Nektar Impact LX88+ USB MIDI Controller Keyboard Set

The Impact LX+ MIDI Controller with 88 Keys

The Impact LX88+ is a unique USB MIDI controller keyboard for all keyboardists looking for more possibilities. It’s packed with intelligent, expressive control options and connects automatically to your DAW. If you prefer to control MIDI hardware, you can use the built-in MIDI output and extensive MIDI programming options. The Impact LX88+ can do all that—and more!
The Nektar DAW integration, specially developed for most common DAWs, goes far beyond the functions a MIDI controller keyboard usually offers. With the Impact LX88+, the hard work is done so you can focus on your creativity.

The Impact LX88+ MIDI Keyboard

The velocity-sensitive 88-note keyboard features a semi-weighted mechanism with medium tension. The Impact LX88+ is carefully balanced and offers a consistent and dynamic response. It has 4 velocity curves that increase stepwise, providing a suitable solution for every playing style. If you don’t need velocity sensitivity, 3 fixed velocity levels ensure a consistent response. The piano-style full-size keys are covered to protect against dirt and dust while complementing the design of the Impact LX88+. Transpose buttons as well as pitch bend and modulation wheels are within easy reach, allowing you to quickly shift the keyboard up or down or apply additional articulations with the wheels as needed.

Split, Layer, and Transpose Buttons

The Impact LX88+ keyboard can send on up to 3 zones simultaneously. Press Layer to add the layer zone and Split to add the split zone. When Split or Layer is active, the corresponding LED button lights up to avoid confusion. Each zone can be programmed to send on its own MIDI channel, with key settings either preprogrammed or adjustable during performance.

This is where the 2 transpose buttons below the split and layer buttons come into play. Four functions are directly selectable, so you can make important changes anytime, even while playing. A key combination makes assignment quick and easy, and the LED display shows which function you’ve chosen. Options include sending MIDI program commands, changing the global MIDI channel, or selecting one of 5 user presets of the Impact LX88+ with the octave or transpose buttons. Pressing the split or layer buttons while holding the transpose buttons changes the current setting for the respective zone. Simple and brilliant!

The Control Center in the Middle of the Panel

9 30 mm faders, 9 MIDI buttons, and 8 encoders take center stage on the Impact LX88+ control panel. Each control is fully programmable to send any MIDI CC commands for use with hardware or software MIDI products. Combined with the Nektar DAW integration, the knobs come alive and offer flexible, preprogrammed DAW control that gives you the best of both worlds. Control settings can be saved in one of the 5 Impact LX88+ presets and recalled anytime. And when you activate the zero function, all parameter values are saved when switching presets, avoiding parameter jumps.

Assignable LED Buttons Combined with Perfect DAW Integration

The 9 LED buttons can be programmed with a variety of MIDI commands, including sending specific MIDI program changes. The last sent MIDI program command is saved so the corresponding LED button lights correctly even if the program command was sent via transpose buttons or the setup menu. You can also assign the 8 pads to send program commands, giving you immediate access to 17 buttons without changing the preset or pad assignment.

With Nektar DAW integration, the LED buttons display the status of various parameters. In instrument mode, the switch parameters of an instrument plugin can be learned, with the LED indicating on or off status. In mixer mode, the LED buttons control mute and solo, with LED colors showing the current status of the respective channels.

Colored, Velocity-Sensitive Drum Pads of the Highest Class!

The 8 velocity-sensitive pads of the Impact LX88+ make creating grooves and beats a breeze. The pads are calibrated to trigger with a light touch, making finger drumming with a pleasant and consistent velocity suddenly within reach. Each pad can be assigned any MIDI note number or MIDI CC command to use as a MIDI trigger or toggle button. But the best feature is the "Pad Learn" function, where you simply select a pad, play the desired note or drum sound on the keyboard, and the assignment is done. No complex menus for a task essential to optimal pad use. Assignments are saved when the system is powered off, so you won’t lose your settings overnight. Additionally, you can save your settings on 4 pad map memory slots for later recall.

The 4-color LED lighting not only looks great but also indicates which pad map is currently loaded and can even tell you what type of MIDI command each pad sends. With Nektar DAW integration, the pads are automatically mapped in Reason and Bitwig, for example. The two clips and scenes buttons are used in Bitwig to trigger clips and scenes. In Reason, clever control of Reason location points creates a similar experience triggering scenes in any Reason song.

