Brilliant review thank you. I learnt many things about my Panorama T6 here. Someone below mentioned Nektar provided a replacement fader cap free. That's nothing! ;-) I bought my T6 second hand from ebay and when received discovered the mixer faders 5 thru 9 were faulty, giving glitchy values, and affecting each other. I contacted Nektar and was amazed that despite me purchasing second hand kit they sent me a completely new fader board and instructions to fit it myself, no need to send it away, and no need for me to ask for refund from the ebay seller. I had to be patient though, it took 3 weeks to come from California to UK. It also had sticky knobs but I chose some nice new non-rubber coated knobs for the mixer faders and the encoders, looks and feels very nice now.
Wow. Nektar should hire you! I've watched many videos, and had no idea the Nektar Panorama T can do this! Thank you so much. I love the company, for a simple reason... I had a slider cap fall off an LX61+ (my fault) which I lost. I contacted Nektar and they sent a new one for free within a few days (less than a week). I was impressed by that. I wonder, though, why isn't Nektar showing more videos like yours? They would outcompete Komplete and Arturia controllers both. Also, if people want the Nektar, but also want the option of using Komplete Kontrol, pick up a little Komplete Kontrol M32 for $140 and have the best of both worlds.
A HUGE thumbs up! Thanks for the time you invested to make this. I think you would have more views if you had added the "panorama" word in there. It took me quite some time to find your comparison video, and learn after much research to that Nektar uses the "nektarine" engine. I have a Nektar P6, and was thinking about changing it for the Komplete control mk2. I'm keeping my Nektar!
Thank you for this video! I have a Nektar Panorama T6, and I watched this video more to learn some Nektarine tricks than for the comparison. I learned some new things that I didn't yet know, so great value from your video. I'm still learning about Nektarine, but so far I'm excited by its possibilities.
Please may I ask what setting your have the pad velocity set to on your p6? I just got one and the top right pad is triggering in its own. I had to increase the value to around 100 to stop it going off. When set to below 11 it goes off on its own fully! And at 50 it triggers when I play the keys :( hope you are well and safe
Nice video, and it’s got me deciding to look at Nektarine again. I had previously forgotten about it because I couldn’t get my head around it. I am now about to buy a NI S62 MkII because my Panorama T6 has deteriorated so rapidly - keys have turned yellow from light exposure, and sliders and knobs have turned sticky due to tropical humidity and heat. The M32 doesn’t do that, nor do any of my Yamaha or Novation keys. So, sadly, the Panorama T6 has to go to the trash.
I did not have any of these problems yet (the climate here is mild), but it's true that the build quality of the T6 feels a bit cheap compared to NI products and others.
It’s crazy how many people think that Nektarine is a horrible and unintuitive piece of software. It might not be the best looking one but it does it’s job very well and it’s still a relatively new piece of software compared to Komplete Kontrol.
Hey, this video is the best one available for Nektarine. Nektar really needs to up their marketing game IMO. Can you use Nektarine just for FX? Like creating an FX chain with different plugins and setting up pages to control them all as if they're one plugin?
I prefer the key action of the D50. However, the aftertouch of the Nektar is much more sensitive and giving you a better range, potentially with the possibility of playing the aftertouch with more nuance. But for me it is a bit to sensitive, because on the Panorama I trigger the aftertouch often accidentally. So in the end I prefer the D50.
Great review bud ! I'm about to get the Nektar since you made my choice much easier. I have an old Behringer umx25 which isn't that great to use and can't be bothered to use my Montage and Phantom since they are for gigging (under normal conditions 😉). I use LPX and Cubase.. (about to get 11 Pro!)
Great vid. Crazy how little info there is on YT. I wonder if you might do a demonstration of it in action. Still trying to wrap my head around how useful this would be for me, particularly in logic. Obviously mapping MIDI for instruments is great. Is this this more efficient and intuitive than just using my mouse which I’m quite familiar with in logic or is it outside a daw that it makes most sense? Just got my t4 so trying to understand it’s potential. Cheers
Thanks. It works well within a DAW like Logic. Only for instruments, not effects unless you add the effects inside Nektarine. Keep in mind that Apples own plugins cannot be used/controlled within Nektarine, since they are only available within Apples own environments like Logic, Mainstage and Gargageband. I also use Nektarine often stand alone if I just want to fool around with my plugins. Problem of the current version is that the stand-alone version does not have tempo settings neither does it respond to an external clock. If you need to control the tempo, you will have to use it inside a DAW or something like Mainstage, and use the tempo settings of the host.
Right, NI Komplete Kontrol cannot load and control apple plugins either. Of course, the hardware controllers of both Nektar and NI have MCU support. But for controlling the native plugins of Logic, the Nektar Panorma P series stands out. Without having to do any mapping, they give you direct control over the loaded logic plugin instrument, the channel EQ and the smart controls of the selected track (you can even select and load the instruments in the selected track from the controller). The display is very clear, with the right parameter names. For instance, for Logic's Sampler you have many control pages, giving you access to all the parameters. There is however a downside: up to now you will have to run Logic in Rosetta mode to make the P series work like that. Also, the P series work well for controlling plugins within Nektarine, but that is all. They still do not let you browse the patches inside Nektarine from the controller, which is a shame.
I should add that the Panorma T series gives you also control over the smart controls and the Logic plugins are premapped as well, but it is not that well implemented as for the P series, so you will probably have to do more mapping yourself. For controlling the Logic plugin, the Panorama gives you a Default and a user page for the rotary encoders. The faders are can also be used. So I think you can control up to 25 parameters. For the P series I forgot to mention that you can control the insert effects as well (not possible with the T series). Also, for the P series you can customize the parameter mappings as well. Regarding the display, of course the P series wins clearly over the T series.
