Korg nanoPAD Review

[linntiiz]

Has anyone else had any problems with the korg nanopad?

[leeboi6858]

Hi, could you tell me, the x/y pad, say If you put a hi/lo pass filter effect on a clip in ableton, can the x/y pad control the parameters of the filter? If that makes sense?? Thanks.

[znerol22]

Can I record on this thing like korg kaossilator?

[af4k]

The Nanopad is no good, but the Nanopad 2 is supposed to be far better. Musicians Friend was not very friendly. i ordered the nanopad 2, but they sent me a DEAD nanopad 1. Wasted a WHOLE WEEKEND trying to fix this piece of crap. It;s going back.

[orientalflux]

this one is easily broken :( ... but I love the nano fader

[iDevHD]

Can you use the roll and flam pad thing (sorry i dont know what it's called) and assign it to the digital pad in Ableton Live 8? for example if i open NI Massive will i be able to use that pad to control certain cut-offs within that plugin?

[kryhoo78]

nice controller... better than mpd (pads quality) imo.

[djubik073]

I have windows 7, when i have installed it. i cant play with it. what is wrong?

[delraygun]

Does it work with logic 9?

[galton4]

@delraygun yes.

[esemoner]

pleas help

h-t-t-p://esemoner.chipin.com/­music-equipment

[kylealexmatt]

Awesome review thanks! :)

[ailsajane737]

good review thanks

[TheGibsonguitarguy]

can this be plugged in to an aux system?

[muzboz]

AWESOME THOROUGH REVIEW.

[osscarfransson]

i know i suck but what do you need to get thoose sounds??what program??

[TheFullauto97]

where did the insrument rack come from

[Sphereal]

I hate people asking why no sounds come out of it!

[dioxide74]

NanoPad = biggest pile of crap ever produced by a music instrument manufacturer. 2 x units DOA so I'm going to spend my time trying to do £60 worth of damage to Korg's reputation. Which is probably a drop in the ocean compared to the damage Korg themselves have caused. Avoid at all costs!

[beautifulvines]

@dioxide74 Try an AKAI  LPD8. it's much better.

[zherui]

@beautifulvines also about twice the price though :/

[beautifulvines]

@zherui not really it's about 11 bucks more. worth every penny.

[werdskantxpress]

tried to use this with fl studio 8, but does not work. i heard theres something to download. but what?

[vajenj]

does this work with FL Studios

[radicalgarbage02]

@vajenj Why do you feel the need to add an 's' to the end of FL Studio? Are you Messican?

[WeKnowMac]

Does it only do drum sounds

[OnlyRawAudio]

@WeKnowMac nope, if you use programs like fruity loop, reason, abelton, etc. You can pretty much use any sound you want

[RoryY0]

I know its probably been asked in the comments already but which is better this or the Akai LPD. I'm thinking this myself and that Akai just bump up the price cause of the brand name. Although the LPD pads probably feel better. But The NanoPAD looks awesome!!

[rockum88]

i hate the way you speak as if you were always asking a question?

[100PercentJoseph]

Can you put your own sounds/samples into this? And if so, how? Sorry I am a complete noob to this.

[EGuitarKid96]

pls can somebody tell me how that works with the chords?!

[mrbyg97]

does this work with 64-bit windows, cuz the last keyboard i got didnt

[EEZAL]

@mrbyg97 haven't had much luck with my Dell inspiron windows 7 x 64 bit . it basically works like a 12 yo emo kid with a.d.d . i've installed all the driver;s and followed the install guides to a tee also tryed the version fix released by korg for wondows 7 x64 bit and still no luck .... i'm considering sending it back to Glasgow where it was shipped from ....ive had a padkontrol in the past and after a bit of work with drivers and what not it worked fine . l should of held onto that

[huntelaar1012]

i cant find the sites where i must download that , can you plzz give me that links???

[ILyaVin]

how does one of these cost? and do you have to have mac or it dosen't matter?

[loekas2000]

nice review mate.

[youcandothemumbo]

What would you suggest? This or the padKONTROL?

[vileguile4]

GREAT review!!! Answered all questions i had about this unit! Thanks!!!! /sub :)

[djAIReffect]

Could someone tell me where it connects?

