Nektar LX-25+ Midi Controller

The Impact LX25+ MIDI controller is compact and portable yet jam-packed with intelligent and expressive performance control not even available on many premium products. Ever wanted a controller that hooks up automatically to your DAW? Impact LX25+ does exactly that.
Nektar DAW Integration custom designed for Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One takes Impact LX25+ way beyond functionality normally offered by a USB MIDI controller keyboard. With Impact LX25+ the hard work is done, so you can focus on your creativity.

IMPACT LX25+ CONTROLLER KEYBOARD

The 25 note velocity sensitive keyboard is a 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 LX design. With 4 velocity curves gradually increasing in dynamics there is a choice for any playing style. If you don’t need velocity, 3 fixed velocity levels cater for a consistent output. Octave and transpose buttons as well as pitch bend and modulation wheels are within reach, so you can quickly shift the keyboard up or down as needed, or apply additional articulation with the wheels.

OCTAVE & 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 LX25+’s 5 user presets with either the Octave or Transpose buttons.

CONTROL CENTER

A 30mm fader and 8 pots are at the center of the Impact LX25+ 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 take on a life of their own, providing flexible pre-mapped DAW control giving you the best of both worlds. Control settings can be stored in any of the 5 Impact LX25+ presets for recall at any time. And if you switch Null on, any parameter values are stored when you change presets so you avoid parameter jumping.

PADS

For groove and beat creation, Impact LX25+’s 8 velocity sensitive pads make life easy. Calibrated to trigger at a light touch, finger drumming is suddenly well within reach with a nice and even velocity response. 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 to 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.

The 4 color LED illumination not only looks good but also indicate which pad map is currently loaded and can even tell you which type of MIDI message each pad sends. With Nektar DAW Integration, the pads are automatically mapped in for example Reason and Bitwig.. The two Clips and Scenes buttons are used in Bitwig to trigger…., Clips and Scenes. In Reason, a clever control of Reason’s location points create a similar experience with scenes triggering of any Reason song.

NEKTAR DAW INTEGRATION

Impact LX25+ software 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: Simply complete the installation process and start making music! Impact LX25+ DAW integration currently supports Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One. Buttons and controls are labeled so you don’t have to remember how they are assigned. That’s why Impact LX25+ is a breeze to use but with enough extra features under the hood to challenge even the most experienced power user.

TRANSPORT & 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. Dedicated Track up/down and Patch up/down buttons are located below the display.

MIXER CONTROL

Press mixer and the 8 Impact LX25+ pots 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. 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.

To help you get the best out of your screen real estate, Impact LX also has shortcuts for opening and closing your DAWs mixer window so you can see what’s going on.

INSTRUMENT PRESET

The Instrument button assigns all controls to instrument parameters once an instrument track is selected in your DAW. Nektar mapping ensures this is done automatically, so you can start tweaking immediately. Better still, many devices and plugins are pre-mapped to match the blue control labels on the Impact LX25+.

The Page Button

With Nektar DAW Integration, a page button allows you to switch between Default settings and User settings with LEDs clearly indicating which page is active. Each page changes assignments of the 8 pots, leaving the User page for example for your own assignments. Many pre-mapped plugins take advantage of the two pages*. So you could use it for immediate access to both, oscillator 1 and oscillator 2 parameters from the pots, switching between oscillators using the Page button.

Pressing the Instrument button places amp and filter ADSR envelopes on the 8 pots for instant access, regardless of whether the Default or User page is selected.

“Grab” and Nektar Maps

The Nektar “Grab” mode allow you to temporarily assign parameters to controls as you work on your project. It’s as easy as holding down shift while moving the parameters on the instrument you want to control followed by moving the controls on Impact LX25+ you want them assigned to. Some DAWs even supports saving “grabbed” parameters to a Nektar map* which means you can completely customize your assignments for future use.

* Implementation depends on the DAW. Check how Impact LX25+ works with your DAW in the section below.

USER PRESETS & PROGRAMMING MIDI

If you mainly want to use your DAW’s 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. You for example could set up Impact LX25+ for use with Pro Tools or Ableton Live, both of which have limited integration options. Using Impact LX25+”s generic MIDI controller capabilities, setups can get you quite far. Here are links to setup examples.

