Description
Nektar Impact LX49+ USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
The Nektar Impact LX49+ USB MIDI controller keyboard is jam-packed with intelligent and expressive performance controls. Ever wanted a controller that hooks up automatically to your DAW? Impact LX+ does exactly that! Nektar DAW Integration custom designed for Bitwig, Cubase, Cakewalk, Digital Performer, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason and Studio One takes Impact LX+ way beyond functionality normally offered by a USB MIDI controller keyboard. With Impact LX+ the hard work is done, so you can focus on your creativity.
IMPACT LX+ CONTROLLER KEYBOARD
The 49-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 cater 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
There is more to the 4 Octave & Transpose buttons than meets the eye. Four functions are selectable on the fly so that you can make important changes at any time, even while you play. A key combination makes assignment quick and easy. Choices include sending out MIDI Program Messages, change the Global MIDI Channel or select any of Impact LX+’s 5 user presets with either the Octave or Transpose buttons.
CONTROL CENTER
Nine 30mm faders, 9 MIDI buttons and 8 encoders are at the center of Impact LX+’s 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 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 LX+ presets for recall at any time. And 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, Impact LX’+s 8 velocity sensitive pads make life easy. Calibrated to trigger at a light touch, finger drumming is possible – 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. But 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 color LED illumination not only looks good but also indicate 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…., Clips and Scenes. In Reason, a clever control of Reason’s location points create a similar experience with scenes triggering of any Reason song.
NEKTAR DAW INTEGRATION
Impact LX49+ 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 LX+. The best part is that it’s all done for you: Simply complete the installation process and start making music! Impact LX+ DAW integration currently supports Bitwig, Cakewalk, Cubase, 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 LX+ is a breeze to use but with enough extra features under the hood to challenge even the most experienced power user.
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
The 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 located below the display.
MIXER CONTROL
Press mixer and the first 8 Impact LX+ faders are assigned to control 8 channels of your DAWs mixer. The alternate Bank up/down function moves control assignments to the next or previous group of 8 channels. The 9th fader is assigned to the currently selected channel so you always know where to find it.
The buttons under the faders follow the channel assignment of their corresponding fader and can control Mute or Solo. Pan for the group of 8 channels controlled by the faders is handled by the 8 pots. Fader 9 is used for 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 DAWs mixer window so you can see what’s going on.
INSTRUMENT PRESET
The 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 immediately. Better still, many devices and plugins are pre-mapped to match the blue control labels on the Nektar Impact LX49+.
The Page Button
With Nektar DAW Integration, a page button allows you to switch between Default settings and User settings. Plus, you can see 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.
In addition, a typical control layout places amp and filter ADSR envelopes on the faders for instant access regardless of whether the Default or User page is selected.
“Grab” and Nektar Maps
The Nektar “Grab” mode allow 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 completely customize your assignments for future use.
USER PRESETS & PROGRAMMING MIDI
If you mainly want to use your DAW’s MIDI learn features, the Nektar Impact LX49+ is easy to come to grips with.
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 LX+’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 for example could set up Impact LX+ for use with Pro Tools or Ableton Live, both of which have limited integration options. Using Impact LX+”s generic MIDI controller capabilities, setups can get you quite far. Here are links to setup examples.
With the Impact LX’s “Null” function switched to on, parameter values are stored when you switch between presets so you avoid parameter jumping.
CONNECTIVITY & APPLE iOS
On the back of Nektar Impact LX49+ 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)
- On/Off switch
As a low powered USB device, Impact LX+ 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 LX+ 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
Bitwig 8-Track is included with every Impact LX+ so you can start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro from day one. This DAW gives you access to over 50 software instruments and effects for use on up to 8 tracks. And you can also use any 3rd party VST plug-ins you might own, too! The ‘Bitwig Essentials Package’, a 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. And all the while 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 fantastic combination. If you’re just starting out, you’ll find it perfect to get started in the world of digital music creation. And if you’re already familiar with using computer software, then you’ll be amazed at what this combination has to offer!
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