Combining a responsive and great-feeling "touch" and a thin low-profile 25-key USB-MIDI keyboard
The nanoKEY2 features an advanced and up-to-date design. By combining the great-feeling "touch" that Korg has developed for its professional MIDI keyboards and the low-profile "thinness" of recent computer keyboard innovations, the nanoKEY2 provides a superior keyboard response for its class and size. It's designed with ample key width and plenty of space between the keys, reducing the chances of hitting a wrong note. The touch and velocity response have been carefully tuned, as only a manufacturer with Korg's track record and know-how can, ensuring that your expressive performance will be conveyed accurately to your software.
- Low-profile, 25-key USB-MIDI keyboard, ideal for use with laptop and netbook computers
- Advanced-design keybed offers improved accuracy and velocity-sensitive keys.
- Sustain button - ideal for entering piano parts!
Control buttons provide simple yet versatile control
The Octave Shift buttons - borrowed from Korg's MIDI controllers - allow the overall pitch to be shifted four levels, either UP or DOWN, in octave increments. When used in conjunction with the Key Transpose feature, the nanoKEY2 can access the entire range of the notes in the MIDI spectrum. For enhanced performances, the nanoKEY2 also provides Pitch Bend buttons, a Modulation button, and a Sustain button; one that's indispensible for piano or electric piano performance. For each of these buttons, the on/off switching speed can be specified over four levels (using Korg Kontrol Editor), ensuring smooth changes that are appropriate for your performance.
USB power for an uncluttered setup
Just connect a single USB cable from your computer to the nanoKEY2, and you've got a quick and portable music production system. Power and USB-MIDI data travels down the same wire for a clean, efficient workspace.
Apple iPad Compatibility of nanoSERIES2 (*1) (*2)
Using a USB cable to connect to the Apple Camera Connection Kit, Korg nanoSERIES2 controllers can be used with the iPad, without an external power supply (*3). You can enjoy iPad App like KORG iMS-20 (*4) along with nanoSERIES2 (*4).
*1: OS4.2.1 supported.
*2: Korg does not guarantee this compatibility, and problems may occur as Apple updates their OS and/or new models are launched.
*3: If you are using a nanoSERIES2 controller for an extended period of time, or are using more than one nanoSERIES2 controller, please use a powered USB hub to be sure there is enough electricity.
*4: The iPad App needs to support to Core MIDI.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the KORG nanoKEY2?
The KORG nanoKEY2 is a slim, low-profile 25-key USB MIDI keyboard designed for easy portability and use with laptop and netbook computers. It’s part of KORG’s nanoSeries2 and is ideal for creating music on the go or in compact spaces. Despite its small size, it offers velocity-sensitive keys for expressive performance and is fully USB-powered, requiring no additional power source.
2. What are the key features of the KORG nanoKEY2?
25 velocity-sensitive keys: Allows for dynamic and expressive performance.
Slim and portable design: Easy to carry and fits alongside a laptop or netbook.
Octave Shift buttons: Enables access to the full range of MIDI notes.
Pitch Bend, Modulation, and Sustain buttons: These additional controls help enhance musical expression.
USB-powered: No need for external power supplies.
Plug-and-play compatibility: Works with most digital audio workstations (DAWs) without the need for drivers.
3. What comes in the box with the KORG nanoKEY2?
KORG nanoKEY2 keyboard (white)
USB cable for connecting to your computer
Quick Start Guide
Software License Card with access to downloadable music production software and plugins, including KORG M1 Le and other free applications.
4. Is the KORG nanoKEY2 compatible with my computer?
Yes, the KORG nanoKEY2 is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems. It supports:
Windows: Windows 10 or higher
macOS: macOS 10.8 Mountain Lion or higher
Additionally, it works with iOS devices when used with a compatible USB camera adapter.
5. How do I set up the KORG nanoKEY2 with my computer?
Setting up the KORG nanoKEY2 is simple:
Connect the nanoKEY2 to your computer using the provided USB cable.
The device will automatically be recognized by your system as a MIDI controller.
Open your preferred digital audio workstation (DAW) or music production software.
In your DAW’s settings, select the nanoKEY2 as the MIDI input device.
You can start using it immediately without needing to install any drivers (unless specified by your DAW).
