S4 + Korg NanoKontrol or an LPD8 or a NanoKontrol Arcade?
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  1. #1
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    Default S4 + Korg NanoKontrol or an LPD8 or a NanoKontrol Arcade?

    I'm still waiting to sell my current kit before I buy the S4, but I'm also thinking what should be the proper complementing controller.

    Generally, an LPD8 appears to be a great addition, as it would give me full control over FX3&4 or sample slots volume or filter (one at a time). Additionally, the size make it perfect to be placed in front of the S4, without impacting the access to the knobs and phones connector on the fron right side.

    I also think that the Korg NanoKontrol has better functionally, but unfortunately not as solid. It would give simultaneous access to all 8 sample decks' volume & filter controlls. It also has controlls to duplicate (and extend) the Loop recorder. It total NanoKontrol has 9 knobs, 9 faders and 24+1 assignable buttons. Each of the buttons is backlit and there is a total of 28 lights. I think it's amazing, just if it was more solid.

    Both these units cost 1/4 of the price of an X1 and both are good additions for the S4.

    What I'm also thinking is to get a NanoKontrol, rebox it and install arcade buttons instead of the stock rubber ones. Initially, I could use the stock faders & knobs but could later upgrade to a higher quality ones, if the stock are not good enough (very likely).

    What do you think?

    Would it be worth to make a DYI controller based on a NanoKontrol?

    Is the NanoKontrol suitable for such customization?

    Is it at all worth to think of such customization or the NanoKontrol would be good enough as is?
    Last edited by loop; 11-17-2010 at 03:30 PM.

  2. #2
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    here's a link with hi-res photo of the inside of the NanoKontrol
    http://charlesmartin.posterous.com/u...rg-nanokontrol

    it really looks suitable for customization with Arcade Buttons ...

  3. #3

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    you would have to build a new case for it - but I think it should work.

  4. #4
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    yup, that was what i meant with "rebox".

    after some searching in the forum, I saw some a very nice projects based on the nanoKontrol (Kudos Str8upDrew!):
    http://djtechtools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20461
    http://fakemoneynyc.blogspot.com/201...-blown-at.html
    Last edited by loop; 11-17-2010 at 05:11 PM.

  5. #5
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    I thought about this (even made a thread) but haven't tried it yet. Ultimately the buttons are your problem. the little contacts will need to be carefully broken so you end up with + on one and ground on the other. I've got notes at home on it, but iirc the inside zig-zags match each other and the same for the outside.

    Also I don't know what heat they solder the pots/faders on is but my shitty 20w soldering iron wouldn't melt it no matter how long I held it down.

    And the leds are board mount and can't be re-wired. PLUS they aren't midi-out they only light up from the nanokontrols internal board logic.

  6. #6
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    No need to unsolder the faders/knobs, just break them apart:
    http://fakemoneynyc.blogspot.com/201...-blown-at.html

    About the leds, I actually don't need them all. I will be just fine with the 4leds indicating the banks/modes. Hope they can be re-wired at least.

  7. #7
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    but... but all those nice knobs and faders!
    I'm really keen on not breaking them all up, they should come off with enough heat.

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