Nektar Technology Impact LX25+ USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
Overview
Description
The Impact LX25+ from Nektar Technology is a 25-key, velocity-sensitive USB controller keyboard featuring intelligent mapping, allowing you to manipulate integral aspects of all major DAWs from the controller. Its piano-style keys respond with a medium tension, and four velocity curves are available along with three fixed-velocity levels for instances where consistent output is required.
Octave and transpose buttons are available, as well as pitch-bend and modulation wheels. Eight velocity-sensitive pads allow you to finger-drum in the MPC style, though each pad can be assigned any MIDI note number or MIDI CC message for use as MIDI-trigger or toggle buttons. This keyboard includes the Bitwig 8-Track DAW for music creation, and allows for optional connection with iOS devices.
Features
Control Centre
Single 30mm fader and eight encoders line the top of the control panel. Each control is fully programmable to send any MIDI CC message for use with hardware or software MIDI products. Used with Nektar DAW integration, the controls provide seamless but flexible operation over most DAWs. Personalised settings can be stored in any of the five Impact LX+ 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.
Pads
For groove and beat creation, this keyboard boasts eight velocity-sensitive pads, calibrated to trigger at a light touch, and suitable for finger-drumming, providing an even velocity response. Each pad can be assigned any MIDI note number or MIDI CC message for use as a MIDI trigger or to toggle buttons. The "Pad Learn" function allows for easy assignment: simply select a pad, play the note or drum sound you want on the keyboard, and the assignment is completed. Assignments are stored over power cycling so you don't lose your settings when you switch your system off. In addition, four pad-map locations can store settings for future recall. Four-colour LED illumination indicates which pad map is currently loaded and can even tell you which type of MIDI message each pad sends.
DAW Integration
Software integration supports most of the popular DAWs with a common workflow, providing access to many of the functions most likely to needed when recording and performing. Simply complete the installation process and start making music. DAW integration currently supports Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One. Buttons and controls are labelled so you don't have to remember how they are assigned.
Transport and Navigation
Six dedicated transport buttons are 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 located below the display.
Mixer Control
Press mixer and the eight pots are assigned to control the eight channels of your DAW's mixer. The alternate Bank up/down function moves control assignments to the next or previous group of eight channels. Press the [Mixer] button and they switch to control pan. The fader is assigned to the currently selected channel so you always know where to find it. The pads also have alternate functions and can control Mute for the current bank.
Instrument Presets
The Instrument button assigns all controls to instrument parameters once an instrument track is selected in the DAW. Nektar mapping ensures this is done automatically, and many devices and plugins are pre-mapped to match the blue control labels on the controller. The Nektar "Grab" mode allow for temporarily assigning parameters to controls as you work on your project. Some DAWs even supports saving "grabbed" parameters to a Nektar map which means you can completely customise your assignments for future use.
User Presets and Programming MIDI
If you mainly want to use a DAW's MIDI learn features, there are two non-overlapping, read-only presets on the Mixer and Instrument buttons, so you can quickly switch between independent and unique setups. In addition, five user presets are programmed for GM compatible and "learn-friendly" setups plus they can be overwritten with custom settings.
Connectivity and iOS Capability
As a low-powered USB device, this keyboard works with all USB devices that feature a Class-compliant MIDI driver. You can also hook the keyboard to an Apple iPad using the iPad's optional USB camera-connection kit (available separately).
Includes Bitwig 8-Track
Bitwig 8-Track is included with your purchase, giving you access to over 50 software instruments and effects for use on up to eight audio or MIDI tracks, and providing third-party plug-in support as well. Bitwig also offers a selection of loops, clips, and samples.
Specifications
Keyboard | 25-note velocity-sensitive synth-action keyboard 4 x velocity curves, 3 x fixed-velocity settings Pitch bend and Modulation wheels Octave shift buttons Transpose shift buttons |
Controls | 8 x potentiometers 1 x 30 mm fader 6 x dedicated transport buttons 5 x preset locations store control settings Page button (for Nektar DAW Integration) Nektar DAW Integration for major DAWs |
Pads | 8 x velocity-sensitive pads Colour Options: Green, Yellow, Orange and Red 4 x velocity curves, 3 x fixed-velocity settings Note-learn Pads assignable notes and MIDI CC messages Load or save to any of 4 pad maps Clips and Scenes LED buttons |
Connectors | 1 x USB port 1 x 1/4" TS footswitch input (MIDI assignable) Connects to iPad via Apple Camera Connection Kit (not supplied) |
Power Requirements | USB bus |
System Requirements | Class-compliant, no driver needed for Apple iOS, Apple OS X, Windows XP, or higher, Linux (MIDI driver software required) |
DAW Integration | Mac OS X 10.7 or higher; Windows Vista, 7, 8 or higher |
Dimensions (WxDxH) | 18.75 x 10.5 x 2.75" (476 x 267 x 70 mm) |
Weight | 4 lb (1.8 kg) |
Reviews
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Brian
I went with the LX25+ because it's loaded with a tonne of features. There are smaller, more portable MIDI controllers on the market but they usually ship with mini/micro keys whereas this unit packs a set of 25 full-sized keys. The keys are somewhat stiff and the pots feel a little cheap but this unit is quite responsive given its' minor shortcomings. The pads are alright but nothing to write home about and, after registering the controller online, I downloaded the integration tools necessary for this keyboard to communicate with my DAW. In conclusion: This small-ish package is a little better than what I would expect from an instrument in this price range and is perfect for newly-minted music producers and first-time beatmakers like me.Read more Read less
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ANDREW
I bought this to use with Garageband and Logic pro x. While it is Small and compact it has heaps of features which I may never get to use all of. The Keys feel good, and it was recognised immediately by my DAW. I read a lot of reviews and watched a few youtube reviews as well before deciding on this model. The only thing it is missing and would be great if it was included is an elastic dust cover as there are plenty available to but for 49/61 key units, but nothing for anything smallerRead more Read less
Details
- Product: Nektar Technology Impact LX25+ USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
- Manufacturer: Nektar
- Model: LX25+
- SKU: IMPACT LX25+
- RM Product #: 41196