Nektar SE25 25-key Keyboard Controller (Demo Deal)

The Nektar SE25 25-key Keyboard Controller is a great solution for any mobile production setup. Their most compact MIDI keyboard controller is about as wide as a laptop and gives you all you need to create music on the move: 25 mini keys (that actually play well), six control buttons and Nektar DAW Integration. So the SE25 is way more powerful than it might seem at first glance.

MOBILE ACTION – THE KEYBOARD

The keys are the most important feature for a MIDI controller keyboard: They transport your playing and musical ideas into the computer. As the SE25 is designed to be ultimately mobile and fit in any backpack, there was simply no room to fit full-size keys. But still Nektar wanted it to be playable well. So they developed a new velocity-sensitive mini-keybed for the SE25. Despite these keys’ miniscule dimensions, you can play them expressively with a defined and firm feel. What’s more, a choice of three different velocity curves allows you to adjust the keyboard response to your playing style. These keys are ready for action!

DOUBLE UP – PART TWO

Simply press the dedicated “2” button to momentarily shift the octave, add an octave or harmony layer while you play – or switch to a different channel: The unique Part Two feature will enable you to play in ways not even possible on keyboards with many more keys! What’s so special about this? Well, the moment you let go of the Part Two button, the SE25 reverts back to its original settings. So you can toggle back-and-forth between two different keyboard configurations in realtime. A fun performance feature!

The “2” button is assignable to Octave, MIDI Channel, Transpose, Layer and Latch or a combination of these features.

MODULATE – PERFORMANCE CONTROLS

Pitch Bend, Modulation and Sustain are key ingredients for dynamic keyboard performances. So Nektar has found a way to shrink the controls to size and put them right at your fingertips. Six buttons to the left of the keyboard are pre-assigned to octave shift, transpose and sustain. Don’t need transpose? Then assign the transpose buttons to Pitch Bend, MIDI Volume, Pan, Track* or Patch* change instead (*= requires Nektar DAW Integration). And the “S” Sustain button can alternatively be used to control modulation.

NEKTAR DAW INTEGRATION

Give your trackpad or mouse a break and control DAW transport functions and track selection directly from the SE25: Simply press the Play and Rewind buttons simultaneously to enter transport mode and the custom NEKTAR DAW Integration software lets you control your DAW!

Nektar DAW Integration for SE25 currently supports Bitwig, Cubase, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Mixcraft, Reason, Reaper, Sonar and Studio One. (In order to take advantage of Nektar DAW Integration, you need to register your SE25 and download the integration files from your user account.)

CAPTURE YOUR IDEAS – BITWIG 8-TRACK INCLUDED

You can start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro from day one with the included Bitwig 8-Track DAW. It includes over 50 software instruments and effects for use on up to 8 audio or MIDI project tracks, and you can use any 3rd party VST® plug-ins you might own, too. The ‘Bitwig Essentials Package’ comes as part of this package as well, featuring a highly versatile handpicked selection of loops, clips and samples, to make it even easier to get you started.

With Nektar DAW Integration you can control track selection and transport controls directly from the SE25, making this a fantastic combination. If you are just starting out, you will find it’s the perfect way to take your first steps in the world of digital music creation. And if you’re already familiar with using computer software, you’ll be amazed at what this combination has to offer!

SPECIFICATIONS

• 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys
• 3 velocity curves (default, soft, hard)
• 6 buttons: Octave Up/Down, PB1/PB2, Sustain, Part 2
• PB1 & PB2 buttons (assignable to: Pitch Bend, Transpose, Vol, Pan, Track* or Patch* change)
• Part Two button: Assignable to Octave, MIDI Channel, Transpose, Layer and Latch (momentary)
• “S” button: Assignable to Sustain or Modulation
• Transport control via secondary button function*
• Works with any DAW or MIDI music software on OS X, Windows and Apple iOS.
• Nektar DAW Integration for: Bitwig, Cubase, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Mixcraft, Reason, Reaper, Sonar and Studio One.
• Connections: Micro USB port (USB-powered)

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

• USB class compliant (no driver needed)
• USB Power Requirement: 100 mA
• SE25: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 or higher. Mac OS X 10.5 or higher, Linux (Ubuntu).
• Compatible with Apple iOS (requires camera connection kit)
• Nektar DAW Integration: Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 or higher. Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. (All other requirements dependent on the DAW software used, please consult the respective manual for further details)