Have you been long yearning for some honest insight into the world of MIDI controllers? Well, your wish has come true. We present our Nektar Impact LX+ series review, promising to offer an in-depth exploration of this widely recognized brand’s product. From the unboxing experience to the pros and cons, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the Nektar Impact LX+ Series.
Honestly speaking, the Nektar Impact LX+ series stands out in today’s crowded music tech marketplace because it delivers excellent value for money due to its winning combination of sleek design, exceptional sound quality, and diverse connectivity options. Whether you are a professional or a novice in digital music production, this review promises to offer essential insights into why Impact LX+ is worth considering for your next MIDI controller.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Models Available | LX25+, LX49+, LX61+ |
| Keyboard | 25, 49, or 61 velocity-sensitive keys (depending on the model) |
| Pads | 8 velocity-sensitive pads |
| Faders | 9 30mm faders (not available on LX25+) |
| Rotary Knobs | 8 rotary knobs |
| Buttons | 6 transport buttons, 5 navigation buttons, 1 fader button |
| Pitch Bend & Modulation | Yes |
| Connections | USB port, Sustain pedal input |
| Display | 3-digit LED display |
| DAW Integration | Pre-mapped for popular DAWs: Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, GarageBand, |
| Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar, Studio One | |
| Software Included | Bitwig 8-Track DAW software |
| Power | Powered via USB |
| Build Material | Plastic |
| Dimensions (LX25+) | 18.25″ x 10.5″ x 2.75″ |
| Dimensions (LX49+) | 31.75″ x 10.5″ x 2.75″ |
| Dimensions (LX61+) | 38.5″ x 10.5″ x 2.75″ |
| Weight | LX25+ – 4.6 lbs, LX49+ – 7.9 lbs, LX61+ – 9.9 lbs |
| Compatibility | Windows and macOS |
Nektar Impact LX+: A Quick Overview
The Nektar Impact LX+ series offers a versatile range of MIDI controllers available in three different models, each varying in size by the number of velocity-sensitive keys: 25, 49, or 61.
Equipped with features like pitch bend and modulation controls, eight responsive pads, and multiple rotary knobs, these controllers provide ample flexibility for music production. Additionally, the LX49+ and LX61+ models come with nine faders to enhance real-time control over various parameters.
These controllers integrate seamlessly with popular DAWs such as Bitwig, Cubase, FL Studio, and more thanks to their pre-mapped functionalities. Powering up via USB, they connect effortlessly to both Windows and macOS systems.
The build is compact yet durable with dimensions tailored to each model’s key count making them portable options for both studio and live performances. The bundle also includes Bitwig 8-Track DAW software to get users started right away.
Unboxing
Unboxing a new musical gadget is always a moment of absolute joy for every music lover. And, the Nektar Impact LX+ series is no exception to this rule. When you open the box, you will be captivated by the sleek and modern design of this top-notch music keyboard.
The Nektar Impact LX+ comes securely packed in a well-designed box that ensures it remains safe during transit. The box isn’t overly heavy, which makes unboxing an easy task for anyone. On opening, you will immediately see your new instrument along with some essential items packaged neatly and systematically.
Inside the box, your eyes meet with the beautifully designed Nektar Impact LX+ itself riding comfortably on top of packing foams for extra safety. The first touch gives you an experience of a sleek, compact device – perfectly designed for easy portability.
Next, as you dive deeper into the boxed goodies, there’s an inclusive USB cable that allows quick connection from your new Nektar Impact LX+ to any PC or Mac. It’s useful when you want to get started right after unboxing.
In addition to these primary components, there are also various documents like a quick start guide and user manuals included in many languages that explain how to take full advantage of all its features.
All these contents are tucked away nicely inside their spaces keeping everything organized and secure at all times during transit. These comprehensive materials ensure that even beginners or first-time users do not face any trouble setting up their newly bought musical device.
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Sleek and Compact Design
The Nektar Impact LX+ series stands out in the world of musical equipment, particularly because of its sleek and compact design. Here’s a deeper look into the physical aspects that give this range an edge:
- Sleek Profile: One look at any model from the Nektar Impact LX+ series and you’ll notice its sleek profile. The thin yet durable structure gives it a premium feel. The keyboard strokes are gentle yet firm, perfect for both performing on stage and composing in your studio.
