Musikmesse 2014: Today, gear maker Nektar announced the release of their new Impact LX25 and Impact LX61 budget USB MIDI controller keyboards.
The Impact LX61 (top right) is a 61-note velocity sensitive, synth-style keyboard with pitch bend, modulation wheel, 9 faders, 9 MIDI buttons, 8 pots, 8 pads, transport control, 3-digit LED display, foot switch and USB sockets.
The Impact LX25 (bottom right) is a 25-note, velocity sensitive, synth-style keyboard with pitch bend, modulation wheel, fader, 8 pots, 8 pads, transport control, 3-digit LED display, foot switch and USB sockets. Its functionality extends beyond its compact size and provides similar access to DAW parameters and navigation as its bigger siblings.
Every control can be programmed to send MIDI messages with settings stored in 5 user presets, making Impact LX 25 and Impact LX61 compatible with any MIDI software. A unique “pad learn” function enables pads to be assigned MIDI note numbers on the fly with setups stored in an additional 4 pad maps.
Impact LX25 and Impact LX61 have direct integration with widely used (or in the case of Bitwig, eagerly anticipated) DAWs including Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Digital Performer, GarageBand, Logic Pro, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One.
Integration includes track and patch navigation as well as button switching between Mixer and Instrument control. Parameters are pre-assigned and include functions for launching the DAWs relevant windows, right from Impact LX. The extensive mapping of transport functions not only includes traditional transport buttons but also options to set left and right locators/loop points, click on/off plus much more.
Pricing and Availability
Nektar Impact LX61 is available now, and MSRP is $229.99/ 179.99 Euro / £159.99. The Impact LX25 will be available beginning in May for MSRP $129.99/ 109.99 Euro / £99.99. See the Nektar site, for more information.
Nektar continues their proud tradition of releasing controllers that feature non-backlit black slider/knobs/pads on a black or dark grey surface. Not for use on a dark stage, which is why they never photograph their instruments on a real-world dim stage or studio setting.
So in this case, does “budget” mean “clattering, ill-seated crap” as usual? Hey, its an honest synth-type question, like “Does Item X cover my DAW?” and “Will this thing explode into its various components like a circuit-board pinata the first time its dropped on the floor?”
On the contrary – these things are superbly built and well reviewed.
The little LX49 that’s been available for a while is amazing value for money. Seriously.
I’m awaiting the LX88 before I pull the trigger on one of these. By far the best keybed action in the price range.
So, did you have a chance to test the LX88? I can’t wait they to release it…
All of the reviews I’ve read about these controllers have been stellar. I almost picked up the LX49 recently but said fuck it and pulled the trigger on the P6. Patiently waiting for it to be delivered 🙂
Does anyone know when the LX88 hits the uk retailers ?
Does anyone know when the LX88 hits the U K retailers ?
Estimated release of the LX88 is August/September of 2014