The Nektar Panorama P1 MIDI Controller is a desktop-style USB MIDI control surface designed for producers, mixing engineers, and DAW users who want hands-on control without needing a keyboard attached. Its biggest strength is deep DAW integration, allowing direct control of mixers, instruments, transport functions, and plugin parameters from the hardware itself.

Key Features

• 16 rotary encoders for plugin and synth parameter control
• 9 x 45 mm faders for mixer channels and automation
• 10 assignable LED buttons
• 11 dedicated transport controls (Play, Stop, Record, Loop, Undo, etc.)
• 3.5-inch color TFT display showing parameter names, values, and navigation information
• 20 user presets with customizable mappings
• QWERTY macro support for triggering software shortcuts and command sequences
• Footswitch input for sustain or custom assignments
• USB bus-powered operation with no external power supply required

DAW Compatibility

Nektar provides dedicated integration for:

• Bitwig Studio
• Cubase
• Nuendo
• Logic Pro
• MainStage
• REAPER
• Reason
• Studio One

The controller can automatically switch between Mixer, Instrument, Transport, and Internal MIDI modes, giving immediate access to different workflow sections.

Specifications

Advantages

• Excellent DAW integration compared to generic MIDI controllers.
• Large number of physical controls for mixing and plugin editing.
• Informative color display reduces dependence on the computer screen.
• Flexible MIDI mapping and macro programming.
• Compact desktop footprint.

Things to Consider

• It is a controller surface only and does not include piano keys.
• Ableton Live support is more limited compared with Logic, Cubase, Reason, Bitwig, Reaper, and Studio One.
• Some users have reported setup or driver configuration issues depending on operating system and DAW version, though many use it successfully once configured.

Best For

• Studio mixing workflows
• Virtual instrument control
• DAW transport and automation
• Producers using Logic Pro, Cubase, Bitwig, Reaper, Reason, or Studio One
• Users who already own a MIDI keyboard and want a dedicated control surface