lol As an American, when you said "It's 100, 110 pounds of midi controller" I thought "Is it made of steel and concrete?!" before I realized what you meant ;). Awesome review! Thanks. I am picking one up (all 110 pounds of it!) this week.
I've been searching ALL over for a 49 or 61 key midi keyboard / controller for ages - literal months. This weekend I was about to order three seperate items to do the jobs this one keyboard can handle on its own. Not much price difference, but this Nektar is higher quality, uses less desk space and FEWER CABLES! I ordered the 61 key version.
The intro of this is one of your best speeches - it drew me in instead of turning me off with too many questions but no answers until super far into the video
this video is class,theres a few vids on the nektar out there but this blows them away..i bought the 88+ version of this new with the midi port and seperate power supply but forgot i had it,its still boxed in loft,got too many keyboards here but ill dig it out tomorrow..i love bitwig..fave daw..thanks for posting this and all your other great vids..peace.
I've been d*cking about with the 25 key version with Voltage Modular for about a month. I'm a middle aged guitarist, no synth experience. I have no reference point, so maybe I'm using the best gear going, maybe the complete opposite, but I'm having a whale of a time. It blows my mind when I watch real synth experts, such as yerself, demoing this stuff, seeing/hearing a couple of hundred quids worth of modern tech doing what would have cost the price of a small house 40 or 50 years ago.
Awesome demo and info shown... You just sold me on this midi controller keyboard with the minimal fuss factor offered.... Now I just have to make room for it on my small music desk space, lol. Thanks so much! Btw, Nektar support has been awesome answering my questions about this keyboard vs the newer mini with arp and what daws and controls they offer. Kudos to Nektar!
This keyboard integrates with Bigwig Studio perfectly! The only other time i remember a MIDI controller integrating with a DAW so well was my Cakewalk/Roland A Pro with Cakewalk Sonar Producer 8.5 and Sonar X1. But they were made by the same company. I just wish this controller had endless knobs!
Where was this 20 years ago when I started down this synth Road. Looks like the perfect beginner keyboard. That ready made integration is just fantastic. Great video, as always.
I got the impact lx25+ like 2 years ago and it suprised me that nobody else really talks about the impact boards especially the lx25. Getting it started and using the default controls was easy but starting to go deep is a challenge with not much instructions out on how scenes work. It took me a month or two to figure out at the start. But I'm still finding new stuff...
Many of us aren't tech savvy, and all that matters is that it integrates and works. I have this as a emergency solution and the keys aren't what I'm used to but I'm surprised how much I got for a 100 euros. Damn. I started with FLStudio 7 and Reason 3.0! I've been around, but it's nice to see the controller in the list of midi devices in any DAW :) right away. It saves us a lot of time, we musicians hate the mouse when making music.
I hadn't before heard the term "soft pickup" but that was exactly my concern when you started showing off the multi-layered control hand-offs .. and wow, I think that just sold me. I've been through a handful of midi controllers throughout the years and always found them lacking in some common sense way .. but this one so far is really ticking all the boxes! This seems much less of a company trying to sell a concept that they like and much more of a tool made by musicians for musicians that streamlines having fun and creating without a daunting learning curve. Thank you for demonstrating!
About to upgrade my 25+ for a larger one, this is such a versatile and easy controller, does nearly everything. One thing about NI plugins, if you run the instrument through Komplete Kontrol the knobs will be mapped to the 8 default NKS assignments for the device without the need to create custom mappings for each device which is handy.
I have exactly the same keyboard. I love it. It would be nice if it had after touch. But it's a great MIDI controller for a very reasonable price. And yes, it works with my Reaper Daw really easily.
The DAW integration is pretty good(cakewalk excluded). This is my first keyboard and my only complaint is the fader and modwheel material start melting after 2 years use.
@@KageChen I have the lx 61+ and using it with cakewalk, had no problems with it. I did have to download and install some extra software available through the Nektar website and tweak some setings but it works just fine - cakewalk is a lot better than bitwig which I wasn't liking very much.
Nice Demo. I have a Nektar T6 big brother coming shortly. Wanted to see what this version was like. Nice to see you still using the Surface Pro 7. I also have some for my portable setup. Not sure if you have upgraded since this video was released but the Surface still has the horse power for my music.
Thanks for a brilliant demo of this controller - I've found it to be very informative and I now have some idea about using it with Waveform 11 Pro (in progress)
Thanks for this great overview. I have the 88 note version for live work running Gig Performer and it is awesomely versatile. It only weighs about 7 kg so great for carrying up stairs and only cost £200. What's not to love?
They are different - the Impact has a lot of these pre-mapping DAW control whereas the Keylab comes with a large selection of software sounds. So if you want what either of them offers then go for that one!
thanks for this. i was tossing coins about which controller to get to replace my existing non functional one. The use of use for mapping this controller displays will totally change my workflow. I got so used to just using preset patches because some ot the synths are quite daunting. huzzah my good man.
I have a question, and this could be me just getting old and I missed it in the manual, but what key are you holding down to midi learn? I cannot for the life of me find it in the manual.
You can clearly hear the key noise on this video. I'm looking for a MIDI keyboard to buy with Dorico 4 for arranging. I'm considering buying the Impact GPX 49 because I need the MIDI Out port for my audio interface. I also want a power supply with a cable, which the GPX 49 has.
i cant get used to the platicky style of the keyboard and having issues with latency...im runnning it off a top end brand new Hp laptop using Elements Waves and Arturia V collection.
It is their more entry level keyboard. The Panorama range are much posher. With latency that’s going to be a function of your audio interface. What interface are you using? If you’re using the onboard sound then that’s where the problem is and it will be the same with any and every keyboard
@@MoltenMusicTech oh really...i used to use an old E mu keys with a mac that was fine...i must say it is less noticeable with headhones...i didint realise i needed an audio interface if im not recording vocals or guitar etc...so an audio interface it is then, right? ow much should i need to spash out?
