Great review man! I had just watched your review for the 25 of this same series and I was just wondering, which would you recommend to get? From what I see the only real difference is the amount of faders, and obviously the 61 noted keys. The only thing holding me back from getting this, well actually not even this but the 49(compared to the 25) is the extra money since I'm a bit tight on cash at the moment. I've only ever made some music on garageband using the QWERTY keys on my keyboard so its safe to say I'm still novice in the audio world. But even then, Im willing to pay a bit more for the 49 if the difference is meaningful enough since I plan on holding onto whichever one I buy for quite a while. So I guess unless I'm missing something, the real question is how much of a difference do you think it makes having those extra faders present? Also, would you happen to know if the impact LX series is compatible with mainstage 3? I know it is for garageband but mainstage 3 seems to be somewhat more in-depth in regards to controlling what youre producing. And again, great vid man!
+skeetster jenkins Thanks for the positive feedback. For me, spending the extra bit of cash for the LX 49, over the 25, would definitely be worth it! When it comes to mixing your songs, it will make the process much less cumbersome. Especially if you intend on keeping if for a long while. BUT, if you're typically only going to be working with say 3 or 4 tracks in your song and not doing much panning, experimenting with the mix, etc., the 25 could work for you. Most places have a 30-day return - you could always get the 25 and if you find it doesn't fit your needs, trade it in for the 49! I can't speak on Mainstage 3 as I've never heard of it till your comment. Also, keep in mind that, according to Nektar's website, the LX keyboards only provide support for Garage Band versions 9 or 10, running on OS X 10.7 or higher. If you don't have those versions, it will likely only work as a general midi keyboard and possibly not even allow you to use the faders, knobs, pads...Good luck.
I know you need to plug the keyboard into a computer but does it work straight away from there using the computer or does additional software need to be installed?
between the motif 6 or other keybed similar and the keys of the impact , what keys do you prefer to play in usually? what keyboard the keys of impact remember ?
I left the country and traveled for a while shortly after making this video, so, unfortunately I can't really speak on it's reliability/durability, as it was one of the many items I sold when I made my trip.
+Freebird For the price, I'm very satisfied with the Impact series from Nektar and would totally recommend them. Aftertouch is not something that I've made use of much, as of yet, so, don't miss it. As far as having a weighted feel, I'd love to have that, but, that also sends the price up much higher in any keyboard...and that's just not in my budget at the moment.
Any idea if theres a way to get rid of push/touch pressure? When I push down the key hard it does higher volume but I am not used to it and I want to remove it no matter how hard I push the key the sound is same
+Killian Vdb Yes. Here are links to the Nektar LX manuals that you could take a look at to see exactly what functionality is included with the Nektar integration software for the programs you mentioned: www.nektartech.com/c.1289520/Downloads/Impact_Guides/Using_Impact_LX_with_GarageBand.pdf www.nektartech.com/c.1289520/Downloads/Impact_Guides/Using_Impact_LX_with_Logic.pdf
+Zaky Putra This is not a piano. It has no included sounds or built-in speakers. Without a computer, it is essentially a paper weight. It is used to play/trigger VST instruments and control various aspects of digital audio workstations. If you're looking for a stand-alone keyboard to learn to play piano on, without the need for a computer, be sure that it does not refer to itself as a "midi-controller". Hope this answers your question.
+BangEmBeatZ You would need to press the "Setup" button and you should see the LCD screen say "s.e.t."(with the three dots flashing), and then press the D2 key on the keyboard. Then use the "+/-" keys (C3/C#3) to select "PC3" in the screen read out. Press "Enter" (C5 - the very top key) and you should be good to go. Just be sure you are no longer in the Setup mode when you are done. Hope this helps.
