The HotKey

The first dedicated Controller for Waves eMotion LV1

16 High-Resolution OLED Screens paired with 16 premium Mechanical Buttons. Take back control of your mix.

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NKb HotKey: The ultimate physical extension for your Waves LV1 ecosystem.

16 High-Resolution OLED Screens — Real-time visual feedback for User Keys and Send on Fader parameters.

16 Premium Mechanical RGB Buttons — Precise physical action with Dynamic Color Sync.

The buttons automatically mirror the exact color-coding of your Waves LV1 session for instant intuitive navigation.

4 Master Mode Selectors — Instant switching between User Keys, FX Sends, and 24 Monitor Buses.

8 Dedicated Mute Group Buttons — Instant, reliable control with visual status feedback.

USB-A Hub: 4 rugged Amphenol USB-A ports. One high-power port for your Waves FIT controller, and room for the upcoming NKb peripherals.

USB-C: Appears on your computer as the “NKb HotKey” MIDI port, used for Send on Fader and as the bridge to the Waves FIT. Plug & Play.

Main Connection: High-speed USB-C link to your computer, built for rock-solid, tour-ready stability.

Ethernet (OSC): Two-way, real-time link with the LV1. The HotKey receives the console’s state and sends commands back.

Rugged Connectivity: Professional Amphenol MRJR Ethernet port for demanding network environments.

Engineered with high-current delivery to power the upcoming ecosystem of NKb peripherals,

 ensuring rock-solid performance even in fully loaded setups.

Mounting: VESA 100/100 compatible for easy integration into any rack or desk setup.

Clean up your setup. Connect the HotKey to your network with a single Ethernet cable, powered over PoE. 

Plug the USB-C into your computer. Professional integration, simplified.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the OLED screens update?

The HotKey continuously receives real-time data updates directly from the eMotion LV1. This ensures that the 16 high-resolution OLED screens always perfectly mirror your session's information, channel names, and parameters, providing a seamless and synchronized visual feedback at all times.

Is the HotKey "Plug & Play"?

Yes. The HotKey connects via USB-C for MIDI control and RJ45 Ethernet for OSC communication. It is fully compatible with both the Waves eMotion LV1 Classic and the LV1 Modular — no additional software required. Just plug in and go.

Do I need to install any drivers?

No. The HotKey is "Class Compliant" on both Mac and PC. It works out of the box without any third-party software, ensuring maximum stability in a live touring environment.

Can it be mounted in a rack or on an arm?

Absolutely. In addition to its stable desktop footprint, the HotKey is VESA 100x100 compatible — it features built-in inserts on the back for easy attachment to any monitor arm or custom rack mount. VESA mounting hardware is not included.

What is the build quality of the buttons?

The HotKey is built for the road. We use high-quality tactile switches tested for millions of presses, paired with an industrial-grade brushed aluminum faceplate. It is designed to withstand the rigors of world tours.

When will it be available?

The HotKey Founder Edition is now open to Founder List members. 100 numbered units, first come, first served, with your personal Founder code. Not on the list yet? Contact us to join the waiting list.

About NKb Electronics Lab

Designed and Hand-Assembled in France.

Every HotKey is carefully hand-assembled in our workshop in France.

We take pride in our 'boutique' approach, ensuring that each unit meets our high standards of quality and reliability before it ever reaches your rack.

We don't just build gear; we build the tools we use every day to achieve the perfect mix with total physical confidence.

Meet the Founder

My name is Johnny Torchy, and I’ve spent the last 30 years behind mixing consoles, navigating the pressure of live tours and high-stakes broadcasts.

When I switched to the Waves eMotion LV1, I fell in love with its sound and flexibility, but I missed the physical certainty of a dedicated surface. I needed a tool that could keep up with my muscle memory without my eyes constantly glued to a touchscreen.

That’s why I founded NKb Electronics Lab.

The HotKey is the result of thousands of shows and a simple observation: in the heat of the mix, every millisecond counts. I designed this controller to be the missing link—tactile, reliable, and perfectly integrated. It’s not just an accessory; it’s a piece of gear built by a sound engineer who knows exactly what it’s like when the lights go down and the show begins.

Johnny Torchy

Founder & Sound Engineer