I don't know why so many people buy Komplete Kontrol. I think its the lights and Screen that gets them. The lights are Tacky Af and the screen washes out within a years time. Funny he is running Arturia software, I much prefer the more elegant Keylab MKII, Komplete Kontrol hardly has any Controls at all, how ironic. I'll take stye over lights any day. Real wood decor and a classy white finish, plus its made of Metal not plastic. Even the Mod Wheels are metal. Nice. But to be honest if I had known about the Nectar Panorama P6 sooner I may not even had gotten the Keylab. I do love having both however and each has its place, mainly based on weight and function. The Panorama packs a walloping 93 real time controls at any one time. Wow! And I like that its only a semi-weighted keybed. For long hours of working out compositions (or learning lessons) its much easier on the old piggies. And at just 17 lbs its light enough to keep in front of my Studio Desk, whereas the Arturia Keylab has its place on the keyboard stand and its Fatar Keybed is used for Performance, plus it doesn't hurt to have all your basic DAW controls when Im away from the desk as well. Both hardware on these two puppies are as rugged good quality as it gets (the Komplete Kontrol feels like a toy), all controls on both units have that rubber feel and the faders on the Panorama are like nothing Ive seen anywhere else. I also love the design. The plastic casing is about as thick and high quality as plastic gets. It also doesn't hurt that its also White. So with my MIDI Controllers taken care of, next Im upgrading from my Kurzweil PC3LE8 to the Yamaha Montage 8. Can you guess what color lol
Was just about to buy a Kontakt S61, but there's four buttons on it that only work with N.I software, and you can't control effects on so many nn NKS VST's. As a Logic guy, seems a bit pointless.
I'm planning on buying the nektar P6 because it can control first and third party plugins! But they just unveiled their nektar CST controller so now I'm trying to figure out if I should wait or not LOL
I had decades of experience around recording but total digital creation was a fairly strange frontier until last year. I got a native instruments rig based on a couple opinions. The DAW and plugs were cumbersome despite my newbie outlook. I saw limitations right away like you mentioned. Some great benefits but as I look into Arturia and Nektar systems, the workflow seems less redundant themed and the screen has a familiar look . My 1st attempt at home digital recording was 99' Vegas , soundforge and a new realm called Fruity loops v1 had just debuted. Itbwas easy and intuitive despite the infancy factor. Thx for helping so much. Now.... Arturia or Nek?? Or.......
Very true. Neither Nektar nor NI have the holy grail yet. I am still hoping on major improvements for both NI and Nektar. For me as a live player I am even thinking of some dedicated controller for mainstage, since mainstage brings a lot to the table that I am missing in Komplete Kontrol and Nektarine. But mainstage falls short in the area of proper sound library functions.
I love this review, it's a very informative comparison. I'm a noob is it possible in Nektarine to host KK plugins or is Komplete Kontrol plugins exclusive to KK only which I would assume. Great review and thanks for sharing. This video made me subscribe and like 👌.
Both Nektarine and KK can host any plugin. So Nektarine can host all NI plugins and can even host KK itself. And the other way around: KK can host Nektarine. So, it is even possible to combine both, using Nektarine for control and KK for sound browsing. However, not sure how you would combine the hardware controllers in a practical way...
@@pjpthepostman1953 that is awesome stuff. I made my decision now, I will be getting the Panorama T4 as my first midi controller. I love Nektarine workflow but love the variety of KK as well. For me workflow is everything especially when it comes to plugins and I think I will achieve that the best with the T4. Even though I must say that the Maschine MK3 hardware workflow is very good it just lacks the plugin control with KK. Besides the Mk3 is out of my budget now, I will consider it in the future hopefully by then KK will be much better. However I will get the komplete kontrol m32 for the portabilty in the near furure as a bonus I will get the KK software with it which I can host in Nektarine. Thanks alot for replying, I appreciate your feedback 👍.
GOOD WORK! Very thorough. Clearly, NEKTAR has a much higher IQ. Thank you, My keyboard is the Panorama P6. I'm wondering if NEKTARINE in incorporated into the P Series or if it's exclusive to the T Series? I think the P Series is still the Flagship product...
@@watchaddicts1213 The P-series have limited integration with Nektarine: only the mapped parameters for the selected plugin can be controlled. This works good. But you cannot browse or select the different slots. I have the P1 and I do use it for controlling the plugins, while using the T for the other stuff. With its bigger and better screen, using the P1 works even better than the T for plugin control. The only thing you are missing are those shortcut knows for selecting specific pages. You will have to do that with the data wheel.
