The Panorama P1 from Nektar Technology is a MIDI controller housed in a desktop enclosure that provides deep Reason, Cubase and Nuendo integration, along with comprehensive MIDI programming options. Multiple encoders, faders, buttons and a foot switch jack provide immediate control of up to sixty-one parameters at any one time. Settings can be stored in twenty presets, with individually save and loadable function-key maps that yield more than 1,200 combinations. However, the controller will happily function with virtually any other DAW.

A 3.5" color TFT display delivers the information needed for each mode or menu, while providing detailed information that makes workflow fluent and fast. Setting up presets or function-key maps is easy. The Control Edit menu allows for selecting a control, and in real-time, assigning the MIDI command required. For each control, values can be scaled, reverse and assigned specific or global MIDI channels. Additionally, the controller features an extended eleven-button transport bar. Using the shift button, these also double as function buttons each assignable to MIDI commands or QWERTY macros.

QWERTY macros allow for assigning a string of up to eight commands to speed up workflow. For example, enter edit mode, zoom in and selecting a tool with just a single button press. Or create an instrument or effects track and locate a folder containing all the presets and select them from the controller, all with one button press and without looking at the computer.

For Cubase, Nuendo, and Reason users, the dedicated communication protocol ties the unit and the software tightly together. It is only necessary to select the mode and menu required, and the controller does the rest. Three modes provide a single button press to switch between controlling the mixer, instruments and transport, with the 4th mode, internal, still providing access to traditional MIDI control. Color coding clearly informs which environment is being controlled to alleviate any confusion when switching back and forth.