Yeah Macs have a superior audio engine because they only have to support one version of it. Windows has to work with a thousand different audio chipsets and so is slightly lazier. If you have a look on my channel for my Windows tweaking videos and also ASIO4ALL you can minimise the latency. Really low latency is available on Windows it's just that very few bits of software support it natively. It always works much better with an audio interface that uses proper ASIO drivers. You'll also get better sound so that's a bonus. They can cost from about 50 quid for an M-Audio Solo/Duo upwards to whatever you want to spend.
@@MoltenMusicTech thanks i installed asio4all and hat improved things as did a very high end cinnamon usb cable, compared to the stock supplied white one with the Nektar its night and day. ok thanks for your expertise. i clearly have a lot to learn !!
Was your latency issue with arturia on windows? I both the arturia keylab essential and used built in windows drivers with their software. I had audio issues. I returned it and got the nektar t6. I was testing the t6 with same windows drivers and no latency/audio glitch issues although I had already uninstalled analog lab with the T6.
Do you know if there is a way to use this keyboard to write send automation within studio one, rather than having to use the mouse? I havent been able to get it to control my sends on a track. For example reverb sends on a vocal track
Cool video, is there any videos showing how to get the integration working with Cubase? I just purchased and at point of sending back due to frustration to get the integration with Cubase working
What a nice review/ tutorial. I just bought the impact LX-88, got it in NYC for $299. The major selling point was, as you point out, its smooth integration with DAW, in particular, Logic Pro X. Haven't even plugged it in yet, watching your vid first! I was on the fence, between getting this, and the AKAI 249, which has a nicer build quality, but stiff key action, and a much more complicated DAW setup. Question: Is there any reason to get a power adapter, rather than power it with the USB cable? Can that hurt the computer after a while, drawing power from it? I will be using it mostly with an iMac 27" and a Macbook Pro 15".
Nice review. I'm looking for something to work with dawless gear so probably not for me but as one came up cheap on Ebay I came looking. Might I respectfully suggest you move your mic off the desk to avoid those thumps on the keyboard?
Noob 32+ hrs study; After a week trying to get Nektar LX25 operational in STUDIO 1. I finally admitted defeat & returned it. There's a lack of good precise step-step procedures to get up to speed with any DAW. Also tried Bandlab. User Guide is no help. SOUNDBRIDGE = similar halting muddy non-progress, no DAW recognition.Mfg Tech didnt have answer..A good manual may give some vital tips, clues in HOW TO section. Most reviews don't cover actual steps needed.
Can you connect this to an audio interface or is it just to your laptop etc. Is it good enough to just make good music connected to the laptop direct? Thanks
This is a MIDI keyboard - it has no sounds and makes no noise. You would connect an audio interface to your laptop to hear the sounds your laptop makes from software synths and audio recordings. To make music on a laptop you need a MIDI keyboard like this and an audio interface to give you the better quality sounds and faster response. You might need to do a bit more research my friend.
Is it possibe to fully integrate it with Ableton so you can use de Clips/Scenes Buttons, and so that the pads reflect the clips in the session with colors? I can’t find any info, the only way I could integrate it is manually, but only partially. No scenes/clips buttons, and no interactive colors on pads. I’ve had it for lile a year now and still can’t figure this out
No, it doesn't have RGB pads, just 4 colours and the Clip/Scene control is for Bitwig Studio not Ableton Live. There's no special Live integration as far as I know so it looks like you picked the wrong keyboard for your DAW. Check out the webpage - there's no mention of Ableton Live support, sorry. You can still map the MIDI controls to controls in Live and play the drums on the pads.
How does the transport( play, stop, rev, fwd, mount) and track control buttons (track up, down, patch up down) work? I mean in any DAW there is no midi learn function for these things? By pressing these buttons does the nektor send midi message to the computer/DAW or these buttons send some different message? And if they send the midi messages then how can the DAW reads and responds to it?
Transport controls rely on a protocol called HUI or Mackie control which was written for a hardware controller from Mackie many many years ago. Most DAWs and anything with transport controls support it and it's completely separate from MIDI control.
@@MoltenMusicTech so the midi controllers do not send midi data(notes or cc) to control transport function? To control a DAW's transport the midi controllers (not the mackie controllers) send something else other than the midi data?
Well, it is MIDI data but it's particular to the Mackie Control protocol - it's more like SyseX I guess. I'm sure google will help you if you like reading.
@@MoltenMusicTech Nice! It will be the nice way to expand Modwave's keyboard and produce also something in computer without audio interface at the same time. :)
@@MoltenMusicTech Anyway this seems so far best bet for Cubase user like me. Are those keys possible for weak fingers? I have Akai APCKEYS 25 and those mini keys were absolutely impossible to press. So I opened the box and loosened the screws. It worked kind of. It would be possible to create Arduino based rotary controller board without high tech involved. I have been dreaming of creating such budget system for artists. Idea would be able to store settings to memory and then morph from setting to another at the same time rotaries being indicative and responsive. Feedback interaction should be kept simple but not too so that artist has only some easy rules to learn. Rotary control which has leds around would do the trick. That would last. But motorized sliders would break. If used they should be configured easily switcheable in communistic budget version control board if possible. One motorized slider RSA0N11M9A07 is just under 23€.
This is great thanks. Second watching after my LX49 arrived. This might not be my last question ....what rhodes plugin are you running ? T Cheers from Pete in Auchtermuchty, Scotland.
Thank you, I have had often problem with the install file, now I just drag the folder in Presonus studio One Devices. Can you make a video on how to install the Impact easy? Sometimes it will install, and other times not.