Good job. There is also another controller (pads no sliders (or so I "thinketh to thyself") where it HAS the same 16 (2 under each rotary pod) small button steps below encoder, above pads. Any clue who makes this? I've looked at so many, I can't recall. Novation might really be a great device but no repeat WoUlD be a dEaL kIlLeR for me, and the newest NektarBeat Maker has ONLY TWO VELOCITY settings? For Drums? ARE YOU KIDDING?! That cannot be that hard to develop. (I think the device I am thinking is like Nektar is the Akai)? While I've always loved Akai, they still don't have the control down as good as Novation and plug-ins, and the Novation mini launch key is a lot of bang for the buck. The only thing I am concerned about is the REPEAT key and if it has it or not. Time to look at manuals. Oh boy. Fun stuff. Really looking for a controller that maps perfectly to LOGIC, REASON RACKS, and their respective plug-ins THEN SECONDARY but not a deal killer at this time, the ability to run ABLETON, PROTOOLS, NUENDO, and FCP/Motion/AE as my secondary wants. The only dislike I don't care for is that the Nektar pads have two VELOCITY settings. Surely this can be fixed with a software/firmware update. Or hack?! But is it worth it!? 👨🏻🎤 ✌️🎼🎶🎵♭ 🎸🎻 music
It works partially. It is limited to controlling a plugin, which works very well. The shortcuts to jump to a control page are not available, but everything else concerning controlling plugins works. But as I said, it is just controlling the selected plugin. Unfortunately you cannot operate the sound browser from the P-series nor can you operate a multi: you cannot select channels or effects or adjust volumes etc. You will have to do that on the computer.
@@pjpthepostman1953 thanks🙏 I think I'll keep using my T4 and wait for their new CST keyboard controller, I hope it releases early next year! I just wish they added a xy aftertouch morph pad😰 for wind instruments and vector synthesis 🙏
What you are referring at, concerns the keyboards, not the software. Yes, the Nektar Panorama T keyboards do have an arpeggiator. It is a new feature that has been added in a recent firmware update, see ruclips.net/video/kwe2-1_H5Mc/видео.html. Furthermore, you can program a chord, that is played when you hit a key. But no scales like the Komplete Kontrol keyboards (or it must be hidden in another update that I am not aware of ;-). Concerning the software: Nektarine is the name of the software, and it does not have any of these functions, but neither does the Komplete Kontrol software.
@@pjpthepostman1953 Thank you very much for you detailed answer. I'm looking gor a replacement for my Oxygen Pro, which has erratic aftertouch. I was asking about these performances modes because I already tried a Komplete A Series. I liked the keys but only a frew controls on board. Thanks again;)
thanx for your comprehensive overview, really helped in my decision making, Could you or could you please direct me to a new user guide for Nekterine Basics.. Thanx again for your sharing knowledge
This video will be wery helpful if I'll buy this keyboard, but I am so confused right now. I would like to know your opinion on which is better between the Panorama T6 and M-Audio Oxygen 61 for producing orchestral music on Cubase. I really don't know which is the best and have no idea on what should I look for make this decision :-/ of if it is another even better Can you help me please?
I have no experience with the m-audio, and I do not use Cubase. In my experience the DAW control of the Panorama is very good. But I guess both are similar capable DAW controllers and have almost the same amount of knobs, faders and buttons . Beside form factor and price difference you have to choose whether you want a keyboard with aftertouch and Pads with aftertouch and Nektarine plug-in control / librarian software (the panorama T) or a keyboard with built-in arpeggiator and chord scales (the oxygen). Its up to you.
@@pjpthepostman1953 A guy from Thomann told me the Oxygen has better keys, I don't know if he was drunk because every review I've seen say the opposite about Panorama's keys. I'm going to better study this Nektarine in order to understand if it could be helpful to me...but I suppose it is. Thank you very much for the answer 👍
Nektar does not look that nice, requires another layer when I use Maschine that knob layout with all those faders and no scribble strips to indicate the parameter is not the best. Most of my plugins have NKS maps. Those presets can be saved by using a song template. They need to work on aesthetics and ergonomics. Knobs in a row not in that cheap controller behringer style double stack and LEDs to label all functions. Also RGB should be a given at this point. I like the browser and preset saving ability though. I like the looks of the Nektar P1 though and I can combine that with Kontrol keyboard to get the advantages you are highlighting so thanks for the info.
Waitaminute Mr. Postman...we can add Kontakt to Komplete can we not? Therefore you should be able to add multiple layers and splits of instruments.. To be honest, though, I still need to prove the concept. Probably some limitations like multing out the midi channels. I do like my Kontrol S61 for being able to choose exotic scales and also use the easy in-scale play mode once in a while. But I am taking a good look at the Nektar controllers and Nektarine. I so hate mapping and set up though. Thanks very much for the review!
True, but I am not reviewing the posibilities of Kontakt. And Kontakt is not a plugin host. So you cannot use it to make splits and layers with other plug-ins either.
No, unfortunately not. I am completely with you. Searched a lot for a review. The only one I found so far was more about the hardware, see m.ruclips.net/video/PJXloK6aIok/видео.html.
Okay, I have had the Aura briefly. It is basically a step sequencer with 16 lanes of a max of 64 steps. When you use both a Panorama T and an Aura, you have to choose which environment you want to use: Panorama or Aura, because the Aura environment in Nektarine is different. In Panorama mode you can make layers and splits. In aura mode you get a multi-channel setup of up to 16 channels. But then you can't set things like keyboard and velocity ranges. So you can still layer a sound by selecting the same midi channel, but splits are not possible. This means also that saved multi's in Panorama mode cannot be used in aura mode and vice versa. The control and sound browsing of the plugins works the same on the Aura, with the advantage of a much better screen, but without direct page access buttons. I found the step sequencer rather limited, since you could not sequence pitch information. This means that you will need multiple of the 16 sequence lanes to create a melody sequence. Also other control messages seem not to be recorded, but I did not really dive into it. Since it does use a different Nektarine environment and did not offer much for me in addition to the Panorama T, I returned the Aura.