Nektar DAW Software Integration

The Impact LX88+ software integration supports most common DAWs. A shared workflow provides access to many functions you’ll most likely need when recording and performing with your Impact LX88+. The best part is everything is done for you: just complete the installation process and start making music! The Impact LX88+ DAW integration currently supports Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar, and Studio One. The buttons and knobs are labeled so you don’t have to remember their assignments. That’s why the Impact LX88+ is easy to use but with enough extra features under the hood to challenge even the most experienced power user.

Transport Buttons Make Navigation Easy

The 6 dedicated transport buttons are always within reach and control cycle, rewind, forward, stop, play, and record. Simply press the shift button to access alternative functions like go to L, set L, set R, undo, click, and mode. Dedicated buttons for track up/down and patch up/down are located below the display.

Ultimate Mixer Control

Press "Mixer" and the first 8 faders of the Impact LX+ are assigned to control 8 channels of your DAW mixer. With the "Bank up/down" function, you can change the assignment 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 the corresponding fader and can control mute or solo. The pan for the group of 8 channels controlled by the faders is handled by the 8 knobs. Fader 9 controls the volume of the current mixer channel as well as the master volume.

To help you make the most of your screen, the Impact LX also offers shortcuts to open and close the DAW mixer window so you always keep an overview.

Individual Instrument Presets for Playful Pre-Setting

The instrument button assigns all knobs to instrument parameters as soon as an instrument track is selected in your DAW. Nektar mapping ensures this happens automatically so you can start fine-tuning immediately. Even better: many devices and plug-ins are already mapped to match the blue controls of the Impact LX+.

The Page Button

With Nektar DAW integration, you can switch between default and user settings via the page button, with LEDs clearly showing which page is active. Each page changes the assignment of the 8 pots, with the user page available for custom assignments. Many pre-made plugins take advantage of both pages*. For example, you can immediately access parameters of oscillator 1 and oscillator 2 via the pots and switch between oscillators with the page button.

Also, in a typical control layout, the ADSR envelopes of amplifier and filter are placed on the faders for instant access, regardless of whether the default or user page is selected.

Grab and Nektar Maps

The Nektar "Grab" mode lets you temporarily assign parameters to knobs while working on your project. Simply hold the shift key and move the parameter of the instrument you want to control, then move the Impact LX+ knobs you want to assign. Some DAWs even support saving "grabbed" parameters in a Nektar map, meaning you can fully customize your assignments for future use. Implementation depends on the DAW.

User Presets and MIDI Programming

If you mainly want to use your DAW’s MIDI learn functions, the Impact LX88+ is easy to handle. There are 2 non-overlapping, write-protected presets on the mixer and instrument buttons so you can quickly switch between independent and unique setups. These presets are also used for the integrated DAW support of the Impact LX88+. Additionally, 5 user presets are programmed for GM-compatible and learn-friendly setups, which can of course be overwritten with your own settings. This way, you can set up the Impact LX88+ for use with Pro Tools or Ableton Live, both of which have limited integration options. With the generic MIDI controller capabilities of the Impact LX8+, you can get pretty far. When the zero function of the Impact LX88+ is enabled, parameter values are saved when switching presets, avoiding parameter jumps.

Connectivity with Apple & iOS

On the back of the Impact LX88+ are connections for:

• USB port for power and data connection to your computer or iPad (via optional USB camera connection kit)
• Assignable footswitch jack (pedal not included)
• MIDI output. Can be routed individually for zones, from your DAW or directly from the LX88+
• On/off switch
• Power supply socket

As a low-power USB device, the Impact LX88+ 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, and Linux (if a USB MIDI driver package is installed). And if you’re often on the road, you can easily connect your Impact LX88+ keyboard to an Apple iPad using the optional iPad USB camera connection kit (optional). Naturally, the Impact LX 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 LX+, so you can produce, perform, and design sounds like a pro from day one. With Bitwig 8-Track, you have 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 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 fits 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 has an angled plug to prevent cable breakage if the piano is placed directly against a wall. Non-slip rubber feet on the bottom ensure a firm grip even on smooth floors.