Review MIDI keyboard Nektar Impact LX49+. Where to buy it?

Nektar Technology’s MIDI controllers offer unrivalled 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 LX49+ 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 49 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
• WIN 7 or higher, MAC OSX 10.7 or higher
• Includes Bitwig 8-Track software download
• Dimensions: 788 x 254 x 76mm approx.
• Weight: 3,2kg

This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €135/£122/$135 and offers 49 speed-sensitive keys that allow you to play or compose different musical ideas within your favorite DAW.

It also offers the following control functions: 9 assignable 30mm faders, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons (up/down), and pitch bend and modulation wheels. In addition to switches and scene clips for DAWs.

On connections, the Nektar Impact LX61+ has a built-in sustain pedal input, USB connection where it is also powered. It also includes a Bitwig 8-Track software download.

Now that we’ve seen the features of this Nektar Impact LX49+ 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 LX49+ vs Nektar Panorama P6

The Nektar Impact LX49+ MIDI Keyboard is priced at €135/£122/$135 when the Nektar Panorama P6 is priced at €444, with a difference of €309. Let’s go head to head:

• The Nectar Impact LX49+ provides 49 speed-sensitive keys, and the Nektar Panorama P6 provides 61 sensitive counterbalanced keys and Aftertouch.
• The Nectar Impact LX49+ offers 9 assignable 30mm faders, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons (up/down), and pitch bend and modulation wheels. In addition to switches and scene clips for DAWs. The Nektar Panorama P6 offers 16 rotary controllers, 9 45mm faders, 1 100mm ALPS Motorfader, 10 configurable LED switches, 28 freely configurable switches, 12 speed and pulse sensitive pads, 4 LED mode switches, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• The Nektar Impact LX49+ integrates a sustain pedal input and USB connection, while the Nektar Panorama P6 integrates an external power supply, USB connection, MIDI output and sustain and expression pedal inputs.
• The Nectar Impact LX49+ includes the Bitwig 8-Track software download.

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

In our first comparison we have on the one hand the Nektar Impact LX49+ which offers 49 speed-sensitive keys, 9 assignable 30mm faders, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons (up/down), and pitch bend and modulation wheels. In addition to switches and scene clips for DAWs. And on the other hand the Nektar Panorama P6 offers 61 sensitive and Aftertouch counterbalanced keys, 16 rotary controllers, 9 45mm faders, 1 100mm ALPS Motorfader, 10 configurable LED switches, 28 freely configurable switches, 12 speed and pulse sensitive pads, 4 LED mode switches, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

The advantage of the Nektar Impact LX49+ is that it has a range of control functions, including faders, encoders and assignable buttons. And with the Nektar Panorama P6 we have the advantage of its 6t1 counterbalanced keys and with Aftertouch, as well as its mechanical fader which allows it to be assigned to certain parameters or functions, having greater control and precision. If you want a relatively cheap and moderate MIDI controller go for the Nektar Impact LX49+, now if you want a controller with more professional, comfortable and better functions 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 LX49+ vs Novation Launchkey 25 MK3

The Nektar Impact LX49+ MIDI Keyboard is priced at €135/£122/$135 when the Novation Launchkey 25 MK3 is priced at €165/£149/$168. Let’s go head to head:

• The Nectar Impact LX49+ provides 49 speed-sensitive keys, and the Novation Launchkey 25 MK3 provides 25 speed-sensitive keys.
• The Nectar Impact LX49+ offers 9 assignable 30mm faders, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons (up/down), and pitch bend and modulation wheels. In addition to switches and scene clips for DAWs. The Novation Launchkey 25 MK3 features 16 RGB backlit speed-sensitive pads, 8 assignable knobs, control buttons, octave up/down buttons, motion buttons, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• The Nektar Impact LX49+ integrates a sustain pedal input and USB connection, while the Novation Launchkey 25 MK3 integrates a sustain input, MIDI output and USB connection.
• The Nectar Impact LX49+ includes the Bitwig 8-Track software download. The Novation Launchkey 25 MK3 includes the licenses for: 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 LX49+ which we have already analyzed above, and on the other hand we have the Novation Launchkey 25 MK3 which offers 25 sensitive keys, 16 speed-sensitive pads with RGB backlighting, 8 assignable knobs, control buttons, octave up/down buttons, movement buttons, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

The advantages of the Nektar Impact LX49+ are 49 sensitive keys and a set of good control functions, and the advantages of the Novation Launchkey 25 MK3 are a more compact and lighter design, 16 pads and a large number of licenses. You could go for the Nektar Impact LX49+ if you want a larger number of keys and control functions, and you could go for the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 if you’re interested in the pads and licenses included. They’re both good machines.

