very carefully because it seems to be easily breakable... It has four velocity curves but I think that's a marketing gimmick because I can't hear a real difference between them...

OVERALL OPINION

IMHO the unit has a dubious quality and although the original idea was good, Korg should offer a better product even if that means it would be more expensive... The quality is average even for an ultra basic notepad product and every budget master keyboard with real keys is more pleasant to use. It's true, it has a very compact size but the quality is very poor. It definitely needs some improvements!