Nektar

collapse expand iconDescription

The Impact LX88+ is a USB MIDI controller designed for keyboard players looking for extra reach. It's packed with intelligent, expressive performance control and hooks up automatically to your DAW. If you prefer to control MIDI hardware, use the build-in MIDI Out as well as the extensive MIDI programing options. Nektar DAW Integration, custom-designed for most of the popular DAWs, takes Impact LX88+ beyond functionality normally offered by a MIDI controller keyboard.

Split, Layer and Transpose Buttons
The Impact LX88+ keyboard can send on up to 3 zones at once. Each zone can be programmed to send on its own unique MIDI channel with essential settings either pre-programmed or adjustable during performance.

Pads
For groove and beat creation, Impact LX88+'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.

Control Center
Nine 30mm faders, 9 MIDI buttons and 8 encoders are at the center of Impact LX88+'s 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 pre-mapped DAW control giving you the best of both worlds. Control settings can be stored in any of the 5 Impact LX88+ presets for recall.

LED Buttons
The 9 LED buttons can be programmed with a variety of MIDI messages including sending specific MIDI Program changes. The last MIDI Program message sent is remembered so a corresponding LED button illuminates correctly, even if Program was sent via, for example, the transpose buttons or the Setup menu. You can also assign the 8 pads to send Program messages so you'll have instant access to 17 buttons without changing preset or pad map.

DAW Integration
Impact LX88+ 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 LX88+. Impact LX88+ 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 LX88+ is a breeze to use but with enough extra features under the hood to challenge even the most experienced power user.

Transport and 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
Press mixer and the first 8 Impact LX+ faders 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. The 9th fader is assigned to the currently selected channel so you always know where to find it.

The buttons under the faders follow the channel assignment of their corresponding fader and can control Mute or Solo with LED's clearly indicating current status. Pan for the group of 8 channels controlled by the faders is handled by the 8 pots. Fader 9 is used for control volume of the current mixer channel as well as master volume.

To help you get the best out of your screen real estate, Impact LX88+ also has shortcuts for opening and closing your DAWs mixer window so you can see what's going on.

Instrument Control
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 LX88+. 
Nektar Impact LX88+
Nektar Impact LX88+
Nektar Impact LX88+

collapse expand iconFeatures

Keyboard
Number of keys: 88
Action: Semi-weighted
Key size: Full
Velocity sensitive: 4 V-curves, 3 fixed
Aftertouch: No
Key type: Piano
Connectivity
USB MIDI: Yes
5-Pin MIDI: Yes
Sustain input: TS (assignable)
Expression input: Onboard button
iOS compatibility: Yes
Audio I/O: No
Controls
Knobs: 8
Faders: 9
Drum pads: 8
Buttons/switches: 9
Pitch wheel: Yes
Mod wheel: Yes
DAW transport: Yes
Onboard Features
Edit mode: Yes
Auto mapping: Yes
Number of presets: Most DAWs
Display: Numerical
Bundled Software: Bitwig 8-Track
Other
Width: 50.25"
Height: 3.5"
Depth: 11"
Weight: 18 lb.
USB power: Yes
Power adapter: Sold separately

collapse expand iconSpecs

Keyboard
  • Number of keys: 88
  • Action: Semi-weighted
  • Key size: Full
  • Velocity sensitive: 4 V-curves, 3 fixed
  • Aftertouch: No
  • Key type: Piano
Connectivity
  • USB MIDI: Yes
  • 5-Pin MIDI: Yes
  • Sustain input: TS (assignable)
  • Expression input: Onboard button
  • iOS compatibility: Yes
  • Audio I/O: No
Controls
  • Knobs: 8
  • Faders: 9
  • Drum pads: 8
  • Buttons/switches: 9
  • Pitch wheel: Yes
  • Mod wheel: Yes
  • DAW transport: Yes
Onboard Features
  • Edit mode: Yes
  • Auto mapping: Yes
  • Number of presets: Most DAWs
  • Display: Numerical
  • Bundled Software: Bitwig 8-Track
Other
  • Width: 50.25 in.
  • Height: 3.5 in.
  • Depth: 11 in.
  • Weight: 18 lbs.
  • USB power: Yes
  • Power adapter: Sold separately

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.14

7 Reviews

83%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing2
  2. Back-Up1
  3. Concerts1
Cons
  1. Not Functional1
  2. Came without a power cable?1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced3
  2. Professional Musician3
Pros
  1. Easy To Use6
  2. Functional3
  3. Good Quality2
  4. Improves Sound1
  5. comprehensive functionality for its price point1
  • Price/performance is amazing!

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byKevin

    fromLong Island, NY

    So I have replaced my trusty old Yamaha KX88 weighted controller with this LX88 which cost literally one tenth of what I paid for my last 88 key controller. Does it feel as good? No, but it's not bad - offers far more modern integration with a DAW and I've come to realize how "semi-weighted" is an even better multi-purpose controller for playing in all types of parts.

