Korg NanoKey Studio

[TomVal]

I'm considerung to get Korg Nanokey Studio as my portable means to make music on the road. I already have Korg Nanokey2, which works fine with Android, but drains seriously my battery, so I'd like to use a Bluetooth MIDI device instead. Has anyone tried Nanokey Studio with Android? How does it work with Android 6 via Bluetooth? Does it work well with G-Stomper? Thanks for your opinions

[planet-h]

Hi TomVal

I'm considerung to get Korg Nanokey Studio as my portable means to make music on the road. I already have Korg Nanokey2, which works fine with Android, but drains seriously my battery, so I'd like to use a Bluetooth MIDI device instead. Has anyone tried Nanokey Studio with Android? How does it work with Android 6 via Bluetooth? Does it work well with G-Stomper? Thanks for your opinions

I cannot speak specifically for the NanoKey Studio, but generally, yes, you can use Bluetooth LE MIDI devices with G-Stomper if you're running Android 6.x or higher.

Here's the walk-through how to do the virtual hook up:
http://www.planet-h.com/gstomper/docs/G-Stomper_UserManual_Midi.htm#_Toc467501154

How good the reaction time actually is strongly depends on the Bluetooth LE MIDI device and the Android device.
I've used the Yamaha UD-BT01 and MD-BT01 for the tests during development. Both are simple adapters, so I cannot speak for complete controllers.
But if the NanoKey Studio does support BLE, then it should work. Best is of course if you have the chance to test it in advance.

Also found this clip from the creators of FreeDrum, a kickstarter project of a new BLE MIDI controller for drum sticks.
They're showing the android compatibility of their product in use of G-Stomper Rhythm.

Hope that helps finding the right solution
Andreas

[TomVal]

OK, thanks, but I'd like to know about this specific gear and I'm not sure where to ask

[planet-h]

OK, thanks, but I'd like to know about this specific gear and I'm not sure where to ask

OK, understand.
I did a quick check in the analytics data to see if the NanoKey Studio gets used with G-Stomper, and it is actually one of the most used controllers over USB.
Unfortunately I have no data for the NanoKey Studio over BLE.

Maybe that helps in some way.

[drewinnit]

Hello,

just saw this thread and will give my experiences using Korg NanoKey Studio with G-Stomper. I am using Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (2016) with Android 7.0

Bluetooth LE works, but when i change scene on the NanoKey Studio, the connection is dropped and G-Stomper must be re-opened to establish MIDI connection again

For some reason, I can not establish a USB connection between the NanoKey Studio and G-Stomper. I previously used my Akai MPKmini via USB with G-Stomper, so I assumed the NanoKey Studio would work too. will investigate why this doesn't and report back (for reference the USB connection is via 'LogiLink AA0035 0.20m Micro USB B Male to USB A Female OTG Adapter Cable')

Aside from the scene change disconnect, the NanoKeyStudio works _very_ well with G-Stomper over bluetooth. minimal latency, long sessions without drop-outs, multiple tweaking of knobs and keys together don't seem to upset it

Hope this info helps anyone thinking about the NanoKey Studio. will post more info as I get time to explore/troubelshoot further

[planet-h]

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience with the NanoKey Studio controller.

Bluetooth LE works, but when i change scene on the NanoKey Studio, the connection is dropped and G-Stomper must be re-opened to establish MIDI connection again

Where did you pair the BLE controller?
Directly in the G-Stomper MIDI settings?
Or did you pair it in the Android system Bluetooth settings?
It's definitely worth trying both, as often it behaves differently depending on the pairing method.

For some reason, I can not establish a USB connection between the NanoKey Studio and G-Stomper. I previously used my Akai MPKmini via USB with G-Stomper, so I assumed the NanoKey Studio would work too. will investigate why this doesn't and report back (for reference the USB connection is via 'LogiLink AA0035 0.20m Micro USB B Male to USB A Female OTG Adapter Cable')

That is interesting.
I've noticed something similar with the AKAI LPD8 wireless controller.
It also offers both, BLE and USB. When connecting the controller over USB, then it takes a while (up to 10-15 seconds) until it gets reported.
Compared with other controllers or interfaces this is very long. Other controllers are reported within 1-2 seconds.

However, it could be that your USB OTG adapter (USB to MICRO USB or USB type-c) is not compatible with the interface. I'd recommend to try another adapter, just to be sure that this isn't the cause.
Also, to be able to connect the NanoKey Studio controller over USB, it is required to change the switch to USB (you can toggle between battery and usb).
I'm 99% sure that the NanoKey Studio will work over USB.

Aside from the scene change disconnect, the NanoKeyStudio works _very_ well with G-Stomper over bluetooth. minimal latency, long sessions without drop-outs, multiple tweaking of knobs and keys together don't seem to upset it

That's great to hear, thanks a lot for all the details.

One question: Do the backlit buttons enable (flash) when you fire MIDI events towards the controller?

[drewinnit]

Where did you pair the BLE controller?
Directly in the G-Stomper MIDI settings?
Or did you pair it in the Android system Bluetooth settings?
It's definitely worth trying both, as often it behaves differently depending on the pairing method.

I tried both methods, unfortunately neither allows me to switch scenes on the Korg without a lost connection.

However, it could be that your USB OTG adapter (USB to MICRO USB or USB type-c) is not compatible with the interface. I'd recommend to try another adapter, just to be sure that this isn't the cause.
Also, to be able to connect the NanoKey Studio controller over USB, it is required to change the switch to USB (you can toggle between battery and usb).
I'm 99% sure that the NanoKey Studio will work over USB.

Yes this confused me as well, I was certain it would work. Will definitely try another adapter. Is there any adapter brand/model that you or other users know of which works best for this sort of thing?

One question: Do the backlit buttons enable (flash) when you fire MIDI events towards the controller?

Yes, the key lights up when hit. I think you can turn this off via the desktop editor though.

[drewinnit]

update: bought a new and different USB OTG adapter, still no luck in getting the Korg NanoKey Studio working via USB


for those interested in the Korg NanoKey Studio, in good faith I cannot recommend this unit. All sorts of troubles connecting it to Windows laptop, and to Android Tablet.

[planet-h]

update: bought a new and different USB OTG adapter, still no luck in getting the Korg NanoKey Studio working via USB


for those interested in the Korg NanoKey Studio, in good faith I cannot recommend this unit. All sorts of troubles connecting it to Windows laptop, and to Android Tablet.

Thanks for sharing your experience, drewinnit

[anothermohammad]

drew what is your usb android setting? control WITH USB device I hope. and can you run other controllers through your phone?