Update
After about 2 years it starts playing the notes out of pitch
Moving it from 5 to 3 stars
Original Review Below
Off the bat I had a little issue with Bitwig and the LX88+ integration (even the 8 Track) but once the support time emailed me that was that.
Package came in mint condition thank God, everyting on it works perfectly.
The keys though, black verses white velocity are not neutral, the black keys tend to play louder than the white ones with similar amounts of pressure, but I have the same issue with my Keystation (which I still love but not as much as the LX88+) and it has not stopped me from making music so no stars will be knocked off for that.
The 8 drum pads are very very very sensitive if they were any more sensitive just looking at them would trigger a note and them being multi-colored surely doesn't hurt, but the main reason I wanted pads were to save the keys from the abuse of drumming, I just never expected them to be this great, Nektar deserves a sixth star 🌟 for that.
I won't go too deep on the knobs and the slides or I'll be typing forever, I actually can't believe I was using my mouse to adjust my mixes for so long, the very very first time using sliders it was quite evident that I would never go back to mouse mixing ever again, I'd rather buy a backup Lx+ than to mouse mix, the same can be said for the knobs they make mixing a total joy. Though they are all plastic they don't feel cheap Nektar deserves a seventh star 🌟 for that. I am going to assume there is no note repeat on this device because I haven't seen any on it or in any of the reviews done for the LX88+ (so note repeat and even velocity response on black vs white keys would be things I need the most on the LX line)
I haven't really taken advantage of LX88+ ability to adjust the Vsts I have but I haven't had this thing long enough to fully get to everything.
This thing is not just a keyboard when you think about it, it's more like a universal remote for the studio.
The reason I titled my review (There's No Way To Cover All The Good This Controller Is Capable of) is because as your abilities grow so does the keyboards functions reveal that it can perform tasks to make every process easier
I was anxious to get my hands on my very own LX88+ and NEKTAR SURPASSED ALL MY EXPECTATIONS (even after watching tons of Youtube videos LX88 related) my expectations were still surpassed.......
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Nektar Impact LX88+ MIDI Controller
Merchant Video
From the manufacturer
Nektar Impact LX88+
The 88-key Impact Controller
About Impact LX88+
The Impact LX88+ is a unique USB MIDI controller keyboard designed for keyboard players looking for extra reach. It's jam-packed with intelligent, expressive performance control and hooks up automatically to your DAW! If you prefer to control MIDI hardware, use the build-in MIDI Out as well as the extensive MIDI programing options. Impact LX88+ does it all, and more.
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.
Keyboard
The 88 note velocity sensitive keyboard is a semi-weighted action with medium tension. Carefully balanced with an even and dynamic response , the Impact LX88+ offers 4 velocity curves that gradually increase in dynamics so there is a match for any playing style.
If you don't need velocity, 3 fixed velocity levels cater for a consistent output. The full-size, piano-style keys are covered to protect against dirt and dust while also complementing the Impact LX88+ design.
Transpose buttons as well as pitch bend and modulation wheels are within reach, so you can quickly shift the keyboard up or down as needed, or apply additional articulation with the wheels.
- Semi-weighted keybed
- Pitchbend and Mod wheels
- Split, Layer, Transpose buttons
- 9 faders, 9 LED buttons, 8 pots, 10 additional buttons
- 8 ultra-sensitive pads
- MIDI out
- USB Class compliant
- Nektar DAW Integration
- Bitwig 8-Track included
Split, Layer and Transpose Buttons
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.
This is where the 2 Transpose buttons below the Split and Layer buttons come in. Four functions are selectable on the fly so you can make important changes at any time, even while you play. A key combination makes assignment quick and easy with the LED display telling you which function you have selected. Choices include sending out MIDI Program Messages, change the Global MIDI Channel or select any of Impact LX88+'s 5 user presets with either the Octave or Transpose buttons. Pressing either split or layer while pressing the Transpose buttons will change the setting currently assigned for the corresponding zone. Neat!
