Review MIDI keyboard Nektar Impact LX88+. Where to buy it?

Nektar Technology’s MIDI controllers offer unrivaled remote control for your music software and are packed with powerful features. They bridge the gap between software and hardware with Nektar DAW control for most major DAWs and performance tools that help you create music more intuitively. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I’ll list the features of this Nektar Impact LX88+ keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.

• With 88 speed-sensitive keys
• DAW integration including track volume and track selection, patch selection and more
• Suitable for all popular DAWs, including Logic, Cubase, Studio One, Reason, Bitwig and more
• 9 faders of 30mm
• 8 rotary encoders
• 9 assignable buttons
• 6 transport buttons
• Octave shift
• Transposition switches
• Pitch bend and modulation wheels
• 4-speed curves plus 3 fixed speeds
• 8 speed-sensitive pads with 4-color LED illumination providing 4 pad assignments and ‘learn’ pad function
• Clip and scene switches for clip-based DAWs
• Extended transport controls, including click, go to locator and more
• 5 memory locations for user-defined parameter settings
• Native USB support for real Plug ‘n Play
• USB bus-powered
• Connectors: Input for TS Footswitch jack 1/4″, USB, MIDI output
• Optional power supply not included
• WIN 7 or higher, MAC OSX 10.7 or higher
• Includes Bitwig 8-Track software download
• Dimensions: 1276 x 279 x 89mm approx.
• Weight: 8.2kg approx.

This MIDI keyboard usually costs around €267/£241/$266 and offers 88 speed-sensitive keys that with their 7-octave range will allow you to compose and perform different musical ideas in your favorite DAW.

In addition to controlling functions such as 9 30mm faders, 8 rotary encoders, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons, transposition switches and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

It also integrates a sustain pedal input, MIDI output, USB connection, and an external power supply input which is not included.

Now that we have seen the features of this Nektar Impact LX88+ keyboard look at these related videos to find out more.

Posts you may be interested in

• Ranking with the best midi keyboards
• My selection of cheap midi keyboards.
• Best MIDI Software to work with.
• MIDI Basic Guide.
• Midi Keyboards by Brand.

Nektar Impact LX88+ vs Nektar Panorama P6

The Nektar Impact LX88+ MIDI Keyboard is priced at €267/£241/$266 while the Nektar Panorama P6 is priced at €444. Having a difference of 177 euros, let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• The Nektar Impact LX88+ provides 88 speed-sensitive keys, and the Nektar Panorama P6 provides 61 sensitive counterbalanced keys and Aftertouch.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ offers 9 30mm faders, 8 rotary encoders, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons, transposition switches and pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Nektar Panorama P6 offers 16 assignable knobs, 9 assignable 45mm faders, 1 100mm ALPS Motorfader (mechanical fader), 10 configurable LED switches, 28 freely configurable switches, 12 speed and pulse sensitive pads, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ integrates a sustain pedal input, MIDI output, USB connection, and an external power supply input which is not included. The Nektar Panorama P6 integrates a MIDI output, a USB connection, and two pedal inputs (expression and sustain).
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ includes the Bitwig 8-Track software license.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In our first comparison, we have two Nektar branded MIDI controllers, Impact LX88+ which offers 88 speed-sensitive keys, 9 30mm faders, 8 rotary encoders, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons, transposition switches and pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Nektar Panorama P6 offers 61 sensitive counterbalanced keys and Aftertouch, 16 assignable knobs, 9 assignable 45mm faders, 1 100mm ALPS Motorfader (mechanical fader), 10 configurable LED switches, 28 freely configurable switches, 12 speed and pulse sensitive pads, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

The main advantage of the Nektar Impact LX88+ is its wide range of keys, reaching 7 octaves, in addition to its set of control functions. The Nektar Panorama P6 has an advantage of its weighted keyboard and aftertouch function, and its 100mm motor fader. If you want a controller with a full grand piano range go for the Nektar Impact LX88+, now if you want a controller with a quality keyboard and mechanical fader go for the Nektar Panorama P6.

And here’s a video of the Nektar Panorama P6 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Nektar Panorama P6 review.

Nektar Impact LX88+ vs Novation Launchkey 25 MK2

The Nektar Impact LX88+ MIDI Keyboard is priced at €267/£241/$266 while the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 is priced at €165/£149/$168. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• The Nektar Impact LX88+ provides 88 speed-sensitive keys, and the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 provides 25 sensitive keys.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ offers 9 30mm faders, 8 rotary encoders, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons, transposition switches and pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 offers 16 RGB backlit speed-sensitive ‘pads’, 8 knobs, transport buttons, other function buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheel.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ integrates a sustain pedal input, MIDI output, USB connection, and an external power supply input which is not included. The Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 integrates a MIDI output, USB connection, and a sustain pedal input.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ includes the Bitwig 8-Track software license. The Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 includes the licenses Ableton Live Lite, Serato Sample LE, AAS Session Bundle, XLN Addictive Keys (1 of 4 selectable virtual keyboards), Klevgrand R0Verb-, DAW Cassette and Spitfire Audio LABS-Expressive Strings.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this comparison, we have on the one hand the Nektar Impact LX88+ which we have already analyzed and on the other hand, the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 which offers 25 speed-sensitive keys, 16 speed-sensitive ‘pads’ backlit with RGB, 8 knobs, transport buttons, other function buttons and a pitching change and modulation wheel.

