Nektar Technology launch new Panorama T-series MIDI controller keyboards

Nektar Technology has announced the imminent release of its new Panorama T-series MIDI controller keyboards.

The Panorama T-series expand Nektar's product range, bridging the gap between the Impact LX+ and Panorama P-series. Panorama T4 and T6 deliver system integration with deep instrument plugin control in any VST/AU compatible host, DAW control, new performance features and extensive MIDI functionality.

Nektar say the Panorama T4 and T6 bring the touch and feel of hardware synthesizers to virtual instruments by providing instant access to plugin parameters from the hardware.The T-series controllers achieve this courtesy of the new Nektarine plugin 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 plugin parameter change is instantly visible on the hardware display.

Nektarine's graphic UI makes the customization of existing maps and the creation of new ones easy. Maps can be as simple or comprehensive as required, screened synth parameters below Panorama T4/T6's buttons in the fader section can even be mapped to access parameter groups in plugins such as Oscillator, LFO or Filter. So the encoder mapping will follow suit at the press of a button, multiplying the number of available hardware controls manifold.

Nektarine also includes patch library management, making a plugin's sounds effectively cross-DAW compatible, simplifying the use of plugins across multiple DAWs.

YouTube.com/watch?v=XMeZF5bRjq8

DAW control of almost any available DAW is also included: Even without installing any additional software, standard mixing, track selection and transport functionality work out of the box if a DAW is MCU (Mackie Control Universal) compatible. Advanced features, like access to mixer sends or smart controls in Logic, "grab" plugin control in Reaper or Cubase and device control in e.g. Reason or Bitwig becomes available once Nektar DAW integration is installed. Nektar DAW integration is a complete DAW control experience, but the addition of Nektarine expands it with a comprehensive plugin instrument control system.

"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."

No less than 62 physical hardware controls, buttons and faders put a lot of control power under musician's fingertips – and that's not counting shift or alternate functions. The LED Display provides real-time parameter names and feedback. A 49 or 61 key 2nd generation synth-action keyboard with medium tension and aftertouch ensures expressive playability. A fader bank with nine 30 mm faders, 8 LED buttons, 8 encoders, illuminated transport controls, 8 LED drum pads with aftertouch, and more.

The new Note Repeat feature for keys and pads 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 learned to the pads, making it possible to play complex solos and chords at the same time, even sending data on different MIDI channels.

Features and Specifications:

• Nektarine universal deep plugin control.
• Supports VST 2.4, VST 3 and AU plugins.
• Allows loading of VST plugins in AU hosts and vice versa.
• Instant deep plugin remote control access from the hardware in any compatible DAW.
• library manager.
• Includes maps for many popular instrument plugins and their factory libraries.
• Graphic map parameter editor.
• Works independent of Nektar DAW Integration.

Panorama T4/T6 Nektar DAW/MCU Integration currently supports: Apple Logic/Garageband, Bitwig 8-Track/Studio, Cockos Reaper, Propellerhead Reason, Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo.

MCU control additionally provides compatibility with Ableton Live, Cakewalk Sonar, MOTU Digital Performer, Image-Line FL Studio and Presonus Studio One. A special mode provides Avid Pro Tools compatibility.

Panorama T4/T6 keyboard:

• 49 (T4) or 61 (T6) note 2ndgeneration synth-action keyboard with velocity and aftertouch.
• 8 LED (green/red/orange) illuminated pads.
• Independent note repeat for keys and pads.
• Pad bank button to switch between pads 1-8 and 9-16.
• 9 MIDI-assignable 30 mm faders.
• 8 MIDI-assignable encoders.
• LCD Display with 128x64 px and 4 menu soft buttons.
• 4 Navigation buttons (with shift for another 4 assignments).
• 6 Transport Buttons with LED illumination (with shift for 6 secondary functions).
• 4 Mode Buttons: Mixer, Instrument, Multi and Internal.
• 10 user configurable presets.
• 8 pad map presets.
• 5 velocity curves (Soft2, Soft1, Standard, Hard1, Hard2 plus adjustable fixed velocity).
• Pitch bend & Modulation wheels.
• Octave shift buttons.
• Key & Pad Repeat On/Off Buttons.
• Focus button displays current parameter line in large font.

Connections:

• MIDI Out socket.
• Foot Switch jack socket (6.3 mm).
• Expression Pedal jack socket (6.3 mm).
• USB port (USB-powered).

Weight & Dimensions:

• T4: 82 cm (L) x 27.7 cm (D) x 8 cm(H), 6.4 kgs.
• T6: 98 cm (L) x 27.7 cm (D) x 8 cm(H), 7.6 kgs.

System Requirements:

• Panorama T4/T6:USB class compliant (no driver needed) works with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 or higher. Mac OS X 10.5 or higher, Linux (Ubuntu).
• Nektar DAW Integration:Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 or higher. Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. Check Nektar DAW Integration documentation or marketing information for support of legacy DAW versions.
• Nektarine:Windows 7,8,10 or higher. Mac OS X 10.7 or higher.

Pricing and availability (MSRP):

• T4 $349.99 US / £279.99 / €349.99.
• T6 $399.99 US / £349.99 / €399.99.

Shipping in July 2018.