Nektar Impact GX49 MIDI Controller Keyboard

Nektar products are synonymous with DAW integration and the Impact GX49 is no exception. The compact design is comfortable in front of a computer and delivers powerful functionality not found on more comprehensive controllers. When inspiration strikes, the Impact GX49 delivers the control needed to capture ideas while they are fresh..

The Keyboard

The Impact GX61 is a dynamic and expressive instrument tailored to composition and performance with your computer music system. This 49-note (4-octave) keyboard features a pitch-bend wheel, modulation wheel and footswitch socket along with two multi-colored octave buttons that enable the keyboard range to be shifted up or down -3/+4 octaves with the LED colors changing to show the precise status.

Dedicated transpose buttons allow you to shift the keyboard range up to +/- 12 semi tones. The buttons can quickly be r-purposed to change the Global MIDI Channel or send Program messages. An assignable potentiometer that by default controls mixer volume provides control over any MIDI parameter,

Nektar DAW Integration for many of the most commonly used DAWs makes it easy to get started and a pleasure to use. With Impact GX61 your controller keyboard is part of your system, giving you the creative freedom to compose, perform and play, without having to reach for your mouse constantly.

The Transport

Eight buttons intended for DAW control, are at the center of the Impact GX49. Essential tasks like transport activation or navigating tracks are highly repetitive and reaching for the mouse every time, can kill inspiration. Used with Nektar DAW integration, the 8 buttons extend functionality to include control over transport and a host of other important DAW functions, right from Impact GX.

The buttons can also be assigned to MIDI messages for use with any MIDI software that’s not supported by Nektar DAW Integration. A primary and a secondary message can be programmed for each of 7 buttons, delivering 14 programmable options total.

The MIDI Control and Setup Functions

Impact GX is a MIDI controller as well as a DAW controller. If you use MIDI software that’s not supported by Nektar DAW Integration, a host of options are available for you to set up MIDI control yourself.

Each of the 14 assignable MIDI buttons, the modulation wheel, footswitch and of course the big control knob, can be assigned to send out MIDI cc messages. The assignable buttons (14) can in addition be configured to send out Program message or MMC transport control. MMC (MIDI Machine Control) is often supported by DAWs that don’t allow for advanced integration, so with this option Impact GX covers all the bases.

The Setup menu also enables Program messages, Bank LSB/MSB to be sent out on the fly as well as settings for selecting one of the 4 velocity curves, setting the Global MIDI Channel and assigning the transpose buttons.

The Connectivity

As a low-powered USB device, Impact GX works with all USB devices that feature a Class compliant MIDI driver. That includes all versions of Windows from XP and higher, Apple OS X 10.5 and higher plus Linux (as long as a USB MIDI driver package is installed).

And if you are often on the move you can easily hook your Impact GX keyboard to an Apple iPad using the iPad’s optional USB camera connection kit (optional). Of course the Impact GX is powered by the iPad so you can work away for as long as your iPad remains charged.

BITWIG 8-TRACK INCLUDED

Bitwig 8-Track in included with every Impact GX61 so you can start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro from day one. Bitwig 8-Track gives you access to over 50 software instruments and effects for use on up to 8 audio or MIDI project tracks, and you can use any 3rd party VST plug-ins you might own too if you like. The ‘Bitwig Essentials Package’, a highly versatile handpicked selection of loops, clips, and samples, is also included to help you get started. So put all that together and you have a powerful sketchpad for your musical ideas featuring the acclaimed workflow of Bitwig Studio.

Nektar DAW Integration supports Bitwig 8-Track so using Nektar Impact GX and Bitwig 8-Track together is a fantastic combination. If you are just starting out you will find it’s the perfect way to take your first steps in the world of digital music creation. And if you’re already familiar with using computer software then you’ll be amazed at what this combination has to offer.