Nektar has announced the release of the third generation of its Impact series of MIDI controllers. This new generation includes the Nektar LX25, LX49, LX61, and LX88 MIDI keyboards. Today, we will introduce each new product separately and we'll describe their distinctive features.
The Nektar IMPACT LX25 mk3 features a 25-key synthesizer keyboard, pitch and mod wheels, and Scale, Chord, and Hold modes. It also offers deep integration with intelligent mapping for all popular digital audio workstations (DAWs). The device has eight velocity-sensitive LED pads that are initially configured for basic percussion instruments, but users can reassign them. Other controls include nine encoders (eight assignable and one global), 22 buttons, and a small display.
Additionally, there are two modes: Mixer and Instrument. These modes allow you to manually control encoders, sends, panning, and plug-ins using preset templates for popular virtual instruments. For faster DAW operation, there are unique features: Looper and Timeline. These features simplify the creation and editing of loops and provide quick navigation. The controller's full functionality is available with DAWs such as Ableton Live Suite, Bitwig Studio, Cakewalk/Sonar, Cubase (version 13 or higher), FL Studio, GarageBand, Nuendo, Logic Pro (version 10.8 or higher), Reason, Reaper, and Studio One (version 5 or higher).
The Nektar IMPACT LX49 mk3 features a full-size synthesizer keyboard and includes Scale, Chord, Hold, and Pitch/Mod wheels. For a wide range of manual interaction with the DAW, it has eight faders, eight velocity-sensitive, assignable, LED-backlit pads, nine encoders (eight assignable and one global), and 22 buttons, as well as a small display. The IMPACT LX49 also provides full NKS support for improved integration with Native Instruments software and third-party applications that support NKS.
The Nektar Impact LX61 mk3 is a 61-key synthesizer keyboard controller with modulation and pitch wheels. It features three modes: scales, chords, and hold. The keyboard has transpose and octave shift buttons, as well as deep integration with popular digital audio workstations (DAWs). It has eight faders, eight velocity-sensitive assignable LED pads, nine encoders (eight assignable and one global), and 22 buttons. Additionally, the built-in display allows you to visualize parameters, and full NKS support ensures compatibility with Native Instruments software and other applications that support this standard.
Like the entire line, the new product has two modes: Mixer and Instrument, as well as unique tools: Looper and Timeline. These modes and tools speed up the process of creating and editing loops, provide instant navigation, and facilitate interaction with software workstations. DAWs compatible with the keyboard include: Ableton Live Suite, Bitwig Studio, Cakewalk/Sonar, Cubase (version 13 and above), FL Studio, GarageBand, Nuendo, Logic Pro (version 10.8 and above), Reason, Reaper, and Studio One (version 5 and above).
The main difference between the Nektar Impact LX88 mk3 and the rest of the third-generation series is its semi-weighted, full-size synthesizer keyboard, which is based on the GXP88 model. Otherwise, the LX88 has all the features of the Impact LX line. These features include pitch and mod wheels; scale, chord, and hold modes; octave and transpose functions; 22 function buttons; eight faders; an LED segment display; eight navigation buttons; eight encoders; and eight velocity-sensitive pads with LED backlighting.
The LX88 also has NKS support for direct control of over 2,000 NKS-compatible instruments and effects. It integrates well with popular DAWs, such as Ableton Live Suite, Bitwig Studio, Cakewalk/Sonar, Cubase (version 13 and above), FL Studio, GarageBand, Nuendo, Logic Pro (version 10.8 and above), Reason, Reaper, and Studio One (version 5 and above). Other unique features of the third generation include two effective modes: Mixer and Instrument, as well as unique functions: Looper and Timeline. These features allow you to easily create and edit loops and provide fast navigation and simplified work with DAW.
The Nektar IMPACT LX25, LX49, LX61, and LX88 Mk3 will be available for purchase starting August 1, 2025. The LX25 Mk3 is priced at $130, the LX49 at $200, the LX61 at $230, and the LX88 at $300. For more detailed information about these devices, please visit the official Nektar website.
