Nektar Impact LX49+ USB MIDI Keyboard Controller, 49-Key

Similar to the LX series but with an added "Page" button for user-assigned control of the 8 pots, the LX49 Plus is a deeply integrated MIDI/DAW controller.

Nektar Impact LX49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

No longer available at zZounds
Get real DAW integration for a budget-controller price. The LX49 gives you 49 keys and 8 velocity-sensitive pads, and Studio One Artist software is included.

The Impact LX49 keyboard controller's real magic shows in its unique DAW integration, offering pre-mapped support for Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Digital Performer, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reason, Sonar, Studio One, FL Studio, and Reaper.

The 49-note, velocity-sensitive, full-size keyboard is fully featured with 9 faders, 9 control buttons, 8 pots, 6 transport buttons, 8 velocity-sensitive pads, foot switch socket and control wheels.

More Control, More Creativity

The Impact LX49 is a budget USB MIDI controller that delivers performance way above its class. From the 49 note velocity sensitive keyboard, 8 velocity sensitive pads to the rubberized fader caps and low-profile design, Impact LX49 feels, looks, performs and is supported like a class act. DAW integration with most of the popular DAWs makes it easy to get going and a breeze to set up. With Impact LX49 the hard work is done, so you can focus on your creativity.

49-Note Velocity-Sensitive Keyboard

The Impact LX49's keyboard is unmistakably synth-action with a medium tension. The full-size, piano-style keys are covered to protect against dirt and dust while also complementing the Impact LX49 design. With 4 velocity curves gradually increasing in dynamics there is choice for any playing style. If you don't need velocity, 3 fixed velocity levels to caters for a consistent output. Octave and transpose buttons as well as pitch bend and modulation wheels are within reach, so you quickly can shift the keyboard up or down read more as needed, or apply additional articulation with the wheels.

Octave and Transpose Buttons

There is more to the 4 Octave & Transpose buttons than meets the eye. 4 functions are selectable on the fly so you can make important changes at any time, even while you play. A key combination makes assignment quick and easy. Choices include sending out MIDI Program Messages, change the Global MIDI Channel or select any of Impact LX49's 5 user presets with either the Octave or Transpose buttons.

8 Velocity-Sensitive Pads

For groove and beat creation Impact LX49's 8 velocity sensitive pads makes life easy. Each pad can be assigned any MIDI note number or MIDI cc message, for use as MIDI trigger or toggle buttons. But the best part is the "Pad Learn" feature which allows you to just select a pad, play the note or drum sound you want on the keyboard and assignment is done. No complex menus for a task that's essential for getting the most out of your pads. Assignments are stored over power cycling so you don't lose your settings when you switch your system off for the night. In addition, 4 pad map locations can store your settings for future recall.

User Presets and Programming MIDI

If you mainly want to use your DAWs MIDI learn features, Impact LX49 is easy to come to grips with. There are 2 non-overlapping, read-only presets on the Mixer and Instrument buttons so you can quickly switch between independent and unique setups. These presets are also used for Impact LX49's integrated DAW support. In addition, 5 user presets are programmed for GM compatible and "learn-friendly" setups plus they can of course be overwritten with your own settings. With the Impact LX49's "Null" function switched to on, parameter values are stored when you switch between presets so you avoid parameter jumping.

Pre-mapped DAW Control

Impact LX49 integration supports most of the popular DAWs. A common workflow gives access to many of the functions you are most likely to need when recording and performing with your Impact LX49. The best part is that it's all done for you. All you have to do is complete the installation process and start making music. Impact LX49 DAW integration currently supports Cubase, Digital Performer, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar, Studio One, and Bitwig Studio. DAWs are different and the Impact LX49 DAW integration caters for each DAWs uniqueness while maintaining a common workflow. Relying on your computer screen for constant feedback, important and essential windows related to what you are controlling can be open and closed as needed, right from Impact LX49. The following is a brief overview of the common workflow.

Transport and Navigation

The 6 dedicated transport buttons are always within reach and mapped to control Cycle, Rewind, Forward, Stop, Play and Record. Press Shift to get access to alternate functions such as Goto L, Set L, Set R, Undo, Click and Mode. Additional alternate DAW functions include Track up/down and Patch up/down to change your instrument patches are available via the display buttons.

Mixer Preset

Press mixer and the first 8 Impact LX49 faders are assigned to control 8 channels of your DAWs mixer. The alternate Bank up/down function moves control assignments 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 their corresponding fader and can control Mute or Solo. Pan for the group of 8 channels controlled by the faders is handled by the 8 pots. To help you get the best out of your screen real estate, Impact LX49 also has shortcuts for opening and closing your DAWs mixer window so you can see what's going on.

