The front panel of the NanoPiano is exactly like the other Nano modules. Due to its small size (barely 1.25 lbs.), there is room for five controller knobs: volume, effect level, MIDI channel, sound category, and program number. The volume control is obvious...it simply controls the master volume of the module. The effect knob allows you to have real-time control over the effect level of the current program that is being played. For example, this is handy as you can instantly see how more, or less, reverb, or whatever effect is set to the particular program, will effect the sound of the patch. The other three knobs help you change sounds from the front panel. Moving the MIDI knob changes the MIDI channel and part that you can currently select. The next knob is called the Category knob, and this is essentially a bank select knob. There are 16 different categories, or banks, to choose from. And the last knob, called Program, enables you to select sounds within the desired bank. There are 256 sounds available in this thing, and the ergonomic design allows you to get to those sounds quickly and easily. The NanoPiano's panel also has two LED lights. One light indicates that the power is on and the other monitors MIDI signals.
The NanoPiano's rear panel is straight forward as the front. There is room to connect the supplied 9 volt power adapter, MIDI out/thru and input ports, and 1/4" stereo outputs. Again, like the NanoSynth, a headphone jack is not provided. But in Alesis' defense, they probably had no place to put it!
The NanoPiano is designed as a single tone generator for those looking for a nice grand piano sample or multiple keyboard related sounds. Many of the workstations of today are too busy doing everything (sequencing, drums, etc.), and there is always a space for a dedicated piano module. The NanoPiano is 64 note polyphonic, so you won't have to worry about playing fat chords or being heavy on the sustain pedal! This will also free up your keyboard to do other things. The NanoPiano will receive MIDI on just one channel, so it's one patch at a time with this one. Not a big deal since its focus is on solo piano anyway. Speaking of pianos, lets talk about those!
The first set of 16 sounds that you will check out are pianos. The first patch is called "TrueStereo" and it's quite good. It's a brighter tone, which I particularly like. It seems especially real in the highs, but is quite full when playing in the middle of the keyboard. For those of you who like a tone that is not so bright, there are a variety of pianos Alesis calls "DarkGrand." It's easy to go through here and find one that works for you. The rest of sounds are quite nice, and you'll find the following categories (each with 16 different sounds): Acoustic Piano, Piano & Strings, Piano Layer, Piano FX, E. Piano, EP Layer, Chromatic, Organ, Bass, String, Synth Pad, Lead, Split, Effect, Piano & Pad, and Piano & Vox. Some of the nicest patches are the layers of piano with another voice. There are enough of those available for any style, and many of them work so well with the layered patch being so transparent that its easy to fall in love with them. Patches such as Piano Oohs, Soft Piano & Pad, and Piano & Strings were beautiful and expressive.
One thing that separates the NanoPiano from the other piano modules available are the effects that are built-in. Alesis has put the same effects processing chip in the NanoPiano as they have in their other keyboards. This means that you have reverb, chorus, delay, and more. There's even a rotary speaker simulator for the organs! Each patch can have a few effects on them, and one of those effects is assigned to the Effect knob on the front of the module for quick adjustments. Other effects are assigned to the modulation controller on your keyboard. I would suggest experimenting with these knobs when playing each sound as some interesting things happen that you may like!
One last thing to note...the sounds in the NanoPiano are nearly identical to those in the QS7 and QS8 keyboards. If you like the piano samples in either of those keyboards but don't want to spend the money for one, this is your answer. I would also highly recommend this module to anyone looking for an additional sound source. Because there are so many timbres in this box other than pianos, it would make an excellent module to provide some additional sounds and polyphony! And at a suggested list price of just $399, it won't empty your pocket. If you have a need for a dedicated piano module, or if you simply need some extra sounds, be sure to take a listen to the NanoPiano!
Ben Kraft, Kraft Music
ben@kraftmusic.com
Kraft Music is a retailer specializing in keyboards, MIDI hardware/software, and recording gear. Their dedication to service and product knowledge matched with competitive pricing has made the company one of the leaders in on-line mail-order sales. Visit their site at http://www.kraftmusic.com.