[pphatmat]

id probably get this if it didnt break so much

[coronet67]

These are garbage. I have four of them now. Korg kees sending me replacements when the last one they sent doesnt work. Even after I tell them I don't want another one. They seem like a cool idea, and I have had one that worked for a few months, but they all either stop working or are DOA out of the box. There is some kind of defect in the pads. They stop working.

[chitlin]

DO NOT BUY all of the korg nanoseries are cheap garbage that fall apart .. my nonopad had 4 dead pads on delivery ..the keys fell off the nanokeys with very little gentle use ..cheap sh1t buy akai lpd8 and lpk25 ..they are 100x better

[rotesosse]

@chitlin +1.

All 12 pads dead here. Used it 2 times in the last year.

[heyitsjimi]

Very good review, thank you.

[heyitsjimi]

Very good review !! Thank you.

[deedeexvengeance]

Can you use it with protools, reason 4?

[741Rampage]

yo, if i download DJ FX ex: air horns, sirens etc, can i save them to my computer and sync the FX to the pads 1-12?

[DJMIKESTER]

man can you do me a favor can u make a video of seting up the damn thing cause i am having abit of trouble

[DigitalJediMaster]

Considering I see more usage of the nanoPads on YouTube, by guys like David Haynes making use of it, I take the last few comments with a grain of salt. They never really said what was wrong with them, and it just seems an awful coincidence that both users would have the exact same (mis)spelling idiosyncrasies.

[THELIVINGJOKE]

@DigitalJediMaster HAHAHA. Of course the buttons fall off when you beat it against your head.

[ceetheproducer]

ok kummin from someone who has now had experience with both id tell anyone watching this to buy the akai lpd8 instead, its the better quality mimi midi drumpad.

If the nano lasts you 3 months your lucky mine didnt even last 3 minutes! were as with the akai you will definetly still have it in a year!

[RedSkullthagreat]

@ceetheproducer really? Well I will definitely check that out. Peace.

[ceetheproducer]

@RedSkullthagreat

yep it basicly the same as the nanopad n its the same price but its made by akai, akai also have a mini controller range very simalar to korgs nano range but the akai products in my opinion are 100000000000000000000xs better.

[RedSkullthagreat]

I have this same model,& buyers beware!! It is a COMPLETE PIECE OF SHIT!!! KORG'S Customer Service department SUCKS elephant ASS!!! STEER clear of this piece of crap w/ pads!!

[ceetheproducer]

ok i brought a nanopad today, AND IT DOSE NOT WORK! im no stranger to midi ive even rewrote cc and note sends on midi devices to the extent i can produce on a pc with no mouse or qwerty keys. THIS CONTROLER IS A PEICE OF SHIT. im onli gettin 1 note played for every 5 note i hit n the note sicks ive tryed every option in korg kontrol editor, every driver 4 differnt daws over 50 vstis EVERYTHING, WAT A PEICE OF SHIT.

[RedSkullthagreat]

@ceetheproducer Yes ,my friend ,it IS a piece of shit!! KORG sucks for this!!

[ceetheproducer]

@RedSkullthagreat

i have actually just returned from the shop with an akai lpd 8, i swopped it for the nanopad, at 1st i wanted the nano kuz more pads and the xypad seemed better but now im SO MUCH MORE HAPPY WITH THE AKAI, the lpd8 pads are just like an mpc its worked fine straight away, they told me at the shop my nano was faulty but my akai jus feel better quality wen i hit the pads! i much more happy with the akai!

[navygent]

I like your no nonsense approach on the review, well done.

[GuitaryAidy]

A few questions: What drum software is that? and will the pitch bend work and record on other midi tracks?

[sqgl]

These are rubbish. A group of us bought five but four of them did not work. Upon replacement, two didn't work again.

[ilikecheetosJCKP]

can you put bass drops and such on this?

[6XstringXsamurai]

you can literally put any sound imaginable on any MIDI controller. they are amazing.

[bondcorp10999]

i just seen this and i love it cheap and perfect for what i want it for :D

[onizuka8]

how do i set the nanopad up with Reason 4.0's Redrum?

I have found this on some review-like website...

"Using the Korg Kontrol Editor software, I went back and reprogrammed it so that Pad 1 would trigger Redrum's Channel 1 sample (C2), Pad 2 would trigger Channel 2 (C#2), and so on."

I Did that but get no sound from it.

its not reason cos my nanokey works with it.

If someone could help a brother out id be really appreciative.

i have no idea bout this stuff at all!

