Nektar Impact LX25 USB Keyboard Controller

Nektar Impact LX25 USB Keyboard Controller

Impact LX25 is a budget USB MIDI controller, that delivers performance way above its size and class. From the 25 note velocity sensitive keyboard, 8 velocity sensitive pads to the rubberized fader cap and low-profile design, Impact LX25 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 LX25 the hard work is done*, so you can focus on your creativity.

The 25-note velocity sensitive keyboard is un-mistakenly 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 LX25 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 as needed, or apply additional articulation with the wheels.

There is more to the 4 Octave and 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 LX25's 5 user presets with either the Octave or Transpose buttons.

For groove and beat creation Impact LX25'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.

If you mainly want to use your DAWs MIDI learn features, Impact LX25 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 LX25'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 LX25's "Null" function switched to on, parameter values are stored when you switch between presets so you avoid parameter jumping.

Impact LX25 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 LX25. 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 LX25 DAW integration currently supports Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Digital Performer, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One. DAWs are different and the Impact LX25 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 opened and closed as needed, right from Impact LX25. The following is a brief overview of the common workflow.

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.

Press mixer and the Impact LX25 fader is assigned to control the mixer channel of your currently selected track or your DAWs master volume. The 8 pots are assigned to control the volume of the selected bank of 8 mixer channels. Press the [Mixer] button and they switch to control pan. An alternate Bank up/down function moves control assignments to the next or previous group of 8 channels. The pads also have alternate functions and can control Mute for the current bank. To help you get the best out of your computer screen real estate, Impact LX25 also has shortcuts for opening and closing your DAWs mixer window so you can see what's going on.

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 the parameters that have the biggest impact on the instruments sound, on the pots for immediate access. This means you often have filter cutoff and resonance on pots 1 and 2 for example. Press the [Instrument] button and they switch to control amp and filter envelope parameters. Using a unique Impact LX25 "grab" mode you can quickly assign parameters for individual instruments to controls and create the setup you want. The hard work is done, but flexibility remains.

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 LX25 USB keyboard!

On the back of Impact LX25 you find the connection points including:

• USB port for power and data connection to your computer
• Foot switch jack, assignable (pedal not included)
• On/off switch

Specifications:

Keyboard

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

System Requirements

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

Daw Integration

• Mac OS X 10.7 or higher, Windows Vista, 7 and 8 or higher

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

Weight and Dimensions

• Dimensions: 18 3/4"(L) x 10 1/2"(D) x 2 3/4"(H)
• Weight: 4 Lbs

Controls

• 8 potentiometers
• 1 30mm fader
• 6 dedicated transport buttons
• 5 preset