MicroFreak vs Korg nanoKEY Studio?

128BPM

Sorry for this “X vs Y” question, but now I have spent years wondering…

I want a small, portable, instant keyboard/controller for my iPad.
I have a studio with several big keyboards and controllers, but need an iPad keyboard for the instant idea capture, for the couch, and trips in the woods/beach.

I also need a small, light keyboard controller for my liverig to play samplers on stage. The samplers have DIN midi input.

Obviously the MicroFreak and the Korg Nano is 2 different approaches.

I’m leaning towards the Korg because it’s so small, has Bluetooth and is battery powered. It is an instant “pick me up and play” gadget.
But: It seems difficult to connect to old school DIN midi (on the stage) without all kinds of obscure midi boxes.

The MicroFreak is off course on another level (sounds/filter etc).

It will work as controller for the iPad AND for the samplers (DIN midi). It has another dimension of fun.

But it needs a powerbank to be portable - and how do I connect the iPad if the USB port is used for power?

I’m also afraid it’s too big for the instant pick up and play, or the trips in the nature.

I know it’s apples vs oranges..maybe I need a lime.

Any experience or advice is greatly appreciated 🙏

Thanks

raabje

Maybe it is just me, but my Korg Nanokey Studio, when bluetooth connected, loses contact after a few minutes not in use. Could be a setting of maybe low battery power, I don´t know. With usb cable connected I have no problems. Maybe others can confirm about this?

And I think when you want to be mobile as possible, I would go Ipad only and no peripherals, plenty of other options in AUM to play keys.

128BPM

Thanks

if the Bluetooth is unstable, the Korg loose points.

I can’t play keys on the glass / iPad only. Need keys and knobs.

Artvarg

I didn’t like the Nanokey Studio. The keys just felt weird and I also had connection problems. But lots of people seem to like it. Maybe have a look at the Novation Launchkey Mini. 🤷🏼‍♂️

128BPM

Oh yes, the Novation Launchkey Mini looks great. Can it be powered from directly from the iPad? ( without CCK or hub)

raabje

To avoid usb power problems without a hub, when a keyboard is wireless, it has it´s own power supply.

Akai has the LPK25, Korg the Microkey air (if this bluetooth connection is also buggy, it is better to avoid Korg all together).

These are basic devices without knobs and pads.

128BPM

Ok, I’ll have a look at those as well.
Would really like the knobs ass well AND a way to connect DIN midi.

There’s always a compromise🤗

krassmann

I have both devices. I never have any BT connection problems, neither with my iPad 6 nor my iPad Pro 2021.

The Microfreak isn’t really portable in the sense of using it for capturing ideas with the iPad. It is much bigger and heavier than an iPad and for longer off-grid sessions you definitely need a hub with PD and a power bank. The MF also doesn’t support scales. I’m using it as a synth in the first line and also as a Midi controller for soft synths as it sends out Midi CCs for all its knobs.

The nanoKeys Studio is much lighter than an iPad and has a similar size. I can pack both together into a 12“ laptop bag. It is more a composer tool than a master keyboard. The keys won’t make any keyboarder happy. It supports a fair number of scales and can either visualize the keys that belong to the scale or reduce the white keys to the notes in the selected key and scale. Moreover it has got chord buttons that matches the key and scale. It is definitely my choice when I go out to make music - no cable hassle, just connect your headphones and BT. When I’m sitting somewhere with the iPad standing and the nanoKeys in front of it sometimes people ask what is this funny music laptop and indeed it is.

If you want to use it as a musical sketchbook there is no better combo than the nanoKeys Studio and Korg Gadget. I guess Korg has designed the device with Gadget in mind. If you select a scale for a synth in Gadget the nanoKeys automatically follows that setting. The knobs are automatically mapped to the most important synth parameters and so are the pads if the synth is a drum synth. This is definitely the most frictionless setup I know for just letting your creativity flow.

