Korg nanoKONTROL2 - Slim-Line USB MIDI Controller (Black)

Comments about Korg nanoKONTROL2 - Slim-Line USB MIDI Controller (Black):

I use this for Ableton Live, it's miles away from the old nanokontrol... it will receive midi signals, so when you click something with your mouse in a DAW the corresponding button is illuminated or turns off on your nano. Comes ready with mappings for some DAWs (ableton and others) or you can make your own maps. WIth the preloaded ableton map you can solo, mute, rec, pan, fade, and you can cycle between which tracks you control... control first 8 tracks then hit next track button and control the next 8. No motorized faders but you cant expect that. and the buttons dont stick anymore.

Comments about Korg nanoKONTROL2 - Slim-Line USB MIDI Controller (Black):

I actually got this controller to control Serato Scratch Live, not the typical DAW software application that it is originally intended for.

I was able to map my custom MIDI configuration to this controller with no issues at all, right out of the box. I found it to be more versatile than the fixed MIDI mapped Denon DN HC1000s controller designated for Scratch Live. I was able to re-map the controls to manage the DJ-FX, SP6, Looping, scrolling, loading, and more.

It is small and compact and has a very great price, especially compared to the Denon HC1000s if you want to compare it to such a device since it isn't really a direct competitor, although the Kontrol2 is likely not as durable, but I don't expect to abuse it to the point where it would be destroyed.

The only small issue I have is that I would be using this in a live performance environment which may be dark and although there are small inset grooves in the fader/knobs to indicate level, they are not visually highlighted. This is more for the knobs, since you can visually see the fader level pretty easy. I painted my own indicators to help this issue.

It's hard to say that this seems "light-duty" in a negative way, as it is an inexpensive controller which I did not expect it to have a "heavy-duty" feel. Although it feels like it is light-weight and may not be durable, I haven't had it enough time yet to know how well it holds up to traveling. I take really great care of my equipment, and feel that with proper preparation and packing, this device will hold up for a long time.

I also would have wished the USB cable it came with had a 90º right angle for my personal uses and space, since the USB interface in on the right side of the device.

I even created a custom skin to help with the labeling for my needs and use.

Comments about Korg nanoKONTROL2 - Slim-Line USB MIDI Controller (Black):

This product works pretty much as advertised and is good for the price. The construction is plastic all over and the sliders do their job but are not "pro" quality. The main problem is that Korg haven't updated the editor software for version 2, so trying to edit the controls with the supplied editor doesn't work.

Comments about Korg nanoKONTROL2 - Slim-Line USB MIDI Controller (Black):

This is a real plug and play product, really easy to use and intuitive.
Good ergonomy, light and seems to be robust and reactive.
Good choice and I 'll buy it again.