Those clicky keys on the NanoKey got me thinking... A velocity sensitive typing keyboard could be quite cool! I'd imagine it'd find favour with gamers as well as musicians.
You all prolly dont care but does anybody know a method to log back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid lost my password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me!
@Angel Parker Thanks for your reply. I found the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
Nice video as always. I will throw out there that 8 tracks is very limiting to me, in gadget, because if you do any heavy parameter recording, unless you record some parameter data earlier in the songs, you end up messing up the sanctity of your earlier scenes with that same gadget. I end up duplicating my gadgets many times just to make sure I don't accidentally mess up a previous part and have to find the sweet spot again.
Yeah but there's the 5 scene buttons so I'm pretty sure you've got 5 x 8 tracks. If in CC mode they're all assignable to any control on any midi channel, that certainly means for control of for instance a plugin synth, you'll have the 5x8 tracks (many more controls with the buttons and knobs plus faders). I'm assuming in DAW control mode it just switches you from 1-8 to 9-16 etc. so that's 5 sets of 8 tracks. Doesn't seem bad at all (except no motorized faders ofc so you don't get the instant look of where your different sets of tracks are at , but even Behringer demands a multiplicate of the price for that functionality with their X-control, and perhaps there's the option to 'hook' the faders so they only start changing your track volume once you've slid them onto the value that it is set at in the DAW. This is a reallll budget thing that can tide people over underway or whilst they're strapped for cash and yet this is pretty fucking great. The major drawback is lack of visual feedback, but I think I'll grab this and be able to both exponentially increase my workflow comfort and flexibility in my Cubase, but also to play around with some VI software synthesizers and switch between scenes. The fact that you can switch midi out channels so easily as well means you can also jump around different instruments within rack vsts for example. Plus, the Studio is Tiny, AND bluetooth capable? When I'm half asleep in bed sometimes I get ideas for sound design or processing, or just want to play with synths. I have my Mackie for the audio interface and inputs, and I can just carry this thing to bed after turning on an Arturia or U-He analog model virtual synth, and soundscape myself to dream land with the possibility of recording it and no switching of drivers necessary. Behringer's biggest X-Control is still ridiculously cheap compared to competition (around 500 bucks) and it has 360degree knobs too, with LED around them showing where they're at, that changes depending on the track or control you're using it for. Like a less cumbersome version of motorized faders (which is also has), and little displays under every tracks knob at the top, displaying the variable that you're controlling (which you've selected with another button (like make all the knobs into pan knobs, or make them insert dry/wet etc etc. so you always know exactly where you're at. I'm a student and I've gotta save up for that though. Never thought I'd think oi having to 'save up' for behringer. TLDR: I indulged in hyping myself up over this Kontrol Studio find (the keys I don't understand why they changed them; I have an older version of Korg Nanokeys where they still just used a proper piano based keyboard.
I just ordered mine yesterday, it arrives soon! I have many synths but I'm just not very tech savvy so I'm hoping this leads to advancing my knowledge on synthesis
Great video - was just looking into these and the notification for this video popped up. It's like you're psychic or just enjoy me spending money at the worst time of year!
Doh! I was all set to save $100 by getting an older nanokontrol2 for gadget but after watching Gaz, my will power has gone limp and my credit card is hot. Excellent video (for making me spend my $$$). Korg should send him a coffee mug.
Just bought the nanoKey. At 4:50 he describes remapping the knobs. You'd think your custom mappings would be saved as part of your Gadget project... but seemingly not. Do I have to redo it all manually after loading the project in a new session? Everything else seems to be saved reliably as part of the project; why not this? Have I missed something? Is this the end of my great ideas of using gadget + nanoKey for a live set? At least until Korg fix this in an update?
I agree. The ES and ES2 are the same way. It wouldn't kill them to add some color. Even the record button on the Kontrol isn't red. Whoever is designing all these black and grey themed instruments at Korg needs to stop.