Instrument Preset

The Instrument preset assigns all controls to instrument parameters once an instrument track is selected in your DAW. Using Nektar mapping, a typical control layout places amp and filter envelopes on the faders and the parameters that have the biggest impact on the instruments sound, on the pots. This means you often have filter cutoff and resonance on pots 1 and 2 for example. Using a unique Impact LX49 "grab" mode you can quickly assign parameters for individual instruments to controls and create the setup you want. The hardware is done, but flexibility remains.

Studio One Artist

Studio One Artist is a powerful recording and production platform that lets you work quickly and stay focused on your inspiration. Incredibly easy to learn, it offers unlimited tracks and plug-ins and delivers features not normally found in entry-level DAWs. Access powerful editing tools without wading through menus. Load and save audio clips, MIDI files, effects, and VIs by drag-and-drop. Need an instrument, effects plug-in, or drum loop? Just drag what you need from the content Browser, drop it into the arrangement, and everything is taken care of. At mixdown, process your tracks using more than 20 high-quality Native Effects; Studio One's cutting-edge mix engine delivers stunning results. Studio One makes it easy! No other entry-level DAW is this easy to use, yet offers unlimited tracks and plug-in instantiations, extensive use of drag-and-drop, and in-depth editing features. Best of all, Studio One Artist is included with the Impact LX49 USB keyboard!

Features:

- 49-note velocity-sensitive synth-action keyboard
- 4 velocity curves plus 3 fixed
- Pitch bend & Modulation assignable wheels
- Octave shift buttons
- Transpose shift buttons
- Foot switch pedal socket (sustain)
- 8 velocity-sensitive pads
- Note-learn
- Pads assignable notes and MIDI cc messages
- Load or Save to any of 4 pad maps
- 8 potentiometers
- 9 30mm faders
- 9 assignable buttons
- 6 dedicated transport buttons
- 5 preset locations store control settings
- Integration files for major DAWs
- Foot switch (sustain) 1/4" jack input (pedal not included)
- USB port for power and communication with computer
- Studio One Artist DAW software included for Mac and Windows

Compatible Software:

- Bitwig Studio
- Cubase
- Digital Performer
- Garageband
- Logic
- Nuendo
- Reason
- Sonar
- Studio One
- FL Studio
- Reaper
read less

Keyboard:
- 49-note velocity-sensitive synth-action keyboard
- 4 velocity curves plus 3 fixed
- Pitch bend & Modulation assignable wheels
- Octave shift buttons
- Transpose shift buttons
- Foot switch pedal socket (sustain)

Pads:
- 8 velocity sensitive pads
- 4 velocity curves plus 3 fixed
- Note-learn
- Pads assignable notes and MIDI cc messages
- Load or Save to any of 4 pad maps

Controls:
- 8 potentiometers
- 9 30mm faders
- 9 assignable buttons
- 6 dedicated transport buttons
- 5 preset locations store control settings
- Integration files for major DAWs

DAW Integration:
- Mac OS X 10.7 or higher, Windows Vista, 7 & 8 or higher
- Bitwig Studio
- PreSonus Studio One
- Cakewalk Sonar
- Steinberg Cubase & Steinberg Nuendo
- MOTU Digital Performer
- Image-Line FL Studio
- Apple GarageBand
- Apple Logic
- Cockos Reaper
- Propellerhead Reason

System Requirements: Class compliant (no driver needed): OSX and Windows XP or higher

Dimensions and Weight:
- Dimensions: (L x D x H) 31 5/8 x 10 1/2 x 3"
- Weight: 7 lbs

Connections:
- Foot switch: (sustain) 1/4" jack input (pedal not included)
- USB: port for power and communication with computer

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Web: https://nektartech.com/support/

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (2 ratings)
Submitted July 29, 2014 by Cimmay R in Seattle, WA

"Finally got one that works"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
The Impact 49 works great. It's my 5th midi controller, the others were nice but too complicated to use. What sold me on the Impact is the Nektar site has a couple video demonstrations. One is assigning fader controls on the fly, just press a button and click the controls and move the sliders, that's all. They also have many DAW systems already mapped, so you can try them all out. I got the blemished one, there was a small dent in the retail box, nothing else wrong. Sold a digital piano to go back to midi keyboard and use virtual piano software, particularity the 120GB Garritan Yamaha CFX sample set.

Musical Background:

Play Fender guitars, piano, Omnisphere

Musical Style:

Industrial, Downtempo
3 of 3 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!