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Control CenterNine 30mm faders, 9 MIDI buttons and 8 encoders are at the center of Impact LX88+'s control panel. Each control is fully programmable to send any MIDI CC message for use with hardware or software MIDI products. Used with Nektar DAW integration, the controls take on a life of their own, providing flexible pre-mapped DAW control giving you the best of both worlds. Control settings can be stored in any of the 5 Impact LX88+ presets for recall at any time. And if you switch Null on, any parameter values are stored when you change presets so you avoid parameter jumping. |
LED ButtonsThe 9 LED buttons can be programmed with a variety of MIDI messages including sending specific MIDI Program changes. The last MIDI Program message sent is remembered so a corresponding LED button illuminates correctly, even if Program was sent via, for example, the transpose buttons or the Setup menu. You can also assign the 8 pads to send Program messages so you'll have instant access to 17 buttons without changing preset or pad map. 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 colors indicating the corresponding channels current status. |
PadsFor groove and beat creation, Impact LX88+'s 8 velocity sensitive pads make life easy. Calibrated to trigger at a light touch, finger drumming is suddenly well within reach with a nice and even velocity response. Each pad can be assigned any MIDI note number or MIDI cc message for use as MIDI trigger or toggle buttons. But the best part is the "Pad Learn“ feature, which allows you to just select a pad, play the note or drum sound you want on the keyboard and assignment is done. No complex menus for a task that's essential to getting the most out of your pads. Assignments are stored over power cycling so you don't lose your settings when you switch your system off for the night. In addition, 4 pad map locations can store your settings for future recall. |
What is Nektar DAW Integration?
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Impact LX88+ software integration supports most of the popular DAWs. A common workflow gives access to many of the functions you are most likely to need when recording and performing with your Impact LX88+. The best part is that it's all done for you: Simply complete the installation process and start making music! Impact LX88+ DAW integration currently supports Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One. Buttons and controls are labeled so you don't have to remember how they are assigned. That’s why Impact LX88+ is a breeze to use but with enough extra features under the hood to challenge even the most experienced power user. |
Transport & NavigationThe 6 dedicated transport buttons are always within reach and mapped to control Cycle, Rewind, Forward, Stop, Play and Record. Press Shift to get access to alternate functions such as Goto L, Set L, Set R, Undo, Click and Mode. Dedicated Track up/down and Patch up/down buttons are located below the |
Mixer ControlPress mixer and the first 8 Impact LX+ faders are assigned to control 8 channels of your DAWs mixer. The alternate Bank up/down function moves control assignments to the next or previous group of 8 channels. The 9th fader is assigned to the currently selected channel so you always know where to find it. The buttons under the faders follow the channel assignment of their corresponding fader and can control Mute or Solo with LED's clearly indicating current status. Pan for the group of 8 channels controlled by the faders is handled by the 8 pots. Fader 9 is used for control volume of the current mixer channel as well as master volume. To help you get the best out of your screen real estate, Impact LX88+ also has shortcuts for opening and closing your DAWs mixer window so you can see what's going on. |
Instrument ControlThe Instrument button assigns all controls to instrument parameters once an instrument track is selected in your DAW. Nektar mapping ensures this is done automatically, so you can start tweaking immediately. Better still, many devices and plugins are pre-mapped to match the blue control labels on the Impact LX88+. The Page Button With Nektar DAW Integration, a page button allows you to switch between Default settings and User settings with LEDs clearly indicating which page is active. Each page changes assignments of the 8 pots, leaving the User page for example for your own assignments. Many pre-mapped plugins take advantage of the two pages*. So you could use it for immediate access to both, oscillator 1 and oscillator 2 parameters from the pots, switching between oscillators using the Page button. In addition, a typical control layout places amp and filter ADSR envelopes on the faders for instant access regardless of whether the Default or User page is selected. |
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Reviews with images
raised key
My second highest C key is something like a centimeter higher than the rest of the keys on the board. I was able to stuff a piece of folded paper into the crevice at the top of the key, in order to make it level with the others (which luckily didn't upset the key's responsiveness). That issue aside, I like the keyboard (speaking as an untrained aspirant pianist who wanted a decent entry level instrument). It's got a nice "feel" to it; I like way the keys respond (I did change the velocity settings from whatever they were when I got it, to whichever one I've got it on now). The keyboard is nice and heavy (this can be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective), and as far as I can tell, all of the dials, sliders and buttons, and drumpads work, though I'm not yet sure if I'll get much use out of them.
Top reviews from other countries
Zain
Excellent build and amazing value for first full keyboard for music production
Reviewed in Canada on August 18, 2021