I bought one of these, but as a newbie the lack of Plugins/insturments and Only Bitwig as Offered SW package....its very limited... Can you help me getting some hints on Plugins and Free Sw to use it. If Possible Like the Analog from Arturia to make it easir for my 6 years old to just turn on and start palying. Thank you in avance
The Impact with work with any MIDI software. You can then map the knobs to control whatever you want..... none of that is particularly easy for a 6 year old. You'd be better off perhaps with a keyboard that has sounds rather than routing through a computer to use software sounds. Another option would be to return the Impact and get an Arturia controller that integrates well with their Analog selection. The Impact works really well with the things it's designed to work with, but I think you're looking for something else. Anyway, here's some free software instruments that you can try. www.careersinmusic.com/best-free-vst-instruments/
Do you have an opinion on warrantees? It comes with a standard one-year warranty from Nektar, but the major retailer in the US, Sam Ash, offers an extended 3-year warranty for about $50. Do these MIDIs last forever anyway - since it's all digital - or do you think it really needs a warranty? In my experience, factory flaws will show up in the first few months, and if it makes it past the year mark, it will probably last forever. I have + 10-year-old Macs and PCs that are still cooking and never needed service (except to replace mechanical HDs and update RAM). But I have no experience with Midis...
I just got the $299 nektar t6 with a 4 year warranty on Amazon for about $45. I saw that the warranty is generally cheaper on Amazon than the retailers that offer them.
Not really no. It doesn't have MIDI outputs, just USB so you can't connect it directly to a synth. It's designed to connect to a computer and then you can use it with anything else connected to the computer. So if you have a MIDI interface on your computer and connect the Crave to it, then you can route the MIDI from the Nektar to it. Does that make sense? This is really a controller for controlling software, not hardware.
Hi, I might have missed it but I can't find no mention of integration with Ableton - does it work as flawlessly as with the DAWs you've showed here? Very informative and practical video, thank you so much!
No, there's no special integration with Ableton Live - it would work just like any other MIDI controller. If Ableton Live is your thing then there are better dedicated controllers.
Good video. MAudio's Oxygen series maps to various DAWS, and to its "Air Music Tech" Virtual instruments. Are you saying Nektars instrument mapping is more general?
Nektar has a similar thing called Nekarine which is very comprehensive for their more expensive keyboards. With the Impact range the software is behind the scenes and simpler. It offers quick mapping that’s saved with the plugins.
@@MoltenMusicTech Seems like NI's version has more appeal. Can't even find a Panorama in the store in the states to test, but plenty of NI's boards. How's the build quality?
Yes i have, the Panorama is a much better experience if you're after keyboard feel. The Impact is a bit clacky, but works fine for me. You do generally get what you pay for with MIDI controllers.
@@MoltenMusicTech thanks Robin. Can you change the angle of the arms the machine sits on? It's not very clear from the product descriptions. What we need is the full Molten Review treatment 😁
No, it's very basic. You can change the height as the top and bottom sections overlap and are held with two thumb screws. They are a little fiddly to alter but are just the job for raising something above your desk. I've got 3!
I just got this and im using ableton and none of the knobs are doing anything. Is there a good way to set that up? Or do ableton pianos just not work for this
There’s no special functions for Ableton Live, it’s the one DAW it doesn’t support. You can use it in regular midi mode and map the knobs and sliders yourself, like any regular controller.
Looks amazing! A small question given that I am considering it for using exclusively with an iPad... Does the "shift" operator simply switch the CCs associated to each controller? Pad, slider, etc... That would be very convenient. If it actually needs to install "software" on the "PC"/"MAC", then maybe that functionality won't be usable on iOS. Still looks pretty dope for the price, not gonna lie!
After finishing the video, it seems like it is doing more than just switching banks on the Nektar, it seems more like it's talking to the DAW, and getting the right CCs from them to associate them to the Nektar's controllers... Definitely very nice, but it does sound like something most DAWs on iOS probably won't support at this point at least. Maybe Cubasis will? Given that it's based on Cubase... but my experience with Cubasis 3 has been kind of disappointing, so I wouldn't bet on it.
I don’t think they have scripts for iOS but it would work fine as a regular midi controller but none of the cool stuff in this video would work automatically.
@@MoltenMusicTech Unfortunately! Yes I suspect it must talk at least to the daw so it can tell what CC it needs to "grab".... what a shame! It looks fantastic. I have heard "bad" things about the keybed, but I generally never really feel like that is something that cannot be dealt by simply remapping the velocity curves. I'm now looking into the Monoprice SRK49, since it has a midi out port which I can use with some bluetooth midi adapters... Have you ever SEEN this keyboard?! NO reviews at all on youtube! It looks very promising but the lack of reviews makes me second guess.... but well, it is cheaper than the Nektar, which is already quite cheap so... maybe I'll just give it a try given that I can't actually use the coolest part of the Nektar. Not gonna lie though, the way the Nektar maps things is just legendary.... Thanks for your time man, you always do the BEST videos of gear. I love them! Most people just glance over stuff.... glad you don't.
@@EnriquePage91 I bought the nektar t6 for use with my iPad mostly and working on learning it. I still need to read the manual. Looking at the keys on this one they look similar. My guess is people complaining that the keys slope going down towards the controls. I’m working on getting used to it but the keys kind of remind me of the akai I tested at the store. I was tempted to get the akai and tried the arturia keylab essential but sent it back. I like how the arturia and nektar show more info on the screen like a regular hardware keyboard. The nektar do seem next level midi controller.
