Nektar Technology Impact LX49+ 49-Key USB MIDI Controller Keyboard

The Nektar Technology Impact LX49+ is a 49-key, velocity-sensitive USB controller keyboard featuring intelligent mapping, allowing you to manipulate integral aspects of all major DAWs from the controller. Nektar Technology Impact LX49+ 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

Control Center

Nine faders, nine MIDI buttons 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. Personalized 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.

Mixer Control

Press mixer and the first eight faders 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 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, controlling Mute or Solo and Pan (via eight associated pots). Fader 9 is used for control volume of the current mixer channel as well as master volume. The MIDI controller also offers shortcuts for opening and closing your DAW’s mixer window.

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.

Many DAWs Supported

Supports multiple DAWs right out of the box including Reason, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, GarageBand, Sonar, Bitwig, Reaper, FL Studio, Studio One, Digital Performer (installation required).

Other Notable Features

• Pitch-bend and modulation wheels
• 2 transpose buttons (assignable also to program, MIDI channel and preset -/+)
• 2 octave-shift buttons (assignable also to program, MIDI channel and preset -/+)
• 8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads with four velocity curves plus three fixed options
• Pads can be assigned notes and MIDI CC messages
• 8 function buttons
• 9 faders with 30mm throw
• 8 control pots
• 9 assignable buttons
• 6 transport buttons for cycle, rewind, forward, stop, play, record
• 5 preset memory locations
• 4 pad memory locations