@@pjpthepostman1953 Man thanks for the response. Well damn i guess i'd still buy it if it intergrates great with reason. ill stick with the MK mikro 3 for maschine. Thanks again :D
If I use one instrument, with multi output settings, EX: channel 1 routed out to stereo 1/2, channel 2 routed out to stereo 3/4, channel 3 to stereo 5/6, etc. Am I able to control each midi output channels separately? I heard KK will only control channel 1, it will not allow individual control of each midi channel. Thanks
Do you know a faster way to save my presets into nektarine? Bringing in instruments that are already mapped but it I don’t want to add the presets one by one. Do you know what would be the easiest way to bring all my nektarine settings between one keyboard to another? i know i would reinstall and just reset stuff the same, but I wonder if i can take the .nek files over for the presets on my personal presets
I am not sure if I understand your question correctly. One nek file can contain all presets and you can export all the presets at once and you can import all the presets (and nek files) at once. Concerning the npm mapping files: just copy them all to the user mapping folder. They will be applied, no matter whether the presets are your own or not. Or am I missing your point?
I love this video I'm using Bitwig nektar controllers are amazing is nektraine better in a live setting I haven't bought it yet and does it work in studio one
I do not use Nektarine stand alone in a life setting, since it does not have a proper set list function. So, for live I use Mainstage. Nektarine within Mainstage wotks fine, but I rather use the (smart) controls from Mainstage. For proper live usage, they should add a set list feature. For live it would also be better to be able to assign multiple function to one encoder/fader. But I am not sure if Nektarine is going to develop in that direction.
@@pjpthepostman1953 so even if I have all my instruments out in my daw I still gotta use mainstage I can't use the controller to switch my keyboard patches
@@jerrawilliams6115 you can definitely switch keyboard patches, either by selecting the next track in you DAW or loading a new sound in Nektarine itself. The smart thing of the Panorama T is that you can get control over the nektarine instance of the active track in you DAW, by pressing a key while holding shift. For instance, I have used Nektarine live with Logic (the Panorama T works well with Logic). However, I prefer the Mainstage way, with a set list, tempo settings for each song, no cutting of sounds when changing to the next song, etc. Such a setlist, with all the sounds preloaded, is not present within Nektarine. So, you can use Nektarine Live. It will give you nice control. Also within a DAW. But if you have to do a lot of patch changes, I think things like Mainstage, GIG performer, Freestyle, etc with their setlists are better suited.
As far as I know, it can only be used with Panorama T series and Aura. It can be used with old Panorama series as well, but currently only for controlling and not for sound browsing.
Who can use Nektarine Nektarine is included with compatible Nektar products including: Aura Panorama T4/T6 Panorama P1/P4/P6 running alongside Bitwig, Reason or Studion One integration* Impact GXP49/61/88
luciddreamerROM You’re right but it works for me without going through thousands of presets and mixes well with my samples. Would like to hear what you would recommend as a replacement, if you got any suggestions.
Komplete Kontrol cannot do layer, split by velocity. it can only do simple key split without overlapping and simple transpose In korg’s combi mode, each part can set key range and/or velocity range. So parts can overlap, and parts can be triggered by aftertouch. Each part you can set whether it is internal midi or external midi or both. U can set tranpose/volume/pan for each part Can nektarine software do something like korg combi?
Yes, but a bit less advanced than the Korg Combi’s. Within Nektarine you can create many parts (probably only limited by CPU and memory) and give each part its own key range and velocity range. I did not use the velocity range yet, so I am not sure how well it works, but the key ranges do work well. You can also set different midi channels for each part, if you like. Furthermore you can use 4 insert effects for each part beside the master effects. But it does not have the advanced options that Korg Combi’s offer, like filtering certain control messages or setting a velocity fade for a certain key range. Neither can you use midi effects or create master macro controls (to control parameters from different plug-ins from one control page). For master control, there is only a mixer for controlling the volume and panning of each part. Still, it is a lot more than Komplete Kontrol offers.
Brilliant review thank you. I learnt many things about my Panorama T6 here. Someone below mentioned Nektar provided a replacement fader cap free. That's nothing! ;-) I bought my T6 second hand from ebay and when received discovered the mixer faders 5 thru 9 were faulty, giving glitchy values, and affecting each other. I contacted Nektar and was amazed that despite me purchasing second hand kit they sent me a completely new fader board and instructions to fit it myself, no need to send it away, and no need for me to ask for refund from the ebay seller. I had to be patient though, it took 3 weeks to come from California to UK. It also had sticky knobs but I chose some nice new non-rubber coated knobs for the mixer faders and the encoders, looks and feels very nice now.
I forgot to mention, Nektar replaced it for free!
Wow. Nektar should hire you! I've watched many videos, and had no idea the Nektar Panorama T can do this! Thank you so much. I love the company, for a simple reason... I had a slider cap fall off an LX61+ (my fault) which I lost. I contacted Nektar and they sent a new one for free within a few days (less than a week). I was impressed by that. I wonder, though, why isn't Nektar showing more videos like yours? They would outcompete Komplete and Arturia controllers both. Also, if people want the Nektar, but also want the option of using Komplete Kontrol, pick up a little Komplete Kontrol M32 for $140 and have the best of both worlds.
I have a T6 on it's way and have been looking for recent videos on Nektarine. This comparison did include a good overview of the software. Thanks.
bought yesterday a nektar t4 and start the adventure. thanks for helping hands with your vid
A HUGE thumbs up! Thanks for the time you invested to make this. I think you would have more views if you had added the "panorama" word in there. It took me quite some time to find your comparison video, and learn after much research to that
Nektar uses the "nektarine" engine. I have a Nektar P6, and was thinking about changing it for the Komplete control mk2. I'm keeping my Nektar!