Psssst.... *Hey Korg*.... are you reading this comment? Please, please, please make the next Electribe look like the nanoKey Studio. Maybe arrange the pad and touchpad around a bit but KEEP the "KEY" part AND pads. Using the ES2 pads to play synth parts is incredibly awkward. At least the Arturia Beatstep Pro, Synthstrom Deluge, and the Novation Circuit (I think) all offer highlighted pads that are laid out to look like an octave keyboard. Not the E2 though. Don't think you have to make it tiny and portable either. If people want tiny, portable, battery powered workstations they can find plenty of used E2s online. Thank you and goodnight. I love you. Also, would love to use the nanoKEY Studio to control the ES2. I can't imagine that working properly, if at all. Not sure about controlling the ES2 via USB. If anyone knows, I'm all ears.
I forgot all about the Sipario! Although, in the end, I'm not sure that extra cost is worth it? Perhaps I'll just finally give in and get a small MIDI controller. But you did give me something to chew on. Thanks for the suggestions. Really though, It would have been great if they had foreseen the link between the key studio and the E2/E2S and added some non-usb MIDI.
great review as per usual Gaz! real pity that Korg continue to use that bloody noisy keyboard tho. was thinking about an upgrade, definitely won't now.
Hope there's a refresh of this product in near sight, perhaps, even a 32-key version , it been 6 years and still remains very prevalent. #korg #nano #nanokeystudio
Great review. I got both and really like them a lot. I also found those nano-keys surprisingly good and that the Nanokontrol could have worked better with Gadget. If you work with Ableton in clip view, you can use the jog wheel to navigate scenes, and (if you activate "Use Scene Button as Scrub" on the editor software) launch them with the scene button. Pretty handy. I wish I could do the same with Gadget. And btw I found this bug: the arp only sends MIDI to channel one, even if you set the global channel to any other MIDI channel using the Korg editor. There is a firmware update but there's no mention to this issue in the description. I will appreciate if anyone who has update it can tell me if it solves this problem. And, yes, eight tracks should be enough for everyone.
Good review, I have both the nanokey studio and the nano kontrol studio. I use them extensively with korg gadget on my iPad. The only gripe I have with the nanokey studio is the arp tempo. I have set it to auto, but always uses the built-in tempo that I have set to 110 bpm. Somehow the if I change the tempo in gadget, the arp stays at the 110 bpm, as if they don’t exchange the tempo. I tried a the wired usb connection with both gadget and cubase on windows, but somehow the nanokey studio want’s to stick with it’s internal tempo regardless if the setting is on auto or external-usb. Using the tempo tap feature seems a bit inprecise as the the nano key does not have a display that indicates the arp tempo. Any one have the same issues or any pointers on this?
yeah Bluetooth MIDI shouldn't give you latency. It's the buffer size that will, so just make sure you try to stay underneath 256 for almost imperceptible latency *128 should be literally unnoticeable imo*.
I love Korg, and I want to but a controller like the KStudio, but apart from the poor color feedback, it just doesn't seem that durable or well made...any suggestions?
This is the only review that has made us think these are worth while for anything even in the Australian Market were these sit at $199.00 RRP, RGB colour scheme would make it worth while to be honest, REC needs to be RED and that's a fact of life. I don't see us using both of them but definitely one of them for the win.
I want to point out that there is a strange and annoying issue regarding the behaviour of the scale guide lights on the nanokey studio. You can freely select the scale you want (ionian, dorian, phrigian etc.) and the keys will be accordingly illuminated from the behind, but this only works for the C tonality: if you change to another tonality the lights will not follow accordingly. I don't know why Korg has mada this choice: I think that this is a serious issue for people who have bought this equipment to learn and memorize scales. Hope this will be fixed in future firmware releases.
GreenHoleSun Any news on updates? That's a bit of a bummer. I know some scales but it'd be nice for playing more quickly and learning scales I don't know.
If you use any high quality aaa rechargeable they last for a long long time. I got 4 so I rotate as I do with my SP404 too and I am never without power and fewer cable portability.
these devices are so cool in concept but gets so so so much off. They feel cheap, use traditional batteries and are uncomfortable to play with. Maybe if they made a higher quality version I'd jump back in.
J.M. Gomez i want something that plays nicely with my OP-1 but i honestly think these would be a disappointment... except maybe the whole velocity sensitive thing
I would pay double for better build quality. I still like it tho mainly for the Bluetooth. Apples lightening to usb is already 40. And you can bypass it with this.
Won’t connect to my i-ad so sending it back. Says connected in bluetooth but blue light still flashing. Wont connect in korg bluetooth app or gadget at all :(
I would like to use the studio with my iPad Pro and GarageBand, does that work? I just bought the nanokontrol 2 and it doesn’t seem to work with GarageBand or the iPad in general. Any tips?
