My last midi keyboard was the Akai MPK49. The keys were great, the build was solid, and it had all the bell and whistles one could want...and it was huge. The footprint was so big it took up too much desk space. I also quickly realized that connected via usb it had latency that wasn't good enough for real time playing. I got an external midi box (midiman 2x2) and a power supply, and everything was great.
It was also $400.
When I moved I sold it, and set out to find something a little more paired down. It needed good keys, transport controls, and no latency.
I checked out Novation's Launch Key (still big and the keys felt terrible), M-Audio Keystation II (keys were terrible as well), the Alesis v49 (key were fine but squeaked).
I briefly thought about the Novation Impulse - it gets rave reviews - but I just wanted something simple, small, and with a good key feel.
After reading way too much about midi keyboards I ordered the Nektar GX49 without even testing it (you can't really...Guitar Center isn't really keeping them in stock, nor is anyone else).
It's footprint is about as small as you can get for a full sized 49 key keyboard. The build is good. The keys are surprisingly good and the integration with most DAWs is incredible. I tried out Reason first and switching between tracks and patches within instruments is flawless. The buttons to do so are soft rubber and silent (unlike the clickiness of the Akai). The octave, transpose, and transport buttons are simple, clear, and use orange, red, blue, green and yellow to denote status and are subtle yet perfect in showing you exactly what you need to know. I tried Reaper second, which was equally as good.
It has zero latency (well 14ms but that's normal for my DAW at a buffer rate of 512 samples).
It's bus powered and honestly I don't really have anything I can point to that's not good except - the transport controls don't seem to work in Ableton Live. I've only had it for a day, and I've contacted Nektar so we'll see, but weirdly the only major daw that doesn't have Nektar's DAW integration software is Ableton (there's something going on there...no idea what - but the Akai's transport didn't work with Live either). There's an entire page of the user manual about using MMC to enabled transport controls, which I thought Live could handle, but I'm either missing something or the transport really only works for non clip based DAWs (so all of them except Live).
So, instead of going for the $300 Novation or making the mistake of getting another Akai (the 249) for $400 - I got a Nektar for $100.
It's really good. I'm impressed.
Edit (day 2)
O.k. so I set up an account when I registered the GX49 and last night I opened a ticket asking how to get the transport to work in Ableton Live. Today when I checked my email I was shocked that there was a response with a suggestion to install a remote script.
This afternoon I tried and it didn't work. So I wrote back and thought "You'll never hear from Nektar late on a Friday".
A few hours later a second Nektar person got back to me (the first was customer service, the second more of a techie) with a fix.
It took less than 10 seconds - nothing new, just changing a setting - and now the transport controls work in Ableton Live.
For anyone looking for a good, inexpensive keyboard - this is it.
Here's the fix by the way:
1. Press the 'Setup' button
2. Press key A2 (labeled 'USB Port Setup')
3. Press key B3 (labeled with a '2')
4. Press key C5 (labeled 'Enter')
The transport only works with the overall project (not clip in session view), but that's honestly for another controller.
Frequently bought together
This item: Nektar Impact GX49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
$109.99
In Stock
+
$25.00
In Stock
+
$8.99
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Sep 25
In Stock
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Top rated similar items
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
NEKTAR IMPACT GX49 : COMPACT. POWERFUL. CONTROL.
The Impact GX49 is a great entry into the world of Nektar controllers. It offers a no-fuss interface and generic MIDI control that works with any computer music application. What's more, this compact instrument includes powerful functionality not even found on more comprehensive controllers: The included Nektar DAW Integration software turns it into a fully-configured remote control for 11 popular DAWs. So give the mouse a break and control transport functions as well as project navigation directly from dedicated hardware controls. Capture your ideas while they are fresh!
- 49 note full-size velocity sensitive keyboard
- Connect via USB to Windows, OSX, Linux or iOS devices
- Foot switch sustain socket (1/4" jack)
- Works with all MIDI music applications
- Nektar DAW Integration for most popular DAWs
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
KEYBOARDWith its 49 note, full-size velocity sensitive keyboard you are ready to make music in seconds. Plug in the included MIDI cable and your operating system, whether Windows, OSX or iOS, takes care of the rest. Choose between 4 velocity curves (+3 fixed) to adjust the keyboard to your playing style. Dynamic and expressive, the keybed is calibrated for all styles of music. |
PERFORMANCE CONTROLSFour dedicated LED buttons for octave and transpose let you quickly shift the keyboard up or down. The LEDs change colour to indicate the set interval or octave. Transpose can be reassigned to switch MIDI channels or send MIDI program changes. Offering just the right resistance, the pitch bend & modulation wheels are great for applying additional articulation to your playing. The Modulation Wheel is MIDI-assignable. |
CONTROLEight buttons and a large potentiometer are at the centre of the Impact GX. Used with Nektar DAW Integration, they will let you operate your DAW from Impact GX without reaching for the mouse. The buttons can also be assigned to MIDI messages for use with any MIDI software that's not supported by Nektar DAW integration. Using shift, each button can be assigned to two MIDI messages for a total of 14 programmable options. The potentiometer is pre-assigned to MIDI volume, but is also freely assignable. |
COMPACT. POWERFUL. CONTROL.
