Nektar Impact LX49+

I did a pretty exhaustive search for a full-featured, low-priced controller. This is where I ended up and I am happy with it. These things are obviously built to a certain price point, and with that in mind Nektar have done an excellent job.

I'll start with the negatives...there really aren't that many of them, and they are nitpicky. It would have been nice to have aftertouch and a MIDI out, but those are features that few other controllers in this price range have. They keybed is nice, but not great...it's a little "clicky" and doesn't offer a whole lot of springy resistance. That can make rapidly triggering notes a bit difficult. But otherwise it feels nice, and I preferred it to most other controllers in this price range. Also, something about the look of the new + version bothers me a little...the combination of hard plastics, right angles, and muted colors reminds me of cheap hybrid synths from the '80s. But when you turn it on, the glow of the pads makes things much more exciting...

Speaking of the pads, they are excellent! The best I have used so far. The knobs turn very very smoothly and feel nice, as do the pitch and mod wheels. The sliders and other buttons feel good as well. So, the overall build quality seems great.

Where this thing shines is in "digital integration." Using the Impact LX49+ with software that shows realtime response to knob and slider movement is a real treat...everything is very smooth and precise and looks great. What you see on the screen is exactly what you're doing on the keyboard. For the most part, it's also plug-and-play, and it just works. Nektar have done all of the hard work of mapping things for the most common DAWs, which is a blessing. I will say that I expected configuring the Impact to work with different DAWs to be a little simpler. You have to create a user account and download files from Nektar's website and then run an installer. My first attempt at GarageBand integration didn't work. But I didn't try again, I just moved on with my life and I am confident I will be able to get this controller working with whatever software I need. Things are also reasonably easy to change on the keyboard itself. The display is pretty limited and the system for data entry is a little archaic, but it works well.

So, minus 1 star for the feel of the keyboard and no aftertouch, but high marks in all other categories. If you're looking for a budget-priced controller keyboard, this is an excellent choice. The more I use it, the more I love mine!

Quick update: got the Nektar working with GarageBand. Piece of cake! I realized that I had accidentally registered it as an LX49, not an LX49+ (which was buried further down the list). Once I took care of that and downloaded the right files, it was quick and easy and flawless. Really enjoying using my Nektar Impact LX49+!

The first thing to bear in mind here is the extremely affordable price of the LX49+ midi controller so this review is in context with the price.
Second is that this is a midi controller keyboard only. It does not have any built in sounds. It is only used for inputting midi notes into your DAW.

Having said that i was quite impressed with the build quality of this keyboard in relation to it's price. I was expecting some cheap lightweight plastic keyboard but surprisingly this keyboard does have some weight and would be sturdy enough sitting on your studio table or desk.

The keyboard is very well equipped and the layout is quite impressive looking. Apart from the standard octave and transpose buttons, pitch bend and modulation wheels, it also has 9 faders including one master fader which is a very nice touch. A lot of keyboard controllers, even more expensive ones, do not give you a separate master fader.

The LX49+ also has 9 assignable buttons under the faders and 8 rotary knobs. Another nice addition are the transport controls, a digital display and even illuminated drum pads to tap out your drum beats. The 49 velocity sensitive keys feel nice enough to the touch with just enough resistance.

Set up was fairly straight forward and there's even an owners manual included to get you started which is a rare thing these days.

In conclusion, this is an excellent and affordable keyboard controller for your DAW. A seasoned keyboardist may want something more upmarket but if your aim is to mainly input midi notes into your DAW, i don't think you can go wrong with the LX49+

Made the decision to upgrade from my teeny-tiny controller to a 49 with normal-sized keys for my sausage fingers, and after having looked at some of the other options available, I'm glad I spent those extra pennies on this.

For starters, the actual aesthetics of the keyboard are nice, a lovely matte-finished grey that'll fit right in with any contemporary setup. The LEDs or display aren't too obnoxious either. Everything feels sturdy and well built, can't see anything breaking soon, even with expressive or extensive playing. The keys are "synth action" which despite not being weighted; feel great to play on. The addition of velocity sensitive drum pads is also a nice touch, and are pretty fun to use and easy to program.

The I/O is fairly straight-forward, albeit limited with only a USB port and a 1/4 sustain pedal input. For folks like me it's enough, but having more ports for expression pedals or MIDI output would be nice. Not a deal-breaker though.

The area where this keyboard really shines however, is it's DAW integration and compatibility. Following the easy setup and registration guide, I was able to install the appropriate drivers and manuals for Cubase, and was up and running within a matter of minutes. Being able to use it as a generic controller is all fine and well, but having the option to optimize it for maximum control within your DAW is a very nice touch.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this controller to any aspiring producers or hobbyists looking to get more mileage out of their VSTs. Despite the lack of weighted keys or I/O ports, there's positively nothing I can fault about this controller. Good job Nektar.

Ten-outta-ten.

I bought this MIDI Keyboard to use with Omnisphere / Keyscape for my church.

I had a strict budget and I was a bit skeptical at the beginning. I called Thomann and a person from Keyboards suggested this keyboard and I'm Really thankful that I bought it.

I'm thinking of switching to a LX61+ because the extra keys make the difference and I can map more sounds to a larger area.

So, if you're deciding between 49/61 keys, I'd suggest the 61 if you don't mind the extra length and cost.

The pads are Awesome, really good pads for this price.
4 Banks of Pad Memory is really handy and quick to switch.

The keys are smooth and the velocity curve is good by default, but I switched it to suit my needs (really easy steps to switch it).

The DAW integration is another aspect of it, being top notch with multiple DAWs.

I use it with a nanoKontrol 2, so I don't use the sliders on the MIDI very much, so I can't review those in depth, I can only say that the fact that it won't change the sound unless you are at the current level is helpful and a nice feature.

Software is downloaded from their website once you register the product and is a straight-forward installation process, where you pick your product.

The Control Source settings are automatically set (if you choose the keyboard as a control source) and you don't have to modify anything.

Overall: Really Impressed for the money and it does the job.

This keyboard does what it is made for, and easily so.
I just plugged it in, and it worked well. Just find it in the list of controllers in your DAW, and voila!!
I had expected the keyboard to be a bit more plasticky from some reviews, but it feels and looks as solid as any four octave synthesizer I have played on.
This is definitely a keyboard I can recommend to anyone who does not wish to spend hundreds on a MIDI keyboard, but still wants enough sliders, knobs, assignable buttons, AND MIDI pads!!!
This keyboard has just enough of everything. Great for beginners, but definitely also for the professional it is a good budget choice, I think.