Description

Compact. Powerful. Control.
Nektar MIDI Controller keyboards are synonymous with DAW integration on Mac and Windows and the Impact GX49 & GX61 are no exception. The compact design is comfortable in front of a computer and delivers powerful functionality not even found on more comprehensive controllers. When inspiration strikes, Impact GX 49 & 61 deliver the control needed to capture ideas while they are fresh. Compact. Powerful. Control.

IMPACT GX CONTROLLER KEYBOARD
The Impact GX49 and GX61 are dynamic and expressive instruments, tailored to composition & performance with your computer music system. They are compatible with any music software for Windows and Mac OS and their no-fuss interface is a great entry into the world of Nektar controllers.

They feature a 49-note (4 octave) or 61-note (5 octave) keyboard, pitch-bend wheel, modulation wheel and foot switch socket. Two multi-colored octave buttons enable shifting the keyboard range up or down -3/+4 octaves with the LED colors changing to show the exact status. So the Impact GX range is well equipped to deliver a great workflow.

Shift the keyboard range up to +/- 12 semi tones from the dedicated transpose buttons. These buttons can quickly be re-purposed to change the Global MIDI Channel or send Program messages. Additionally, an assignable potentiometer provides control over any MIDI parameter. By default it adjusts mixer volume.

Nektar DAW Integration for most popular DAWs makes it easy to get going, and a pleasure to use. With Impact GX, your controller becomes the heart of your system, giving you the creative freedom to compose, perform and play, without having to reach for your mouse all the time.

TRANSPORT – EXTENDED!
Eight buttons intended for DAW control, are at the center of Impact GX. Essential tasks like transport activation or track navigation are highly repetitive – and reaching for the mouse every time, can kill any seed of inspiration. Used with Nektar DAW integration, the 8 buttons extend functionality to include control over transport and a host of other important DAW functions, right from Impact GX.

The buttons can also be assigned to MIDI messages for use with any MIDI software that’s not supported by Nektar DAW Integration. A primary and a secondary message can be programmed for each of 7 buttons, delivering 14 programmable options total.

NEKTAR DAW INTEGRATION – TICKING ALL THE RIGHT BOXES
Nektar DAW integration is carefully crafted to give the best experience with your Nektar hardware. It delivers the freedom to create, instead of having to reach for the mouse constantly when you are in the middle of capturing an idea.

Transport control with ability to go to and set locators, track navigation, volume control, launching windows and patch navigation is all available right from Impact GX. Check out the function overview chart below and see how the Impact GX ticks all the right boxes.

MIDI CONTROL & SETUP FUNCTIONS
Impact GX is a MIDI controller as well as a DAW controller. If you use MIDI software that’s not supported by Nektar DAW Integration, a host of options are available for you to set up MIDI control yourself.

Each of the 14 assignable MIDI buttons, the modulation wheel, foot switch and of course the big control knob, can be assigned to send out MIDI cc messages. The assignable buttons (14) can in addition be configured to send out Program message or MMC transport control. MMC (MIDI Machine Control) is often supported by DAWs that don’t allow for advanced integration, so with this option Impact GX covers all the bases.

The Setup menu also enables Program messages, Bank LSB/MSB to be sent out on the fly as well as settings for selecting one of the 4 velocity curves, setting the Global MIDI Channel and assigning the transpose buttons.

CONNECTIVITY & APPLE iOS
As a low powered USB device, Impact GX works with all USB devices that feature a Class compliant MIDI driver. That includes all version of Windows from XP and higher, Apple OS X 10.5 and higher plus Linux (as long as a USB MIDI driver package is installed).

And if you are often on the move you can easily hook your Impact GX keyboard to an Apple iPad using the iPad’s optional USB camera connection kit (optional). Of course the Impact GX is powered by the iPad so you can work away for as long as your iPad remains charged.

BITWIG 8-TRACK INCLUDED
Bitwig 8-Track is included with your Nektar keyboard so you can start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro from day one. Bitwig 8-Track gives you access to over 86 software instruments and effects for use on up to 8 audio-, instrument-, hybrid tracks. You can also use any 3rd party plug-ins including the many free instruments we cover here. The Bitwig included library of presets and sounds for the many instruments also includes a highly versatile handpicked selection of loops, clips and samples. So put all that together and you have a powerful sketchpad for your musical ideas featuring the acclaimed workflow of Bitwig Studio.

Nektar DAW Integration supports Bitwig 8-Track, so using Nektar controller and Bitwig 8-Track together is a fantastic combination. If you are just starting out, you will find it’s the perfect way to take your first steps in the world of digital music creation. And if you’re already familiar with using computer software, then you’ll be amazed at what this combination has to offer!

Learn to play your MIDI Keyboard and improve your skills with our exclusive Melodics bundle which comes with your Nektar controller. The Nektar Melodics license gives you access to 40 free Melodics lessons, plus a bonus fundamentals course. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, this content helps you to expand your skill set and ultimately get the most out of your controller.

Melodics provides a musical platform for you to learn and practice all aspects of a performance. Songs and lessons are broken down step by step with real music to play along to. Each step encourages correct fingering and rhythm, whilst teaching scales, chords and progressions along the way. By the final step, you are ready for a full performance and have a better understanding of how contemporary music is created!

Keyboard
49-or 61 note full-sized velocity sensitive keyboard
4 velocity curves + 3 fixed

Controls
1 potentiometer
Octave up/down buttons with LED indicators
Transpose up/down buttons with LED indicators (assignable to send Global MIDI Channel or Program)
7 x Transport buttons with secondary level for 14 MIDI controls.

Pitch bend wheel
Modulation wheel (MIDI assignable )
Potentiometer / control knob (MIDI assignable)
Power on/off switch (back)

Connections
1/4” TS jack foot switch input (MIDI Assignable)
USB port on rear panel, and USB bus powered
Connects to iPad via Apple Camera Connection Kit (not supplied)

System Requirements
USB Class compliant (no driver needed)
USB Power Requirement: 500 mA

Impact GX: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 or higher. Mac OS X 10.5 or higher, Apple iOS. Linux (Ubuntu).

Nektar DAW Integration: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher, Windows Vista, 7 & 8 or higher

Dimensions & Weight
Impact GX49: 31 5/8″(L) x 7 3/4″(D) 2 3/4 “(H), 4.8 Lbs

Impact GX61: 38″(L) x 7 3/4″(D) 2 3/4″(H), 6 Lbs