With the Impact LX25+’s “Null” function switched to on, parameter values are stored when you switch between presets so you avoid parameter jumping.

Compact. Control. Creativity
The Impact LX25+ MIDI controller is compact and portable yet jam-packed with intelligent and expressive performance control not even available on many premium products. Ever wanted a controller that hooks up automatically to your DAW? Impact LX25+ does exactly that.
Nektar DAW Integration custom designed for Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One takes Impact LX25+ way beyond functionality normally offered by a USB MIDI controller keyboard. With Impact LX25+ the hard work is done, so you can focus on your creativity.
IMPACT LX25+ CONTROLLER KEYBOARD

The 25 note velocity sensitive keyboard is a 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 LX design. With 4 velocity curves gradually increasing in dynamics there is a choice for any playing style. If you don’t need velocity, 3 fixed velocity levels cater for a consistent output. Octave and transpose buttons as well as pitch bend and modulation wheels are within reach, so you can quickly shift the keyboard up or down as needed, or apply additional articulation with the wheels.
OCTAVE & 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 LX25+’s 5 user presets with either the Octave or Transpose buttons.
CONTROL CENTER

A 30mm fader and 8 pots are at the center of the Impact LX25+ 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 take on a life of their own, providing flexible pre-mapped DAW control giving you the best of both worlds. Control settings can be stored in any of the 5 Impact LX25+ presets for recall at any time. And if you switch Null on, any parameter values are stored when you change presets so you avoid parameter jumping.
PADS

For groove and beat creation, Impact LX25+’s 8 velocity sensitive pads make life easy. Calibrated to trigger at a light touch, finger drumming is suddenly well within reach with a nice and even velocity response. 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 to 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.

The 4 color LED illumination not only looks good but also indicate which pad map is currently loaded and can even tell you which type of MIDI message each pad sends. With Nektar DAW Integration, the pads are automatically mapped in for example Reason and Bitwig.. The two Clips and Scenes buttons are used in Bitwig to trigger…., Clips and Scenes. In Reason, a clever control of Reason’s location points create a similar experience with scenes triggering of any Reason song.

NEKTAR DAW INTEGRATION

Impact LX25+ software 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: Simply complete the installation process and start making music! Impact LX25+ DAW integration currently supports Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One. Buttons and controls are labeled so you don’t have to remember how they are assigned. That’s why Impact LX25+ is a breeze to use but with enough extra features under the hood to challenge even the most experienced power user.
Bitwig Studio – Nektar DAW Integration
Cubase – Nektar DAW Integration
MOTU Digital Performer logo – Nektar DAW Integration
FL Studio – Nektar DAW Integration
GarageBand – Nektar DAW Integration
Logic Pro X l – Nektar DAW Integration
Nuendo – Nektar DAW Integration
Reaper – Nektar DAW Integration
Reason l – Nektar DAW Integration
Sonar – Nektar DAW Integration
Studio One – Nektar DAW Integration
Impact LX+ transport and navigation
TRANSPORT & 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. Dedicated Track up/down and Patch up/down buttons are located below the display.
MIXER CONTROL

Press mixer and the 8 Impact LX25+ pots 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. 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.

To help you get the best out of your screen real estate, Impact LX also has shortcuts for opening and closing your DAWs mixer window so you can see what’s going on.
INSTRUMENT PRESET

The Instrument button assigns all controls to instrument parameters once an instrument track is selected in your DAW. Nektar mapping ensures this is done automatically, so you can start tweaking immediately. Better still, many devices and plugins are pre-mapped to match the blue control labels on the Impact LX25+.

The Page Button

With Nektar DAW Integration, a page button allows you to switch between Default settings and User settings with LEDs clearly indicating which page is active. Each page changes assignments of the 8 pots, leaving the User page for example for your own assignments. Many pre-mapped plugins take advantage of the two pages*. So you could use it for immediate access to both, oscillator 1 and oscillator 2 parameters from the pots, switching between oscillators using the Page button.

Pressing the Instrument button places amp and filter ADSR envelopes on the 8 pots for instant access, regardless of whether the Default or User page is selected.

“Grab” and Nektar Maps

The Nektar “Grab” mode allow you to temporarily assign parameters to controls as you work on your project. It’s as easy as holding down shift while moving the parameters on the instrument you want to control followed by moving the controls on Impact LX25+ you want them assigned to. Some DAWs even supports saving “grabbed” parameters to a Nektar map* which means you can completely customize your assignments for future use.