6. Does the KORG nanoKEY2 require any special drivers?
No, the KORG nanoKEY2 is class-compliant, which means it doesn't require any additional drivers for most Windows and macOS systems. It works seamlessly as a plug-and-play device with most DAWs and software.
7. Can I use the KORG nanoKEY2 with iOS devices?
Yes, the KORG nanoKEY2 can be used with iOS devices such as iPads and iPhones. To connect, you will need aLightning to USB Camera Adapter (for devices with Lightning ports) or a USB-C to USB Adapter (for devices with USB-C ports). Once connected, the nanoKEY2 will function as a MIDI controller for iOS music apps, such as GarageBand.
8. How do the Octave Shift buttons work?
TheOctave Shift buttons allow you to shift the entire range of the keyboard up or down by up to four octaves. This means that even though the keyboard has 25 keys, you can access a wider range of notes, making it suitable for a variety of musical compositions.
Press the Octave Up button to shift the keys up an octave.
Press the Octave Down button to shift the keys down an octave.
LEDs next to the buttons indicate the current octave shift status.
9. What do the Pitch Bend, Modulation, and Sustain buttons do?
Pitch Bend: The pitch bend buttons allow you to smoothly raise or lower the pitch of the notes being played, simulating the sound of a pitch wheel found on larger keyboards.
Modulation: The modulation button introduces a vibrato or other modulation effects, depending on the software settings in your DAW.
Sustain: The sustain button acts like a sustain pedal, allowing notes to ring out after you release the key, mimicking the sustain pedal on a traditional piano.
10. Is the KORG nanoKEY2 velocity-sensitive?
Yes, the keys on the nanoKEY2 arevelocity-sensitive, meaning the sound produced will vary in intensity based on how hard or soft you press the keys. This feature enables more expressive performance.
11. Can I use the KORG nanoKEY2 with my DAW software?
Yes, the KORG nanoKEY2 is compatible with all major DAWs, including:
Ableton Live
FL Studio
Logic Pro X
Cubase
GarageBand
Reason
Studio One
You can map the buttons and keys within your DAW to specific functions for a more customized workflow.
12. How portable is the KORG nanoKEY2?
The nanoKEY2 is incredibly portable, measuring just12.8 x 3.3 x 0.65 inches and weighing less than 1 pound. Its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry in a laptop bag, making it perfect for mobile music production or live performances.
13. Can I use multiple KORG nano devices together?
Yes, the KORG nanoKEY2 can be combined with other KORG nanoSeries2 devices, such as thenanoKONTROL2 (for transport and mixer controls) and thenanoPAD2 (for drumming or triggering samples). These devices can be connected to your DAW simultaneously and work together to give you a comprehensive control surface.
14. What software is included with the KORG nanoKEY2?
The KORG nanoKEY2 comes with access to a variety of free downloadable software, including:
KORG M1 Le: A software synthesizer that emulates the classic KORG M1 synthesizer.
KORG KONTROL Editor: Software that allows you to customize the nanoKEY2’s settings and create presets.
Additional plugins: KORG offers various free software and sound libraries from their website for nanoKEY2 owners.
15. What is the best use case for the KORG nanoKEY2?
The KORG nanoKEY2 is ideal for:
Musicians on the go who need a portable keyboard for composing and performing.
Beginners looking for an affordable and easy-to-use MIDI controller.
Producers and DJs who want a lightweight MIDI keyboard to use with their laptop or netbook in small spaces or live setups.
Composers who need a compact keyboard for quickly laying down ideas in any environment.
16. Is the KORG nanoKEY2 durable?
Despite its slim and lightweight design, the nanoKEY2 is made from durable materials and is built to withstand regular use. However, as with any portable device, care should be taken to protect it from physical damage when transporting it.
17. How can I update the firmware on my KORG nanoKEY2?
KORG occasionally releases firmware updates to improve functionality or fix bugs. To update the firmware:
Visit the KORG website and download the latestKORG KONTROL Editor software.
Connect your nanoKEY2 to your computer via USB.
Follow the instructions within the software to check for and install any available updates.
Macintosh:
Windows:
*This product uses applied technology from ART Teknika's CONSOLE.
*Mac, the Mac logo and the Audio Units logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
*Apple, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
*The "Built for Mac OS X" graphic is trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., used under license.
*Windows XP/Vista/7 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
*All product, company, and standard names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
*Appearance and specifications of products are subject to change without notice.