Best Korg products in the MIDI controllers category
On this page you'll find a ranking of the best Korg products in this category. To give you a quick overview, we've already ranked the most important information about the products for you.
1. Korg nanoKONTROL2
The nanoKONTROL2 offers all the controllers you need for comprehensive control of your music software across eight channels, all in an optimally proportioned housing that fits perfectly in front of your laptop. A transport section has also been included, with a selection of knobs designed to ensure simple and intuitive DAW control. The nanoKONTROL2 works with most music programs, including all major DAWs, so complicated connection settings are a thing of the past.
Each of the eight channels features a knob, a fader, and three switches, each assigned to the parameters of Pan, Volume, as well as Solo, Mute, and Record. This setup is very convenient for recording automation across multiple tracks. The added marker button helps mark important song sections, allowing for efficient workflow. For use with software synthesizers, parameters can be assigned to other desired controller numbers. For example, the faders of the nanoKONTROL2 can control the ADSR envelope of the synthesizer, while the knobs can adjust the filter cutoff frequency, resonance, or other parameters.
Simply connect your computer to the nanoKONTROL2 via USB, and you have a mobile music studio. The nanoKONTROL2 is powered through the USB cable, which means one less cable and a tidier workspace.
2. Korg microKEY2-49
Slim, lightweight, USB-powered, and compatible with all computer-based music programs, the microKEY2-49 is the central component of your production environment. Its velocity-sensitive Natural Touch mini keyboard has already proven itself in instruments like the microKORG XL and microARRANGER. The proportions of the black and white keys are optimized for playability, smooth chord progressions, and quick phrases. The touch and feel are impressively authentic, and the "Waterfall" keyboard is designed for seamless glissandi. The microKEY2-49 transmits the dynamics of your performance in every detail to the recording software.
With the Octave Shift UP/DOWN buttons, you can gradually shift the octave range on the microKEY2-49, and in conjunction with the Key Transpose function, utilize the full note range of the MIDI specification. To expand your expressive playing options, the model is equipped with Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels.
The microKEY2 supports standard USB MIDI drivers for Windows/Mac OS X and requires no additional technical setup. Simply connect the microKEY2-49 to your computer via a USB cable, and you can start playing immediately.
Your new microKEY2-49 also functions as a USB hub. With the two USB ports (Type A), you can expand your personal control center with a Korg nanoPAD2 or nanoKONTROL2 – or any other USB device.
3. Korg nanoKEY2
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 with 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, ensuring that your expressive performance will be conveyed accurately to your software.
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 notes in the MIDI spectrum. For enhanced performances, the nanoKEY2 also provides Pitch Bend buttons, a Modulation button, and a Sustain button, which is indispensable for piano or electric piano performance. For each of these buttons, the on/off switching speed can be specified over four levels, ensuring smooth changes that are appropriate for your performance.
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 travel down the same wire for a clean, efficient workspace. The nanoKEY2 works with the Korg Kontrol Editor software, which allows for detailed customized settings. Choose from a total of four velocity settings: three velocity curves or fixed velocity; specify the control change messages transmitted by the modulation button and the sustain button.
4. Korg nanoPAD2
As with all controllers in the nano2 series, the design of the nanoPAD2 aimed to make it as compact and lightweight as possible, making it ideal for use with any type of laptop or desktop computer. It has successfully incorporated not only 16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads into its compact housing but also an X-Y touchpad. With the ability to assign the pads of the nanoPAD2 to four banks, you can access a total of 64 playable sounds.
The 16 velocity-sensitive pads respond sensitively to the touches of your fingertips, authentically transmitting your playing style to sequencer or DAW software, preserving all the nuances of the drum parts. By switching between the four scenes, you can utilize 64 different pad assignments.
The X-Y pad primarily serves to control multiple synthesizer parameters simultaneously. The integrated touch-scale function allows for intuitive playing of musical phrases with the touchpad, just like with the Kaossilator. This works incredibly simply: select one of the 16 different scales, define the key and note range, and you can create a harmonious performance that fits your song. The gate arpeggiator, borrowed from the Kaossilator Pro, transmits note values based on tempo. Tempos can be set manually via "Tap Tempo" or synchronized to the song tempo. In combination with the touch-scale function, the gate arpeggiator allows for the playing of tempo-synchronized phrases and rhythms by simply swiping across the touchpad or playing the trigger pads.
Just connect your computer to the nanoPAD2 via USB, and you have a mobile music studio. The nanoPAD2 is powered through the USB cable, reducing clutter and providing a tidy workspace.
