Korg Nanokontrol Manual

Customer Reviews

Korg Nano Studio Manual

  • Great for starting streamers

    Used this midi controller with VoiceMeeter Banana (virtual mixer) so that I didn't have to minimize applications to lower the volume, mute certain applications, etc. A much cheaper option for beginning streamers who don't want to drop a lot of money when just starting out.

  • Great little control surface

    ...this is perfect. I had been using a Zoom R24 as a control surface for Cubase but it stopped working so I got this. It's actually better. It's got all your transport controls, loop, and each of the 8 channels has a slider, mute, solo and record buttons and an assignable knob for panning. You can also easily switch to the next 8 channels and control them. So simple!

  • So great!

    Amazing unit - love how simple it is to set up and use. Great price point and great downloads that come with it too!!

  • great controller

    A great controller
    Compact and comfortable
    User friendly and portable
    As usual korg always do it great !!

  • Works great with iOS

    Got this to use with iOS and it works well. The mapping software that you can download from Korg also works well (on Windows 10 in my case).
    As far as Sweetwater, what can I say? The stuff arrives on time, in good shape, and it's what I ordered (this has always been my experience). The customer service is great and their follow-up is exceptional.

  • Well worth buying - good for VST and DAW control

    I first plugged the NanoKONROL2 into the PC I use with Reaper. I started without installing any drivers or software to see how far I could get without doing so. I first plugged it in and let windows 7 find a driver in its database. I then unplugged its USB cable and plugged it back in while holding down the Set Marker and Record buttons which internally sets the NanoKONTROL2 to Cakewalk Sonar. In Reaper Preferences > Control Surfaces I clicked Add and then chose Mackie Control Universal and then Midi input to nanoKONTROL2 (got these tips from chriscaulder on songwritingandrecordingtips wordpress site)
    I then plugged it into my Windows 10 laptop to control VST's in Cantabile. I decided to install the Korg Windows 10 driver and the Kontrol Editor because I knew I had to change some of the buttons from momentary to latched for VB3 settings like percussion and vibrator. This all worked very well using VB3's midi learn except that the first slider was set to CC#0 which can't be used in VB3. I ended up setting all the sliders to unused midi controller (102-109). It works great and is fun to change the drawbars on the fly without having to use the mouse and look at the laptop screen.
    I think the NanoKONTROL2 is a great value.

  • nanokontrol 2 - Great Product

    I use this controller for Mainstage 3, and it is very effective! The controller has good responsiveness, as well as a solid feel and smooth action in the sliders and dials. Well worth the price.

  • Instant Control in Studio One

    I just needed a simple transport,fader,pan knob controller for my mobile rig running Studio One 3. I was using a Korg Taktile in double duty, control surface AND instrument mode, while pondering the best small controller to purchase. There are several quality units to choose from in the same price-range. Very pleased I chose this one. Perfect for my needs,when mobile, or at home base. The nanoKONTROL2 is already mapped and ready to go in Studio One, and took less than 10 minutes to set up. The unit itself is well made and has a solid feel, definitely worth the price it goes for.
    So good to buy something that works 100%; no glitches or fits setting it up to use. Thanks, Korg and Sweetwater.

  • Nice, Simple Controller

    This is a high quality unit that does all that it promises. My Daw recognizes it as it should and adds new control options. You can't go wrong with this unit.

  • Solid

    I use Korg NanoKONTROL2 to control Mainstage layers, playback and effects. The knobs and sliders are interchangeable and have always worked flawlessly. The slider knobs have fallen off from time to time when I transported it, so you have to be aware when transferring it around. But its not a big deal. Easy to program, dependable and affordable. Easily handles all my live synths, ableton and more.... and for $50 bucks! Save your $$ for the software and the synth hardware.....you won't be disappointed in this.

  • Plug & Play!

    I was tired of using my mouse SO MUCH to control all of the parameters for setting levels, pans, play, pause, solo, mute etc. And I REALLY missed the feel of old-school faders while running my DAW (Logic 9)...especially during a MIX. Plugged this puppy in and POOF! It worked flawlessly in an instant! All of the buttons, sliders, and knobs feel nice and smooth as well. A GREAT little addition to the home studio!