  • A great keyboard!

    5

    submitted5 years ago

    byMichael M.

    fromVancouver, WA., Phoenix, AZ., S. Calif.

    All the features i need are there. I love my IMPACT LX88+! My brother bought one for himself and one his son. Now we have the same keyboards in the family. My other brother may also buy one. Looks awesome as well! Thank you Nektar for a remarkable keyboard!

  • Nice, but NOT a full sized keyboard...

    3

    submitted5 years ago

    byBC

    fromGreater MN

    It is a nice controller and does all the things it claims to do. However, while the keyboard is listed as "semi-weighted" and "full" size, they are not. The length is 47.5" whereas a regular keyboard is 48.25". The keys themselves are also short 3/8" on both white and black, and the fulcrum on the black key is so close to the end of the key that you cannot push on the furthest point and depress the key (like you can on a piano). Still, if you can make that work it's a good unit in terms of functionality and features. I do wish they would have specified the keyboard dimensions accurately - a lot of hassle could have been avoided.

  • Great, high quality midi controller. I love it!!

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byKeifer

    fromDanville, KY

    I love this keyboard. I like the semi-weighted keyboard, the controls are easy to configure and it's a great performance instrument. Love this controller!

  • Bought it and am not happy

    1

    submitted7 years ago

    byBurchboy

    fromAtlanta, GA.

    Shuts off during performances... The Nektar site suggests to turn it on in low power mode if this happens but it still happens in low power mode... It is very unprofessional to be in the middle of a performance and suddenly the keyboard stops working. This is a problem many have had in forums. Google it before you buy this board. Good for studio, bad for live.

  • Works well - Does just what I want

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 years ago

    byTim

    fromundisclosed

    Keyboard works well, I use it to play keys in a band and use MainStage as the sound generator. Works together seamlessly. Very pleased.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byrichforman

    fromundisclosed

    Is it recognized as a MIDI input by GigPerformer 4.0 as soon as you connect it?

    Is it recognized as a MIDI input by GigPerformer 4.0 as soon as you connect it?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    I’m sorry, I don’t know. It would need to be tested.
  • asked byBonBon

    fromSan Diego, CA.

    I have an old Roland D10 JV-2080 Synth module, can I use sounds from this with this keyboard with the MIDI connection?

    I have an old Roland D10 JV-2080 Synth module, can I use sounds from this with this keyboard with the MIDI connection?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    I’m sorry, I don’t know. I'm not familiar with your D10. Perhaps an inquiry to Nektar.
  • asked byDwight

    fromPhiladelphia PA

    Can a 3 pedal sustain be used on this keyboard?

    Can a 3 pedal sustain be used on this keyboard?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Sustain input: TS (assignable)
  • asked byCrazyJohnny

    fromMacungie, PA

    Can the pads on this controller be used to produce drum sounds on GarageBand?

    Can the pads on this controller be used to produce drum sounds on GarageBand?

    Open Reply - Beau
    The pads on this controller cannot be used to produce drum sounds on GarageBand.
  • asked byAnthony

    fromNV

    Is this a good midi controlle for Kontakt Libraries

    Is this a good midi controlle for Kontakt Libraries

    Open Reply - Ronald
    The list of software it works with is currently: Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One. They may download patches that will allow other software to work with it but currently this list is all they have for it.
  • asked byPark

    fromNY

    Does it come with a power cable?

    Does it come with a power cable?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    This includes a power adapter
  • asked byJackson

    fromundisclosed

    Can somebody please direct me to something very similar to this that works with pro tools? That would be great.

    Can somebody please direct me to something very similar to this that works with pro tools? That would be great.

    Open Reply - Ronald
    We can help you find a couple of options. Email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com and we can get you set up and also ensure you get the best possible price.
  • asked byJackson

    fromundisclosed

    Can I use this with pro tools?

    Can I use this with pro tools?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Unfortunately no. There's a list of compatible DAWs in the product details of the item.
  • asked byJackson

    fromundisclosed

    Ok so it says that that it has daw integration
With all of those daws listed. I have pro tools and so that wouldn't work for me. If I do buy this what can I not do? Does daw integration just mean that once you plug it in you don't have  to mess with assignment options/inputs and outputs?it just connects automatically?If so than I have nothing to worry about. And I can buy it

    Ok so it says that that it has daw integration With all of those daws listed. I have pro tools and so that wouldn't work for me. If I do buy this what can I not do? Does daw integration just mean that once you plug it in you don't have to mess with assignment options/inputs and outputs?it just connects automatically?If so than I have nothing to worry about. And I can buy it

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Daw integration will vary, but the most common result is that the DAW simply won't recognize the instrument at all.
  • asked byJackson

    fromundisclosed

    I don't understand what daw integration is and I have pro tools so what does that mean for me.

    I don't understand what daw integration is and I have pro tools so what does that mean for me.

    Open Reply - Beau
    An integrated DAW consists of a mixing console, control surface, audio converter, and data storage in one device.
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