Thanks for the tip. I will add Panorama in the description.
Thank you for this video! I have a Nektar Panorama T6, and I watched this video more to learn some Nektarine tricks than for the comparison. I learned some new things that I didn't yet know, so great value from your video. I'm still learning about Nektarine, but so far I'm excited by its possibilities.
Please may I ask what setting your have the pad velocity set to on your p6? I just got one and the top right pad is triggering in its own. I had to increase the value to around 100 to stop it going off. When set to below 11 it goes off on its own fully! And at 50 it triggers when I play the keys :( hope you are well and safe
Wow. This is an eye opening presentation. You’ve saved me a lot of time and searching.
Thank you. Much more powerful explanations than just watching features alone
Thank you! Very informative and interesting review and comparison!
Nice video, and it’s got me deciding to look at Nektarine again. I had previously forgotten about it because I couldn’t get my head around it. I am now about to buy a NI S62 MkII because my Panorama T6 has deteriorated so rapidly - keys have turned yellow from light exposure, and sliders and knobs have turned sticky due to tropical humidity and heat. The M32 doesn’t do that, nor do any of my Yamaha or Novation keys. So, sadly, the Panorama T6 has to go to the trash.
I did not have any of these problems yet (the climate here is mild), but it's true that the build quality of the T6 feels a bit cheap compared to NI products and others.
Thank you! Please, show more about nektarine and panorama t6 in another tutorial
It’s crazy how many people think that Nektarine is a horrible and unintuitive piece of software. It might not be the best looking one but it does it’s job very well and it’s still a relatively new piece of software compared to Komplete Kontrol.
Thanks very much. Excellent detail and fair comparisons.
Hey, this video is the best one available for Nektarine. Nektar really needs to up their marketing game IMO. Can you use Nektarine just for FX? Like creating an FX chain with different plugins and setting up pages to control them all as if they're one plugin?
Unfortunately not, because it does not have an audio input. It is not an fx plugin.
@@pjpthepostman1953 Bummer... hope they add it in the future.
Thanks for the comparison! I see that you have a Roland D-50 at the back, how's the key action of Nektar Panorama T6 compared to Roland D-50?
I prefer the key action of the D50. However, the aftertouch of the Nektar is much more sensitive and giving you a better range, potentially with the possibility of playing the aftertouch with more nuance. But for me it is a bit to sensitive, because on the Panorama I trigger the aftertouch often accidentally. So in the end I prefer the D50.
Great review bud ! I'm about to get the Nektar since you made my choice much easier. I have an old Behringer umx25 which isn't that great to use and can't be bothered to use my Montage and Phantom since they are for gigging (under normal conditions 😉). I use LPX and Cubase.. (about to get 11 Pro!)
Then did you buy it? Maybe I have to buy one and I use Cubase too :-) i'm looking for infos
@@lucacorona6681 Yes. It’s great and easy to setup and use. I use it more in Cubase than LPX.
Very good and OBJECTIVE video. Thank you.
Great vid. Crazy how little info there is on YT. I wonder if you might do a demonstration of it in action. Still trying to wrap my head around how useful this would be for me, particularly in logic. Obviously mapping MIDI for instruments is great. Is this this more efficient and intuitive than just using my mouse which I’m quite familiar with in logic or is it outside a daw that it makes most sense? Just got my t4 so trying to understand it’s potential. Cheers
Thanks. It works well within a DAW like Logic. Only for instruments, not effects unless you add the effects inside Nektarine. Keep in mind that Apples own plugins cannot be used/controlled within Nektarine, since they are only available within Apples own environments like Logic, Mainstage and Gargageband. I also use Nektarine often stand alone if I just want to fool around with my plugins. Problem of the current version is that the stand-alone version does not have tempo settings neither does it respond to an external clock. If you need to control the tempo, you will have to use it inside a DAW or something like Mainstage, and use the tempo settings of the host.
Ok interesting, thanks. I assume that means Kontrol also can’t control Apple plugins?
Right, NI Komplete Kontrol cannot load and control apple plugins either. Of course, the hardware controllers of both Nektar and NI have MCU support. But for controlling the native plugins of Logic, the Nektar Panorma P series stands out. Without having to do any mapping, they give you direct control over the loaded logic plugin instrument, the channel EQ and the smart controls of the selected track (you can even select and load the instruments in the selected track from the controller). The display is very clear, with the right parameter names. For instance, for Logic's Sampler you have many control pages, giving you access to all the parameters.
There is however a downside: up to now you will have to run Logic in Rosetta mode to make the P series work like that. Also, the P series work well for controlling plugins within Nektarine, but that is all. They still do not let you browse the patches inside Nektarine from the controller, which is a shame.
I should add that the Panorma T series gives you also control over the smart controls and the Logic plugins are premapped as well, but it is not that well implemented as for the P series, so you will probably have to do more mapping yourself. For controlling the Logic plugin, the Panorama gives you a Default and a user page for the rotary encoders. The faders are can also be used. So I think you can control up to 25 parameters. For the P series I forgot to mention that you can control the insert effects as well (not possible with the T series). Also, for the P series you can customize the parameter mappings as well. Regarding the display, of course the P series wins clearly over the T series.
Great detail here!