- Compact design
- Dedicated transport controls
- Nektar DAW control for 11 DAWs
- Supports Windows, Mac OS X, Linux (Ubuntu) & Apple iOS (req. camera connection kit)
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
ENHANCE YOUR WORKFLOWNektar DAW integration gives access to many of the functions you are most likely to need when recording and performing with your Impact GX. The best part is that it’s all done for you: Simply install the integration software for your DAW and start making music! The Buttons are labeled so you don’t have to remember how they are assigned. Supported DAWs: Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Garageband, Logic Pro, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar, Studio One. |
TAKE CONTROLControl Transport: The 6 dedicated transport buttons are always within reach and mapped to control Rewind, Forward, Cycle, Stop, Play and Record. In addition, a dedicated "Click" button gives direct access to the metronome. Navigate your projects: Press "Shift" to get access to alternate functions such as Track up/down, Patch up/down, Undo, Goto L and Goto R Open DAW Windows: "Shift" also turns lets you open and close DAW windows such as Mixer, PlugIn view or Browser. (Implementation details depend on the DAW). |
DAW INCLUDED: BITWIG 8-TRACKProduce and perform like a pro from day one with the included Bitwig 8-Track DAW. It comes with over 50 software instruments and effects for use on up to 8 audio or MIDI project tracks, and you can use any 3rd party VST plug-ins you might own, too. What's more, the included ‘Bitwig Essentials Package’ features a highly versatile handpicked selection of loops, clips and samples, to make it even easier to get you started. With Nektar DAW Integration you can control track selection and transport controls directly from the Impact GX49. 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, you’ll be amazed at what this combination has to offer! |
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nektar SE25 | Nektar SE49 | Nektar Impact GX49 | Nektar Impact GX61 | |
|
|
||||
| Customer Reviews |
500
|
1,181
|
772
|
1,885
|
| Price | $49.99 | $89.99 | $109.99 | — |
| Keys (Velocity Sensitive) | 25 mini-keys | 49 | 49 | 61 |
| Pitch Bend / Mod Wheel | (2 PB & 1 Mod Button) | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| Octave Shift / Transpose | Yes / (Assignable to Oct. / PB) | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| Transport Controls | 4 (via Shift) | 4 (via Shift) | 6 (x 2 via Shift) | 6 (x 2 via Shift) |
| Part Two Function | ✓ | - | - | - |
| Fader / Potentiometer (MIDI-Assignable) | - / - | 1 / - | - / 1 | - / 1 |
| Nektar DAW Integration | Transport, Navigation | Transport, Navigation | Extended Transport, Click, Undo, Navigation, Windows | Extended Transport, Click, Undo, Navigation, Windows |
| Foot Switch Connector (1/4") | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB-Powered | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dimensions (cm, L/D/H) and Weight | 33.5 x 10 x 1.1 / 0.4 kgs | 80.5 x 19.7 x 6.9 / 2.2 kgs | 80.5 x 19.7 x 7 / 2.2 kgs | 96.5 x 19.7 x 7 / 2.8 kgs |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Nektar Impact GX49 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $109.99 | $149.99 | $119.00 | $179.00 | $169.00 | $219.00 |
| Delivery | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| number of keys | 49 | 49 | 32 | 1 | 37 | 61 |
| hardware interface | usb | usb | usb | usb | usb | usb |
| connectivity tech | USB | USB, MIDI | USB | USB | USB | USB |
| model year | 2017 | 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
Reviews with images
Looks Sketchy so far will see though
Well surprise to me it has no midi in or out-puts supposedly you download and install this DAW called 8track which they give yah a serial # for but like other manufacturers it's like a demo mode basically but for $349 more itll unlock all features which I'm sure has something to do with Midi in and outs. So connecting it directly to my Akai Live is out the question which sucks bcuz the M-audio 49e this was replacing had those. Anyways after all is registered and installed I'll update this review and let yall know the results.
Top reviews from other countries
Jesus Gutiérrez Serrano
Mejor de lo que Creí
Reviewed in Mexico on November 8, 2023
Jesus Gutiérrez Serrano
Reviewed in Mexico on November 8, 2023
Images in this review
Samuel Silva Rocha Negrão
Excelente produto. Super pontual.
Reviewed in Brazil on April 5, 2021
