Nektar Impact LX88+ USB MIDI Controller Keyboard

The Impact MIDI Controller With 88 Keys

The Impact LX88+ is a unique USB-MIDI controller keyboard for players who want more options. It's packed with intelligent, expressive control features and automatically connects to your DAW. If you prefer to control MIDI hardware, you can use the built-in MIDI output and the extensive MIDI programming options. The Impact LX88+ can do all that — and more!
The Nektar DAW integration, specially developed for most common DAWs, takes the Impact LX88+ far beyond what a MIDI controller keyboard normally offers. The Impact LX88+ does the heavy lifting so you can focus on your creativity.

The Impact LX88+ MIDI Keyboard

The 88-note velocity-sensitive keyboard features a semi-weighted action with medium tension. The Impact LX88+ is carefully balanced and delivers an even, dynamic response. It offers 4 velocity curves that ramp progressively, so there's a suitable option for every playing style. If you don't need velocity sensitivity, 3 fixed velocity settings provide a consistent response. The full-size piano-style keys are covered to protect against dirt and dust while complementing the Impact LX88+'s design. Transpose buttons as well as pitch-bend and modulation wheels sit within easy reach, so you can quickly shift the keyboard up or down or add extra articulation with the wheels.

Split, Layer and Transpose Buttons

The Impact LX88+ can transmit across up to 3 zones at once. Press Layer to add the layer zone and Split to add the split zone. When Split or Layer is active, the corresponding LED lights so there’s no confusion. Each zone can be programmed to transmit 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 keys come in. Four functions are directly selectable so you can make important changes at any time, even while you play. A button combination makes assignments quick and easy, and the LED shows which function you've chosen. The LED display indicates which function you selected. The LED display indicates which function you selected. Options include sending MIDI program change messages, changing the global MIDI channel, or selecting one of 5 user presets for the Impact LX88+ using the Octave or Transpose buttons. Pressing Split or Layer together with the Transpose buttons changes the current setting for the corresponding zone. Simple and brilliant!

The Control Hub in the Center of the Panel

Nine 30 mm faders, 9 MIDI buttons and 8 encoders form the heart of the Impact LX88+ control panel. Every control is fully programmable to send arbitrary MIDI CC messages for use with hardware or software MIDI products. Paired with the Nektar DAW integration, the knobs gain extra functionality and offer flexible, pre-mapped DAW control that gives you the best of both worlds. Control settings can be saved in any of the 5 Impact LX88+ presets and recalled at any time. And if you switch Zero on, all parameter values are stored when you change presets so you avoid parameter jumps.

User-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 change is remembered so the corresponding LED still lights correctly even if the program change was sent via the Transpose buttons or the setup menu. You can also assign the 8 pads to send program changes, giving you instant access to 17 buttons without changing the preset or pad mapping.

With the Nektar DAW integration, the LED buttons show the status of a range of parameters. In Instrument mode, switch parameters of an instrument plugin can be learned, with the LED indicating on/off state. In Mixer mode the LED buttons control Mute and Solo, with LED colors reflecting the current state of the respective channels.

Color Velocity Drum Pads of the Highest Class!

The 8 velocity-sensitive pads on the Impact LX88+ make creating grooves and beats easy. The pads are calibrated to trigger with a light touch, so finger drumming with a pleasant, even velocity is suddenly within reach. Any MIDI note number or MIDI CC can be assigned to each pad to use it as a MIDI trigger or toggle button. But the best part is the "Pad Learn" function: 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 that's essential to getting the most from the pads. Assignments are saved when the unit is powered off so you won't lose your settings overnight. You can also save your mappings to 4 pad-map memory slots for later recall.

The 4-color LED lighting not only looks great but shows which pad map is loaded and can even tell you what type of MIDI command each pad sends. With Nektar DAW integration, the pads are automatically mapped in applications like Reason and Bitwig. The two Clips and Scenes buttons are used in Bitwig to trigger clips and scenes. In Reason, smart control of Reason locator points creates a similar scene-triggering experience in any Reason song.

Nektar DAW Software Integration

The Impact LX88+ software integration supports most common DAWs. A common workflow gives access to many of the functions you need most when recording and performing with your Impact LX88+. The best part is it’s all set up for you: complete the install 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 keys and controls are labeled, so you don’t have to remember assignments. That’s why the Impact LX88+ is easy to use, yet packed with extra features under the hood to challenge even the most experienced power user.

Transport Buttons Make Navigation Easier

The 6 dedicated transport buttons are always within reach and control Cycle, Rewind, Forward, Stop, Play and Record. Press the Shift key to access alternate functions like Goto L, Set L, Set R, Undo, Click and Mode. Below the display are dedicated Track up/down and Patch up/down buttons.

Ultimate Mixer Control

Press "Mixer" and the first 8 faders on the Impact LX+ map to control 8 channels of your DAW mixer. Using the "Bank up/down" function lets you 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 it is.

The buttons under the faders follow the assignment of the corresponding fader and can control Mute or Solo. Pan for the group of 8 channels controlled by the faders is taken over by the 8 knobs. Fader 9 controls the level of the current mixer channel as well as the master level.

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

Custom Instrument Presets for Playful Pre-Mapping

The instrument page assigns all the 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 plugins are already mapped to work with the Impact LX+'s blue controls.

The Page Button

With Nektar DAW integration you can switch between default and user pages with 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 your own mappings. Many factory plugins take advantage of both pages*. For example, you can immediately access Oscillator 1 and Oscillator 2 parameters with the pots and switch between oscillators using the Page button.

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

Grab and Nektar Maps

The Nektar "Grab" mode lets you temporarily assign parameters to the controls while working on your project. Hold Shift and move the parameter you want to control in the instrument, then move the Impact LX88+ control you want to assign. Some DAWs even support saving "grabbed" parameters into 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 features, 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, unique setups. These presets are also used for the Impact LX88+ integrated DAW support. In addition, 5 user presets are programmed for GM-compatible and learn-friendly setups that can of course be overwritten with your own settings. This lets you configure the Impact LX88+ for use with systems like Pro Tools or Ableton Live, both of which offer limited integration. With the generic MIDI controller capabilities of the Impact LX8+ you can get very far. When the Zero function of the Impact LX88+ is enabled, parameter values are saved when switching presets so no parameter jumps occur.

Connectivity With Apple & iOS

The rear of the Impact LX88+ features connections for:

• USB port for power and data connection to your computer or iPad (via the optional USB camera connection kit)
• Footswitch jack, assignable (pedal not included)
• MIDI output. Can be routed per zone, from your DAW or directly from the LX88+
• On/Off switch
• Power input jack

As a low-power USB device, the Impact LX88+ works with any USB host that provides a class-compliant MIDI driver. That includes all Windows versions from XP upward, Apple OS X 10.5 and later, and Linux (with a USB-MIDI driver package installed). If you're often on the road, you can easily connect your Impact LX88+ to an Apple iPad using the optional Apple USB Camera Connection Kit. The Impact LX will be 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 start producing, performing and designing sounds like a pro from day one. Bitwig 8-Track gives you access to over 50 software instruments and effects across up to 8 audio or MIDI project tracks, and you can use third-party VST plug-ins as well. The Bitwig Essentials Package, a highly versatile, hand-picked selection of loops, clips and samples, is also included to help you get started. All of this together creates a powerful sketchpad for your musical ideas, built around the proven Bitwig Studio workflow.

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