NAMM 2015Nektar releases Impact LX 88 Controller Keyboard

Nektar has announced the immediate release of Impact LX88, the flagship product in the Impact line and the first Nektar keyboard featuring an 88 note semi-weighted keybed.

Developed for keyboard and piano players who need a full-range keyboard, the Impact LX88 is designed with performance in mind. Functions such as split, layer and MIDI out are included giving the performer the ability to set split point, program MIDI channels, Octave and transpose settings, send out program changes for each zone on the fly. A fully featured USB controller keyboard, the Impact LX88 delivers 9 faders, 9 control buttons, 8 pots, 6 transport buttons, 8 velocity sensitive pads, foot switch socket, MIDI out and control wheels. 5 user presets are designed for GM setups, "MIDI learn" capable DAWs and other music software.

The Impact LX88 in addition is fully supported by Nektar DAW Integration, giving it the same pre-mapped control power as the Impact LX25, LX49 and LX61 keyboards. Nektar Impact DAW Integration currently supports Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic Pro, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Studio One and Sonar with additional template setups for Ableton Live and Avid Pro Tools.

Nektar DAW Integration offers custom integration with a common workflow. As such, working with supported DAWs, Impact LX88 goes way beyond the typical basic Mixer mapping. Users of supported DAWs will be able to navigate tracks, switch between controlling mixer or instruments, trigger and set loop points, switch metronome on/off, Undo and more.

When building drum beats and grooves the pad learn function allows for quick mapping of sounds on the 8 velocity sensitive pads. Select a pad, find the right sound on the keyboard and the assignment is done. Moving loop points via the transport buttons means the flow continues, totally un-interrupted by mouse clicks.

Navigate to instrument tracks and continue building a song, change patches, tweak instrument parameters – all this functionality right from Impact LX88 to keep the music in focus. Finally get the mix right by switching to the mixer preset with volume, pan, mute and solo assigned for banks of 8 tracks in your DAW. A bank up/down function moves the assignments of controls to cover all mixer channels. To avoid parameter jumping, the Impact LX DAW integration also features soft-takeover* which means that parameters only change when a controls physical position matches the DAW parameter position.

The pre-mapped functionality is enough to get most going, and maybe this is all you ever need. However to cater for individual styles of creating there is plenty of scope for customization. Impact LX88 features a unique "Grab" feature* for supported DAWs which allows users to literally 'grab' several instrument parameters at a time and map them to any controls on the fly. The 5 user presets in addition have been set up for GM compatibility and learn friendly setups mean that you can still create setups the way you are used to with generic MIDI controllers. Impact LX88 is a complete generic MIDI controller so you can switch between the pre-mapped setups and your own by pushing a button.

For users who haven't settled on a DAW yet, the included Studio One Artist comes complete with Impact LX88 setup and control for instruments as well as effect inserts. This is a great starting point to become familiar with the power of Impact LX88 but also a great addition to any existing creative music production setup.

* Not supported in all DAWs. Check documentation on www.nektartech.com for details

Pricing and Availability

Nektar Impact LX88 is available immediately in some territories and will be available in stores worldwide at the end of February with an MSRP of $329.99 / €289.99 / £219.99.

Further Information about Impact LX88: www.nektartech.com