Great review, thank you Gaz! It looks like NanoKontrol is not very useful for Gadget not only because it lacks features but mainly because it doesn't fully replace interaction with the screen. You will still want to touch the screen to add a new gadget, edit notes, touch a non-automapped knob etc. The only useful thing there is transport control. Verdict from a Gadget user: Nanokey - oh yeah, Nanokontrol - nah.
The fact that KORG Gadget doesn’t support nanokontrol Studio Jog Dial or fast cue function is a downer. Repels me from purchasing. Isn’t it possible that they’ll update that in the future? The nanokey is fine though. Have been using it for a few months now
The concept of these is great. There are a few things I'd change if I were to build something like those. LiPo batteries would be the first thing because who really wants to buy batteries all the time and NiMh cells don't last that long in comparison. The second thing that bugs me is the position of the USB port in that it's positioned in such a way that one can't put them in close proximity and have them both connected via USB. At least not side by side as depicted in this video which is how I'd want them. The last bit is this and it comes in the form of a question. Can they be run off USB power? If they can I'll forgive the position of the port. If not it's a bit of a fail for me. As I said, I really don't like having to replace batteries all the time.
ExStatic Bass you don't have to bother about these supposed issues: the batteries lasts a lot (rechargable ni-mh even longer) and the usb port is well positioned, and in any case you will not use it often because you will prefer bluetooth most of the times.
What I prefer is the faster connection of USB3 and the reliability of a wired interface rather than using radio waves which can and sometimes are interfered with by other devices. I'm also a Windows user due to software limitations. I perform live MIDI sets on stage and have had wireless devices fail due to the strong electromagnetic fields generated. Shielded speaker cables are expensive when they have to transmit 1200 watts over long distances. I know it's not the same frequency range and that it shouldn't interfere with a 2.4Ghz signal. The shier fact that it's such a strong signal can drown any other RF out, even interfering with my MIDI clock signal at times. I do the best I can with what I have. I've since lined my gig rig with copper plates to block most of that from getting into my system. I would still rather have something physically attached to my rig than something that transmits over bluetooth. Telling me what I'd prefer is a bit presumptuous not having the first clue how I perform or what the conditions of the rest of my equipment may be. It may even be considered a bit pretentious. I'm not angry or anything but I do wish people would understand this more. It's a bit frustrating to have others tell me my opinion when I'm perfectly able to make my own summations about what I like and what I don't want. I hope you'll consider this in the future.
ExStatic Bass ok, you have your opinions, I thought that this was obvious...now I understand that every single word must be well pondered in order not to be taken as an offence. Anyway, in my experience, bluetooth has never interfered with my other equipment, but I suppose you have your facts and opinions and will stick to them. Tried to help: failed. Not making this mistake any more.
You can even connect the nano studios via usb, the data transfer speed is the same, by ear. Many have tested it, including me and you can't notice any difference comparing usb/Bt ;-)
100% would have definitely preferred a small rechargeable LiPo, and any other style USB would be better than the ones these have (these USB ports are hands down the worst for life expectancy durability and speed!) it’s 2021 I don’t think my ports will last more than a year or 2 (tops) honestly since it’s already super loose and is always wiggling itself loose (this is a huge design flaw especially for live performance situations!) I definitely wouldn’t trust mine in a live situation as they are constantly coming out… 😔 i leave mine (the studio) attached at home to an iPad with a MPK mini 3 glad I didn’t get the Nano Keys along with it, although I do like the touch pad since the USB ports both face out the left of each unit I would have to “stagger them?” if used side by side with the provided jankie USBs… (back facing USBs or even one out the right and the other one facing out left of each Also would have worked fine so I could place them side by side like you are doing here with USB) but nope!? impossible with this configuration here though!? Some very simple modifications I’d like to have seen would be some other light colors to choose from (and even more so) just a simple notch or led to let me know whenever I’m set to the middle point of the Pan encoders and also the 0 db point on the faders!? Seems nitpicking but also, to me also it seems like something that should have definitely been included since there is no visible way of telling at all as is! especially in a dark room or club situation!? I’m debating using some glow in the dark lines for this and maybe some sort of paint for the pads?
