Korg's NanoSeries2 brings back the old with new features
(ShackMan | Posted 2011-02-03)
First off, for fans of the original NanoSeries, don't worry. Korg is still shipping the NanoSeries2 in the original tones if you so choose. The difference is a whole bunch of features and some snappy new designs, even though they're still the same size.
The most visually redesigned is the NanoKey2, which had its keys removed in favor of space-saving buttons laid out like a keyboard and modeled after the MacBook style. It still features the full 25 keys of the original as well as octave shift and key transpose functions, enabling the user to cover the entire MIDI range of pitches. Also included is a modulation button, and a pair of pitch bend buttons.
My personal favorite is the NanoPad2. First off, it's boasting four more pads (16 to the original NanoPad's 12) for extra saved sounds. Second, you've got the ability to record Kaos Pad style using just the X-Y touch pad included on the unit, allowing users to play MIDI arpeggios from the Kaossilator Gate arpeggio library. The pads are all velocity-sensitive to give drum parts a more natural life-like sound. You can even trigger chords or other pitched parts from the pads as well.
The NanoKontrol2 is the DAW Controller of the group. Wired for eight channels of control as well as convenient transport buttons, the NanoKontrol2 can rest nicely in front of a laptop in your lap or on a desk. A knob, fader, and three switches are provided for each of the eight channels, respectively assigned to pan, volume, and solo/mute/record, although these are individually adjustable. Also featured is improved transport control with a little help from Mackie's HUI protocol already built in. For those who haven't been keeping score, the HUI protocol has only been available on much more expensive units ranging from $150 on up until now. At $59.00 street, this is a new standard from Korg.
All three units have a street price of around $60. For more information on the NanoSeries2 trio, check out Korg's website.
James Rushin is a bassist, keyboardist, writer, and composer living and working in the Greater Pittsburgh area. He has performed with Selmer artist Tim Price, Curtis Johnson, guitarists Ken Karsh and Joe Negri. His compositions have been featured at West Virginia University and Valley Forge Christian College. He will be spending the Fall and Winter months working on playwright Frank Gagliano's Voodoo Trilogy and Bodoni County Songbook.
Got questions? Comments? James can be reached as ShackMan in the Music Gear Review forums, or you may e-mail him at James.Rushin@MusicGearReview.com.
