www.kvraudio.com/news/nektar-introduces-impact-lx-mk3-midi-keyboards-64349

Nektar introduces Impact LX mk3 MIDI keyboards

16th July 2025

Nektar has announced the Impact LX mk3 series of MIDI keyboards, featuring four models— LX25, LX49, LX61 and LX88. Each delivers a consistent feature set designed to enhance the creative process through customized DAW integration and performance-friendly tools.

A re-engineered keybed offers an expressive playing experience with a clean action and subtle velocity control that brings the best out of instruments. Plus, full-resolution encoders provide superior parameter control and color LED buttons for unique Nektar DAW integration features such as the linear DAW looper.

DAW Integration

Looper and timeline navigation

Designed to augment the power of supported DAWs, Impact LX mk3 includes unique timeline options enabling fast navigation, as well as loop creation, throughout a project. Activating loop record via the dedicated Impact LX mk3 looper button is a creativity boosting experience in a linear DAW. With loop recording complete, loop points are automatically set, perfectly truncated to the part and playback begins. Artists no longer need to decide the length of a loop before recording starts and can move on to immediate overdub or record the next part much quicker.

Loop points can be set or moved at any time and adjusted in length by just pressing LED buttons. The large encoder can scroll through the timeline while the display bar position updates as the play head or loop moves.

DAWs with clip launchers are supported to instead record and activate clips on the selected track.

Global Control

The large encoder is as a global control that doesn't change operation when Mixer, Instrument or Preset modes are selected.

With Nektar DAW integration, the associated button toggles 3 encoder states:

The "Selected parameter" enables control of any DAW or plugin parameter by simply clicking to select, then control. With multiple plugin windows open, it's a gratifying tactile control experience when moving from instrument to effect parameters.

Fine control and displaying parameter values

The Impact LX mk3's global encoder offers precise parameter control at either standard MIDI or a finer 10-bit resolution. This fine control option, pioneered on the Nektar Panorama CS12, delivers a level of UI-precise control that's typically not possible from a controller keyboard.

To support this accuracy, Impact LX mk3 receives parameter values directly from your DAW, with the display updating instantly as controls are moved. For example, if a parameter is centered at 0 with +/- values on either side, the display will reflect that. Similarly, if values range from 20-20kHz, the display shows that range. These formatted values provide comfort during use and are especially helpful when dealing with detailed parameter adjustments.

NKS support: The control standard that works in any DAW

Native Instruments developed the Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) which is now implemented in thousands of plugins, including the entire NI Komplete Select bundle included with Impact LX mk3. Navigating presets, plugins and control pages can all be done from Impact LX mk3 with the 8 encoders dedicated to page parameter control. Working alongside Nektar DAW integration, Impact LX mk3 automatically switches to NKS control whenever it's detected when selecting a track. The experience can be augmented by combining NKS with the global encoders selected parameter feature and the Nektar "grab" mode controlling other parameters using the faders.

Pads: Mapped to drum and percussion plugins

The 8 pads are freely assignable to send any MIDI Note or MIDI CC message. DAWs that include drum and percussion instruments are in addition pre-mapped so the pads immediately send the right notes, with the associated arrow buttons selecting banks to cover all drum sounds available.

Mixer mode: 8 channel mixing

With 8 channel control surface mixing Impact LX mk3 controls volume, pan, solo and mute with LED colors used throughout to identify solo, mute and arm status. The global encoder can control the currently selected tracks' channel volume while the 8 encoders control the track's 8 sends.

Instrument mode: Default mapping and customization

Selecting Instrument Mode reassigns the faders and eight encoder controls to directly control the instrument hosted on your selected track. Many popular instruments come pre-mapped, with controls clearly labeled on the unit, eliminating guesswork. The LX mk3 also allows you to temporarily override Instrument Mode assignments to work with other parameter sets. Plus, customized mapping can be created and saved directly from Impact LX mk3, on most DAWs.

Hardware: Performance Tools

For both novice and experienced keyboard players, performance tools offer powerful ways to enhance creativity and simplify complex playing.

Impact LX mk3 includes new features such as Scale, Chord, and Hold, all of which can interact seamlessly. For example, Scale and Chord can be used together to ensure chords only contain notes within the selected scale. Then, free up a hand using Hold for either perfect legato, or to hold specific notes and continue to play normally on the rest of the keyboard:

If both Scale and Chord are enabled, the notes of any chord will be adjusted to the scale.

Hardware specifications

Special introduction Bitwig Studio Essential offer

To celebrate the launch of Impact LX mk3, Bitwig and Nektar are giving away a complete copy of Bitwig Studio Essentials (worth $99.99) to the first 500 registered Impact LX mk3 users. The Nektar DAW integration for Bitwig Studio is extensive and shows off the creative power when the two products are working together.

MSRP & Availability

First customer ship date is August 1, 2025.

{KVR-BRAND-AFFILIATE-LINKS-1984-Nektar}.

KVR Audio, Inc.
www.kvraudio.com