Nektar Impact LX25+ MIDI Keyboard
Nektar Impact LX25+ 25 Key MIDI Controller - 8 Velocity Sensitive Pads, 2 Wheels, 30mm Faders, DAW Integration
25-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller
Nektar - Impact LX25+
Compact. Control. Creativity.The Nektar Impact LX25+ MIDI controller is compact and portable whilst full of intelligent and expressive performance control you cant even find on many premium products. If you've ever wanted a controller that hooks up automatically to your DAW, the Impact LX25+ does exactly that.
Nektar DAW Integration custom designed for Bitwig, Cakewalk, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason and Studio One takes the Impact LX25+ way past functionality usually offered by a USB MIDI controller keyboard. With Impact LX25+ the hard work is done, so you can let your creativity flow.
At A Glance
• 25 note velocity-sensitive synth-action keyboard
• 8 velocity sensitive pads with 4 colour options
• Pads assignable notes and MIDI cc messages
• Pitch bend & Modulation wheels
• Transpose shift buttons
• Octave shift buttons
Impact LX25+ Controller Keyboard
consistent outputThe 25 note velocity sensitive keyboard is a synth action with a medium tension. The full-size, piano-style keys are covered to protect against dirt and dust while also complementing the Impact LX design. With 4 velocity curves gradually increasing in dynamics there is a choice for any playing style.
If you don’t need velocity, 3 fixed velocity levels allow for a consistent output. Octave and transpose buttons as well as pitch bend and modulation wheels are within reach, so you can quickly shift the keyboard up or down as needed, or apply additional articulation with the wheels.
Octave & Transpose Buttons
easy assignmentThere is more to the 4 Octave & Transpose buttons than meets the eye. 4 functions are selectable on the fly so you can make important changes at any time, even while you play.
A key combination makes assignment quick and simple. Choices include sending out MIDI Program Messages, change the Global MIDI Channel or select any of Impact LX25+’s 5 user presets with either the Octave or Transpose buttons.
The Best of Both Worlds
flexible controlThe 30mm fader and 8 pots found at the center of the Impact LX25+ control panel are fully programmable, so you can send any MIDI CC message for use with hardware or software MIDI products.
Used with Nektar DAW integration, the controls take on a life of their own, providing flexible pre-mapped DAW control giving you the best of both worlds.
Control settings can be stored in any of the 5 Impact LX25+ presets for recall at any time. If you switch Null on, any parameter values are stored when you change presets so you avoid parameter jumping.
Multiple Pads
velocity sensitiveFor groove and beat creation, Impact LX25’+s 8 velocity sensitive pads make life easy. Programmed to trigger at a light touch, finger drumming is suddenly well within reach with a nice and even velocity response. Each pad can be assigned any MIDI note number or MIDI cc message for use as MIDI trigger or toggle buttons.
The best part is the “Pad Learn“ feature, which allows you to just select a pad, play the note or drum sound you want on the keyboard and assignment is done. No complex menus for a task that’s essential to getting the most out of your pads. Assignments are stored over power cycling so you don’t lose your settings when you switch your system off for the night. In addition, 4 pad map locations can store your settings for future recall.
The 4 colour LED illumination not only looks good but also display which pad map is currently loaded and can even tell you which type of MIDI message each pad sends. With Nektar DAW Integration, the pads are automatically mapped in for example Reason and Bitwig. The two Clips and Scenes buttons are used in Bitwig to trigger exactly these features. In Reason, a clever control of Reason’s location points create a similar experience with scenes triggering of any Reason song.
Nektar DAW Integration
additional featuresImpact LX25+ software integration supports most of the popular DAWs. A common workflow gives access to many of the functions you are most likely to need when recording and performing with your Impact LX25+. The best part is that it’s all done for you: Simply complete the installation process and start making music!
Impact LX25+ DAW integration currently supports Cubase, Cakewalk, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason and Studio One. Buttons and controls are labeled so you don’t have to remember how they are assigned. That’s why Impact LX25+ is intuitive but with enough additional features under the hood to challenge even the most experienced power user.
Transport & Navigation
easy accessThe 6 dedicated transport buttons are always within reach and mapped to control Cycle, Rewind, Forward, Stop, Play and Record.
Press Shift to get access to alternate functions such as Goto L, Set L, Set R, Undo, Click and Mode. Dedicated Track up/down and Patch up/down buttons are found below the display.
Mixer Control
ShortcutsSelect mixer and the 8 Impact LX25+ potentiometers are assigned to control 8 channels of your DAW’s mixer. The alternate Bank up/down function moves control assignments to the next or previous group of 8 channels. The fader is assigned to the currently selected channel so you always know where to find it.