@@GospelMusic4Life thank you for your opinion! I actually went with the previous choice I mentioned as a reply to @Molten Music Technology; I have found quite a few brands that "fabricate it", so it's clearly one of those generic midi devices that gets rebranded by quite a few brands. I bought it from the brand Monoprice (stage right, I believe, was the series) and it's getting here tomorrow! The reasons why I went for it: 1 - Seems like Nektar doesn't have compatibility with the software I use on ipad (mostly AUM and ApeMatrix, and although I didn't CHECK this, I would be surprised if there was any to be honest as it isn't mentioned on Nektar's website). 2 - The Stage Right has semi-weighted keys! 3 - Knobs are actually rotary which is GREAT when handling multiple plugins with one set of controls. The pick up function on the knobs and sliders on the Nektar looks AMAZING but I am quite sure it needs to talk to the DAW for this so I am guessing on the iPad it will not work. 4 - Just like the Nektar, the pads are assignable from the keyboard (I believe) and can also send CCs (I am actually not sure if they send notes but I would imagine they would, otherwise I can use Mozaic to wire that up so no biggies for me). 5 - It was 50 dollars cheaper. 6 - It is smaller eventhough the keys are also piano-sized (or whatever, forgot the proper terminology just rn) so it will be easier to fit on my desktop, which is where I want it to pretty much live. 7 - It has midi out port so I can send the midi through a bluetooth adapter to the ipad so I don't need to be wired up :)! CONS (for me, using on iPad and not a DAW with support from Nektar): 1- Definitely a lot less versatility in terms of controls when compared to the Nektar. I wish I could have those sliders from the Nektar on the Stage Right but to be fair I do already have 2 controllers that have 8 faders which is about as many as I generally need for a session, so it's alright I guess.... Definitely wish I had them though, more controls are NEVER a bad thing imo :P. 2 - No actual wheels for pitch and modulation, but two tactile stripes instead. I have no idea whether these will react fine or not, but it's not the end of the world to me as I generally use MPE for the type of expressivity I'd be missing by not using those wheels on the keyboard itself. So, for the little use I'd give them, I'm hoping the fact that these are tactile strips will be just fine. So in conclusion, I am sure the Nektar is a wonderful device, but since it was more expensive, did not have the semi-weighted keys, and also only sends midi through USB, I went with the other unit. The conveniences on the other one are more important to me than the price itself, but then again it was also cheaper so I am hoping I will be very happy tomorrow! And if the controller doesn't last for too long... well, I learned my lesson and didn't spend much along the way :P. The Nektar will surely follow then haha! I appreciate your reply and thorough description of your impressions! The nektars really seem like amazing units, maybe I will get one in the future if the Stage Right doesn't convince me or doesn't end up lasting too long due to it's generic nature (I've had very good experience with generic devices though, so I am actually not too afraid about this) :).
I couldn't even get it to even make a sound in Cakewalk... as far as the transport controls they didn't work either. Its in its box waiting for UPS to come pick it up and return it to musicians friend for a refund.
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lol As an American, when you said "It's 100, 110 pounds of midi controller" I thought "Is it made of steel and concrete?!" before I realized what you meant ;). Awesome review! Thanks. I am picking one up (all 110 pounds of it!) this week.
Yoyi!! I am lulu gaga!!
Haha.. I did too 😆
Got a 49+ on the way to replace my 25+. Never knew how easily it maps knobs. Thank you so much for the in depth review.
I've been searching ALL over for a 49 or 61 key midi keyboard / controller for ages - literal months. This weekend I was about to order three seperate items to do the jobs this one keyboard can handle on its own. Not much price difference, but this Nektar is higher quality, uses less desk space and FEWER CABLES! I ordered the 61 key version.
LOL! I was just about to ask what touchscreen you were using !
So happy I found this video. I just got one and will now spend countless hours trying to learn all its features.
The intro of this is one of your best speeches - it drew me in instead of turning me off with too many questions but no answers until super far into the video
this video is class,theres a few vids on the nektar out there but this blows them away..i bought the 88+ version of this new with the midi port and seperate power supply but forgot i had it,its still boxed in loft,got too many keyboards here but ill dig it out tomorrow..i love bitwig..fave daw..thanks for posting this and all your other great vids..peace.
i come back to this video whenever i struggle to map the knobs, you are my hero
One of the few Videos showcasing the real capabilities of the Nektar LX Plus MIDI contoller! Thanks for the professional video!
I've been d*cking about with the 25 key version with Voltage Modular for about a month. I'm a middle aged guitarist, no synth experience. I have no reference point, so maybe I'm using the best gear going, maybe the complete opposite, but I'm having a whale of a time.
It blows my mind when I watch real synth experts, such as yerself, demoing this stuff, seeing/hearing a couple of hundred quids worth of modern tech doing what would have cost the price of a small house 40 or 50 years ago.
Ooo nice, thanks for the comment - it is extraordinary :D
Awesome demo and info shown... You just sold me on this midi controller keyboard with the minimal fuss factor offered.... Now I just have to make room for it on my small music desk space, lol. Thanks so much! Btw, Nektar support has been awesome answering my questions about this keyboard vs the newer mini with arp and what daws and controls they offer. Kudos to Nektar!
This keyboard integrates with Bigwig Studio perfectly! The only other time i remember a MIDI controller integrating with a DAW so well was my Cakewalk/Roland A Pro with Cakewalk Sonar Producer 8.5 and Sonar X1. But they were made by the same company.
I just wish this controller had endless knobs!
Where was this 20 years ago when I started down this synth Road. Looks like the perfect beginner keyboard.
That ready made integration is just fantastic.
Great video, as always.
RUclips
Works great in logic also. thanks for the video. Ive had my impact 25 for about 6 months and love it.
I got the impact lx25+ like 2 years ago and it suprised me that nobody else really talks about the impact boards especially the lx25.
Getting it started and using the default controls was easy but starting to go deep is a challenge with not much instructions out on how scenes work. It took me a month or two to figure out at the start. But I'm still finding new stuff...
Many of us aren't tech savvy, and all that matters is that it integrates and works. I have this as a emergency solution and the keys aren't what I'm used to but I'm surprised how much I got for a 100 euros. Damn. I started with FLStudio 7 and Reason 3.0! I've been around, but it's nice to see the controller in the list of midi devices in any DAW :) right away. It saves us a lot of time, we musicians hate the mouse when making music.
I hadn't before heard the term "soft pickup" but that was exactly my concern when you started showing off the multi-layered control hand-offs .. and wow, I think that just sold me. I've been through a handful of midi controllers throughout the years and always found them lacking in some common sense way .. but this one so far is really ticking all the boxes! This seems much less of a company trying to sell a concept that they like and much more of a tool made by musicians for musicians that streamlines having fun and creating without a daunting learning curve. Thank you for demonstrating!