It may say 'Mobile' on the tin, but in our European houses, it's also just small. Isn't Korg Japanese anyhow? I mean, as if they have big houses there. Just saying, don't let the 'mobile' in the marketing fool you: these are perfectly fine as (secondary / tertiary / etceteriary) controllers in the (home)studio.
it would of been nice for korg to include lithium ion batteries.... Like most of their competitors do. If these are like the ES2 then you won't be able to charge the nickel cadmium batteries via AC or USB..
ofisboy I disagree. Lithium batteries are not eternal: they expires in a few years and their capacities slowly decreases in time...and then you have to send your device to a laboratory in order to change them rechargeable AAA (alkaline or ni mh) works better for this kind of device: they last a lot and can be replaced or recharged easily by yourself.
That keyboard looks horrid, unless I'm missing something? Just from like a usability perspective, that thing does not look well-made. The arp is cool, though.
Just got the device. The keys are nice but a bit loud. Responsiveness is better than expected. Overall, a nice little keyboard packed with features, there is nothing like it on the market.
After looking at this more, tbh, the keyboard seems to be the better of the two units. But still, what I meant was mainly just that: 1. the colors of the keys are flipped, which is just weird. 2. the keys are unable to be differentiated from each other 3. the bottom keys being black on a black background 4. no color or visual feedback on the unit at all The keys having a lot of responsiveness it cool, though. I was surprised by how he was playing with them in the video, too.
I don't get those criticisms.The backlighting of the keys is a very nice effect (more so with the black-on-black keys, so that's why!..besides, I don't see the problem with the inverted color scheme...), and the arpeggiator visual feedback is like the coolest thing ever. Chords played from the pads will also get highlighted in the keyboard. Same for the notes played from the Kaoss pad. All keys sharing the same shape makes sense when using the Easy Scale function (it becomes a linear scale-locked isomorphic keyboard, as seen in many iOS apps)...This little keyboard is more well designed than you may think at first sight. And I've just realized, when using the arpeggiator, if you hold just one of the notes of a chord, you can keep adding notes to the arpeggio, switching between octaves if you want to. Niceee.
Guys....are you seriously telling me that there is still no editor for iOS. Surely the very fact that man’s using an iPad Pro with Akai LPD8 is , in MST cases a sure indication that man’s not, in fact rocking the book pro and is, in fact solely committed both through hard and software and is therefore and the polarised attendant thus. My point, iOS editor. As Audiobus Remote adds instant gratification. Is there some great technical chasm I am unaware of? Surely this must be the case. I don’t dig it
surely if they were to put an actual midi port on the device it would sell even more, whats with midi controllers these days ? only midi via USB or bluetooth..... :(
Oh Dear so they added Blutooth to them when they really needed a real MIDI connection, without that it`s like missing an arm & there are more and more people using hardware again plus they have those mini jack real Midi ports these days so now excuse not to have it anymore. I have a nanokontrol 2 and would love to use it with my Moog Minitaur to access the functions that are not on the front panel but alas I can`t. Wake up Korg there`s a bigger market out there for you to grab now so don`t cripple your devices eh ?
I have a Microkey 37 too and it`s very good but alas also crippled with the lack of a real midi port so it`s out of bounds unless attached to my main DAW PC, doh
I wonder why a studio would use bluetooth considering the latency. Yes, the latency can be minimal but it is still much more than wired. In studio you are not moving around like you might be in a performance so why bother. I really don't get it. I am amazed that Bluetooth keyboards are so popular. Just to not have that one cable!! Is it the coolness thing? Do you use any Bluetooth devices? If so, why? Is it worth having that latency, even if it's not that much?
And of course you use IOS like there was nothing wrong with it.. Seriously. This is the shittiest controller. In windows or android forget about bluetooth.. Even KORG software wont detect it as a MIDI device, and when it come to android there is no KORG software. I have not found any software on android that will work with it either.
if only they were not made by Korg...I' m on my second microkey 37 and AGAIN it's usb has died...just out of warranty... so it's a doorstop...they seem to last just over a year and poof...gone. so no thanks korg you'r build quality is too poor. 2 dead microkey 37's = no thanks :)
same with my nanopad, got one replaced under warranty but that eventually stopped working, too. OK, it was like 50 bucks down the drain, but those new ones are much more expensive.