[LeonTari4]

I just bought the nano pad...and i want to use it for dropping samples(not cue points)...

can anyone suggest me one cool program(for mac os 10.6) to do my job??

Thnxxx :)

[everywhereulook]

@LeonTari4 Reason 4

[B4bop]

No sound comes out of mine, i have no idea what's wrong!!!!!!!!!!

I need help!

[MozartDeathMetal]

Lol its a midi controller, theres no built in sound bank. You need your own sounds.

[BokorugroRR]

This is a controller only, the sound source is your computer.. I don't want to be rude, but I can't belive someone buys it, while not knowing such basic things..

[chanemuiv]

can i use it with all popular musicprograms like:magix fl studio and cubasis

[TwinklyMrlol]

is there any decent free DAW? :D

[GrakyKun00]

Maybe can see a stupid question xD, but can the nanopad put in a keyboard (I have Korg x50) with usb?

[jacobsenx2]

do you need a sound software

[AntiPirateSquad]

Thanks

[ArabAligator]

what chords did you set the keys for? i really want to set mine to the same thing

[Zombbg4]

@ArabAligator They're just major and minor chords, pick and choose chord tones to taste. The roots are C Ab G Bb and back to start (C)

[coolzrcoolest]

i am really looking in to getting one of these. should I?

i need it to make drum tracks to go with my guitar recordings

[DjJoKa1]

great idea dood!i BELIEVE YOU REALLY SHOUD BUY ONE OF IT!

[chazswaz87]

im torn between getting this or the akai lpd8. if uv got an opinion please reply to me

[Seedorfra]

depends what your looking for. LPD8 has 8 knobs and 8 pads, wheras the nanopad has 12 pads and a touchpad.

If your looking for something to compliment another controller then go with the nanopad. if you want something stand-alone go with the LPD8.

[martyjay909]

in my opinion, lpd 8 is a better choice because of the knobs, and you get 4 program memory banks, which is very nice, and the material used in the lpd looks way much better and more durable. The nanopad is not a bad choice though, but the xy pad is a bit crappy i guess, just my 2 cents.

[invaderzim447]

@chazswaz87

It depends on your setup. If you already have assignable knobs on another midi keyboard, you should get the nanoPad because of the xy pad. But if this is your first midi controller, the akai pad is probably a better decision

[alejoroca5]

Definatly, THIS ONE

[mario101]

I got a question . Im a metal guitarist and im currently looking for something to make drum beats for songs(using alot of double bass kicks)but im on a really tight budget so im not sure if this could benefit me someone please let me know thank you!

[HeavenFort]

This + ez drummer and drumkit from hell will help you a lot, that'S what I use. If you have anymore questions feel free to PM me.

[roostercamp]

Hi folks, I bought the LPD8 from Akai and ez drummer. Working with portools m powered. I want tot asign some sounds to the LPD pads. How tot do this? Must I use the LPD Editor? regards Rooster

[HeavenFort]

@roostercamp

you use pro tools as your vst host? Man, PLEASE GET CUBASE or even Fl studio, I moved to cubase a few days ago, best choice I made in my life.

[eatthemoon13]

@HeavenFort Hey man i need one of these for my guitar recordings. does this come straight out the box and be able to make drum beats or do i have to buy some expensive program? I hope its not i realy need something

[ArabAligator]

actually you get a free download from the website after you buy the pad, and the best part is its only 60$

[HeavenFort]

@eatthemoon13

Well you don't get programs with it, only demo versions...you could try doing drum beats with it but it might be hard. you could always look on the internet for free programs, or pm me so I could explain more in depth.

[nuclearkirk]

Why in the world would you not just buy the real deal (a drumset) because its a lot cooler and you don't look gay trying to play it, because it takes skill...

[pickle965]

You're slightly off the mark there... this has uses way beyond just percussion.

[ToX23in]

It's a controller, not a drum machine. You control sounds with it, they don't have to be drums.

[srxsession]

very cool!

[fmachadomaia]

I'm really new at this so I might be asking something stupid but can the nanopad work as a sampler? let's say I want to do a base beat with milisecond radio samplesi recorded in mp3. Can it do it?

[officialdjbigk]

It's USB MIDI device - so You even can use it as a sampler if you do setup it the right way in such programmes as FL Studio, Reason, Cubase etc.

[musemic80]

can use the nanoPAD to control the Digitech Whammy?