ON CORE ! Using Studio One v6 Many thanks to You for showing me. FAN
About to upgrade my 25+ for a larger one, this is such a versatile and easy controller, does nearly everything. One thing about NI plugins, if you run the instrument through Komplete Kontrol the knobs will be mapped to the 8 default NKS assignments for the device without the need to create custom mappings for each device which is handy.
Definitly going to have another look at this one. Thanks for a(as always) good review.
RUclips
👏🏻 😍 This is the best video on these controllers that Ive seen so far. Thank you!
Thanks Robin, I learnt everything I wanted to know from your wonderful demo. Have a Blessed day!
I have exactly the same keyboard. I love it. It would be nice if it had after touch. But it's a great MIDI controller for a very reasonable price. And yes, it works with my Reaper Daw really easily.
Bro is it worth money?
The DAW integration is pretty good(cakewalk excluded). This is my first keyboard and my only complaint is the fader and modwheel material start melting after 2 years use.
@@KageChen I have the lx 61+ and using it with cakewalk, had no problems with it. I did have to download and install some extra software available through the Nektar website and tweak some setings but it works just fine - cakewalk is a lot better than bitwig which I wasn't liking very much.
@@latadarjee9176 incredibly worth the money if you have in depth knowledge of you’re daw and are willing to learn an entirely new workflow.
Is the DAW free ?
This is an excellent review! Looking @ the LX61+ myself. This helps so much with that decision.
Thanks for this, this video has made my mind up to buy this out of all the midi keyboards out there. Great informative video. Studio one user.
Nice Demo. I have a Nektar T6 big brother coming shortly. Wanted to see what this version was like. Nice to see you still using the Surface Pro 7. I also have some for my portable setup. Not sure if you have upgraded since this video was released but the Surface still has the horse power for my music.
Be sure to use the nektarine software that comes with it❤
Thanks for a brilliant demo of this controller - I've found it to be very informative and I now have some idea about using it with Waveform 11 Pro (in progress)
Excelent review! Thanks!
This is a brilliant walk-through! Good stuff.
Nektar makes amazing hardware. Very underrated.
Thank you, this is just what I'm looking for just ordered one, thanks to your review regards John
Thanks for this great overview. I have the 88 note version for live work running Gig Performer and it is awesomely versatile. It only weighs about 7 kg so great for carrying up stairs and only cost £200. What's not to love?
GREAT VIDEO! THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR GUIDING ME THROUGH THIS.
If the Daw controls work well with FL Studio, I am getting this baby
Yes necktar midis are good for fl studio
witch one better...Nektar Impact LX49+ MIDI Controller or Arturia Keylab 49 Essential Controller?
They are different - the Impact has a lot of these pre-mapping DAW control whereas the Keylab comes with a large selection of software sounds. So if you want what either of them offers then go for that one!
I just got myself a Nektar Aura , about turn it on and jam on in Bitwig.
Lol
Very much appreciate this GREAT overview ... so helpful ... thank you!!
thanks for this. i was tossing coins about which controller to get to replace my existing non functional one. The use of use for mapping this controller displays will totally change my workflow. I got so used to just using preset patches because some ot the synths are quite daunting. huzzah my good man.
I have a question, and this could be me just getting old and I missed it in the manual, but what key are you holding down to midi learn? I cannot for the life of me find it in the manual.
Superb demo - ya sold me
I‘ve been using the older LX49 with my iPhone 4. For those who wonder if that’s possible.
What a great video! Thanks man!
Incredibly informative many thanks! 👏👏👏
Very detailed and understandable expalations.
great focused tutorial!
Thank you very much for such interesting and useful video
Great demo, thankyou and congrats!!
You can clearly hear the key noise on this video.
I'm looking for a MIDI keyboard to buy with Dorico 4 for arranging.
I'm considering buying the Impact GPX 49 because I need the MIDI Out port for my audio interface.
I also want a power supply with a cable, which the GPX 49 has.
Is it possible to use the Grab function in mixer mode to make the knobs adjust effects sends and parameters in Cubase?
Yep. Looks good. Especially if you can create and edit scripts.
Thank you so so so so much for this video!
Thank you Sir. Much appreciated.
Wonderful video ! Thank you.
This guy looks like a hip Piers Morgan.
Great video BTW.
Brilliant, Thanks very much 🙂
i cant get used to the platicky style of the keyboard and having issues with latency...im runnning it off a top end brand new Hp laptop using Elements Waves and Arturia V collection.
It is their more entry level keyboard. The Panorama range are much posher. With latency that’s going to be a function of your audio interface. What interface are you using? If you’re using the onboard sound then that’s where the problem is and it will be the same with any and every keyboard
@@MoltenMusicTech oh really...i used to use an old E mu keys with a mac that was fine...i must say it is less noticeable with headhones...i didint realise i needed an audio interface if im not recording vocals or guitar etc...so an audio interface it is then, right? ow much should i need to spash out?
Yeah Macs have a superior audio engine because they only have to support one version of it. Windows has to work with a thousand different audio chipsets and so is slightly lazier. If you have a look on my channel for my Windows tweaking videos and also ASIO4ALL you can minimise the latency. Really low latency is available on Windows it's just that very few bits of software support it natively. It always works much better with an audio interface that uses proper ASIO drivers. You'll also get better sound so that's a bonus. They can cost from about 50 quid for an M-Audio Solo/Duo upwards to whatever you want to spend.
@@MoltenMusicTech thanks i installed asio4all and hat improved things as did a very high end cinnamon usb cable, compared to the stock supplied white one with the Nektar its night and day. ok thanks for your expertise. i clearly have a lot to learn !!