The main advantage of the Nektar Impact LX88+ is its wide range of keys, up to 7 octaves, plus its array of control functions. And as an advantage of the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 we can talk about a large number of licenses it includes. Having a relevant difference in its prices, we can say that it is worth going for the Nektar Impact LX88+, only if you have limited space or budget you will go for the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2, which is not an option either because of its price.

And here’s a video of the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 review.

Nektar Impact LX88+ vs Novation Impulse 25

The Nektar Impact LX88+ MIDI Keyboard is priced at €267/£241/$266 and the Novation Impulse 25 is priced at €165/£149/$168. Let’s go head to head:

• The Nektar Impact LX88+ provides 88 speed-sensitive keys, and the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 provides 25 semi-heavy and aftertouch keys.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ offers 9 30mm faders, 8 rotary encoders, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons, transposition switches and pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Novation Impulse 25 offers 8 backlit Drum Pads, 1 55mm Fader, 8 assignable controllers, and pitch modulation wheels.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ features a sustain pedal input, MIDI output, USB connection, and an external power supply input which is not included. The Novation Impulse 25 integrates a MIDI input and output, a USB connection, and a sustain and expression pedal input.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ includes the Bitwig 8-Track software licence. The Novation Impulse 25 includes the Xcite+ Software Pack, Ableton Live Lite.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

This comparison will be very similar to the previous one, on the one hand we have the Nektar Impact LX88+ that we have already analyzed, and on the other hand the Novation Impulse 25 that offers 25 semi-heavy keys and Aftertouch, 8 backlit Drum-Pads, 1 55mm Fader, 8 assignable controllers, and modulation-pitch wheels.

Again as a main advantage of the Nektar Impact LX88+ we have its wide range of keys, reaching 7 octaves, in addition to its set of control functions. While the Novation Impulse 25 has the advantage of a semi-weighted keyboard and aftertouch function. Go for the Nektar Impact LX88+ because of its 88-key keyboard and control functions. Only if you have a limited space or budget will you go for the Novation Impulse 25, which is also not an option because of its price.

Here’s a video of the Novation Impulse 25 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Impulse 25 review.

Nektar Impact LX88+ vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

The Nektar Impact LX88+ MIDI Keyboard is priced at €267/£241/$266 while the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 is priced at €135/£125/$137. Let’s go head to head:

• The Nektar Impact LX88+ provides 88 speed-sensitive keys, and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 provides 25 semi-weighted keys.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ offers 9 30mm faders, 8 rotary encoders, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons, transposition switches and pitch bend and modulation wheels. And the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 offers 1 4D push encoder, 8 assignable knobs, transport buttons (rec, play, pause), octave up/down buttons and other functions. In addition to pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ integrates a sustain pedal input, MIDI output, USB connection, and an external power supply input which is not included. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 has an integrated USB connection, and a sustain pedal input.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ includes the Bitwig 8-Track software licence. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 includes the licenses for The Gentleman, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor 6 Player, Kontakt 6 Player, Guitar Rig 5 Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essential.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this comparison we have on one hand the Nektar Impact LX88+ with its already analysed features and functions, and on the other hand the Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A25 which offers 25 semi-weighted keys, 1 4D push encoder, 8 assignable knobs, transport buttons (rec, play, pause), octave up/down buttons and other functions. Plus pitch bend and modulation wheels.

Once again we praise the Nektar Impact LX88+ for its 88-key keyboard and control functions, and as an advantage of the Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A25 we can count on its semi-weighted keyboard. The Nektar Impact LX88+ is still the best option, even though it has a significant price difference it is worth going for.

And here’s a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 review.

Nektar Impact LX88+ vs Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

The Nektar Impact LX88+ MIDI Keyboard is priced at €267/£241/$266 and the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII is priced at €875/£789/$866, We will see your face to face:

• The Nektar Impact LX88+ provides 88 speed-sensitive keys, and the Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII provides a Fatar plywood keyboard, with hammer action (Fatar — TP100LR) of 88 keys, with sensitivity and aftertouch.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ offers 9 30mm faders, 8 rotary encoders, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons, transposition switches and pitch bend and modulation wheels. And the Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII offers 16 illuminated pads with chord memory function, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable knobs, transport buttons (rec, play, pause, stop, etc.), a center knob for choosing different functions, modulation and pitch bend wheels.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ integrates a sustain pedal input, MIDI output, USB connection, and an external power supply input which is not included. The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII integrates CV outputs (pitch out, gate out, Mod 1 and Mod 2), MIDI input and output, inputs for expression, sustain and 3 auxiliary pedals, CV input, external power supply input and USB connection.
• The Nektar Impact LX88+ includes the Bitwig 8-Track software license. The Arturia includes the Analog Lab 4 software license with 6000 synthesizer sounds, Ableton Live Lite, Arturia Wurli V, Arturia VOX Continental V and Arturia Piano V.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In our last comparison we found two 88-key controllers, on the one hand, the Nektar Impact LX88+ with its functions and features that we have already analyzed above, and on the other hand the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII, which offers a Fatar vs, with sensitivity and aftertouch, 16 illuminated pads with chord memory function, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable knobs, transport buttons (rec, play, pause, stop, etc), a central knob to choose different functions, modulation wheels and pitch bend.