  • Just what I expected

    Set up fairly quickly with Live and Tracktion 3 for levels and panning, great to mix with ears and not eyes

  • Great little MIDI controller !

    I absolutely love nanoKONTROL 2. I was looking for something small, portable, but still very functional. My goal was to control CC# messages of virtual instruments within DAW with faders, buttons and knobs. Control all parameters, including B-3 organ bars. The amount of data that you have at your fingertips to control with nano is just what you really need. The faders and knobs feel sturdy, and durable. All parameters are assigned easily within the computer ( connected via included USB cable). You can easily assign any parameter to any button, knob or fader and save your customized settings. If you are looking for a USB MIDI controller that can serve both in the studio and on the road - Korg nanoKONTROL 2 is clearly the perfect choice.

  • It works flawlessly

    The Korg nanoKontrol2 exceeds my expectations. I set it up to control my daw near my recording mic. It allows me to adjust all the necessary controls to record and re record as necessary with out going to the computer. After a little reading it was easy to program all the controls to function for my use. I use it on my Reaper software, but I'm sure it will work on others.

  • Brilliant!

    I wasn't sure if I really needed this but for Sweetwater's great deal I thought what the heck! And now I can't work without it! Great little device, does precisely what it says it does and more importantly what I hoped it would. Life is better...!
    Thanks yet again to Tom Maxwell meeting the delivery deadline and getting it to me in the nick of time. Sweetwater is undoubtedly the store other companies can only aspire to be!

  • Great Product!!

    For the price you cannot beat the NanoKontrol2 as both a mixer for your DAW or control surface for soft synths. With the programming software Korg puts out for their nano products the bang for the buck is stellar. All products should be designed this well. This is my second nano product purchase and both have served me well. Perfect for the desktop or laptop studio.

  • Unbeliveable

    If anyone can fuss about this little unit, I dont see how. For the money I have had more fun this then I have had in a long time , I am a drummer of 48 years and may never use a kit again.

  • Korg NanoKontrol 2 - love it

    My primary musical activity now is composing, using my laptop, Sonar X3, Kontakt, and a carefully selected group of virtual instruments. I use the Nanokontrol2 whenever I travel with my laptop. I pair it with a Nanokey2, and am very happy with the amount of functionality I have with that setup. The Nanokontrol2 does exactly what it says it will do, while having a compact footprint and little weight. My only reason for not giving 5 stars is that the documentation with it for initial setup is, imho, pretty lacking. Even more lacking is the documentation for how to use the Nanokontrol2 as a controller for synths and samples. However, my primary use of the unit focuses on the transport, faders, marker, and solo/mute buttons, and so in the end it's doing what I want it to. I would definitely buy another one if I lost my current unit.

  • Compact MIDI controller

    At first I was ready to ship it back to Sweetwater! But I persevered and found out that the problem was Me, not the controller. I use Reaper and after watching some videos I was able to control everything that I wanted. But the main reason that I bought the controller for was to control different parameters on Garritan plugins. I have a FA 06 keyboard and the joystick controller doesn't work well for the Mod wheel since it springs back to the center. Not good when you are trying to be expressive. I use one of the sliders to control the Mod wheel and now it stays in the position that I desire. It works as it should and therefore I am happy with the Korg nanoKontrol2. The reason that I scored it 4.5 and not 5 is because I don't like the feel of the buttons that much. They're a little 'squishy' or wobbly but they do work. If you need a compact MIDI controller I recommend this product.

  • Provides Lots Of Control For Very Little Dough!

    Unless you can afford to upgrade to a USB controller with one motorized fader w/transport controls or spend even more for a USB controller with 8 motorized faders(or more) plus transport controls, then this unit is all you need. It is downright silly to spend a $ more than what the Korg nanoKONTROL 2 costs when for a few bucks more you get motorized fader/automation control from a Faderport. I have used a nanoKONTROL 2 almost daily during the past 18 months and it still works perfectly. I consider these an essential piece of gear for any home studio or live performer that needs simple MIDI control. Mine has quickly mapped to every DAW I have attempted use it with. This controller meets so many needs and does them all well, an absolute bargain. Has become part of the family,goes everywhere,does a bit of everything. If they had a 9 fader model, it would cover all VSTi needs,and everything else,too. Only reason for knocking off the half a star.

