The Nektar “Grab” mode allow you to temporarily assign parameters to controls as you work on your project. It’s as easy as holding down shift while moving the parameters on the instrument you want to control followed by moving the controls on Impact LX+ you want them assigned to. Some DAWs even supports saving “grabbed” parameters to a Nektar map* which means you can completely customize your assignments for future use. I want to start learning piano and after months of research, this was the best option I found for this price range. Nowin its 2nd edition,The LX Plusbuilds upon it's predecessor;offering a streamlined set of controller keyboards with even deeper integration with the most popular Digital Audio Workstations and a faster, more intuitive workflow.

I bought it as a replacement for my M-audio Oxygen88 (which is probably the biggest MIDI keyboard ever), so I would be able to fit it in a retractable shelf under my studio desk. The keyboard has a small footprint and it's very convenient to store under the desk. In terms of functionality of the item I have no complaints. These are a few small problems that I had... Nektar DAW Integration custom designed for most of the popular DAWs, takes Impact LX88+ way beyond functionality normally offered by a MIDI controller keyboard. With Impact LX88+ the hard work is done, so you can focus on your creativity. For example, in Logic, if you press the LX+’s Mixer mode button, the mixer view will appear in Logic, and the physical faders will map to it. The buttons map to mutes, and the eight knobs map to pans. There are variations available within the mode, so Shift switches the buttons to solos, and pressing the User button by the knobs will open Logic’s Smart Control view and give you access to these macros from the knobs. The full power of the Impact LX+ series is realized in the LX88+, now with MIDI in/out to equip you for any production application. Based on the award-winning Panorama and LX49+/LX61+ before it, the Nektar Impact LX88+ USB MIDI controller uses intelligent mapping to give you hands-on control of your DAW session. Switch between Mixer, Instrument, and Preset modes for a fast workflow. The labeled faders and encoders show default instrument parameter assignments, helping you keep your eyes off your computer screen. The Impact LX88+'s 88 semi-weighted keys give you a smooth, precise feel, as do its pitch and mod wheels. In fact, all controls on the LX88+ - including the knobs, 30mm faders, and performance pads - feel great.

Installers are provided for (take a breath): Logic and GarageBand, Cubase and Nuendo, Reason, Bitwig, Digital Performer, Studio One, Reaper and Sonar. FL Studio supports the LX with no installation necessary. Once set up, each of these DAWs will enjoy many of the advanced control features which we’ll explore shortly. There are also configuration instruction for Pro Tools, where the Impact appears to use the M-Audio Hypercontrol protocol for a limited subset of functionality. Please note that this extended warranty is currently only available on products sold within the UK, EU or EEA, and is subject to the terms and conditions as detailed on the extended warranty certificate provided. Velocity and four-colour illuminated pads with 4 storage locations for pad mapping and pad learn function Next up, three new buttons have been added. Default/User next to the rotary encoders doubles up this bank of eight knobs, providing 16 assignments in total. Meanwhile Clips and Scenes next to the pad bank provide additional operational modes for the pads that are incorporated into the DAW integration. Examples include setting up of markers (Logic Pro X) and activating scenes and clips (Bitwig). Collection and delivery costs are included for the first 2 years in the event of an item becoming faulty

LED’s added to Mixer, Instrument and Preset buttons to make it clearer which mode is currently selected The key differentiator with MIDI controllers now is intelligent software integration; there is a world of difference between a generic MIDI keyboard and a device that can map dynamically to your software, with little or no setup required. In this regard the LX88+ is powerful, yet disarmingly simple. It provides a nice balance of consistent, preset functions without trying to overstretch itself and become complicated. It’s an interesting contrast to the direction taken by some other manufacturers. NI, Akai, and Novation have all created unified hardware interfaces using software intermediaries (Komplete Kontrol, VIP, and Automap) while Nektar have taken a ‘brute force’ approach and squeezed as much as they can from the hardware APIs available with most of today’s DAWs. This leaves you to work directly in your DAW’s native environment.

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Kong and ReDrum pad parameters selected by hitting the corresponding pad and control parameters immediately from the pots However, it’s the underlying DAW integration where things have improved most. Here, assignments have been standardised across over 100 common VST instruments, so typical functions such as amplitude and filter envelopes, filter cutoff and resonance, oscillator pitch and level appear on the same physical controls. This has allowed them to confidently provide proper labelling of the sliders and knobs, which bearing in mind the number of supported DAWs and instruments is no mean feat. Nevertheless, as a user it’s the sheer predictability of it all that counts. The Smart Switch Delay setting changes the behavior of switch/button controls depending on how long the button is held. When set to anything other than ‘Off’ it may appear that some button functions are unresponsive, when the button is held for too long. The LX88+ features a 88-note Velocity sensitive keyboard, with semi-weighted keys to give the feel of a real piano. This is combined with your classic pitch and modulation controls,8 velocity sensitive pads,9 faders, 8 rotary encoders,transport controls and a range of other buttons including a setofoctave and transpose controls so that you can change key or register at any time; giving you full tactile control of your performance, whether in the studio or out on stage. These responsive controls are combined with Nektar's well known integration to your favourite DAW so that the controller knows what you are doing at all times.

If your ‘External Devices’ window already shows two Impact LX devices (Image 1) you are ready to go. Move on to step 8.The Impact LX88+ keyboard can send on up to 3 zones at the same time. Press Layer to add the layer zone and split to add the split zone. When split or layer is active, the corresponding LED button is lit so there is no confusion. Each zone can be programmed to send on it’s own unique MIDI channel with essential settings either pre-programmed or adjustable during performance. Used with Nektar DAW Integration the LED buttons indicate status for a number of parameters. In Instrument mode, an instrument plugin's switch parameters can be learned with the LED telling you when it's on or off. In Mixer mode the LED buttons control Mute and Solo, with the LED colours indicating the corresponding channels current status. You should get an instant answer on whether your application has been successful, though in some rare cases Klarna or V12 may need to look at the application in more detail. Had some difficulties setting it up on PC and a delay problem with a few programs like Synthesia, but with Bitwig (the software that comes with the piano) it works very well.