Nektar Panorama P4 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Bottom line if you use Reason you should use this controller. It is so perfectly integrated with every tool in the rack plus all of the RE's. They keep current on a nearly weekly basis with all of the 3rd party RE's to make sure you have total control over every parameter possible. I've loved Propellerheads for years and it is really my only DAW outside of mastering - I use it for all of my creation but I have always tried to cobble together hardware to make the dials and knobs all work - building custom maps, editing automation triggers - it was a lot of work and now, it's all done for you.In fact you more or less almost don't need your keyboard and mouse. The only place I think it's more convenient to use the mouse is when creating a new instrument (although the P4 allows you to do this I find it easier with a mouse) but aside from that you control 100% of the functionality from the workstation.In addition the keys and pads are superb. The weighting on the keyboard feels so incredible to me and the drum pads are the best I have ever used.If you are questioning this versus something like an Axiom to save 50% and you use Reason spend the extra money. There is zero comparison. This is the only tool you will need. I am going to be selling off all of my controllers (keeping my 88 key just in case I want to play a nice 2 handed big range piece but aside from that - see ya - y'all been replaced :). Buy it now! (Oh BTW - they will be releasing a 61 key I believe - that would be the only reason to wait if it means a lot to you. I promise this tool will boost your creativity to all of the potential it can be.

First, this device is just a pretty machine! It's aesthetically just very attractive, that's what grabbed me when I stumbled on it. I said "What is that? I GOTTA HAVE THAT BOARD!"2nd DID I tell you that this device is just a very pretty machine? OK. It's performance capabilities are well worth the money. The ability to shape and control sound is beyond belief. Everyday I use it feels like the first day of Kwanza...or Haunaka...or Xmas, or whatever you celebrate.It's useful with just about any DAW but it was MADE for the Reason DAW.With Reason by Propellerhead (which as an FL Studio kid I was reluctant to use at first but highly surprised and now hooked) the keyboard is fully functional...it's the only DAW that works with P6 in two way communication. I.e. change parameters on the computer changes parameters on the board and vice versa. I'm a big FL Studio user and was disappointed when I discovered functions are very limited unless you go in and set up your automation templates. But Reason with all of its bundled instruments and effects more than over compensate for the switchover. And while the DAW is bout' $350 a free demo version online of Reason 10 is available for download and fully functional...you just can't save songs, but a real audio engineer doesn't let that stop him/her.The other beautiful part is control of Reasonz mixer DAW from the board. Dude...THE FRIGGIN VOLUME CONTROL IS MOTORIZED AND MOVES BY ITSELF WHEN YOU PROGRAM IT IN MIDI. What other controller does that? More stuff puts this joint among the stars but I'm not getting paid for this review...find out for yaself. E.g. the P6 can control the mixer in Reason seamlessly. But if you decide not to use Reason you'll still enjoy the effective P6 MIDI integration and control of whatever DAW you do use.So whatz thumbs down with this baby?1. The manual SUUUUUUUCKS...it's a 4/10. But a real audio engineer....well you get me. But the owner of Nektar, Neil's and his tech team in Stockholm are VERRY helpful and quick about answering questions via email. Really. After a while I felt guilty because I kept sending them questions about the P6 but I think because they love what they do at Nektar, making us happy makes them happy. And their website is an 8/10 when it comes to getting you the right driver and firmware for your device as well as other info, so count that as a plus.2. The Nektar website pushes the Bitwig DAW...dude, smile at that offer and keep it movin' right on over to Propellerhead and download the Reason Demo...you won't be dissatisfied. I simply wasn't impressed with Bitwig. Reason 10 is miles above what they used to be back in the day. Instruments, effects, workflow and SOUNDS. The sounds are really nice and the pallatte is diverse in synthesis type. From thick lush pads to crisp bells and ambient strings to classy and classic solo patches...you won't get bored, and that's even before you start tweaking the knobs and sliders on the P6. Nektar really needs to push the Reason DAW...its the logical choice for this axe.So get your P2, P4 or P6 TODAY!!!

The media could not be loaded. There are so many things to love about this midi controller. It's fully integrateable into Presonus Studio One and I can control pretty much all my recording parameters for all tracks from my midi onboard screen. There are so many applications to learn about. Definitely worth the extra cost...you will not be disappointed!