Nektar have made a name for themselves with controller keyboards that offer deep DAW integration, and with the latest Nektarine technology in their brand new Panorama T-series, they've expanded it with a comprehensive plug-in instrument control system.
The new Panorama T-series keyboard controllers bridge the gap between the Impact LX+ and Panorama P-series. Panorama T4 and T6 deliver a new level of system integration with deep instrument plug-in control in any VST/AU compatible host, DAW control, new performance features and extensive MIDI functionality.
The Panorama T4 and T6 provide instant access to plug-in parameters from the hardware using the new Nektarine plug-in control manager software. With Nektarine, Panorama users can control any VST, VST3 or AU instrument with one of the many included maps or by creating their own. Every plug-in parameter change is instantly visible on the hardware display. Nektarine’s graphic UI also makes the customisation of existing maps and the creation of new ones easy, claim its makers. Nektarine also includes patch library management, making a plug-in’s sounds effectively cross-DAW compatible, simplifying the use of plug-ins across multiple DAWs.
“Nektar is known for stretching the limits of what’s possible with DAW integration and we continue that work with the new Panorama T4 and T6”, says Nektar chief Niels Larsen. “The introduction of Nektarine allows us to go beyond a DAW’s control options. It delivers a discreet, consistent user experience with expanded functionality such as hosting of up to 8 plugins at a time, map editing and patch browsing from Panorama T4/T6. And because Nektarine runs in any VST/AU compatible DAW, Nektar plugin control is now accessible to music creators using almost any DAW, for the first time.”
Another interesting feature of the new T-Series is the Note Repeat feature. For keys and pads, this offers many real-time parameters and its own fully MIDI-syncable on-board timing engine. This provides players and producers alike with new creative tools: From staccato chords to programming hi-hat lines with varying accents simply by activating the Repeat button, there are many creative applications for this new feature. Chords can also be learnt to the pads, making it possible to play complex solos and chords at the same time, even sending data on different MIDI channels.
With 62 physical hardware controls, buttons and faders, a crisp LED Display for real-time feedback and 49-key (£279.99) and 61-key (£349.99) options, these will be worth checking out.
