Korg has introduced two Nautilus AT workstations, new versions for the workstation that add aftertouch.
Available in 61 and 88-key versions, NAUTILUS AT adds channel aftertouch, and features an updated sound library that adds aftertouch-controlled effects to the existing programs.
Nautilus AT comes in two versions:
- An 88-key model with a premium weighted RH3 keyboard for piano feel, and
- A 61-key model with a light, responsive and smooth synthesizer keyboard feel.
Pricing and Availability:
The Nautilus AT 61 and AT 88 are priced at $2,199.99 and $2,899.99 USD respectively, and are expected to be available in Sept 2023. Current Nautilus owners will be able to upgrade their workstations to the AT.
I think this is misleading. There’s no such thing as “channel aftertouch” in MIDI. There is only “channel pressure” (the touch effect is applied to all sounding notes equally) or “polyphonic aftertouch” (each key responds individually, ie differently, to the touch effect). When companies say “channel aftertouch”, they usually mean “channel pressure”.
Yes, this very much makes it sound as though there is polyphonic aftertouch on the keyboard. I cannot believe that adding something as simple, and unexpressive as simple aftertouch is considered a luxury, or something worth celebrating, in 2023.
The MIDI specification uses both terms (MIDI 1.0 page 5):
This “Channel aftertouch” information is sent using the Channel Pressure message, which needs only one data byte to specify the pressure value.
The quotes around “Chsnnel aftertouch” here allude to the fact that some people refer to channel pressure this way, but the second half of the sentence reasserts the actual name of the feature.
Mind you, I’ve gotten so used to people calling channel pressure “channel aftertouch” that I automatically assume they mean channel pressure. But it would be clearer if they used the correct terminology.
The fact that people don’t use the correct terminology means we can’t simply use the words “pressure” and “aftertouch” to describe the 2 features. That’s because “aftertouch” (by itself) is now ambiguous. It could be “Polyphonic Aftertouch” or it could be “Channel Pressure”.
Why do you like “aftertouch” when it applies to individual notes, but prefer “pressure” only when it applies to all notes of a MIDI channel?
The terms have been used interchangeable for decades. Pressure and after touch both refer to pressing the key harder as you hold it down– i.e. after the initial note attack. PolyAT refers to the same thing, but per note as opposed to being applied to all sounding notes of a MIDI channel.
Given all the new ways of initiating control streams from newer alternative keys, I suppose it will make sense to update and refine these terms. Downward pressure, perhaps?
If they could do it for the 61 key model, what would be different putting it on the 73 key model? Also, it would have been perfect if they had also given the Nautilus 9 sliders for the organ model.
My understanding is the Nautilus is a cut down version of the Kronos. Given that the Kronos has aftertouch and more hands-on controls, and is the same kind of price, why would you buy a Nautilus AT instead of a Kronos ?
Again with Korg, how about a module? I’d have thought it would sell nicely and be a lot cheaper to produce.
Rack-versions of workstations never sell well enough to actually be worth making, so they won’t.
you can’t put ‘what’s his name with the funny beard’ in front of a desktop module and say “now with 61 or 88 key after touch!”
hahaha this made me bust out laughing
is the man with the beard Richard D. James ?
Just my own personal example, but back in the day I had a full blown Triton 88 key, I eventually also bought the Triton Rack and used them together, but I would have never bought another Triton 88 and had 2 Triton keyboards(unless on tour and needing a backup).
But for my own studio use…nope, would have never have bought a second keyboard Triton.
But Triton Rack, no prob, lol sold. JME+O’s obviously.
This keyboard and others in this price bracket should have aftertouch as standard in the first place. I dislike this cost cutting measure on all but base model, beginner type budget instruments.
Speaking with actual industry insight (for those who are interested) i feel a bit of debunking is in order. Generally 73-key models sell about 10%-25% in comparison to 61 and 88 key models so skipping the manufacturing cost for 73 makes sense.
Also, while modules require some design and manufacturing changes they sell about 10%-20% of key versions in general – depending slightly on the synth, but holds true. And the rack “scene” is as good as dead while the second hand market is full of bargains for those who still prefer rack form. So a lot of what some suggested here makes little sense from the commercial point of view.
You are probably right, but all of my synths are modules – desktop, mini/gadget, pedal, vintage rackmount, or software. Modules are great.
Both the Novation BSII and Arturia Minibrute have aftertouch. Yet Korg couldn’t swing it with the Nautilus til now? Doesn’t make sense to me with such a capable synth why they waited.
Still hoping for more polyphonic aftertouch as in the HydraSynth or Iridium Keyboard.
Or piano action with aftertouch as in the legendary Prophet T8.