- Compact Size: Space is often a concern whether you’re setting up on stage or creating your own personal music den. Thankfully, the compact size of the Nektar Impact LX+ series makes it ideal for both situations. Despite being small in size, these keyboards don’t compromise performance.
- Ergonomic Layout: Beyond just appearance, the design also focuses on ease of use for musicians. The ergonomic layout makes interacting with various controls intuitive – switches, knobs, and pads are all placed within easy reach.
- Lightweight: Portability is key when it comes to musical equipment and this series always has that covered. Despite being packed full of features, these keyboards are lightweight so they’re hassle-free to move around.
- Color-Coding: An underrated aspect that contributes to its sleekness is color-coding applied to different controls like faders & rotary knobs which makes navigation easier even under low light conditions.
The captivating design aspect does not merely serve aesthetic purposes but also greatly enhances user experience making every session with a Nektar Impact LX+ keyboard an enjoyable one.
Sound Quality
When we talk about the sound quality of the Nektar Impact LX+ series, one word comes to mind – exceptional. The producers of this series have indeed done a remarkable job. Here are two reasons why:
- High-Quality Sound: We all know how important sound quality is when it comes to musical equipment. The Nektar Impact LX+ excels in this area. It provides high-quality, clear, and vibrant sounds which ensure your music is delivered just the way you want it.
- No Sound Distortion: It’s no use having good sound if it’s distorted by your equipment. Not with Nektar Impact LX+. Regardless of how high or low you set the volume, there’s zero distortion. You only get pure and distinct output every time.
Connectivity
The Nektar Impact LX+ series has plenty of options when it comes to connectivity. This means you have a variety of ways to connect your device to other musical equipment or devices. Here are the main connectivity options provided by this amazing music gadget.
- USB Port: The Nektar Impact LX+ series features a standard USB port that lets you connect it directly to your computer. This allows for an easy and quick transfer of data. It’s also handy such that you can use this MIDI controller without requiring any additional power source.
- MIDI Out Port: Another impressive feature in the Nektar Impact LX+ series is its MIDI Out port. Through this, you can connect your keyboard with other MIDI-compatible devices or instruments, permitting direct communication between different devices for enhanced music production.
To sum up, these various connectivity options add to the versatility and convenience of using the Nektar Impact LX+ series, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and professional musicians alike.
Features
The Nektar Impact LX+ series keyboard controller is certainly one of the top choices out there for music enthusiasts. Here, we will break down some key features that make this tool stand out in the crowd.
- Comfortability and Playability: The keys on the Nektar Impact LX+ are semi-weighted and fine-tuned for a comfortable playing experience. You can easily play your tunes without experiencing finger fatigue, which makes it perfect for those long jamming sessions.
- Preset Functionality: The keyboard comes with preset functionality for different popular DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), including Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Cubase, and more. This feature allows you to tailor the keyboard settings to suit your specific software, thus enhancing your music production experience.
- Fader and Knobs: The Nektar Impact LX+ series features eight faders and knobs. These controls are designed to manage the levels of your mix effectively. It’s easier than ever to tweak sounds and control parameters in real time.
- User Friendly: This series is applauded for its user-friendly interface. You do not need advanced knowledge or technical expertise to navigate through its features.
- Dedicated Transport Controls: One standout feature is the dedicated transport controls. These help users browse tracks and select patches conveniently during live performances or recording sessions.
- Impressive Drum Pads: It boasts eight velocity-sensitive drum pads with four-color illuminations. Not only this make it easy to note changes but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Nektar Impact LX+ series controller.
These are just some of the many spot-on functionalities of Nektar Impact LX+. All these features combine together to provide an incomparable musical experience!
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Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Exceptional sound quality | 1. Slightly heavy |
| 2. Sleek and compact design | 2. Can be pricey for some buyers |
| 3. Various connectivity options | 3. Learning curve for new users |
| 4. Enhanced features | 4. Could use more software integration |
Conclusion
The Nektar Impact LX+ series is genuinely an excellent all-rounder equipment for music enthusiasts and professionals alike. This product provides an impressive range of features that significantly enhance the overall music-making experience.
The compact design makes it handy, versatile, and a great option for desktop producers with space limitations. The quality sound combined with ample connectivity options further strengthens its place in the market.
However, just like any other product, it also has some minor drawbacks which are far outweighed by its pros. In summation, if you are looking for a MIDI controller that offers value, flexibility, and quality in one package then the Nektar Impact LX+ series should be your go-to option.
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