Nektar Impact LX61+ 61-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller

90
GEARANK

90 out of 100. Incorporating 1050+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$220
Nektar Impact LX61+

Gearank Recommendation

The Impact LX61+ first appeared on our recommended list for 61 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards in May 2017 where it remained until it was out-ranked by other controllers in May 2018.

Then in June 2021 its ratings were strong enough to go back on the list until it was again out-ranked in August 2022.

Overview

The Nektar Impact LX61+ is a step up in both price and features from the GX61. You get additional features like a more comprehensive control and pad scheme with faders, encoders and a full transport section.

At its core is a 61-key keyboard with synth-action feel and velocity sensitivity, a setup that's popular in this price range for its ease of use. In addition, Nektar equipped the Impact LX61+ with a wide variety of controls including 9 x 30mm faders that allow you to mix your tracks or set your levels right at your keyboard. It also comes with 8 velocity sensitive pads that are popularly used for playing software percussion instruments, or for triggering samples.

This MIDI controller connects via USB and is designed to conveniently work with various DAWs, including FL Studio, Garageband, Sonar, FL Studio, Bitwig Studio, Logic Pro, Reason, Nuendo, Cubase, Studio One and Reaper.

For those looking for a great, budget friendly midi controller with all the bells and whistles off the bat, the LX61+ proves to be a worthwhile pick that could fight off the immediate need for an upgrade.

Specifications

  • Keys: 61 / full-size / synth-action / velocity-sensitive
  • Pads: 8 (4-color backlit pads)
  • Bundled Software: Bitwig 8-Track
  • Power: USB Bus powered
  • Connectivity: USB, Sustain Pedal Jack
  • Controls: Power Switch, 8 potentiometers, 9 x 30mm faders. 9 x assignable buttons, 6 x dedicated transport buttons, 5 x preset locations store control settings, Page button (for Nektar DAW Integration only)
  • Octave: 3/+4 Octaves with Transpose Function
  • Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher, Windows 7 or higher, iOS via Apple Camera Connection Kit
  • Dimensions: 38″(L) x 10 1/2″(D) 3 “(H)
  • Weight: 9 lbs
Although this used to be on our recommended list, there are now more highly rated options available in our guide to The Best 61-Key MIDI Controller Keyboards.