Nektar Impact GX49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Set

Compact, Powerful, and Always Fully in Control!

The Nektar Impact GX49 shines with its comfortably playable velocity-sensitive keyboard, pitch and modulation wheels, and backlit octave and transpose buttons, plus additional controls like an assignable rotary knob and 7 programmable MIDI/MMC transport buttons, each of which can be freely assigned 2 functions using an additional SHIFT button. With these features alone, the Impact GX keyboards impress across the board and leave the competition far behind in this price range. What makes the Impact GX keyboards truly unmatched in this category is the direct, deep integration with all common DAW programs, adopted from the Nektar Panorama series. Supported DAWs include Cubase, Nuendo, Logic, Reason, Bitwig, Studio One, Cakewalk Sonar, Digital Performer, Fruity Loops, Garageband, and Reaper.
With a simple key press, you get direct access to the connected DAW’s mixer including track select and volume control via the central rotary knob of the Impact GX. Patches of any software instruments can also be selected directly from the keyboard, greatly optimizing workflow and often eliminating the need to reach for the mouse. Such direct control is not possible with any other USB keyboard in this price category!

The Keyboard of the Impact GX49 Keyboard Controller

The Impact GX49 MIDI controller keyboard is a dynamic and expressive instrument designed specifically for composing and performing with your computer music system. It is compatible with any music software for Windows and Mac OS, and its straightforward interface is a great entry point into the world of Nektar controllers.

It features a 49-note keyboard (4 octaves), a pitch bend wheel, a modulation wheel, and a footswitch input. Two multicolor octave buttons allow you to shift the keyboard range up or down by -3/+4 octaves, with LED colors changing to indicate the exact status. The Impact GX series is well equipped to enable a great workflow.

With the dedicated transpose buttons, you can shift the keyboard range by up to +/- 12 semitones. These buttons can quickly be reassigned to change the global MIDI channel or send program commands. Additionally, an assignable potentiometer provides control over any MIDI parameter. By default, this controls the mixer volume.

The Nektar DAW integration for most common DAWs makes getting started easy and operation enjoyable. With the Impact GX, your keyboard controller becomes the heart of your system, giving you the creative freedom to compose, perform, and play without constantly reaching for the mouse.

Enhanced Transport Function

Eight buttons dedicated to DAW control are central to the Impact GX. Essential tasks like activating transport or navigating tracks are highly repetitive—and reaching for the mouse every time can kill any spark of inspiration. Combined with Nektar DAW integration, these 8 buttons extend functionality to control transport and a variety of other important DAW functions directly from the Impact GX.

The buttons can also be assigned MIDI commands to use with any MIDI software not supported by Nektar DAW integration. Each of the 7 buttons can be programmed with a primary and secondary message, providing a total of 14 programmable options.

Nektar DAW Integration - The Right Choice for Every Situation

The Nektar DAW integration has been carefully developed to provide the best experience with your Nektar hardware. It gives you the freedom to be creative without constantly reaching for the mouse when capturing an idea. Transport control with the ability to address and set locators, track navigation, volume control, window launching, and patch navigation are all available directly from the Impact GX. Check out the feature overview below to see how the Impact GX offers all essential functions.

MIDI Control Function and Additional Setup Features

The Impact GX49 keyboard is both a MIDI controller and a DAW controller. If you use MIDI software not supported by Nektar DAW integration, a range of options are available to configure MIDI control yourself. Each of the 14 assignable MIDI buttons, the modulation wheel, the footswitch, and of course the large rotary knob can be assigned to send MIDI CC commands. The 14 freely assignable buttons can also be configured to send program commands or MMC transport controls. MMC (MIDI Machine Control) is often supported by DAWs that do not allow advanced integration, so the Impact GX61 covers all basics with this option. The setup menu also allows sending program commands, bank LSB/MSB, selecting one of 4 velocity curves, setting the global MIDI channel, and assigning the transpose buttons.

Connectivity with Apple & iOS

As a low-power USB device, the Impact GX works with all USB devices that have a class-compliant MIDI driver. This includes all Windows versions from XP and up, Apple OS X 10.5 and higher, as well as Linux (provided a USB MIDI driver package is installed). And if you’re often on the go, you can easily connect your Impact GX keyboard to an Apple iPad using the optional Apple Camera Connection Kit (not included). Naturally, the Impact GX is powered via the iPad, so you can work as long as your iPad is charged.

BITWIG 8-TRACK Software Included

Bitwig 8-Track is included with every Impact USB MIDI keyboard controller, so you can produce, perform, and design sounds like a pro from day one. With Bitwig 8-Track, you get access to over 50 software instruments and effects that you can use on up to 8 audio or MIDI project tracks, and you can also use all third-party VST plug-ins. The Bitwig Essentials Package, an extremely versatile, handpicked selection of loops, clips, and samples, is also included to help you get started. Altogether, this provides a powerful sketchpad for your musical ideas, offering the proven workflow of Bitwig Studio.

The Nektar DAW integration supports Bitwig 8-Track, making the combination of Nektar Impact LX+ and Bitwig 8-Track fantastic. If you’re just starting out, you’ll find this the perfect way to take your first steps into digital music production. And if you’re already familiar with computer software, you’ll be amazed at what this combination offers!

Sustain Pedal

This pedal is suitable for any electronic keyboard instrument with a 6.35 mm jack socket. The polarity switch allows the pedal to be adapted to your instrument if necessary. The cable features an angled plug to prevent cable breakage if the piano is placed directly against a wall. Non-slip rubber feet on the underside ensure a firm grip even on smooth floors.