At home you could still play your samplers with the nanoKeys if your audio device has got Midi ports. My recommendation. Buy the MF only if you want the synth. For the same money you can get the nanoKeys Studio and an Arturia KeyStep or MiniLab: a truly mobile composing tool and a reasonable master keyboard for home.

Watch Jakob‘s video about the nanoKeys:

Update: forgot to mention that the nKS knobs only have a reduced resolution. 64 steps instead of the possible 128 - only Korg knows why. Sometimes you hear the steps when doing filter sweeps. But IMHO the ease of use especially with Gadget kind of equalizes it.

128BPM

Wow, Thank you for your comprehensive advise. This forum is amazing 🤩

I think you nailed it with the words “Sketcbook” and “buy the MF only if you want the synth”.

I have plenty plenty of soundsources and really don’t need another synth…I need an instant composer tool.

Regarding the lack of DIN midi connection for live/stage use, I could maybe get a small audio interface that converts the usbmidi to DIN.

Thank You!
( will watch the video later…)

Jumpercollins

Bluetooth been fine with me using the Nanokey Studio.

raabje

I have one of the first units, I have bought the Korg when it was introduced. Maybe Korg did a revision of the circuit. My firmware is 1.08. IOS latest version 15.2.1, and I use an Ipad 8th gen, 128GB. In Gadget and in AUM the connection is lost really quick.

R_2

Got a nanoKey Studio couple years ago, to use with Korg Gadget to provide velocity keys.
They’re perfect combined.
Benefits as mentioned: light, small, battery powered. I’d buy it again.
Having said that, in general I mostly use my iPad alone. Too lazy to get the nanoKey out

Philandering_Bastard

I add a Steinberg UR22 to the Korg / iPad combo. This way you get 5 pin Midi.

128BPM

Yes great,
That was my next question: Which small device/interface could provide the connection to 5 pin midi. I`ll have a look at the UR22

raabje

I have an older Edirol UM-2G, and there is a newer more basic version, UM-One

https://www.roland.com/uk/products/um-one_mk2/

On that page is some advertisement text about: UM-ONE mk2 boasts high-performance FPT processing for low latency and tight timing.

I don't know if that makes sense at all, and maybe other brands use the same technology. But anyway, my UM-2G works perfect with Ipad, CCK connected, and also with a hub.

About that FPT stuff:
https://www.cakewalk.com/Support/Knowledge-Base/20090330/Fast-Processing-Technology

128BPM

👌 The Edirol is a small light solution.

I´ve got a (great) Faderfox UC4 and suddenly remember it converts USB to 5 pin.
Hopefully it will work with Korg and a small hub. Everything has to fit in my livesetup flightcase.

I`ve ordered the Korg ✌️
Thanks to everone.

kinkujin

I have both as well. I love my NanoKey but I also have connection problems via bluetooth to my 12.9 ipad pro. I currently use it hooked up via usb to my mac for Gadget on Mac. I don't think if I were playing live I'd trust the NanoKey studio.

I have the Microfreak and it is one of my favorite synths. I plan to (time!!) use it with Animoog and getting as much out of that combo as possible.

128BPM

Good to hear.
I guess the best solution would be to get the MicroFreak for the live situation and the Nanokey for quick access on the go.

Well…I’ve ordered the Nanokey.
Hope the Bluetooth is reliable

Nimgwen

@128BPM said:
Good to hear.
I guess the best solution would be to get the MicroFreak for the live situation and the Nanokey for quick access on the go.

Well…I’ve ordered the Nanokey.
Hope the Bluetooth is reliable

Hello, looking for info on the Nanokey studio, did you find the bluetooth reliable?

128BPM

Yes, I’m quite satisfied with it.

The Bluetooth can be troublesome when I switch from iPad to iPhone to MacBook- if I forget to unpair the devices ( just like headphones), but it is steady when connected. I’ve got a couple of rechargeable batteries so it is always ready for action without any cables. The size is perfect for my use: small enough to bring in a rucksack/weekend trip/sofa etc

I miss a proper 5pin midi connection though…can’t have it all 🤗

Edit: But I’m not sure I would trust it in a live situation without cables.