[rODIUMuk]

The Nano pad broke within 5 days. :(

I loved it until then though

[sponserdsk8ter]

how hard did you hit the pads lol

[shauryagoel]

why is he talking so fast..

nice vid though...makes me feel like buying it

[teban789]

can you hook this up to your car?

someone write me back

[danpluso]

This uses USB to connect to a computer so not likely. I also think you need software (or plugins) to make the sounds. This is just a controller.

[FUTTAHSIKK]

@teban789 wat

[mysticradio]

what do you expect for the money? now come on....

[tomaytemptation]

What software do you need/recommend for this?

& Do you need a sound card?

-Thanks

[AstrayQQ]

Ofcourse you don't need a soundcard to make music.

[killanator21]

i really like the touch and release feature. that could be really useful.

[joleenstrip]

thanks for the demo. i mean, for $60??? this baby is worth it.

[killanator21]

definitely. Next cheapest drum pad is m-audio trigger finger, 149 dollars is cheapest i could find

[joleenstrip]

i actually got this since reviewing. i couldn't wait. and i confirm.. it's worth it. the pads are actually fairly sensitive and it's very portable... you can produce ANYWHERE. i feel guilty being so awesome sometimes. i will definitely get the controller and the minisynth. works with acid & cubasis. love.

[EspritDeMusique]

how is it cheaper if this is 60$?

[ukrides]

MPD18 isnt cheaper it just has more pads

[coolguythighs]

I was responding to someone else's post about the Trigger Finger being the cheapest full sized pad controller.

[ukrides]

oh ok klkl i would really like a MPD18 but i cant afford it so nanopad is for me :D

[jim909666]

Will this work with Reason 4 or Fl ?

[maskidedete]

does it work with Renoise?

[matthewdiamond1986]

Ive got this pad and its working good i like it for samples and drums but am at a loss when it comes to using the Krog Kontol editor, i set up chords and save the scene and then exit it and go into Cubase, and nada.. just plays the same single notes.. its starting to grind my gears because id really be keen to sus out the chord function.. Can anyone give me any advice?

[hykter]

hey bro

i read your coments, and here is my advice

when you change some parameter then You have to use "write scene data" from "communication" in upper strip on osx or in strip menu in the highest part of your window.

for more check manual form korg site :)

[blindfire23]

I've noticed that almost all these videos showing the nano are using Mac, does it run on windows ? thanks.

[CoBeProductions]

yes

[BrackishWater]

would you know if it works well with Sony ACID pro 5.0? im not completely aware of how much midi acid 5 has, but i want to get into midi and was hoping i didn't have to find a new DAW to work with

[joleenstrip]

it works with acid pro but i just tested it on 6.0 which i recommend since it automatically beat matches. not sure how much different 5.0 is, but i have a soft spot in my heart for acid pro. i started out on it with sound forge back when it was HYPE. now not too many people even consider it.

[boost808]

do you have to use a lab top with this

[cosmocat31]

thanx or the demo

[jamesthegutarist]

can you plug this into an amp?

[Nyquistic]

Not directly. It doesn't make any sounds itself, in this demo the guy had it connected to a computer running Ableton Live, but you can use it with Cubase, Sonar or any software that reacts to MIDI. The nanoPAD connects via USB to another device, in this example the other device is a digital audio workstation (DAW). The DAW in turn will have audio outputs, which you can then connect to an amp.

[kristhagreat]

I may sound retarded but how do you assign chords to pads? I would find that REALLY useful.

[Irapotato]

in the kontrol editor you can assign multiple notes. just put multiple note values for each pad (you can assign up to 8). thats how you play chords!

[beermilkshake]

Thanks, just what I was looking for.

[SpringBranchBmxer]

hey i have a question... how do u put the sounds on each block on the nanopad? and wat kind of software did u use besides the editor

[simonpeter1987]

he was using ableton live,

[SpringBranchBmxer]

but do u need the editor?

[simonpeter1987]

couldn't tell you m8, ill let you know when i get mine!

[SpringBranchBmxer]

aite then thnx

[christopherogrady]

Great review! Been looking for a good review of the nanopad... Thanks for getting into some of the special features of it :-)

[juakatela]

what program you´re using in the video?

[yoink4]

Is this compatible with windows VISTA?

If so I will buy it.

[Nipsonz0r]

Yes it is. ^^

[braxted18]

DO you think these are the same pads from the Korg M3 keyboard?

