Nektar Impact GX61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Compact, Powerful, and Always in Control.

The Nektar Impact GX61 shines not only with its comfortably playable velocity-sensitive keyboard, pitch and modulation wheels, and backlit octave and transpose buttons, but also with additional controls like an assignable rotary knob and 7 programmable MIDI/MMC transport buttons, each of which can be assigned 2 functions using an additional SHIFT button. Even with just this, the Impact GX keyboards impress across the board and leave the competition in this price range far behind. What makes the Impact GX keyboards completely unrivaled in this price class, however, is the direct, deep integration with all common DAW programs inherited 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 keystroke, you get direct access to the mixer of the connected DAW 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, which significantly optimizes workflow and in most cases makes reaching for the mouse unnecessary. Such direct control is not possible with any other USB keyboard in this price category!

The Keyboard of the Impact GX61 Keyboard Controller

The Impact GX61 MIDI controller keyboard is a dynamic and expressive instrument specifically designed 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 61-note keyboard (5 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 special 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, it 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 at the core of 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 the Nektar DAW integration, the 8 buttons expand 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 navigate and set locators, track navigation, volume control, window launching, and patch navigation are all directly accessible from the Impact GX. Check out the feature overview below to see how the Impact GX offers all key functions.

MIDI Control Function and Additional Setup Features

The Impact GX61 keyboard is both a MIDI controller and a DAW controller. If you use MIDI software not supported by the Nektar DAW integration, you have a range of options 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 bus-powered 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 USB 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 comes 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. All this combined creates 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 the world of digital music production. And if you’re already familiar with computer software, you’ll be amazed at what this combination has to offer!