Holding the “Mixer” mode button, you switch the pots to control pan for a selected group of 8 channels and the 8 pads will control Mute. The fader is used to control volume of the current mixer channel as well as master volume.
To help you get the best out of your screen real estate, Impact LX+ also has shortcuts for opening and closing your DAW’s mixer window so you can see what’s going on.
Instrument Preset
Instrument PresetThe Instrument button assigns all controls to instrument parameters once an instrument track is selected in your DAW. Nektar mapping ensures this is done automatically, so you can start tweaking instantly. Many devices and plugins are also pre-mapped to match the blue control labels on the Impact LX+.
The Page ButtonWith Nektar DAW Integration, a page button allows you to switch between Default settings and User settings with LEDs clearly indicating which page is active. Each page changes assignments of the 8 pots, leaving the User page for example for your own assignments. Many pre-mapped plugins take advantage of the two pages. So you could use it for immediate access to both, oscillator 1 and oscillator 2 parameters from the pots, switching between oscillators using the Page button. A typical control layout places amp and filter ADSR envelopes on the pots for instant access, when you hold the “Instrument” mode button, regardless of whether the Default or User page is selected.
“Grab” and Nektar MapsThe Nektar “Grab” mode allows you to temporarily assign parameters to controls as you work on your project. It’s as easy as holding down shift while moving the parameters on the instrument you want to control followed by moving the controls on Impact LX+ you want them assigned to. Some DAWs even supports saving “grabbed” parameters to a Nektar map, which means you can fullycustomize your assignments for future use.
Learn Features
Level up!If you mainly want to use your DAW’s MIDI learn features, Impact LX25+ is easy to figure out. There are 2 non-overlapping, read-only presets on the Mixer and Instrument buttons so you can quickly switch between independent and unique setups. These presets are also used for Impact LX25+’s integrated DAW support.
In addition, 5 user presets are programmed for GM compatible and “learn-friendly” setups plus they can of course be overwritten with your own settings. You could set up Impact LX25+ for use with Pro Tools or Ableton Live for example, both of which have limited integration options.
Using Impact LX25+”s generic MIDI controller capabilities, setups can get you quite far. With the Impact LX25+’s “Null” function switched to on, parameter values are stored when you switch between presets so you avoid parameter jumping.
Connectivity & Apple iOS
easy hook upOn the back of Impact LX25+ are the connection points including: USB port for power and data connection to your computer or iPad (via optional USB camera connection kit), Foot switch jack, assignable (pedal not included) and On/Off switch.
As a low powered USB device, Impact LX25+ works with all USB devices that feature a Class compliant MIDI driver. This includes all version of Windows from XP and higher, Apple OS X 10.5 and higher plus Linux (as long as a USB MIDI driver package is installed).
And if you are often on the move you can easily hook your Impact LX25+ keyboard to an Apple iPad using the iPad’s optional USB camera connection kit (optional). Of course the Impact LX is powered by the iPad so you can work away for as long as your iPad remains charged.
Bitwig 8-Track Included
50+ software instruments & effectsBitwig 8-Track is included with every Impact LX+ so you can start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro instantly. Bitwig 8-Track gives you access to over 50 software instruments and effects for use on up to 8 audio or MIDI project tracks, and you can use any 3rd party VST plug-ins you might own, too. The ‘Bitwig Essentials Package’, a highly versatile handpicked selection of loops, clips and samples, is also included to help you get started. So put all that together and you have a powerful sketchpad for your musical ideas featuring the acclaimed workflow of Bitwig Studio.
Nektar DAW Integration supports Bitwig 8-Track, so using Nektar Impact LX+ and Bitwig 8-Track together is a great combination. If you are just starting out, you will find it’s the perfect way to take your first steps in the world of digital music creation. Also, if you’re already familiar with using computer software, then you’ll be amazed at what this combination has to offer!
The Tech Spec
| Features | Specification | Type | Keyboard Controller |
|---|---|
| Number of Keys | 25 |
| Type of Keys | Synth Action |
| Velocity Sensitive | Yes |
| Pads | 8 LED Backlit |
| Other Controllers | Pitchbend, Mod Wheel |
| Encoders/Pots | 8 |
| Faders | 1 |
| Dedicated Transport Control | Yes, full integration for major DAWs |
| Pedal Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (assignable) |
| MIDI I/O | USB |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| Computer Connectivity | USB |
| Software | Bitwig 8-Track (VST plug-in compatible) |
| OS Requirements - Mac | OS X 10.7 or later, iOS (Apple Camera Connection kit required for iPad) |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 7 or later |
| Dimensions | Height: 2.75" Width: 18.75" Depth: 10.50" |
| Weight | 4.0 lbs. |