It has basic functionality with Ableton, according to the Nektar website. You can check out what they've got on it, here: www.nektartech.com/s.nl/ctype.KB/it.I/id.2429/KB.746/.f
+Julio Casas It does. Here's the online manual for using it with FL, if you'd like to get an idea of what's been pre-mapped, etc.: www.nektartech.com/c.1289520/Downloads/Impact_Guides/Using_Impact_LX_with_FL-Studio.pdf
The first thing to take into consideration is cost. The Impulse is twice as much as the Nektar... If money is not a concern of yours, the impulse has a lot more features than the Nektar and some important ones! Like a semi-weighted keyboard vs Nektar's synth-action. The impulse has aftertouch, as well, the Nektar does not. The pots/knobs on the Impulse also appear to be able to pick up the parameters in your DAW, wherever they are. With the Nektar, your parameters will jump to whatever position you begin to move your knob from, I believe. There are more things as well... Keep in mind, I've never used Novation keyboard controllers before - or researched them much - so I can't speak to their quality. Just watch as many reviews of both as you can, and even better, go to your local music store and get your hands on both to see which "feels" the best to you. Good luck!
Alesis was perhaps able to invest a bit more money into the quality of their build as the V61 does not have 9 faders and matching buttons, an LCD screen, 8 pots, transport controls, and lots of other functionality that the Nektar does. As I mention in the video I was a bit disappointed with the quality of the keybed on the Nektar, but overall, you get a lot of bang for the buck!
3:11 for the peel-off. :-P
Great review man! I had just watched your review for the 25 of this same series and I was just wondering, which would you recommend to get? From what I see the only real difference is the amount of faders, and obviously the 61 noted keys. The only thing holding me back from getting this, well actually not even this but the 49(compared to the 25) is the extra money since I'm a bit tight on cash at the moment. I've only ever made some music on garageband using the QWERTY keys on my keyboard so its safe to say I'm still novice in the audio world. But even then, Im willing to pay a bit more for the 49 if the difference is meaningful enough since I plan on holding onto whichever one I buy for quite a while. So I guess unless I'm missing something, the real question is how much of a difference do you think it makes having those extra faders present? Also, would you happen to know if the impact LX series is compatible with mainstage 3? I know it is for garageband but mainstage 3 seems to be somewhat more in-depth in regards to controlling what youre producing. And again, great vid man!
+skeetster jenkins Thanks for the positive feedback. For me, spending the extra bit of cash for the LX 49, over the 25, would definitely be worth it! When it comes to mixing your songs, it will make the process much less cumbersome. Especially if you intend on keeping if for a long while. BUT, if you're typically only going to be working with say 3 or 4 tracks in your song and not doing much panning, experimenting with the mix, etc., the 25 could work for you. Most places have a 30-day return - you could always get the 25 and if you find it doesn't fit your needs, trade it in for the 49! I can't speak on Mainstage 3 as I've never heard of it till your comment. Also, keep in mind that, according to Nektar's website, the LX keyboards only provide support for Garage Band versions 9 or 10, running on OS X 10.7 or higher. If you don't have those versions, it will likely only work as a general midi keyboard and possibly not even allow you to use the faders, knobs, pads...Good luck.
Quanta Audio excellent, this is exactly what I needed to know. Thanks again!
Good overview .... sold !! Thanks ☺
Nice video, I've been holding on for the 88 key version but it seems like it's nowhere to be found. No ones seems to have it. :(
its out there! :)
I know you need to plug the keyboard into a computer but does it work
straight away from there using the computer or does additional software
need to be installed?
between the motif 6 or other keybed similar and the keys of the impact , what keys do you prefer to play in usually?
what keyboard the keys of impact remember ?
sold! Thanks ;-)
Great keyboard. I'd buy it if it had a midi port, but it doesn't. The LX88 has one, but it's too big for my needs. So I'm still looking.
+Elglarad Nektar Impact LX61, USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with 61 Keys velocity sensitive, DAW integration incl.
Keaboards controllers does not have speakers, will I need to buy them, right? What speakers do you recommend to me?
Hi! What is the difference between LX61 and LX61+?
Hi Quanta. what if you make a review about this keyboard after 1 or 2 year used. We want to know about its realibity.
Thanks man, good video.
I left the country and traveled for a while shortly after making this video, so, unfortunately I can't really speak on it's reliability/durability, as it was one of the many items I sold when I made my trip.
Hello there , after that time: would you recommend it ? Do you miss the Aftertouch ? How does it feel while playing since it is not weightened ?