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 LX49+ vs Novation Impulse 25

The Nektar Impact LX49+ MIDI Keyboard is priced at €135/£122/$135 when the Novation Impulse 25 is priced at €165/£149/$168. Let’s take a look at this one face to face:

• The Nectar Impact LX49+ provides 49 speed-sensitive keys, and the Novation Launchkey 25 MK3 provides 25 semi-heavy keys and Aftertouch.
• The Nectar Impact LX49+ offers 9 assignable 30mm faders, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons (up/down), and pitch bend and modulation wheels. In addition to switches and scene clips for DAWs. The Novation Impulse 25 offers 8 backlit Drum Pads, 1 55mm Fader, 8 assignable controllers, transport buttons and pitch-bend wheels.
• The Nektar Impact LX49+ has an integrated sustain pedal input and USB connection, while the Novation Impulse 25 has an integrated sustain input and USB connection.
• The Nectar Impact LX49+ includes a Bitwig 8-Track software download. The Novation Impulse 25 includes the licenses for: Xcite+ Software Pack, Ableton Live Lite.

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 LX49+ that we have already analyzed before, and on the other hand, we have the Novation Impulse 25 that offers 25 semi-heavy keys and with the Aftertouch function, 8 backlit Drum-Pads, 1 55mm Fader, 8 assignable controllers, transport buttons and modulation-pitch wheels.

The advantage of the Nektar Impact LX49+ is its 49 sensitive keys and a set of good control functions, while on the side of the Novation Impulse 25 we can mention as advantages its semi-heavy keyboard and its 8 pads. You could go for the Nektar Impact LX49+ if you want more keys and control functions, and if you want a semi-heavy keyboard go for the Novation Impulse 25.

And here’s a video of the Novation Impulse 25

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

Nektar Impact LX49+ vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

The Nektar Impact LX49+ MIDI Keyboard and the Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A25 are priced at €135/£125/$137, so this will be a very interesting comparison. Let’s get to it:

• The Nectar Impact LX49+ provides 49 speed-sensitive keys, and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 provides 25 semi-weighted keys.
• The Nectar Impact LX49+ offers 9 assignable 30mm faders, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons (up/down), and pitch bend and modulation wheels. In addition to switches and scene clips for DAWs. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 features a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, pitch bend and modulation wheels, octave up/down, transport buttons (rec, play, pause) and buttons for other functions.
• The Nektar Impact LX49+ integrates a sustain pedal input and USB connection, while the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 integrates a sustain input and USB connection.
• The Nectar Impact LX49+ includes a Bitwig 8-Track software download. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 includes Komplete effects and instruments: 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 the one hand the Nektar Impact LX49+ which we have already analyzed and seen, and on the other hand the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 which offers 25 semi-weighted keys, a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, tone and modulation wheels, octave up/down, transport buttons (rec, play, pause) and buttons for other functions.

As an advantage of the Nektar Impact LX49+ we have its 49 sensitive keys and a set of good control functions, and as an advantage of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 we can count on its 25 semi-weighted keys, in addition to its integration with Maschine. If you want to have a 4-octave keyboard and good control functions, the Nektar Impact LX49+ will be one of the best options, and if you want a 2-octave controller with semi-weighted keys and a lot of licenses besides a complete integration with Maschine, go for the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25.

And here is 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 LX49+ vs Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

The Nektar Impact LX49+ MIDI Keyboard is priced at €135/£122/$135 when the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII is priced at €875/£789/$866. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• The Nectar Impact LX49+ provides 49 speed-sensitive keys, and the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII provides a plywood Fatar keyboard, with hammer action (Fatar – TP100LR) with 88 speed-sensitive keys and aftertouch function.
• The Nectar Impact LX49+ offers 9 assignable 30mm faders, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, octave shift buttons (up/down), and pitch bend and modulation wheels. In addition to switches and scene clips for DAWs. The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII features 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 LX49+ features a sustain pedal input and USB connection, while the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII features 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 Nectar Impact LX49+ includes licenses for The Caballero, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor Six Player, Kontakt Six Player, Guitar Rig Five Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, and Maschine Essential.

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

In this last comparison we have on the one hand the Nektar Impact LX49+ which we have already analyzed before and on the other hand, the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII which offers a plywood Fatar keyboard, with hammer action (Fatar – TP100LR) with 88 speed-sensitive keys 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.

With such a big price difference, it is logical that the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII will be the best choice, and this is thanks to its high-quality keyboard, a large number of control functions and thus also connections that you will only find in high-end controllers. After that, the Nektar Impact LX49+ is not a bad choice for the price it demands.

And here’s 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 MIDI controllers with a price range between 135 € and 877 €. And as an ideal MIDI controller for a beginner in the world of music production we can nominate the Nektar Impact LX49+ which offers 49 speed-sensitive (intensity in MIDI language) and full-size keys, also assignable faders, knobs, and buttons. It has an integrated footswitch input. This is an excellent MIDI controller for a fair price. If you get the chance to buy it, don’t give it too much thought.

Where to buy the Nektar Impact LX49+ 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