I don't know why so many people buy Komplete Kontrol. I think its the lights and Screen that gets them. The lights are Tacky Af and the screen washes out within a years time. Funny he is running Arturia software, I much prefer the more elegant Keylab MKII, Komplete Kontrol hardly has any Controls at all, how ironic. I'll take stye over lights any day. Real wood decor and a classy white finish, plus its made of Metal not plastic. Even the Mod Wheels are metal. Nice. But to be honest if I had known about the Nectar Panorama P6 sooner I may not even had gotten the Keylab. I do love having both however and each has its place, mainly based on weight and function. The Panorama packs a walloping 93 real time controls at any one time. Wow! And I like that its only a semi-weighted keybed. For long hours of working out compositions (or learning lessons) its much easier on the old piggies. And at just 17 lbs its light enough to keep in front of my Studio Desk, whereas the Arturia Keylab has its place on the keyboard stand and its Fatar Keybed is used for Performance, plus it doesn't hurt to have all your basic DAW controls when Im away from the desk as well. Both hardware on these two puppies are as rugged good quality as it gets (the Komplete Kontrol feels like a toy), all controls on both units have that rubber feel and the faders on the Panorama are like nothing Ive seen anywhere else. I also love the design. The plastic casing is about as thick and high quality as plastic gets. It also doesn't hurt that its also White. So with my MIDI Controllers taken care of, next Im upgrading from my Kurzweil PC3LE8 to the Yamaha Montage 8. Can you guess what color lol
Was just about to buy a Kontakt S61, but there's four buttons on it that only work with N.I software, and you can't control effects on so many nn NKS VST's. As a Logic guy, seems a bit pointless.
I'm planning on buying the nektar P6 because it can control first and third party plugins!
But they just unveiled their nektar CST controller so now I'm trying to figure out if I should wait or not LOL
@@brandonmoss7976 You should wait for the CST controller. Kinda wish I bought Nektar myself.
@@Tokiofritz yeah I think I'm going to wait 😰
I had decades of experience around recording but total digital creation was a fairly strange frontier until last year. I got a native instruments rig based on a couple opinions. The DAW and plugs were cumbersome despite my newbie outlook. I saw limitations right away like you mentioned. Some great benefits but as I look into Arturia and Nektar systems, the workflow seems less redundant themed and the screen has a familiar look . My 1st attempt at home digital recording was 99' Vegas , soundforge and a new realm called Fruity loops v1 had just debuted. Itbwas easy and intuitive despite the infancy factor. Thx for helping so much. Now.... Arturia or Nek?? Or.......
Very true. Neither Nektar nor NI have the holy grail yet. I am still hoping on major improvements for both NI and Nektar. For me as a live player I am even thinking of some dedicated controller for mainstage, since mainstage brings a lot to the table that I am missing in Komplete Kontrol and Nektarine. But mainstage falls short in the area of proper sound library functions.
I love this review, it's a very informative comparison. I'm a noob is it possible in Nektarine to host KK plugins or is Komplete Kontrol plugins exclusive to KK only which I would assume. Great review and thanks for sharing. This video made me subscribe and like 👌.
Both Nektarine and KK can host any plugin. So Nektarine can host all NI plugins and can even host KK itself. And the other way around: KK can host Nektarine. So, it is even possible to combine both, using Nektarine for control and KK for sound browsing. However, not sure how you would combine the hardware controllers in a practical way...
@@pjpthepostman1953 that is awesome stuff. I made my decision now, I will be getting the Panorama T4 as my first midi controller. I love Nektarine workflow but love the variety of KK as well. For me workflow is everything especially when it comes to plugins and I think I will achieve that the best with the T4. Even though I must say that the Maschine MK3 hardware workflow is very good it just lacks the plugin control with KK. Besides the Mk3 is out of my budget now, I will consider it in the future hopefully by then KK will be much better. However I will get the komplete kontrol m32 for the portabilty in the near furure as a bonus I will get the KK software with it which I can host in Nektarine. Thanks alot for replying, I appreciate your feedback 👍.
GOOD WORK! Very thorough. Clearly, NEKTAR has a much higher IQ. Thank you, My keyboard is the Panorama P6. I'm wondering if NEKTARINE in incorporated into the P Series or if it's exclusive to the T Series? I think the P Series is still the Flagship product...
@@watchaddicts1213 The P-series have limited integration with Nektarine: only the mapped parameters for the selected plugin can be controlled. This works good. But you cannot browse or select the different slots. I have the P1 and I do use it for controlling the plugins, while using the T for the other stuff. With its bigger and better screen, using the P1 works even better than the T for plugin control. The only thing you are missing are those shortcut knows for selecting specific pages. You will have to do that with the data wheel.
Great comparison. Thanks.
I Love your ending!!!!!!!!
Good job. There is also another controller (pads no sliders (or so I "thinketh to thyself") where it HAS the same 16 (2 under each rotary pod) small button steps below encoder, above pads. Any clue who makes this? I've looked at so many, I can't recall. Novation might really be a great device but no repeat WoUlD be a dEaL kIlLeR for me, and the newest NektarBeat Maker has ONLY TWO VELOCITY settings? For Drums? ARE YOU KIDDING?! That cannot be that hard to develop. (I think the device I am thinking is like Nektar is the Akai)? While I've always loved Akai, they still don't have the control down as good as Novation and plug-ins, and the Novation mini launch key is a lot of bang for the buck. The only thing I am concerned about is the REPEAT key and if it has it or not. Time to look at manuals. Oh boy. Fun stuff. Really looking for a controller that maps perfectly to LOGIC, REASON RACKS, and their respective plug-ins THEN SECONDARY but not a deal killer at this time, the ability to run ABLETON, PROTOOLS, NUENDO, and FCP/Motion/AE as my secondary wants. The only dislike I don't care for is that the Nektar pads have two VELOCITY settings. Surely this can be fixed with a software/firmware update. Or hack?! But is it worth it!? 👨🏻🎤 ✌️🎼🎶🎵♭ 🎸🎻 music
Awesome video! Subscribed.
