NUX NTK Series Keyboard Controllers: Who Needs a Mouse, Anyway?
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The new NUX NTK series keyboard controllers come packed with features for intuitive DAW control. They even have built-in track pads to replace your mouse!
NUX NTK-37, NTK-49 and NTK-61
The Chinese brand NUX has made a name for itself with amps and effects for guitar and bass. Now, the manufacturer is entering a new market with its first series of USB keyboard controllers. And the new NUX NTK series comes with lots of features that can make working with DAW software more convenient.
The keyboards are available in three sizes with 37, 49, and 61 velocity-sensitive keys with channel aftertouch. All models have full-size keys. To the left of the keyboard, you’ll find two – albeit quite small – wheels for pitch bend and modulation.
All three models also have nine programmable faders. In addition, the 49- and 61-key models offer eight rotary knobs. The largest of the bunch, the NUX-61, is the only one to feature eight velocity-sensitive pads, complete with a Bank A/B button for dual assignments.
All models have a complete set of buttons for DAW transport control and automation read/write. Pre-configured presets make for easy integration in Cubase, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Nuendo, Ableton Live, Studio One, FL Studio, and GarageBand. There’s also a memory slot for a custom DAW configuration.
For controlling software instruments and synths, the NUX NTK series has an additional MIDI mode that lets you configure the controls freely. This can be done on the keyboards themselves using the display and push encoder, or via the included software editor for macOS and Windows. You can save up to 16 scenes. Additional features include 16 Smart Scales and an arpeggiator with seven modes.
In addition to a USB-B connector, all three keyboard controllers feature a traditional 5-pin MIDI output and a sustain pedal jack.
Who Needs a Mouse, Anyway?
One of the biggest advantages of using a hardware controller to control your DAW is that you don’t have to reach for the mouse as often. The NUX NTK series goes a step further: All three keyboards have built-in trackpads that can fully replace the mouse while navigating your DAW project. The only other keyboard controller I can think of that offered a similar feature was the KORG taktile, which came out over 10 years ago and has since been discontinued. If you’re aiming for maximum efficiency, the new NUX NTK series looks like an interesting modern alternative.
Price and Availability
As of now, we don’t know when the keyboard controllers will become available and what they will cost, although the NUX NTK-61 is rumored to be around €299.
More Information
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One response to “NUX NTK Series Keyboard Controllers: Who Needs a Mouse, Anyway?”
$299 for a track pad on an M-audio-grade controller because you’re too lazy to use a mouse? What is the issue with this industry not actually being able to push things forward and innovate. We are eternally stuck re-hashing old ideas. How depressing. This junk probably cost $80 to make. Rubbish.