Korg nanoKONTROL 2 white

Very inexpensive controller from Korg.

If you don't know how to use your registry editor in Windows then you probably won't be able to get this to work. If you can however then after a few teething problems for a Studio One user this little thing turns out to be extremely useful in speeding up your workflow.

The usb cable it comes with is cheap and if you replace it you'll avoid any issues with the device freezing when you're in the middle of tracking or editing.

It takes a few minutes to download the editor and software and the free vst's that come with the nanokontrol2 are actually quite useful albeit limited in their usefulness.

If Korg spent a little more time developing drivers specific to the five or six main DAW manufacturers all of the pain in setting the device would be gone isntantly.

Also Korg DON'T allow users outside the USA to register their product... This is ridiculous and from a company with the reputation of Korg a major disappointment.

For €35 you really can't go wrong if you're looking to get away from the keyboard and mouse for a more hands on feel to your mixing and tracking. That being said, don't go expecting a €200+ piece of hardware... It isn't! What it is is small, portable, functional and inexpensive; and if that's what you're looking for then snap it up before they discontinue them altogether.

At this price point and at the time I got it there was nothing else in its category. I got it as a companion for my Akai Lpk25 Mini keys as it is exactly the same size which is also the size of a 13 inch Mac Book Pro. On paper this look perfect, the right size, the right price and with the right functions, or at least the was the idea.

Sadly things turned out to be quite different. It is a bit confusing to set up and you have to weave your way to it's own editor (available from the KORG website) and the control editors of your DAW of choice. I have used mine with Logic 9 and X and with Live 9 and I have to admit that I have never been able to get it to do what I am pretty sure it should be capable of doing. I have also noticed that it keeps interfering with my other usb hardware and the volume and pan knobs jump and fiddle around every thine I have it plugged in, and nothing seems to be able to solve this issue.

I have however recently found a use for it that seems to work very well and I can start to use it at its full potential. I got a hold of an interesting mapping from a welll known Dj Tech website and now use my Nano Kontrol to control my effects in Traktor. It seems that Traktor and the Nano Kontrol have no issues and can co exist happily.

The build quality is nothing special, but not too bad either, for the price I cannot really complain and nothing has come apart yet, with no indication of things coming apart in the near future either. I enjoyed the plug-in bundle that comes with it, that bundle alone to me is worth the money I paid, so overall I would say that this is a good value product, that could be very useful?just don't expect too much from it.

I bougt this 2 years ago and i'm pretty happy with this nano. This is small, inexpensive unit for cheap money. Just do instalation step by step (look in korg manual/webpage or youtube) and you're good to go.

First i had problems with mapping in Live 9, but reading different websites make things easier.

If someone have problem with mapping in Live 9 (the volume and pan knobs jumping around), just reset nanoKontrol 2 to factory settings. Turn off the power to your nanoKONTROL by unplugging it from the USB port of your computer and hold down the "Rec," "Stop" and "Scene" buttons with one hand while you plug the USB cable back in to your computer port.

Build quality is - "what you paid is what you get". One of fader buttons jumped off the nano. I used glue to put it back. Not a big problem, really.

This is good comparison between cheapest and cheap DAW controllers on market. I'm not pro musician, just doing things for joy not for money, so i'm very glad to see things like nano series who are accessible to everyone.

Nowadays, you dont need the best mixer, or the best controler with moving faders. The new DAW's are optimised to use just with a mouse.
This device provides just the enough physical control you will need. It's most usefull to mix the drum tracks. The mute/solo buttons are very usefull as well.
The build quality is not bad, I wish it had some adhering feet, because it slides arroud the table.
It is very light and portable.
The fact that it is plug and play, means that even the new music enthusiasts can easely use this controler.
Unlike other controlers, this one is very beautifull, the simple design looks very good in the studio.

Firstly, thanks to Thomann for excellent service as usual. Although this is a fairly small device it came inside a box, inside another massive box which was filled with huge bubble wrapping.
It does a great job for the price, and is easily set up, though it does feel a little, just a little cheap. Mine came with a loose fader head, but hey presto it just popped on, but shows how easily they are put together.
I usually it fairly regularly and have had it a fair while now and it's still going strong and the white hasn't dirtied or soiled any which is a bonus.
I always have meant to buy a couple more to give me control over 24 tracks though you can switch through 1-8 or 9-16 or 17-24 with just the one. I think it would just be cool to have 3 on one machine though!
For not a lot of money you get a nice little controller that is reasonably well built, offers all the control an average bedroom musician will need over a DAW and the main reason, it doesn't cost the earth. Sure there are more professional products, but these are so expensive.
Overall I'd give it 8/10 and 10/10 for the price being so cheap. Buy one if you're on a budget, even if you're not.! Top device. Just be careful with the plastic caps, knobs etc.

And as always Thomann Muisc are first class, top notch act to follow.