Great review. good thing I already have Nektar
I have a question I was planning on buying the nektar P6 does the new nektarine software work on that controller too?
It works partially. It is limited to controlling a plugin, which works very well. The shortcuts to jump to a control page are not available, but everything else concerning controlling plugins works. But as I said, it is just controlling the selected plugin. Unfortunately you cannot operate the sound browser from the P-series nor can you operate a multi: you cannot select channels or effects or adjust volumes etc. You will have to do that on the computer.
@@pjpthepostman1953 thanks🙏 I think I'll keep using my T4 and wait for their new CST keyboard controller, I hope it releases early next year!
I just wish they added a xy aftertouch morph pad😰 for wind instruments and vector synthesis 🙏
Does Nektarine has arpeggiator, chords and scales like the Komplete Series? Thanks for the video
What you are referring at, concerns the keyboards, not the software. Yes, the Nektar Panorama T keyboards do have an arpeggiator. It is a new feature that has been added in a recent firmware update, see ruclips.net/video/kwe2-1_H5Mc/видео.html.
Furthermore, you can program a chord, that is played when you hit a key. But no scales like the Komplete Kontrol keyboards (or it must be hidden in another update that I am not aware of ;-).
Concerning the software: Nektarine is the name of the software, and it does not have any of these functions, but neither does the Komplete Kontrol software.
@@pjpthepostman1953 Thank you very much for you detailed answer. I'm looking gor a replacement for my Oxygen Pro, which has erratic aftertouch. I was asking about these performances modes because I already tried a Komplete A Series. I liked the keys but only a frew controls on board.
Thanks again;)
very useful. thank you.
if im not mistaken, the komplete kontrol keyboard doesnt have an expression pedal input nor does it have after touch?
@@campar1043 the Komplete Kontrol S has both an expression pedal input and aftertouch. I never buy a keyboard without those two things.
@@pjpthepostman1953 besides the nektar gxp49, is there another relatively cheap 49 key keyboard with both features?
@@campar1043 I am not sure. I have not been looking for a keyboard since a long time.
This is a fantastic job and useful video for me. Thank you! Answered so many questions I had.
thanx for your comprehensive overview, really helped in my decision making, Could you or could you please direct me to a new user guide for Nekterine Basics.. Thanx again for your sharing knowledge
I only know Nektars own site. It might not cover everything but certainly the basics of Nektarine: nektartech.com/nektarine/getting-started/
This video will be wery helpful if I'll buy this keyboard, but I am so confused right now. I would like to know your opinion on which is better between the Panorama T6 and M-Audio Oxygen 61 for producing orchestral music on Cubase. I really don't know which is the best and have no idea on what should I look for make this decision :-/ of if it is another even better
Can you help me please?
I have no experience with the m-audio, and I do not use Cubase. In my experience the DAW control of the Panorama is very good. But I guess both are similar capable DAW controllers and have almost the same amount of knobs, faders and buttons . Beside form factor and price difference you have to choose whether you want a keyboard with aftertouch and Pads with aftertouch and Nektarine plug-in control / librarian software (the panorama T) or a keyboard with built-in arpeggiator and chord scales (the oxygen). Its up to you.
@@pjpthepostman1953 A guy from Thomann told me the Oxygen has better keys, I don't know if he was drunk because every review I've seen say the opposite about Panorama's keys. I'm going to better study this Nektarine in order to understand if it could be helpful to me...but I suppose it is.
Thank you very much for the answer 👍
Nektar does not look that nice, requires another layer when I use Maschine that knob layout with all those faders and no scribble strips to indicate the parameter is not the best. Most of my plugins have NKS maps. Those presets can be saved by using a song template. They need to work on aesthetics and ergonomics. Knobs in a row not in that cheap controller behringer style double stack and LEDs to label all functions. Also RGB should be a given at this point. I like the browser and preset saving ability though. I like the looks of the Nektar P1 though and I can combine that with Kontrol keyboard to get the advantages you are highlighting so thanks for the info.
Waitaminute Mr. Postman...we can add Kontakt to Komplete can we not? Therefore you should be able to add multiple layers and splits of instruments.. To be honest, though, I still need to prove the concept. Probably some limitations like multing out the midi channels. I do like my Kontrol S61 for being able to choose exotic scales and also use the easy in-scale play mode once in a while. But I am taking a good look at the Nektar controllers and Nektarine. I so hate mapping and set up though. Thanks very much for the review!
True, but I am not reviewing the posibilities of Kontakt. And Kontakt is not a plugin host. So you cannot use it to make splits and layers with other plug-ins either.
Do you have the aura yet? Seriously curious about it. But I have only found one review. Its driving me crazy.
No, unfortunately not. I am completely with you. Searched a lot for a review. The only one I found so far was more about the hardware, see m.ruclips.net/video/PJXloK6aIok/видео.html.