Also I don't understand when you say you can't set the 'speed' of the roll, it seems to speed up when you moved your finger?

Steve

[youngmaestro89]

He means you can't set the speed of the roll to the tempo in your DAW

[flux302]

not the same pads the m3's are harder and more plastiy, i just picked my nanopad up to day in nyc and it's nice,not quite up to mpc quality but for the price and convenience it's great.

[mik0r0r]

do you guys know whether the original padkontrol also has this chord feature?

[djfantom]

dope vid and good review man. didnt know about the combo of the chords and roll. gets a dope effect i have to mess around with that. tho i got this mainly to use with serato i will be using with reason on my laptop on the go too.

[alejoswp]

korg should give things 2 u for review instead of giving them to em and cm ... bet they're loaded of products!

[battleboy126]

im buyin it

1.) its cheap

2.) its by Korg

3.) you can make dnb with it

[jamieishungry]

i dont know if u even answer comments but can u use it without it plugged in?

cheers

[airmiami]

how can I change the sensitivity of the pads depending on how hard I hit them? As it is, each hit has the same velocity.... I'm using this with Ableton Live - any advice would be much appreciated! :)

[djfantom]

in the kontrol editor program go to global and set the velocity curve then click write and send the setting to the nano pad. im uploading a video now part of it showing this. check my page later tonight or tomorrow

[pablodagnino]

thanks, well explained.

[anguaji]

greatly helpful review - nice one.

[RAINSKRIBBLE]

how do you input samples into this, i know its used as a midi control for virtual ins, does it work on mixcraft ?

[bungalowhulk]

thanks alot! all your reviews are so helpful!

[djdishevel]

good review man -- much thanks

[adrian7812]

Will mainly be using this alongside my main keyboard midi controller for playing single samples and triggering certain loops. Not really for all the drum things, but those features seem nice too.

Is it ok for what I'll be doin?

[svanari]

Bought it couple days ago and only weakness is lame sensitivity. You have to beat harder on the pads to get actually voice from there.

Otherwise this product is actually "alright" for price of it, but if you want to go little bit advance, i should recommit Akai MPD-16 which haves 4 pads more and probaply better sensitivity.

[SSM2044]

2nd'd on the shitty pads. I have a padkontrol and don't know why they stepped it down a notch for these ones. NOT into the nanopad, I sold it.

[silenthillvictim]

hmm, i'm not sure. i think that the pad kontrol looks cool too, but maybe they made the nano pad for stuff like on the go recording or beat making.

[samsound]

Well, you don't "upload" samples to it. The pads can send either a controller message or up to 8 note on/off messages. You have to load your samples into a sampler or a sampler plugin in your host and map the keys. Also, FYI, you can set the pads to latch/toggle. So you could turn loops on and off with it.

[outlawbeat]

Anyone know if this works with Reason 3?

[samsound]

Works with Reason 4.0, should be fine with 3.0. All it is is a MIDI controller.

[betatestersrule08]

I might get that for christmas!...does it work with all DAWS??....

[violinmyth]

As always, great vid.!

Thnx mate!

[burgurhead1812]

very helpful in trying to decide what to get...dig the price on this but the deciding factor: can you upload samples from a DAW and assign them to pads or does it only do drums/percussion/chords? thanks.

[Joni0001984]

I just tested it with XLN Addictive Drums in Cubase 4 on a new Frost music PC. I have not tested the alternatives Kord padcontrol,M-audio Trigger finger, Akai MPD16 og MPD24. The salesmen said that Trigger finger was better. This is my verdict:

+ Cool new chord function otherwise only seen on much more expensive product.

+ Small

- Unplayable pads! I had to hit so hard to get a regular beat my fingers hurt.

- 12 trigger buttons will just give you 3-4 cymbals and bells and cowbells.

[sourberrymusic]

I want to buy these pads just for the chord feature. Do you think these are sturdy enough though?

[sourberrymusic]

I like the Chord feature. It's really good for playing open voicing chords rhythmically.

Are these pads sturdy enough to take a beating?

[WestbamVVVV]

Wow, thnx for the explanation, learned something :)

[DjAnomoly]

you make some great vids

[tomfurstyfield]

Nice stuff as always, I second the nanokey request

[Francesco2cece]

Thanks for sharing!

[QuickQuips]

Great detailed view as always. I'm guessing the nanoKEY's in the future?