  • Love my nanoKontrol2

    My nanoKontrol2 works with all my DAWs Each function I need is available and works. It makes controlling the activities of my DAWs some easier and fast. I do have two small conplaints; first the channels are not marked, secondly the USB cord is much too short. This is a great tool and I highly recommend it. Sweetwater service is outstanding, the made a follow up call to see if I had an question or problems. They meet the competition's price, shipped free and offer an additional 2 year warranty. Whats not to like! Oh, did I mention the enclose bag of candy!!

  • Awesome controller!

    Great controller that is easy to use! Plug and play!

  • Good little Controller

    Good little controller does exactly what it says..do some reading on klinke mod software, works for me in reaper and mixbus

  • Just what the controller doctor ordered!

    For quite some time I've waited for the right controller for my rig and I found it. People will constantly ask… what is that attached to your keyboard and I tell them it's 'Kontrol.' The only thing that it needs is to have more banks to allow you to have another 8 or 16 instruments available.

  • An Unexpected Upgrade!

    Once again the knowledgeable staff at Sweetwater managed to bail me out! I had been using Frontier Design's TRANZPORT to control my DigitalPerformer software. When I upgrade my Mac OS X op sys, I found the TRANZPORT was no longer supported. Being wireless, it allowed me basic DAW control while at my keyboard station without returning to the computer. I was worried I had lost that convenience. Fortunately, Sweetwater turned me on to the Korg nanoKONTROL 2, giving me even more control than before; 8 faders adjustable in groups of 8, pan, solo, mute and record buttons for each. Fast acting, illuminated buttons also control navigation in play, FF, FR and marker location. The unit connects to the Mac with USB which is a small price to pay for this much control. (And it's cool looking!)

  • Korg nanoKONTROL2

    Great Buy!! Controlling the DAW from the nanoKontrol makes recording easy and fast. Controlling muting, soloing is interactive and controlling levels for multiple tracks at the same time is awesome. Pro features at desktop level. My only Con is the USB cord lenght, the manual says to only use the cable provided.
    not sure what to do with that but... its fine for now.

  • Works great with Mackie/Tracktion software

    This thing works like a charm, and for this low price what's not to love? Was a little tricky at first trying to get it to work with Tracktion3 since it wasn't listed as a compatible DAW in the userguide. Was able to set each parameter individually following the instructions for 'Other DAW Software'. Very pleased and impressed!

  • Great Kontrol. Unbeatable Price!!!

    Consider me bias, in that, I have never been dissappionted in any Korg products that I've purchased. Not that i haven't drueled over many attractive midi controllers from Novation and Akia, which deliver a superb product as well, but i just needed some extra controls and really wanted something that was out of my price range, for now... So as cheap as the cost is for this controller, its made a great hold me over 'til I can get what my heart truely desires. I have been very pleased and will still continue to use with live performances because its compact design gives plenty of choices, when room is limited. KORG IS BASICALLY GIVING THEM AWAY AT THAT PRICE, WHY WOULDN'T YOU WANT TO GET IT? IF NOTHING ELSE, YOU COULD HAVE IT AS A BACK-UP CONTROLLER FOR WHEN YOU JUST NEED A COUPLE EXTRA HANDS ON CONTROLS. I use: hp -Envy, intel i7, 8GB RAM, windows 7, FL Studio(My Favorite Software Ever!!!), & every thing works great!! I mapped controller using downloadable 'Korg Kontrol Editor' in no time. I have a Korg microKontrol & Korg Pad Kontrol, so mapping was more or less a exstention to current midi mapping set-up (to expand my microKontrols' 8 Faders,just always need more it seems like).Also includes a software pack, i already owned a lot of the stuff on it, but still makes a great added bonus. If you added up the cost of included software titles, it would probably be enough money to buy 2 nanoKontrol2's. Like I said, its pretty much a no brainer. I'd give it a 5 star rating if I could string multiple NanoKontrol2's together, like the option on nanoKEYS2.

  • Go crazy!