@@pjpthepostman1953 same one I saw. I find that really strange since it has been out for awhile now. I guess I will just keep an eye out for reviews
Okay, I have had the Aura briefly. It is basically a step sequencer with 16 lanes of a max of 64 steps. When you use both a Panorama T and an Aura, you have to choose which environment you want to use: Panorama or Aura, because the Aura environment in Nektarine is different. In Panorama mode you can make layers and splits. In aura mode you get a multi-channel setup of up to 16 channels. But then you can't set things like keyboard and velocity ranges. So you can still layer a sound by selecting the same midi channel, but splits are not possible. This means also that saved multi's in Panorama mode cannot be used in aura mode and vice versa. The control and sound browsing of the plugins works the same on the Aura, with the advantage of a much better screen, but without direct page access buttons. I found the step sequencer rather limited, since you could not sequence pitch information. This means that you will need multiple of the 16 sequence lanes to create a melody sequence. Also other control messages seem not to be recorded, but I did not really dive into it. Since it does use a different Nektarine environment and did not offer much for me in addition to the Panorama T, I returned the Aura.
@@pjpthepostman1953 Man thanks for the response. Well damn i guess i'd still buy it if it intergrates great with reason. ill stick with the MK mikro 3 for maschine. Thanks again :D
@@mazor13 It integrates to perfection with Reason.
Great vid thank you 🙏
If I use one instrument, with multi output settings, EX: channel 1 routed out to stereo 1/2, channel 2 routed out to stereo 3/4, channel 3 to stereo 5/6, etc. Am I able to control each midi output channels separately? I heard KK will only control channel 1, it will not allow individual control of each midi channel. Thanks
I am not sure. I didn't try any multi-outout plug-in within KK or Nektarine yet. I do not have EX, but I can try it may be with Kontakt.
Thanks so much for this
Do you know a faster way to save my presets into nektarine? Bringing in instruments that are already mapped but it I don’t want to add the presets one by one. Do you know what would be the easiest way to bring all my nektarine settings between one keyboard to another? i know i would reinstall and just reset stuff the same, but I wonder if i can take the .nek files over for the presets on my personal presets
I am not sure if I understand your question correctly. One nek file can contain all presets and you can export all the presets at once and you can import all the presets (and nek files) at once. Concerning the npm mapping files: just copy them all to the user mapping folder. They will be applied, no matter whether the presets are your own or not. Or am I missing your point?
Sorry if i'm out of topic, which keybed is better for sensitivty & playability? Based on your opinion, thanks.
I think the keybed of the Komplete Kontrol S is better.
I love this video I'm using Bitwig nektar controllers are amazing is nektraine better in a live setting I haven't bought it yet and does it work in studio one
I do not use Nektarine stand alone in a life setting, since it does not have a proper set list function. So, for live I use Mainstage. Nektarine within Mainstage wotks fine, but I rather use the (smart) controls from Mainstage. For proper live usage, they should add a set list feature. For live it would also be better to be able to assign multiple function to one encoder/fader. But I am not sure if Nektarine is going to develop in that direction.
@@pjpthepostman1953 so even if I have all my instruments out in my daw I still gotta use mainstage I can't use the controller to switch my keyboard patches
@@jerrawilliams6115 you can definitely switch keyboard patches, either by selecting the next track in you DAW or loading a new sound in Nektarine itself. The smart thing of the Panorama T is that you can get control over the nektarine instance of the active track in you DAW, by pressing a key while holding shift. For instance, I have used Nektarine live with Logic (the Panorama T works well with Logic). However, I prefer the Mainstage way, with a set list, tempo settings for each song, no cutting of sounds when changing to the next song, etc. Such a setlist, with all the sounds preloaded, is not present within Nektarine. So, you can use Nektarine Live. It will give you nice control. Also within a DAW. But if you have to do a lot of patch changes, I think things like Mainstage, GIG performer, Freestyle, etc with their setlists are better suited.
@@pjpthepostman1953 can you send a link to those programs or Do a video your content is great
Can "Nectarines" be used (integrated) on the Impact LX61 +
As far as I know, it can only be used with Panorama T series and Aura. It can be used with old Panorama series as well, but currently only for controlling and not for sound browsing.
@@pjpthepostman1953 I read that vst instruments are compatible with sound browsing, but vst 3 is not, I hope so, i have a p4 on order.
Who can use Nektarine
Nektarine is included with compatible Nektar products including:
Aura
Panorama T4/T6
Panorama P1/P4/P6 running alongside Bitwig, Reason or Studion One integration*
Impact GXP49/61/88
God...I still use Kore and am not even sick of it. What I would give for that controller there 😂
luciddreamerROM You’re right but it works for me without going through thousands of presets and mixes well with my samples. Would like to hear what you would recommend as a replacement, if you got any suggestions.
luciddreamerROM might go with Korg Gadget instead
100% Hollander 😃
Komplete Kontrol cannot do layer, split by velocity. it can only do simple key split without overlapping and simple transpose
In korg’s combi mode, each part can set key range and/or velocity range. So parts can overlap, and parts can be triggered by aftertouch. Each part you can set whether it is internal midi or external midi or both. U can set tranpose/volume/pan for each part
Can nektarine software do something like korg combi?
Yes, but a bit less advanced than the Korg Combi’s. Within Nektarine you can create many parts (probably only limited by CPU and memory) and give each part its own key range and velocity range. I did not use the velocity range yet, so I am not sure how well it works, but the key ranges do work well. You can also set different midi channels for each part, if you like. Furthermore you can use 4 insert effects for each part beside the master effects. But it does not have the advanced options that Korg Combi’s offer, like filtering certain control messages or setting a velocity fade for a certain key range. Neither can you use midi effects or create master macro controls (to control parameters from different plug-ins from one control page). For master control, there is only a mixer for controlling the volume and panning of each part. Still, it is a lot more than Komplete Kontrol offers.
Great comparison!
Thank you for your advice !