Description
The Impact LX88+ from Nektar Technology is an 88-note, velocity-sensitive,
semi-weighted action keyboard, with medium tension, which amongst other things,
provides more reach for the performing musician. The full-size, piano-style keys
are covered to protect against dirt and dust, and the keyboard can be set to one
of four available velocity curves, along with three fixed-velocity levels for
instances where consistent output is required. It features intelligent mapping
for manipulating integral aspects of all major DAWs from the controller, while
for those preferring to control MIDI hardware, a build-in MIDI Out port is
provided, as well as extensive MIDI programming options.
The keyboard can send on up to three zones at the same time. Octave and transpose buttons are available, as well as pitch-bend and modulation wheels. Eight velocity-sensitive pads allow you to finger-drum in the MPC style, though each pad can be assigned any MIDI note number or MIDI CC message for use as MIDI-trigger or toggle buttons. The keyboard includes the Bitwig 8-Track DAW for music creation, and allows for optional connection with iOS devices.
Features
Split, Layer, Transpose Buttons
Send on up to three zones at the same time. When split or layer is active, the
corresponding LED button is lit so there is no confusion. Each zone can be
programmed to send on its own unique MIDI channel with essential settings,
either pre-programmed, or adjustable during performance. Two transpose buttons
below the Split and Layer buttons allow for selecting four functions on the fly
for making changes at any time, even while playing. A key combination makes
assignment quick and easy with the LED display telling you which function you
have selected. Choices include sending out MIDI Programme Messages, change the
Global MIDI Channel or select any of Impact LX88+'s five user presets with
either the Octave or Transpose buttons. Pressing either split or layer while
pressing the Transpose buttons will change the setting currently assigned for
the corresponding zone.
Control Centre
Nine 30mm faders, nine MIDI buttons, and eight encoders line the top of the
control panel. Each control is fully programmable to send any MIDI CC message
for use with hardware or software MIDI products. Used with Nektar DAW
integration, the controls provide seamless but flexible operation over most
DAWs. Personalised settings can be stored in any of the five Impact LX+ presets
for recall at any time. If you switch Null on, any parameter values are stored
when you change presets so you avoid parameter jumping.
LED Buttons
Nine LED buttons can be programmed with a variety of MIDI messages including
sending specific MIDI Programme changes. The last MIDI Programme message sent is
remembered so a corresponding LED button illuminates correctly, even if
Programme was sent via, for example, the transpose buttons or the Setup menu.
You can also assign the 8 pads to send Programme messages so you'll have
instant access to 17 buttons without changing preset or pad map. Used with
Nektar DAW Integration the LED buttons indicate status for a number of
parameters. In Instrument mode, an instrument plug-in's switch parameters can
be learnt with the LED telling you when it's on or off. In Mixer mode the LED
buttons control Mute and Solo, with the LED colours indicating the corresponding
channels current status.
Pads
For groove and beat creation, this keyboard boasts eight velocity-sensitive
pads, calibrated to trigger at a light touch, and suitable for finger-drumming,
providing an even velocity response. Each pad can be assigned any MIDI note
number or MIDI CC message for use as a MIDI trigger or to toggle buttons. The
“Pad Learn” function allows for easy assignment: simply select a pad, play
the note or drum sound you want on the keyboard, and the assignment is
completed. Assignments are stored over power cycling so you don't lose your
settings when you switch your system off. In addition, four pad-map locations
can store settings for future recall. Four-colour LED illumination indicates
which pad map is currently loaded and can even tell you which type of MIDI
message each pad sends.
DAW Integration
Software integration supports most of the popular DAWs with a common workflow,
providing access to many of the functions most likely to needed when recording
and performing. Simply complete the installation process and start making music.
DAW integration currently supports Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio,
Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One. Buttons and
controls are labelled so you don't have to remember how they are assigned.
Transport and Navigation
Six dedicated transport buttons are 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. Dedicated Track up/down and Patch
up/down buttons are located below the display.
Mixer Control
Press mixer and the eight pots are assigned to control the eight channels of
your DAW's mixer. The alternate Bank up/down function moves control assignments
to the next or previous group of eight channels. Press the [Mixer] button and
they switch to control pan. The fader is assigned to the currently selected
channel so you always know where to find it. The pads also have alternate
functions and can control Mute for the current bank. The buttons under the
faders follow the channel assignment of their corresponding fader and can
control Mute or Solo with LED's indicating current status. Pan for the group of
eight channels controlled by the faders is handled by the eight pots. Fader
9 is used for control volume of the current mixer channel as well as master
volume. Additionally, shortcuts are available for opening and closing the DAWs
mixer window for added visibility.
Instrument Presets
The Instrument button assigns all controls to instrument parameters once an
instrument track is selected in the DAW. Nektar mapping ensures this is done
automatically, and many devices and plug-ins are pre-mapped to match the blue
control labels on the controller. The Nektar “Grab” mode allow for
temporarily assigning parameters to controls as you work on your project. Some
DAWs even supports saving “grabbed” parameters to a Nektar map which means
you can completely customise your assignments for future use.
User Presets and Programming MIDI
If you mainly want to use a DAW's MIDI learn features, there are two
non-overlapping, read-only presets on the Mixer and Instrument buttons, so you
can quickly switch between independent and unique setups. In addition, five user
presets are programmed for GM compatible and “learn-friendly” setups plus
they can be overwritten with custom settings.
Connectivity and iOS Capability
As a low-powered USB device, this keyboard works with all USB devices that
feature a Class-compliant MIDI driver. You can also hook the keyboard to an
Apple iPad using the iPad's optional USB camera-connection kit (available
separately).
Includes Bitwig 8-Track
Bitwig 8-Track is included with your purchase, giving you access to over
50 software instruments and effects for use on up to eight audio or MIDI
tracks, and providing third-party plug-in support as well. Bitwig also offers a
selection of loops, clips, and samples.