As a digital musician, having the right tools to improve your workflow is essential. The Nektar Impact LX61+ is a versatile MIDI keyboard that aims to provide complete control over your favorite digital audio workstation. With 61 velocity-sensitive keys spanning over six octaves and eight LED-illuminated, velocity-sensitive pads, the keyboard offers a natural and fluid feel while playing a range of different sounds.
The keyboard is designed for easy integration with popular digital audio workstations such as FL Studio, Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, Garageband, Logic Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One, with custom-designed Nektar DAW Integration. The control center, located at the top of the keyboard, provides access to nearly every parameter in your selected DAW. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features and performance of the Nektar Impact LX61+.
- 61-key velocity sensitive MIDI keyboard with 8 LED illuminated, velocity sensitive pads.
- Wide range of parameters and controls for improved workflow.
- Simple and easy integration with popular DAWs, including FL Studio, Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, and more.
- Integrated control center with 9 30mm faders, rotary style knobs, and transport controls for full access to DAW parameters.
- Portable and lightweight design with USB power, foot jack switch input, and compatibility with iPad via Apple Camera Connection Kit.
The Nektar Impact LX61+ is a powerful yet portable MIDI keyboard that offers a range of features and controls to improve your workflow as a digital musician. With its DAW integration, integrated control center, and portability, the LX61+ is an excellent choice for musicians who require versatility and flexibility in their music production.
Nektar Impact LX61+ Ratings
Pros
Versatile MIDI keyboard with 61 keys and 8 pads
Easy integration with popular DAWs
Sturdy build and ergonomics
Integrated control center with faders, buttons, and transport controls
Pad Learn feature for easy pad assignment
Lightweight and portable
Comes with Bitwig 8-Track DAW and software instruments/effects
Cons
Limited pad map locations
User presets are limited to 5 GM-compatible presets
No aftertouch function for keys
Sustain or expression pedals not included
USB powered, may need an additional power source for multiple devices.
DAW Integration
The Nektar Impact LX61+ is designed for simple and easy integration with popular digital audio workstations like FL Studio, Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, Garageband, Logic Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar, and Studio One. With custom-designed Nektar DAW Integration, the installation is easy, and once connected to any of the DAWs mentioned above, the LX61+ will automatically integrate, giving you full access to every control and parameter within your DAW.
Integrated Control Center
Located at the top of the keyboard, the integrated control center provides full access to nearly every parameter in your selected DAW. The nine 30 mm faders allow you to control everything from LFO automation to attack, delay, release, and sustain controls. Additionally, beneath the faders, there are nine assignable buttons which you can assign to different controls. The velocity-sensitive pads also utilize the ‘Pad Learn’ feature which allows you to select the pad you want to use, play the note or sound you want on the keyboard, and the sound will automatically be assigned to the pad you selected.
Portability and Connectivity
The Nektar Impact LX61+ is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for collaborating with other musicians on the move as well as performing live. The rear of the keyboard features a 1/4’’ TS foot jack switch input for use with expression pedals and more. You can also connect the keyboard to an iPad via an Apple Camera Connection Kit (not included).
Software
The Nektar LX61+ comes complete with a free copy of Bitwig 8-Track, which gives you access to over 50 software instruments and effects plus eight audio or MIDI project tracks. Bitwig Studio 8-Track is a professional DAW that offers 82 premium quality instruments, effects, note FX, and modulators with eight audio/instrument hybrid tracks to play with, featuring two effects tracks, two group tracks, and eight scenes.
Nektar Impact LX61+ Specs
Full specs: Nektar Impact LX61+ Specs
| Product Type | MIDI Keyboard |
|---|---|
| Keys | 61 Velocity-Sensitive Keys |
| Pads | 8 LED Illuminated, Velocity-Sensitive Pads |
| Controls | Pitch and Modulation Wheels, 9x 30mm Faders, Transport Controls |
| Integration | Custom Designed for FL Studio, Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, Garageband, Logic Nuendo, Reapeer, Reason, Sonar and Studio One |
| Control Center | Faders, Rotary-Style Knobs, Transport Controls, 9x Assignable Buttons |
| Pad Learn | Assign Pads to Notes or Sounds Instantly |
| Pad Map Locations | 4 |
| User Presets | 5 GM-Compatible User Presets |
| Power | USB Powered |
| Connectivity | 1/4” TS Foot Jack Switch Input, Apple Camera Connection Kit Compatible |
| Software | Bitwig 8-Track |
| Dimensions | 40.8” x 10.2” x 3.1” |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs |
Users reviews
FAQ
What is the Nektar Impact LX61+?
The Nektar Impact LX61+ is a versatile MIDI keyboard that provides complete control over your favourite digital audio workstation.
How many keys does the keyboard have?
The keyboard features 61 velocity-sensitive keys that span over six octaves and provide a natural and fluid feel while playing a range of different sounds.
What are the illuminated pads for?
The keyboard features eight LED-illuminated, velocity-sensitive pads that can be used to trigger everything from one-shot vocal samples for live performances to sliced up instrument samples for music production.
Is it easy to integrate with popular digital audio workstations?
Yes, the Nektar Impact LX61+ is designed for simple and easy integration with your favourite digital audio workstation, with custom-designed Nektar DAW Integration that works with popular programs such as FL Studio, Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, Garageband, Logic Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One.
Does the keyboard provide full access to every control and parameter within the DAW?
Yes, once connected to any of the DAWs above, the LX61+ will automatically integrate, giving you full access to every control and parameter within your DAW.
What kind of controls are provided by the integrated control center?
The integrated control center, located at the top of the keyboard, provides full access to nearly every parameter in your selected DAW. The nine 30 mm faders allow you to control everything from LFO automation to attack, delay, release, and sustain controls. Additionally, located beneath the faders are nine assignable buttons which you can assign to different controls.
Is the Nektar Impact LX61+ portable?
Yes, the Nektar Impact LX61+ is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for collaborating with other musicians on the move as well as performing live.
Can you connect an expression pedal to the keyboard?
Yes, the rear of the keyboard features a 1/4’’ TS foot jack switch input for use with expression pedals and more.
Is the keyboard compatible with an iPad?
Yes, you can connect the keyboard to an iPad via an Apple Camera Connection Kit (not included).
What software is included with the Nektar Impact LX61+?
The Nektar LX61+ comes complete with a free copy of Bitwig 8-Track, which gives you access to over 50 software instruments and effects plus 8 audio or MIDI project tracks.
What is Bitwig Studio 8-Track?
Bitwig Studio 8-Track is a professional DAW that comes with the Nektar LX61+ and offers 82 premium quality instruments, effects, note FX, and modulators with 8 audio/instrument hybrid tracks to play with, featuring two effects tracks, two group tracks and eight scenes.
Can you connect other hardware to Bitwig Studio 8-Track?
Yes, you can connect all your favourite synths, drum machines, and loopers and start creating.