5. Korg microKEY2-61
Slim, lightweight, USB-powered, and compatible with all computer-based music programs, the microKEY2-61 is the central component of your production environment. Its velocity-sensitive Natural Touch mini keyboard has already proven itself in instruments like the microKORG XL and microARRANGER. The proportions of the black and white keys are optimized for playability, smooth chord progressions, and quick phrases. The touch and feel are impressively authentic, and the "Waterfall" keyboard is designed for seamless glissandos. The microKEY2-61 transmits the dynamics of your performance in all details to the recording software.
With the Octave Shift UP/DOWN buttons, you can gradually shift the octave range on the microKEY2-61, and in conjunction with the Key Transpose function, you can utilize the full note range of the MIDI specification. To expand your expressive playing capabilities, the model is equipped with pitch bend and modulation wheels.
The microKEY2 supports standard USB MIDI drivers for Windows/Mac OS X and requires no additional technical setup. Simply connect the microKEY2-61 to your computer via a USB cable, and you're ready to go.
Your new microKEY2-61 also serves as a USB hub. Through the two USB ports (Type A), you can expand your personal control center with a Korg nanoPAD2 or nanoKONTROL2 – or any other USB device!.
6. Korg microKEY-25
Slim, lightweight, USB-powered, and compatible with all computer-based music programs, the microKEY-25 is the central component of your production environment. Its velocity-sensitive Natural Touch mini keyboard has already proven itself in instruments like the microKORG XL and microARRANGER. The proportions of the black and white keys have been optimized for playability, smooth chord progressions, and fast phrases. The touch and feel are impressively authentic, and the "Waterfall" keyboard is perfect for seamless glissandi. The microKEY-25 transmits the dynamics of your performance in all details to the recording software.
With the Octave Shift Up/Down buttons, you can gradually shift the octave range on the microKEY-25, and in conjunction with the Key Transpose function, utilize the full note range of the MIDI specification. The sustain function is handled by a sustain button on the microKEY-25. The joystick can also control pitch bend, modulation, and an arpeggiator, providing comprehensive control options for expressive performances despite its ultra-compact format.
The microKEY-25 supports standard USB MIDI drivers for Windows and Mac OS X and requires no additional technical setup. Simply connect the microKEY-25 to your computer via a USB cable, and you can start right away.
7. Korg nanoKEY Studio
Mobile and compact MIDI keyboard with Bluetooth connectivity
- Featherlight and compact for easy transport – suitable for use with a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
- Connects to iPad, iPhone, Mac, or Windows via Bluetooth or included USB cable – installation of dedicated drivers and software for Bluetooth operation is necessary.
- X-Y touchpad (for controlling sounds and plug-ins); 12 illuminated keys for extensive functions – octave shift, sustain, touch scale, X-Y pad, pitch/modulation, scene, shift/tap, arpeggiator, chord pad, easy scale, scale guide.
- Illuminated 25-key keyboard with velocity sensitivity; 8 illuminated trigger pads with velocity sensitivity for drum parts and chords; 8 assignable knobs (primarily for controlling sounds, plug-ins, and DAW mixer); 8 scene memories.
- Korg Kontrol Editor software (for Mac and Windows) for customizing the controller and fine-tuning the velocity curve – knobs and pads can be assigned to any parameters.
- Battery operation (2x AAA batteries, approx. 10 hours of operating time) or USB operation (USB cable included); connection: USB Type microB; includes software package – including special editions of the popular KORG Gadget and the M1 Le plug-in from the KORG Legacy Collection.
8. Korg microKEY Air-49
Korg, the developer of the sought-after microKEY and microKEY2 series of the next generation, gives you back your freedom with the new wireless microKEY Air controllers.
The microKEY Air supports the Bluetooth Smart "Apple Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI" specification for wireless devices. You can connect wirelessly and comfortably to music apps for iPad/iPhone, such as Korg Gadget, Korg Module, and GarageBand, or to MIDI-capable music production software for Mac or Windows. Meticulous fine-tuning of the Bluetooth capabilities ensures stability and minimal latency – without a single cable. A Bluetooth MIDI driver for wireless operation on Windows is in the works.
If you use the microKEY Air for an hour each day, the two AA batteries only need to be changed once a month. The microKEY Air can also be connected to a Mac or PC via a single USB cable for power. It can be connected to the computer without driver installation and played immediately. Since the second generation of microKEY, iPads and iPhones are also supported. You only need an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter and a USB cable to establish communication and use apps like Korg Gadget, Korg Module, and GarageBand.
Korg's Natural Touch mini keyboard remains pleasantly playable despite its compact size. Even complex chords and fast phrases can be executed effortlessly.
The microKEY Air comes with a whole arsenal of powerful music software, including special editions of the popular Korg Gadget, Korg Module, and Korg Legacy Collection with five classic Korg instruments as plug-ins. With the microKEY Air, you don't need to purchase additional software; you can start composing right away.
