Nektar Panorama Reason Controller

[Solo14]

Hey guys. Has anyone noticed the new controller debuted at NAMM, the Nektar Panorama? This cool new MIDI keyboard/pad controller/control surface is designed specifically to work with Reason. It features 49 "weighted synth-style keys" (I'm not really sure what that means, I thought keys were either weighted or synth-style), 12 velocity-sensitive pads, nine faders, a big backlit screen, a bundle of other knobs and buttons, and *gasp* one 100mm motorized fader, something nearly unheard of on keyboard controllers. Now, I know I missed a bunch of things that I may add later, but what do you guys think of it? I don't use Reason, but I want one anyway. The bad news - a street price of around $500 when it's released.

[skoolafish]

the way the keys look elevated above the surface looks a little weird. other than that, it looks impressive

[Solo14]

Originally Posted by skoolafish

the way the keys look elevated above the surface looks a little weird. other than that, it looks impressive

Yeah, it is a little strange. But I think they're tying to give you the illusion that the white part sort of slopes down below the keys... I don't know. It looks awesome anyway. Haha.

[xqtion]

They should make a controller only without the keys version and also a 61 key version.
I would be all over it.

[Solo14]

Originally Posted by xqtion

They should make a controller only without the keys version and also a 61 key version.

I heard somewhere that there are plans for a 61-key version, but it probably depends on how this one sells. As for a zero key version, I agree - that would be pretty awesome. I can't speak for everyone, but the things that interest me most about the Panorama are all the extra little things, not the keys.

It would be nice if more companies made zero-key models of their controllers, now that keyboard controllers are becoming more and more like full on control surfaces.

[Duardo]

It features 49 "weighted synth-style keys" (I'm not really sure what that means, I thought keys were either weighted or synth-style)

That typically means they have some weight to them, so theyr'e not super springy like many synth keys, but they're not hammer-action either. Some use the term "semi weighted" instead.