This time the Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII beats the Nektar Impact LX88+ thanks to its high-quality keyboard, functions and connections, making it a better MIDI controller. Of course, the price is almost three times as high. Still, the Nektar Impact LX88+ is not a bad choice.

And here is a video of the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII review.

Which is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a low budget?

While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest possible note range, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price that the controllers demand, a kind of value for money.

In this post we have a group of controllers with a wide range in their prices, and so also in the quality and quantity of control functions that they offer. And as an ideal MIDI controller for a mainly we can mention the Nektar Impact LX88+ which offers 88 keys of full size and sensitivity as well as 30mm faders, rotary encoders, assignable buttons and other control options, being compatible with many popular DAWs in the market make this an excellent option for beginners. Go for it.

Where to buy the Nektar Impact LX88+ keyboard

Thomann

• Free Shipping.
• Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
• 100% reliable payment.
• A leader in trouble-free shipping.
• Usually the Best price.
• Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.

Amazon

• Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
• Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
• Sometimes a better price.
• He’s got worse stock than Thomann.

Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:

• Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
• Akai MPK mini Mk2
• Akai MPK miniplay
• Roli Lightpad Block M Studio Ed.
• Arturia MiniLab MKII
• Roli Beatmaker Kit
• Novation Impulse 25
• Akai MPK mini MK2 white
• Alesis V25
• CME Xkey Air 25
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25
• Akai APC Keys 25
• Akai LPK 25
• M-Audio Code 25 black
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
• Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
• Alesis V mini
• Arturia MicroLab Black
• Akai LPK 25 wireless
• Akai MPK mini Limited Black
• Arturia MiniLab MKII Inverted Edition
• M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4
• Korg nanoKEY Studio
• Swissonic EasyKey 25
• Korg nanoKEY 2 black
• Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Orange
• Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Blue
• Akai MPK mini MK2 white – AIEP3 Bdl
• Nektar Impact LX25+
• Novation Launchkey 25 MK2
• Alesis Q25
• Akai MPK 225
• Korg microKEY 25
• Miditech Midistart Music 25
• Alesis VI25
• Korg nanoKEY 2 white
• Arturia MicroLab Blue
• Nektar SE25
• Korg microKEY Air 25
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 25
• Midiplus X2 mini
• Icon iKeyboard 3X
• Keith McMillen K-Board
• CME Xkey 25 silver
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
• Alesis V49
• Arturia Keystep Black Edition
• Swissonic EasyKey 49
• Arturia Keystep
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
• Nektar Impact LX49+
• M-Audio Code 49 Black
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro
• M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
• M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
• Novation Impulse 49
• Nektar Impact GX 49
• Novation Launchkey 49 Mk2
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
• M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4
• Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller
• Roland A-300 Pro
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49
• Alesis VI49
• Midiplus AK490
• Alesis Vortex Wireless 2
• M-Audio Axiom Air Mini 32
• Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 Network
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 37 Pro
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 BE
• Haken Audio Continuum Half Size
• CME Xkey 37 LE
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro
• Korg microKEY 49 MkII
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
• Miditech Midistart Music 49
• Roland A-49 Black
• Korg microKEY 37 MkII
• Swissonic ControlKey 49
• Roland A-500 PRO
• Nektar SE49
• Korg microKEY Air 37
• Korg microKEY Air 49
• Roland A-49 White
• Nektar Panorama T4
• Miditech Garagekey mini
• Miditech Minicontrol-32
• Midiplus X3 mini
• Miditech i2-Control 37 Black
• Icon iKeyboard 4X
• Miditech i2-mini 32
• Midiplus X4 mini
• Miditech i2-mini 32 Bluetooth
• Icon iKeyboard 5X
• Acorn Masterkey 49
• M-Audio Code 61 Black
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
• Nektar Impact GX 61
• M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
• Alesis V61
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61
• Swissonic EasyKey 61
• M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
• Roland A-800 Pro
• Korg microKEY Air 61
• GSi DMC-122
• Nektar Impact LX61+
• Alesis VI61
• Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
• Icon iKeyboard 6X
• Acorn Masterkey 61
• Miditech i2-61 Black Edition
• Midiplus X6 mini
• Korg microKEY 61 MkII
• Midiplus X-6 II
• Viscount Physis Piano K5 EX
• M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII
• Kawai VPC1
• Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH black
• Swissonic ControlKey 88
• Viscount Physis Piano K4 EX
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH grey
• Nektar Impact LX88+
• Haken Audio Continuum Full Size
• Midiplus Stage 88
• Studiologic Numa Concert
• Icon iKeyboard 8X
• Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH without Case
• Midiplus X-8 II
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH GR without Case