iCON Pro Audio Announces Availability Of Platform Nano Small Footprint MIDI/Audio Control Surface With Motorised Fader

iCON Pro Audio announces availability of Platform Nano small footprint MIDI/audio control surface with motorised fader

NASHVILLE, TN, USA: following a successful showcase at The 2019 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA (January 24-27), high-quality, professional-grade musical equipment provider iCON Pro Audio is proud to announce availability of Platform Nano — an aptly-named addition to its critically-acclaimed modular Platform series of MIDI/audio control surfaces (and associated add-ons), this time aimed at engineers, home studio enthusiasts, and producers who want hands-on control of their ‘in the box’ digital music production with a small footprint — as of July 18...

Weighing in at an easily transportable 1.3kg/2.8lb, the compact — 19.5 cm/7.8” (W) x 21.5 cm/8.5” (D) x 5.5 cm/2.1” (H) — Platform Nano neatly lives up to its name to bring tactile control to the most popular DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) with a single, full-size, touch- sensitive motorised fader (with 10-bit resolution) alongside an accessible selection of hands-on controls logically laid out across a top panel that’s as easy on the eye as it is to use, including four rotary dual-function (rotate-and-enter) encoder knobs (generally used for controlling the track pan position, aux send levels, and EQ of the DAW being controlled), while an 11-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode) surrounds the main knob control to indicate its rotating position; a Jog shuttle wheel, for fast search, scrub, and control; eight colour- coded function buttons coordinating with five different colour layers, for switching a variety of function controls; illuminated buttons for channel control, including Mute, Solo, and record; six illuminated transport buttons, including play, stop, record, rewind, fast-forward, and loop; illuminated Zoom buttons with two directional (left/right and up/down) keys, for use in combination with the Jog wheel; two illuminated track buttons, for easy selection of individual channels; and two illuminated bank buttons, for shifting groups of eight channels at a time.

Testament to iCON Pro Audio’s acuity, Platform Nano does this as a durable desktop design delivering high-speed connectivity via a USB 3 Type B connector — which functions as a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) port to the connected computer and compatible software, while also providing power to the Platform Nano itself — without compromising its inherently security-conscious, superior build quality, courtesy of a robust metal casing with inbuilt Kensington lock.

Aided by a backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), for showing the parameter values as adjusted, and also providing feedback about channel selections, operating modes, and more, Platform Nano naturally supports MCU (Mackie Control Universal) and HUI (Human User Interface) protocols for seamless integration with all compatible music production software. Indeed, it comes complete with overlays for the most popular DAWs, including Ableton Live, Audition, Bitwig, Cubase/Nuendo, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Reaper, Reason, Samplitude, Sonar, and Studio One, as well as a self-explanatory User Define one.

Obviously not content with ‘universal’ DAW compatibility, iCON Pro Audio also includes its proprietary iMapTM self-MIDI-mapping software for the user-defined (MIDI Learn) mode, making mapping MIDI functions to Platform Nano’s helpful hands-on controls a breeze. As such, adventurous users could conceivably assign that motorised fader or those encoder knobs to control specific virtual instrument or effect plug-in functions for lending a less automated aesthetic to their productions.

Platform Nano stylistically sits well when positioned alongside other Platform family members, such as the Platform U22 (ProDrive III), a 24- bit, 96/192kHz 2-in/2-out USB 3.0 audio interface designed to match other Platform series devices. Future firmware upgrades are available via USB, including wireless USB over BlueTooth connectivity courtesy of the coming-soon (optional) PN-1 module that will also provide (rechargeable battery) power when connected to the Platform Nano’s rear-sited Power/Recha. (recharge) Mini-USB connector.

Remaining rearward, User A and User B 1/4-inch inputs allow for DAW function selection via connected foot switches, while it is recommended that Platform Nano is used with the (optional) Platform D2 modular display unit connected to the D/D2 port for optimal track and parameter monitoring via its large LCD.

Larger and smaller optional additions apart, any engineer, home studio enthusiast, or producer who wants hands-on control of their ‘in the box’ digital music production with a small footprint should surely seriously consider iCON Pro Audio’s aptly-named Platform Nano. Needless to say, its diminutive dimensions bely its impressive MIDI/audio control capabilities!

Watch iCON Pro Audio’s illuminating introductory video for Platform Nano here:

Connect with iCON Pro Audio’s Platform Nano setup video here: 

About iCON Pro Audio (www.iconproaudio.com)

iCON Pro Audio’s products power creative projects in studios all over the world.With operations in the United States, Europe, China, and Hong Kong, its goal is to provide high- quality, professional-grade musical equipment at affordable prices. Presently manufacturing over 150 products that are sold in over 60 countries, professionals worldwide trust those products’ proven build quality and innovative design day in, day out. Originally founded as iCON Digital Limited in 1997 by a group of music technology veterans from the US, Hong Kong, and Germany, their mission was to create a company that would manufacture quality gear at an economical cost for all musicians. Mission accomplished, today iCON Pro Audio owns and operates development, manufacturing, and administrative facilities in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China, while the US location in Nashville, Tennessee, manages international marketing, customer support, and development teams. The future looks bright, thanks to a unique international development team and an industry-leading product portfolio ranging from MIDI control surfaces and keyboard controllers, audio interfaces, studio monitors, and microphones through to a myriad of accessories, all catering to performance and studio setups of all shapes and sizes. Stimulated by musicians, engineers, and enthusiasts, product ideas are brought to reality through a unique R&D effort involving in-house engineers in the US, Europe, and Asia. Aligned with an unwavering commitment to customer service and support, the company collectively strives to provide an unmatched customer service experience for musicians and media professionals everywhere.

© 2019 iCON Pro Audio