Review MIDI keyboard Nektar Impact LX25+. 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 LX25+ 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 25 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
• 1 fader 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
• WIN 7 or higher, MAC OSX 10.7 or higher
• Includes Bitwig 8-Track software download
• Dimensions: 476 x 267 x 69mm approx.
• Weight: 1,8kg

This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €88/£80/$89 and offers 25 speed-sensitive keys (intensity in MIDI language), which will allow you to compose and play different musical ideas on your favorite DAW.

As control functions, apart from its keyboard, it offers 1 assignable 30mm fader, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, up/down octave buttons and transposition buttons, pitch bend and modulation wheels.

It has an integrated USB connection and a sustain pedal input and includes the Bitwig 8-Track software license.

Now that we’ve seen the features of this Nektar Impact LX25+ 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 LX25+ vs Akai MPK mini Mk2

The Nektar Impact LX25+ MIDI Keyboard is priced at €88/£80/$89, when the Akai MPK mini MK2 white is priced at €79/£70/$81, with a difference so small that this may vary depending on which shop we ask. Let’s go to the face-to-face:

• They both offer 25 speed-sensitive keys. The ones on the Akai are mini.
• The Nektar Impact LX25+ offers 1 assignable 30mm fader, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave up/down and transposition buttons, pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Akai MPK mini MK2 offers 1 4-way thumbstick for dynamic tone/modulation control, 8 MPC pads with note repeat, an arpeggiator button, 8 control knobs, octave up/down buttons, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• Both integrate USB connection and sustain pedal input.
• The Nektar Impact LX25+ includes the Bitwig 8-Track software. The Akai MPK mini MK2 includes the Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials licenses.

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

In this very interesting comparison, we have two MIDI controllers with many control functions at a relatively low cost, on the one hand, we have the Nektar Impact LX25+ which we have already analyzed before, and on the other hand the Akai MPK mini MK2 white which offers 25 mini keys, 1 4-way thumbstick for dynamic tone/modulation control, 8 MPC pads with note repetition, an arpeggiator button, 8 control knobs, octave up/down buttons, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

The advantage of the Nektar Impact LX25+ is that it has an assignable fader and transport buttons that allow you to move between DAW sessions quickly and more precisely. The Akai MPK mini MK2 also has the advantage of excellent quality pads. I would go more for the Nektar Impact LX25+ as it has a normal-sized keyboard, but the decision is up to you, both are good teams.

And here’s a video of the Akai MPK mini MK2 white keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai MPK mini Mk2 review

Nektar Impact LX25+ vs Novation Impulse 25

The Nektar Impact LX25+ MIDI Keyboard is priced at €88/£80/$89 when the Novation Impulse 25 is priced at €165/£149/$168. Let’s go head to head:

• Both offer 25 speed-sensitive keys. The Novation Impulse 25 semi-heavy and aftertouch.
• The Nektar Impact LX25+ offers 1 assignable 30mm fader, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave up/down and transposition buttons, pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Novation Impulse 25 offers 8 backlit Drum Pads, 1 55mm fader, 8 assignable controllers, and pitch modulation wheels.
• Both integrate USB connection and sustain pedal input.
• The Nektar Impact LX25+ includes the Bitwig 8-Track software. The Akai MPK mini MK2 includes the Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials licenses.

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 LX25+ that we have already analyzed, on the other hand, the Novation Impulse 25 offers 25 semi-heavy keys and Aftertouch, 8 backlit Drum-Pads, 1 55mm Fader, 8 assignable controllers, and modulation-pitch wheels.

As an advantage of the Nektar Impact LX25+ we can comment on its assignable buttons and an extensive number of control functions, and as an advantage of the Novation Impulse 25 we can count on a semi-weighted keyboard and aftertouch. Depending on your needs you can make the best decision, however, if you want a better quality keyboard goes for the Novation and if you want more control functions to go for the Nektar.

And here is 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 LX25+ vs Novation Launchkey 25 MK2

The Nektar Impact LX25+ MIDI Keyboard is priced at €88/£80/$89, while the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 is priced at €165/£149/$168. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• Both offer 25 speed-sensitive keys.
• The Nektar Impact LX25+ offers 1 assignable 30mm fader, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave up/down and transposition buttons, 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 wheels.
• Both integrate USB connection and sustain pedal input. The Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 features an integrated MIDI output
• The Nektar Impact LX25+ includes the Bitwig 8-Track software. 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, 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 LX25+ with its familiar features and functions 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 tone changing and modulation wheel.

Both are good MIDI controllers, however, we can comment that the Nektar Impact LX25+ offers more control functions, but the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 does not lag behind and offers the advantage of its large number of licenses, which are highly valued by beginners. If a somewhat inexpensive and highly functional MIDI controller is your best bet, the Nektar Impact LX25+ is the answer.

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 LX25+ vs M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4

The Nektar Impact LX25+ MIDI Keyboard is priced at €88/£80/$89 and the M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4 is priced at €85/£72/$82, with a difference so small that this may vary depending on which shop we ask. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• Both offer 25 speed-sensitive keys.
• The Nektar Impact LX25+ offers 1 assignable 30mm fader, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave up/down and transpose buttons, pitch bend and modulation wheels. The M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4 offers 8 speed-sensitive trigger pads, 8 assignable knobs, 1 assignable fader, octave up/down buttons, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• Both feature an integrated USB connection and a sustain pedal input.
• The Nektar Impact LX25+ includes the Bitwig 8-Track software. The M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4 includes the SONiVOX Twist (Software), Ableton Live Lite (Software), USB Cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty and Safety Manual.

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

In the last comparison we have on the one hand the already known and analyzed Nektar Impact LX25+, and on the other hand, we have the M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4 which offers 25 full-size velocity-sensitive synthesizer action keys, 8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads, 8 assignable knobs, 1 assignable fader, octave up/down buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

The Nektar Impact LX25+, which we have also mentioned above, has the advantage of assignable buttons and a range of functions. The advantage of the M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4 is that it is automatic for some popular DAWs, assigning a function to each controller button directly on the computer, which is very useful for getting started after counting. For the number of control functions, the Nektar Impact LX25+ is a better controller.

Here is a video of the M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4 review.

What is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a 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 offered by most MIDI controllers, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price demanded by the controllers, a kind of value for money.

In this comparison, we find a group of MIDI controllers that have a price not higher than 165 € so we have economical devices with moderate functions. As the most ideal MIDI controller for beginners we can mention the Nektar Impact LX25+ which offers 25 full-size keys with sensitivity, as well as having a 30mm fader, rotary encoders, assignable buttons and other functions. It is really a very complete MIDI controller, if you have the opportunity to acquire it don’t think twice.

Where to buy the Nektar Impact LX25+ 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