    All kinds of fun with this bit of gear...
    Eight sliders, eight knobs, 24 buttons, and as many possibilities as you can shake a DAW at. I use mine with PropellerHead Reason. Making the map for Reason for this controller wasn't hard, but buyer beware: Reason only comes with a map for the old nanoKontrol, and the CC#'s are different with this one. As long as you don't mind digging into your program and programming it for your new nanoKontrol if it's not already supported, go for it.
    For being small and plastic-y, it feels remarkably solid. The knobs have a respectable amount of resistance - not so much that you can't turn them quickly, but not so little that you can't make smooth adjustments. The sliders have less resistance, but it fits with the size of the slider and the throw length. Love it or hate it, all the buttons are rubbery silicon-type buttons, and almost all of them light up (the ones that are lit in the pic are the only ones that'll light up).
    Only negative thing is that the knobs markers (to show which direction it's pointing) are very dark and you probably won't be able to tell unless you twiddle them, see a reference to the direction in your DAW, or are in a well lit studio. For stage use, it's easily fixed with a dab of bright gaff tape and a pen mark on the tape in the groove where the pointer is. Not really a condemning point, but take notice if you don't have access to something bright to mark it with.

  • Korg nanoKontrol2

    Does the job of controlling your sliders in a DAW program and more. It would be nice if the controls would light up on all functions to indicate which ones you are working with, - which ones are active and so on... And to have the channels numbered. I stuck temporary small sticky numbers on my slider channels. It makes it easier to read which controles you are working with at a particular time.
    Also If the unit was make just a bit larger to accomidate something like sticky notes for the temporay assignment of functions, that would be nice in helping with the navigation. Quite a versital pice of gear though and at a reasonable price.

  • KORG nanoKONTROL2

    This is a great product but Korg made it very difficult for the LEDs to stay on. There are several steps you have to take to get it functioning properly.
    Once that's figured out, it is an amazing product and definitely one of the best controllers on the market. The design and feel is great!

  • great instrument

    simple and clear does just what i need it to do and great service from sweet water!

  • Korg Awesomeness controller with sliders and buttons

    This thing is great in ableton or such apps.
    the only change i'd make is the mechanical faders, then it'd pretty much be the end all solution for something like this.
    I don't use it much since I got a apc40, but it still works and behaves accordingly

  • Great little tool

    This is a cool little tool to add some control to your setup. I am using it with Mainstage mostly - but occasionally with Pro Tools.
    I love having a more tactile control for my B3 patches. It also gives me a quick little mixer for PT when I'm mobile...

  • Korg nanoKontrol 2

    If you like the feel of actual controls (ie: Faders / Pan knobs ) when you Mix rather than a mouse ,then this is for you.
    It speeds up my work flow , and is small enough to sit on top of your keyboard when your done.
    I gave it only 4 stars because you can't pan a stereo track with it.
    But for the price it's perfect for any Progect Studio.

  • Korg nanoKontrol 2

    If you like the feel of actual controls (ie: Faders / Pan knobs ) when you Mix rather than a mouse ,then this is for you.
    It speeds up my work flow , and is small enough to sit on top of your keyboard when your done.
    I gave it only 4 stars because you can't pan a stereo track with it.
    But for the price it's perfect for any Progect Studio.

  • Sturdy Inexpensive Controller

    Not great for controlling your DAW. The sliders control volume faders in the mixer, but since they are not motor controlled you can't do smooth volume moves. If you accidentally bump one in mix mode you can wreck the automation.
    Great in CC mode for controlling drawbars, knobs, etc. via programming with the included editor.
    For Logic, you must use 'Other DAW software' instructions to set Kontrol2 to CC.

  • Simple And Effective!

    Not much more to say than my title! You plug it in, select it from your DAW's profile, and away you go. A terrific controller for very little money.

  • Nice piece!!

    This thing is very handy when trying to record without having to always reach for the mouse and keyboard...really makes the workflow easier. For the price, you can't go wrong!!

  • Little faders and knobs (Way cool)

    The good
    1. For the price you can't possibly go wrong
    2. Even for the price the functionality is great
    3.It's built really well and is compact but useful
    4.The included MIDI editor is half of the functionality and is eazy to understand.
    The Bad
    1. The faders seem a bit sensitive but I think that has to do with the small through
    2. The pots would be much more useful if they were encoders instead. Especially if it is used in managing synth and/or sampler controls. They jump when activated to what ever position the pot is at.
    I got two for my live set up... I use one as a dedicated DAW control for Live, and the other to map to customer VST controls. If you have mixing requirements for your live setup but need to minimize your footprint, this is a must have. Not for serious mixing due to the fader size.
    All and all a great value and a must have.