Was your latency issue with arturia on windows? I both the arturia keylab essential and used built in windows drivers with their software. I had audio issues. I returned it and got the nektar t6. I was testing the t6 with same windows drivers and no latency/audio glitch issues although I had already uninstalled analog lab with the T6.
Can anyone confirm that it works with Logic Pro X on mac big sur? I am using mac mini 2018. Thanks
Do you know if there is a way to use this keyboard to write send automation within studio one, rather than having to use the mouse? I havent been able to get it to control my sends on a track. For example reverb sends on a vocal track
Your best bet is to switch to generic MIDI mode and then map the knobs using MIDI learn in Studio One
Cool video, is there any videos showing how to get the integration working with Cubase? I just purchased and at point of sending back due to frustration to get the integration with Cubase working
I am working on some tutorials actually. What part is not working for you in Cubase?
Need to know how well it works with Cubase 10.5, because it came out before it was released.
They continue to update it and it works very well
y como puedo samplear musica o intrumento con ese midi nektar impact lx49
ifi hit a key lightly will it make a soft sound? and if i hit a key hard will i be loud?
Yes, if the synth you're playing supports velocity
Man, those keys are noisy when you press done on them with all that clicking and clanging. That would drive me nuts.
What a nice review/ tutorial. I just bought the impact LX-88, got it in NYC for $299. The major selling point was, as you point out, its smooth integration with DAW, in particular, Logic Pro X. Haven't even plugged it in yet, watching your vid first!
I was on the fence, between getting this, and the AKAI 249, which has a nicer build quality, but stiff key action, and a much more complicated DAW setup. Question: Is there any reason to get a power adapter, rather than power it with the USB cable? Can that hurt the computer after a while, drawing power from it? I will be using it mostly with an iMac 27" and a Macbook Pro 15".
Thanks. No, usb power is fine 😁
What do you mean by stiff key action? The buttons are hard to press in cpmparison to the key board?
Great tutorial!
Hmmm. The the keys sounds extremely clacky! Whats your opinions about this compared to others in the same price range?
I'm American, so when he said its 110 pounds, i was like "holy shit, is it made out of granite?"
como se llama esa aplicacion que tienes todos esos sonido en la tablet
Nice review. I'm looking for something to work with dawless gear so probably not for me but as one came up cheap on Ebay I came looking. Might I respectfully suggest you move your mic off the desk to avoid those thumps on the keyboard?
Noob 32+ hrs study; After a week trying to get Nektar LX25 operational in STUDIO 1. I finally admitted defeat & returned it. There's a lack of good precise step-step procedures to get up to speed with any DAW. Also tried Bandlab. User Guide is no help. SOUNDBRIDGE = similar halting muddy non-progress, no DAW recognition.Mfg Tech didnt have answer..A good manual may give some vital tips, clues in HOW TO section. Most reviews don't cover actual steps needed.
Great review for sure sold me on it. How about its compatibility with Logic ProX OS Monteray?
You'll need to ask Nektar about that
Can you connect this to an audio interface or is it just to your laptop etc. Is it good enough to just make good music connected to the laptop direct?
Thanks
This is a MIDI keyboard - it has no sounds and makes no noise. You would connect an audio interface to your laptop to hear the sounds your laptop makes from software synths and audio recordings. To make music on a laptop you need a MIDI keyboard like this and an audio interface to give you the better quality sounds and faster response. You might need to do a bit more research my friend.
In logic scenes work totally different you pretty much can use them for shortcuts but have to click through the 12 sets
Thx for such good overview.
Does it work with Ableton as well?
Not specifically - there are better keyboards for Ableton
What version of Cubase are you using, 11, 12? I have 11 Pro, I presume it completely integrates well with Pro 11 automatically?
You’ll need to check with nektar for compatibility. I made this video a couple of years ago now.
is it me or this one is better integrated than Arturia essential mk2? I wonder wether theres a difference in keybed quality?
Is it possibe to fully integrate it with Ableton so you can use de Clips/Scenes Buttons, and so that the pads reflect the clips in the session with colors? I can’t find any info, the only way I could integrate it is manually, but only partially. No scenes/clips buttons, and no interactive colors on pads. I’ve had it for lile a year now and still can’t figure this out
No, it doesn't have RGB pads, just 4 colours and the Clip/Scene control is for Bitwig Studio not Ableton Live. There's no special Live integration as far as I know so it looks like you picked the wrong keyboard for your DAW. Check out the webpage - there's no mention of Ableton Live support, sorry. You can still map the MIDI controls to controls in Live and play the drums on the pads.
How does the transport( play, stop, rev, fwd, mount) and track control buttons (track up, down, patch up down) work? I mean in any DAW there is no midi learn function for these things?
By pressing these buttons does the nektor send midi message to the computer/DAW or these buttons send some different message?
And if they send the midi messages then how can the DAW reads and responds to it?
Transport controls rely on a protocol called HUI or Mackie control which was written for a hardware controller from Mackie many many years ago. Most DAWs and anything with transport controls support it and it's completely separate from MIDI control.
@@MoltenMusicTech so the midi controllers do not send midi data(notes or cc) to control transport function?
To control a DAW's transport the midi controllers (not the mackie controllers) send something else other than the midi data?
Well, it is MIDI data but it's particular to the Mackie Control protocol - it's more like SyseX I guess. I'm sure google will help you if you like reading.
Hi, how much better is the Nektar T4 key action?.
Much better
@@MoltenMusicTech Thanks mate, and which key action is better between Roland A49 and Nektar T4?.
@@MoltenMusicTech Thanks for reply friend!. And which key action is better (or is the same?...) between T-series (T4/6) and Nektar GXP88.
I am interesting in GXP61 and I want it to connect to Korg Modwave with midi cable. Will it play my Korg?
The GX has a MIDI Out, the Korg has a MIDI In all you need is a cable and you're golden.