* Implementation depends on the DAW. Check how Impact LX25+ works with your DAW in the section below.
HOW DOES IMPACT LX25+ MAP FOR YOUR DAW?

Click the tab corresponding to your DAW below and learn more.

Bitwig

Cubase

Digital

Performer

FL Studio

GarageBand

Logic

Reaper

Reason

Sonar

Studio One
SONAR

TRANSPORT BUTTONS

Cycle on/off
Rewind by 1 bar
Forward by 1 bar
Stop
Play
Record
Goto Left locator
Set Left locator to current song position
Set Right locator to current song position
Undo
Metronome on/off
Record Arm on/off for current track

SOFT-TAKEOVER

Eliminates parameter jumping
Parameter value only changes when control position matches value
Display indicates whether controls should be moved up or down to takeover parameter value

NAVIGATION BUTTONS

Track change -/+
Navigate the instrument rack using Patch -/+ buttons

INSTRUMENT

Open/close VST instrument window
Nektar Map System store and recall map settings for VSTi plugins
The Default page maps pots to parameters as per blue control labeling
User page for secondary mapping or user mapping
Inst button + pots 1-8 control Amp ADSR and Filter ADSR
Fader control VSTi Instruments main volume
All VSTi mapping is user customizable using Nektar “Grab” function including faders, fader buttons and both page assignments
User customization can be either temporary (active for as long a project is open) or saved

MIXER

Open/Close Mixer window
Control up to 8 channels at a time
Volume assigned to pots 1-8
Pan 1-8
Mute 1-8
Bank over to control more channels (1-8), (9-16) etc
Current track controlled by fader

USER PRESETS & PROGRAMMING MIDI

If you mainly want to use your DAW’s 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. You for example could set up Impact LX25+ for use with Pro Tools or Ableton Live, both of which have limited integration options. Using Impact LX25+”s generic MIDI controller capabilities, setups can get you quite far. Here are links to setup examples.

With the Impact LX25+’s “Null” function switched to on, parameter values are stored when you switch between presets so you avoid parameter jumping.

BITWIG 8-TRACK INCLUDED

Bitwig 8-Track is included with every Impact LX25+ 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 for use on up to 8 audio or MIDI project tracks, and you can use any 3rd party VST plug-ins you might own, too. The ‘Bitwig Essentials Package’, a highly versatile handpicked selection of loops, clips and samples, is also included to help you get started. So put all that together and you have a powerful sketchpad for your musical ideas featuring the acclaimed workflow of Bitwig Studio.

Nektar DAW Integration supports Bitwig 8-Track, so using Nektar Impact LX25+ and Bitwig 8-Track together is a fantastic combination. If you are just starting out, you will find it’s the perfect way to take your first steps in the world of digital music creation. And if you’re already familiar with using computer software, then you’ll be amazed at what this combination has to offer!

Keyboard

25 note velocity-sensitive synth-action keyboard
4 velocity curves + 3 fixed
Pitch bend & Modulation wheels
Octave shift buttons
Transpose shift buttons

Controls

8 potentiometers
1 30mm faders
6 dedicated transport buttons
5 preset locations store control settings
Page button (for Nektar DAW Integration only)
Nektar DAW Integration for major DAWs

Pads

8 velocity sensitive pads
Each pad LED illuminated with 4 color options: Green, Yellow, Orange and Red
4 velocity curves plus 3 fixed
Note-learn
Pads assignable notes and MIDI cc messages
Load or Save to any of 4 pad maps
Clips and Scenes LED buttons

Connections

1/4” TS jack foot switch input (MIDI Assignable)
USB port on rear panel, and USB bus powered
Connects to iPad via Apple Camera Connection Kit (not supplied)

Weight & Dimensions

Dimensions: 18 3/4″(L) x 10 1/2″(D) x 2 3/4″(H)

Weight: 4 Lbs

System Requirements

USB Class compliant, no driver is needed for:

Apple iOS, Apple OSX, Windows XP, or higher, Linux (MIDI driver software required)

Nektar DAW Integration

Mac OS X 10.7 or higher, Windows Vista, 7 & 8 or higher