  • very good units, some USB quirkyness

    everything works as expected. USB is somewhat quirky via USB hub. I'm connecting four Korg nano's through korg's own USB hub, and experiencing loose connections. When this happens, all nano's go down requiring a PC reboot and sometimes a notification that the USB driver needs to be installed. I tied-down all physical connections to the hub on a piece of egg-crateing which helps a lot. Will be looking to use a powered USB hub next. Otherwise, the nano controllers work very well and have very good response, and will continue to purchase more of these units.

  • It only costs 60$ so don't expect a Rolls.

    The Nano Kontrol worked with the Omnisphere Template great for about 10 days then one of the sliders began to drop out the patch volume. Tech support said to call and they could help with the problem via the software. Well one does not need to be an electrical engineer to know it was a contact issue with the Kontrol. With the help of a HP engineer and some simple twiddling with the contact, the problem is solved and the unit again works very well as a simple switch for the Live and Stack Mode Multis within Omnisphere.
    This unit is just a stage piece for me, used for Live patch switching, but it should work well with DAWs. It is plastic with plastic bits so I do not expect that it will last too long as a road piece but it is inexpensive and if I can get two years out of it, I call that acceptable for money invested.
    Small and light so it fits in a ATA 76 case with my Stage2 no problem. Carry an extra USB mini cable but test them first. I tried two that did not work well and then tried one that was designed for my Numa2 Organ for OS updates. It works great. l

  • Useful but flimsy

    This controller SHOULD be wonderful. It provides enough controls to do basically anything, with buttons, knobs, and faders galore. Unfortunately the fader caps are extremely flimsy and (in my experience) fall off during live use. Too bad. Maybe with some aftermarket fader caps the experience would be better?

  • Don't last long.....

    Worked great for about a year with EXTREME MINIMAL USE, now not at all. You have to download every little driver just to install it, and many to have to look thru to get the right one. Not the first failure from Korg, I also owned their digital mixer recorder that failed so many times it was discontinued, so they gave me a keyboard in lieu of giving my money back.

  • Yes, but...

    Looks like the video reviewed the original, which as the reviewer pointed out, had (9) faders corresponding nicely to (9) organ drawbars. The new model 2 has 8. Oh well? I'm appalled at the controllers I'm seeing now with only (8) faders when so many people are using virtual Hammonds. Really dumb corner-cutting.

  • Looks nice - horrible instructions

    This might be nice if you are a computer hobbyst or have a LOT of spare time. There is firmware, DAW drivers, editors, more secret key combinations than you will ever find and the instructions are poo. It works with Garageband, but I can't re-assign the faders to where I need them. I have not been able to make it work with Reaper yet. Good luck!

Studio

For the latest contact information, please refer to the Korg.com website. 8) Cautions regarding the use of the product are stated at the beginning and end of each owner’s manual. Because these cautions were based on the laws and societal understandings at the time when each manual was produced, they might not be appropriate for the present time. Korg nanoKONTROL2. Controlling the DAW from the nanoKontrol makes recording easy and fast. Controlling muting, soloing is interactive and controlling levels for multiple tracks at the same time is awesome. Pro features at desktop level. My only Con is the USB cord lenght, the manual says to only use the cable provided.

  • Korg nanoKONTROL2 - Black
    Item ID: nanoKON2bkUSB MIDI Software Controller with Eight Faders, Eight Knobs, 24 buttons, and Transport Controls - BlackMore Info...
    List Price: $84.00
    +Free 2-year Warranty
    Or $2/month*** for 48 months

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Korg Nanokontrol Manual

Korg Nanokey Manual

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Korg Nanokontrol Manual

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Korg Nanokontrol 2 User Manual

8) Cautions regarding the use of the product are stated at the beginning and end of each owner’s manual. Because these cautions were based on the laws and societal understandings at the time when each manual was produced, they might not be appropriate for the present time. It is advised that End User review and strictly adhere to these Cautions.