+Freebird For the price, I'm very satisfied with the Impact series from Nektar and would totally recommend them. Aftertouch is not something that I've made use of much, as of yet, so, don't miss it. As far as having a weighted feel, I'd love to have that, but, that also sends the price up much higher in any keyboard...and that's just not in my budget at the moment.
Does this keyboard has touch response?
Any idea if theres a way to get rid of push/touch pressure? When I push down the key hard it does higher volume but I am not used to it and I want to remove it no matter how hard I push the key the sound is same
See page 23 of the manual, here: www.nektartech.com/c.1289520/Downloads/Impact_Guides/Impact_LX49-61_User_Guide.pdf
I suppose it is compatible with Mac Garageband en Windows Pro Logic?
+Killian Vdb Yes. Here are links to the Nektar LX manuals that you could take a look at to see exactly what functionality is included with the Nektar integration software for the programs you mentioned:
www.nektartech.com/c.1289520/Downloads/Impact_Guides/Using_Impact_LX_with_GarageBand.pdf
www.nektartech.com/c.1289520/Downloads/Impact_Guides/Using_Impact_LX_with_Logic.pdf
Thanks!
mine has worked great for over a year but now has one key that is starting to stick on me. :(
im really new to piano, does this piano require a laptop to use it ? or does it can just plug and play?
+Zaky Putra This is not a piano. It has no included sounds or built-in speakers. Without a computer, it is essentially a paper weight. It is used to play/trigger VST instruments and control various aspects of digital audio workstations. If you're looking for a stand-alone keyboard to learn to play piano on, without the need for a computer, be sure that it does not refer to itself as a "midi-controller". Hope this answers your question.
thanks a lot for your answer bro.. i really appreciate it.. sorry if i ask a dumb question bro
+Zaky Putra No problem. There are no dumb questions. Asking questions about things you want to know, is smart.
Can I use this with a Kenton USB host?
how do you max the volume / sensitifity on the pads i need to bang the shit out of em to get sound
+BangEmBeatZ You would need to press the "Setup" button and you should see the LCD screen say "s.e.t."(with the three dots flashing), and then press the D2 key on the keyboard. Then use the "+/-" keys (C3/C#3) to select "PC3" in the screen read out. Press "Enter" (C5 - the very top key) and you should be good to go. Just be sure you are no longer in the Setup mode when you are done. Hope this helps.
*Is this controller compatible with Ableton Live?*
It has basic functionality with Ableton, according to the Nektar website. You can check out what they've got on it, here: www.nektartech.com/s.nl/ctype.KB/it.I/id.2429/KB.746/.f
does it work on fl studio 10?
+Julio Casas It does. Here's the online manual for using it with FL, if you'd like to get an idea of what's been pre-mapped, etc.: www.nektartech.com/c.1289520/Downloads/Impact_Guides/Using_Impact_LX_with_FL-Studio.pdf
can i use this in win 10?
+tommi hikipää Yes.
IS THIS SOFTWARE FOR LIFETIME FREE ?
This or impulse 61?!? Help?!?!
The first thing to take into consideration is cost. The Impulse is twice as much as the Nektar... If money is not a concern of yours, the impulse has a lot more features than the Nektar and some important ones! Like a semi-weighted keyboard vs Nektar's synth-action. The impulse has aftertouch, as well, the Nektar does not.
The pots/knobs on the Impulse also appear to be able to pick up the parameters in your DAW, wherever they are. With the Nektar, your parameters will jump to whatever position you begin to move your knob from, I believe. There are more things as well...
Keep in mind, I've never used Novation keyboard controllers before - or researched them much - so I can't speak to their quality. Just watch as many reviews of both as you can, and even better, go to your local music store and get your hands on both to see which "feels" the best to you. Good luck!
This one sucks in build quality. I was testing it. I bought an Alesis V61 instead and the keys and pads are way better. Same price range
Alesis was perhaps able to invest a bit more money into the quality of their build as the V61 does not have 9 faders and matching buttons, an LCD screen, 8 pots, transport controls, and lots of other functionality that the Nektar does. As I mention in the video I was a bit disappointed with the quality of the keybed on the Nektar, but overall, you get a lot of bang for the buck!