New Nektar plugin maps are also included for no less than 16 VSTi’s and 21 VST insert effects: That takes the amount of user configurable controls to a total of 73 for any given VST instrument plugin and 48 for VST insert plugins. To enable a greater degree of user flexibility and expand on user mapping options for plugins that are not yet supported by a Nektar map, Panorama now also offers 4 user pages for the main 8 encoders/4 display buttons and a fader page.
With Panorama’s plugin “Learn” function, users can even create their own mapping for each patch and save for automatic recall, when the patch is loaded in the future. Panorama now handles all this, mapping parameters and updating parameter names automatically. VST plugins such as Steinberg Halion, EW Play, NI Kontakt and Reaktor to name a few, can change configuration as patch changes make mapping difficult because of the dynamic updates as patches change.
Source: Nektar Inc.The upgrade includes a complete overhaul of the plugin map engine, adding capabilities to handle dynamically updated plugins.
The Cubase integration will be available as a downloadable update to existing Panorama users free of charge and is expected in March 2013. Earlier versions may be supported at the time of launch.
Panorama will support Cubase, Cubase Artist and Cubase Elements version 6, 6.5 and 7. Steinberg Cubase users will also benefit from Panorama’s unique QWERTY macro function which allows up to 8 QWERTY shortcut commands to be sent to Cubase with the push of one button or pad. The Pads menu in addition makes it easy to create setups for various VST pad instruments with its 20 Pad-Map memory locations. Markers and loop cycle positions can also be stored/recalled during a session.Ī fourth Internal mode provides access to Panorama’s many generic controller keyboard functions for control of outboard MIDI equipment or other MIDI software. Transport mode features a big time display, L and R locator positions and control over important functions during song composition like setting pre/post roll, precount, punch in/out, tempo, record mode and click level.
Parameters are easy to assign using a simple Panorama control learn menu so there is no new software or GUI’s to learn. For VST plug-ins that are not pre-mapped by Nektar, users can create their own customized VST maps, store and save for use in future sessions. Just like Reason Instrument Devices and Rack Extensions, many VST instrument plug-ins are pre-mapped and organized in logical modules and menus that completely reconfigure Panorama assignments as needed. Instrument Mode addresses the active VST Instrument when an instrument track is selected.
Panorama’s second group of 8 encoders control the selected track’s channel settings including EQ, Inserts (as well as plug-in selection and editing), FX sends and Quick controls. 8 faders are assigned to volume, 8 encoders assigned to either pan or the sends from 1 to 8 and the 8 LED buttons assigned to control channel mute, solo, record arm or select. Mixer mode controls the Mix Console with up to 8 channels controllable at the same time. Each of which is engaged at the touch of a button. Nektar Panorama mainly controls Cubase through 3 dedicated modes Mixer Mode, Instrument Mode and Transport Mode. The Panorama P4/P6 motorized fader automatically adjusts its position according to the volume of the current track selection. When changing tracks using the Track -/+ buttons, the track name and the type of track is called out on the TFT display.