@@MoltenMusicTech Nice! It will be the nice way to expand Modwave's keyboard and produce also something in computer without audio interface at the same time. :)
El sinte es buenisimo pero los intrumentos todos sinteticos y plasticos .. queria escuchar pianos reales string drums reales etc ...que desilucion
Can you save and export with the 8 track vers. of Bitwig it comes with o.O?
I don’t know, sorry
Yes! But i think its limited to 16bit, or it used to be.
Would it not be great if there were motorized sliders and pots to match the context. Instrument or Mixer.
it would - very expensive and maintenance heavy
@@MoltenMusicTech Anyway this seems so far best bet for Cubase user like me. Are those keys possible for weak fingers? I have Akai APCKEYS 25 and those mini keys were absolutely impossible to press. So I opened the box and loosened the screws. It worked kind of.
It would be possible to create Arduino based rotary controller board without high tech involved. I have been dreaming of creating such budget system for artists. Idea would be able to store settings to memory and then morph from setting to another at the same time rotaries being indicative and responsive. Feedback interaction should be kept simple but not too so that artist has only some easy rules to learn. Rotary control which has leds around would do the trick. That would last. But motorized sliders would break. If used they should be configured easily switcheable in communistic budget version control board if possible. One motorized slider RSA0N11M9A07 is just under 23€.
This is great thanks. Second watching after my LX49 arrived. This might not be my last question ....what rhodes plugin are you running ? T Cheers from Pete in Auchtermuchty, Scotland.
It's the Stage 73 Arturia one - but also check out the recent SoundPaint instrument.
@@MoltenMusicTech many thanks 😊 appreciated.
Thank you, I have had often problem with the install file, now I just drag the folder in Presonus studio One Devices. Can you make a video on how to install the Impact easy? Sometimes it will install, and other times not.
I’m sorry I no longer have this keyboard
I bought one of these, but as a newbie the lack of Plugins/insturments and Only Bitwig as Offered SW package....its very limited...
Can you help me getting some hints on Plugins and Free Sw to use it. If Possible Like the Analog from Arturia to make it easir for my 6 years old to just turn on and start palying. Thank you in avance
The Impact with work with any MIDI software. You can then map the knobs to control whatever you want..... none of that is particularly easy for a 6 year old. You'd be better off perhaps with a keyboard that has sounds rather than routing through a computer to use software sounds. Another option would be to return the Impact and get an Arturia controller that integrates well with their Analog selection. The Impact works really well with the things it's designed to work with, but I think you're looking for something else.
Anyway, here's some free software instruments that you can try. www.careersinmusic.com/best-free-vst-instruments/
Do you have an opinion on warrantees? It comes with a standard one-year warranty from Nektar, but the major retailer in the US, Sam Ash, offers an extended 3-year warranty for about $50. Do these MIDIs last forever anyway - since it's all digital - or do you think it really needs a warranty? In my experience, factory flaws will show up in the first few months, and if it makes it past the year mark, it will probably last forever. I have + 10-year-old Macs and PCs that are still cooking and never needed service (except to replace mechanical HDs and update RAM). But I have no experience with Midis...
They seem ok, I have plenty that are very old provided you don’t go out of your way to break them
I just got the $299 nektar t6 with a 4 year warranty on Amazon for about $45. I saw that the warranty is generally cheaper on Amazon than the retailers that offer them.
Can this be connected to synths like Behringer crave?
Not really no. It doesn't have MIDI outputs, just USB so you can't connect it directly to a synth. It's designed to connect to a computer and then you can use it with anything else connected to the computer. So if you have a MIDI interface on your computer and connect the Crave to it, then you can route the MIDI from the Nektar to it. Does that make sense? This is really a controller for controlling software, not hardware.
@@MoltenMusicTech Really humbled by your response. Yes, it surely does.
@@MoltenMusicTech I had another query about this. Does it have arpeggiator function as we find in Arturia minilab 3 or so on?
No, it doesn't
@@MoltenMusicTech 😞
Hi great video, do you know if this works well with fl studio ?
details are on the Nektar website - nektartech.com/impact-lx49-61-plus/
@@MoltenMusicTech thank you
Hi, I might have missed it but I can't find no mention of integration with Ableton - does it work as flawlessly as with the DAWs you've showed here?
Very informative and practical video, thank you so much!
No, there's no special integration with Ableton Live - it would work just like any other MIDI controller. If Ableton Live is your thing then there are better dedicated controllers.
@@MoltenMusicTech Ahh, okay, cheers!
es cubase ,studio one o cual muy bueno
Bodacious!
What program are you using?
Cubase, Studio One, Reason, Bitwig
how does it integrate with FL Studio?
yes - there's a software download for it
Good video. MAudio's Oxygen series maps to various DAWS, and to its "Air Music Tech" Virtual instruments. Are you saying Nektars instrument mapping is more general?
Nektar has a similar thing called Nekarine which is very comprehensive for their more expensive keyboards. With the Impact range the software is behind the scenes and simpler. It offers quick mapping that’s saved with the plugins.
@@MoltenMusicTech Seems like NI's version has more appeal. Can't even find a Panorama in the store in the states to test, but plenty of NI's boards. How's the build quality?
Of which? But honestly judge the quality by the price.
@@MoltenMusicTech The Lx49+ compared to others in this price range? Have you tried the Panorama series?
Yes i have, the Panorama is a much better experience if you're after keyboard feel. The Impact is a bit clacky, but works fine for me. You do generally get what you pay for with MIDI controllers.
Does it work with Pro Tools 12 and Kontakt? Thanks
It has no special integration with either of those but will work as a regular MIDI controller
Robin, slightly off topic but whats that stand you have the surface on?
It’s called a JamStand
@@MoltenMusicTech I want one! Where can we get these?
Most music shops, Amazon etc - www.ultimatesupport.com/products/laptop-handheld-device-stands/jamstands-laptop-stands.html
@@MoltenMusicTech thanks Robin. Can you change the angle of the arms the machine sits on? It's not very clear from the product descriptions.
