Korg MicroKontrol 37-Key USB Controller Keyboard

No longer available at zZounds
8 encoders. 8 sliders. 16 trigger pads.

The microKONTROL is the ultimate portable MIDI keyboard controller, providing every function and type of control you need for computer - based music production or performance.

With a compact and sophisticated-looking design, it includes a 3-octave keyboard (37-note mini keyboard), 8 encoders, 8 sliders, and 16 trigger pads that you can use to control your favorite soft synths, DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), or other musical tools such as external MIDI sound modules. It is the perfect choice for making music on the go thanks to its compact design, and it will fit into the tightest performance space.

With SampleTank 2 Korg Edition and MDE-X running within Live Lite 4 Korg Edition, you can make or perform dance music intuitively and under the complete control of the powerful microKONTROL.

A Compact MIDI Keyboard Controller that Provides 35 Different Controllers
The microKONTROL's velocity-sensitive 37-note mini keyboard provides Octave Shift and Transpose functions that allow it to cover the full range of C-1 through G9. Eight different velocity curves are provided - you can select the response that works best for your playing. Eight encoders and sliders, 16 pads, a joystick with switch, and support for pedals give you a total of 35 different controllers, making this the ultimate controller for direct and intuitive operation.

8 Encoders and Sliders, with Associated LCDs
The 8 encoders and sliders can be assigned to transmit any MIDI control change (including NRPN and RPN read more messages) to control volume, panning, or anything else. Operating a controller will transmit the MIDI message assigned to it. Each encoder and slider also has an LCD (sub display) that indicates the parameter and the transmitted value, with the backlight color changing between orange and green to distinguish between the encoder and slider. Since you won't have to watch your computer screen while you operate the controllers, your fingers will be linked to your music in a more physical way. The LCD can display either decimal or hexadecimal values.

16 Trigger Pads that Also Function as Control Switches
The microKONTROL provides 16 trigger pads that can be assigned with an unprecedented degree of freedom. The pads can be used to trigger notes with full velocity transmission, or assigned to transmit MIDI control changes to operate the transport of your recording software or act as any type of switch.

Assignable Joystick with Switch
In addition to assigning pitch bend to the X-axis and modulation to the Y-axis of the joystick, you can freely assign different MIDI messages to all four directions (up/down/left/right) and the switch in order to control your connected device or computer application.

Easily Make Control Assignments from the Front Panel
Making control assignments is extremely easy - just hold down a mode key. Press the 'SETTING' mode key, press a pad to select the desired type of controller, and use the controller and the 'CURSOR' buttons to specify the parameters.

12 Preset Scenes Support Popular Sequencer Software
Settings that assign the controllers to various control functions for computer-based software synthesizers or DAW programs can be saved as one of twelve scenes in internal user memory. You can use the trigger pads to switch scenes instantly. Internal memory also contains twelve preset scenes that support popular DAW and sequencer software.

MIDI IN/OUT Ports, and Support for Bus Power
The microKONTROL provides MIDI IN/OUT ports, and can also be used as a USB-MIDI interface. You can use MIDI clock data to control the tempo, or transmit MIDI messages directly. The microKONTROL can also be powered via its USB connection, making the AC power supply adaptor or even batteries unnecessary when connected to a computer via USB.

Driver/Librarian Software and Templates for Popular Software are Included
The included CD-ROM contains dedicated drivers, librarian software that lets you manage your original scenes on a computer, and numerous templates (scene programs) for use with popular DAW and sequencer software. More templates will be released ensuring that the most popular applications will be supported by the microKONTROL.

The librarian software makes it easy to transfer the twelve scene memories between internal memory and your computer. You can store and manage scenes you create to precisely suit your own setup.

Supported operating systems: Mac OS X, Windows XP

Now Bundled With 5 Cutting Edge Software Products!
Starting May 1, 2007, until further notice, Korg USA will be providing the Creative Kontrol Pack Vol.2 free of charge! This dance music production software bundle consists of five of the most in-demand music software titles, configured for use with Korg's innovative microKONTROL and KONTROL49 USB controllers.

"Live Lite 4 Korg Edition"
"SampleTank 2 Korg Edition"
"UVI Korg Edition"
"Reason Adapted 3.0 for Korg"
"MDE-X"

***Note: For units purchased after May 1, 2007, that did not come with the software, see the documents area on this page to download the redemption form.
read less

Controllers:
Keyboard: 37 Keys (mini-keyboard, transmits velocity)
4-way Joystick (with switch)
16 Pads (can transmit velocity or fixed value)
8 Rotary Encoders
8 Sliders
Value Dial

Display:
Main Display: 8 characters (8x5 dot) with 3 segment backlit LCD
Sub Display: 8 characters (8x5 dot) with 3 segment backlit LCD
Tempo LED

Memory: 12 User (RAM) locations

Connectors:
DC 9 V (AC adapter)
MIDI IN, OUT, THRU
USB connector
Expression Pedal

Power Supply: DC 9 V (AC adapter) or 6 AA batteries

Power Consumption: AC adapter: 3.5W (Max)

Dimensions:
20.63 in. (W) x 9.13 in. (D) x 2.76 in. (H)
524(W) x 232(D) x 70(H)mm

Weight: 2.6kg/5.73 lbs.

Accessories:
AC adapter (DC 9 V, 600mA), USB Cable, CD-ROM: microKONTROL Librarian Software, Template Sheet, Driver, Name Sheet, Seal for Trigger Pad

Options:
DS-1H Damper Pedal
PS-1 Pedal Switch

System Compatibility:
Macintosh:
Supported OS: Mac OS X v10.2 or later
Supported Computer: Apple Macintosh with Mac OS X and USB port

Windows:
Supported OS: Microsoft Windows Vista / XP Home Edition/Professional
Supported Computer: PC with Windows XP and USB port (recommended Intel USB chipset)

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-6800
Web: https://www.korgusa.com/support

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. (77 ratings)
Submitted May 9, 2005 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Best compact MIDI keyboard out there."

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Sound
I use Reason 3 with this MIDI keyboard. All I gotta say is it works perfectly with it. (I also use Fruity Loops with it sometimes).
Features
Pads!!!
Quality
Shouldn't have made the keys plastic...
Value
Ya the price is good.
Manufacturer Support
N/A
The Wow Factor
The lights are nice, love the design!

Musical Background:

Played percussion in jr. high school band (all 3 years), produced some beats with the gear I have now.

Musical Style:

Rap/Hip-Hop/R&B
10 of 12 people (83%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

No longer available at zZounds

In most cases, a product is unavailable because it has been discontinued by the manufacturer