What we need is the full Molten Review treatment 😁
No, it's very basic. You can change the height as the top and bottom sections overlap and are held with two thumb screws. They are a little fiddly to alter but are just the job for raising something above your desk. I've got 3!
I just got this and im using ableton and none of the knobs are doing anything. Is there a good way to set that up? Or do ableton pianos just not work for this
There’s no special functions for Ableton Live, it’s the one DAW it doesn’t support. You can use it in regular midi mode and map the knobs and sliders yourself, like any regular controller.
@@MoltenMusicTech is there a piano plugin that isn't super expensive that you'd recommend that I could use
Sure, try LABS, they're free labs.spitfireaudio.com/
nice room
Looks amazing! A small question given that I am considering it for using exclusively with an iPad... Does the "shift" operator simply switch the CCs associated to each controller? Pad, slider, etc... That would be very convenient. If it actually needs to install "software" on the "PC"/"MAC", then maybe that functionality won't be usable on iOS. Still looks pretty dope for the price, not gonna lie!
After finishing the video, it seems like it is doing more than just switching banks on the Nektar, it seems more like it's talking to the DAW, and getting the right CCs from them to associate them to the Nektar's controllers... Definitely very nice, but it does sound like something most DAWs on iOS probably won't support at this point at least. Maybe Cubasis will? Given that it's based on Cubase... but my experience with Cubasis 3 has been kind of disappointing, so I wouldn't bet on it.
I don’t think they have scripts for iOS but it would work fine as a regular midi controller but none of the cool stuff in this video would work automatically.
@@MoltenMusicTech Unfortunately! Yes I suspect it must talk at least to the daw so it can tell what CC it needs to "grab".... what a shame! It looks fantastic. I have heard "bad" things about the keybed, but I generally never really feel like that is something that cannot be dealt by simply remapping the velocity curves.
I'm now looking into the Monoprice SRK49, since it has a midi out port which I can use with some bluetooth midi adapters... Have you ever SEEN this keyboard?! NO reviews at all on youtube! It looks very promising but the lack of reviews makes me second guess.... but well, it is cheaper than the Nektar, which is already quite cheap so... maybe I'll just give it a try given that I can't actually use the coolest part of the Nektar.
Not gonna lie though, the way the Nektar maps things is just legendary....
Thanks for your time man, you always do the BEST videos of gear. I love them! Most people just glance over stuff.... glad you don't.
@@EnriquePage91
I bought the nektar t6 for use with my iPad mostly and working on learning it. I still need to read the manual. Looking at the keys on this one they look similar. My guess is people complaining that the keys slope going down towards the controls. I’m working on getting used to it but the keys kind of remind me of the akai I tested at the store. I was tempted to get the akai and tried the arturia keylab essential but sent it back. I like how the arturia and nektar show more info on the screen like a regular hardware keyboard. The nektar do seem next level midi controller.
@@GospelMusic4Life thank you for your opinion! I actually went with the previous choice I mentioned as a reply to @Molten Music Technology; I have found quite a few brands that "fabricate it", so it's clearly one of those generic midi devices that gets rebranded by quite a few brands. I bought it from the brand Monoprice (stage right, I believe, was the series) and it's getting here tomorrow!
The reasons why I went for it:
1 - Seems like Nektar doesn't have compatibility with the software I use on ipad (mostly AUM and ApeMatrix, and although I didn't CHECK this, I would be surprised if there was any to be honest as it isn't mentioned on Nektar's website).
2 - The Stage Right has semi-weighted keys!
3 - Knobs are actually rotary which is GREAT when handling multiple plugins with one set of controls. The pick up function on the knobs and sliders on the Nektar looks AMAZING but I am quite sure it needs to talk to the DAW for this so I am guessing on the iPad it will not work.
4 - Just like the Nektar, the pads are assignable from the keyboard (I believe) and can also send CCs (I am actually not sure if they send notes but I would imagine they would, otherwise I can use Mozaic to wire that up so no biggies for me).
5 - It was 50 dollars cheaper.
6 - It is smaller eventhough the keys are also piano-sized (or whatever, forgot the proper terminology just rn) so it will be easier to fit on my desktop, which is where I want it to pretty much live.
7 - It has midi out port so I can send the midi through a bluetooth adapter to the ipad so I don't need to be wired up :)!
CONS (for me, using on iPad and not a DAW with support from Nektar):
1- Definitely a lot less versatility in terms of controls when compared to the Nektar. I wish I could have those sliders from the Nektar on the Stage Right but to be fair I do already have 2 controllers that have 8 faders which is about as many as I generally need for a session, so it's alright I guess.... Definitely wish I had them though, more controls are NEVER a bad thing imo :P.
2 - No actual wheels for pitch and modulation, but two tactile stripes instead. I have no idea whether these will react fine or not, but it's not the end of the world to me as I generally use MPE for the type of expressivity I'd be missing by not using those wheels on the keyboard itself. So, for the little use I'd give them, I'm hoping the fact that these are tactile strips will be just fine.
So in conclusion,
I am sure the Nektar is a wonderful device, but since it was more expensive, did not have the semi-weighted keys, and also only sends midi through USB, I went with the other unit. The conveniences on the other one are more important to me than the price itself, but then again it was also cheaper so I am hoping I will be very happy tomorrow! And if the controller doesn't last for too long... well, I learned my lesson and didn't spend much along the way :P. The Nektar will surely follow then haha!
I appreciate your reply and thorough description of your impressions! The nektars really seem like amazing units, maybe I will get one in the future if the Stage Right doesn't convince me or doesn't end up lasting too long due to it's generic nature (I've had very good experience with generic devices though, so I am actually not too afraid about this) :).
I couldn't even get it to even make a sound in Cakewalk... as far as the transport controls they didn't work either. Its in its box waiting for UPS to come pick it up and return it to musicians friend for a refund.
Hi What software do you use?
Lots of different things, like Studio One, Bitwig, Ableton Live... can you be more specific?