Nektar Impact LX88+ Unboxing/Review 

Much appreciated! Thank you! 🙏🏽

Yes! I know I was!

Thanks man! I hope they continue to help!

I’m glad I could help! Thanks!

Hi, a quick question. I bought the 61+ version of this exact series with an "M-audio SP2 sustain pedal" but when I plug in the sustain pedal, it does not sustain the notes. So is there any problem with the sustain pedal or the midi controller itself? Because at the back of the controller, it says "Foot switch" not the "Sustain pedal input". Is this Footswitch port same as Sustain pedal port?

@@abdulwahab489 I own this keyboard. But the foot switch I bought has a selectable polarity switch, so it can be used with any brand of keyboard. Some keyboards require a normally open switch and some a normally closed switch. And the input marked ‘Foot Switch’ is the input you would use for a Sustain Pedal. This is a decent controller for the price. I’m much happier with this than I was with my M-Audio Keystation 88. I had two of them that failed on me. Out of warranty, of course. But, wouldn’t buy another.

Thanks brother! Yes this is defines worth the money, I love using it! Let me know if it hooks up, I don’t think there should be an issue!

Johnmunstudios I got it hooked up with no problem. Some of the controls don’t work right now. I’ve got to figure out how to get that going. Using the record and play buttons on the keyboard would make it easy and quicker to throw something down. Thanks for the great vid man and the response.

Absolutely man! I’m glad to hear you got it working! You should check with the daw to see what midi CC number it is. The same way you can manipulate midi CC for expression, you can do it for the transport functions and almost anything! Cheers!

Take a look at this video to help you with that! Nektar Impact LX88+: MIDI CC/Drum Pad Mapping ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pSZpbm-rh2Q.html

Johnmunstudios thank you so much for the help bud!! I love the midi controller. This thing is awesome!!

I’m glad to hear that! Enjoy it!

You have to plug it into a computer with a usb cable and sync the keyboard to a digital audio workstation such as FL Studio. It doesnt play on its own because its a MIDI controller

This kind of keyboard is actually a MIDI controller. This means it does NOT PRODUCE any SOUND by ITSELF. One needs something else, usually a computer with some music program(s), as a sound source which they provide the instrument sounds. Personally I use Steinberg Cubase and Native Instruments Kontakt Player and its sound libraries which I very highly recommend. Therefore, this keyboard doesn't have speakers or headphone jacks.

Buy another keyboard with its own brain and speakers

Hey! Thank you! So I find the keyboard to be fairly quiet especially when I’m tracking and writing music. The volume of the samples and track really mask the sound so I don’t hear it that much. That being said, I am not a pro pianist so I probably don’t have the strength a professional pianist might have and that might lead to a different experience. But, in my opinion the noise doesn’t really distract me because I’m either playing with headphones or with my speakers at a decent volume and the noise is minimal. Hope this helps!

@@Johnmunstudios Yes John, Thank You I appreciate it !!

@@ItsJustaMeNow Hey LaRaikaa yea i bought a Korg B2 and the key bed is one of the quietest, but the keys are rough and they actually hurt your fingers after playing a while...lol. So either you sacrifice one thing or the other !! Only if you spend on some of the higher end models, does it gets better !!

@@Johnmunstudios 😊

You are absolutely right! Thank you for correcting me!

I am a personal user of the Nektar Impact GX 61, and honestly it doesn’t feel semi-weighted like this 88 keys. It isn’t weightless either, you do feel some weight on the keys, but you can’t compare $130 to $320. Price point really does play a role on how your instruments perform and feel. I’d recommend trying out some keys in the semi-weighted area and see if you like what they feel like before purchasing. Not all semi-weighted will feel the same. Absolutely, the weight on the keys help you with dynamics and a bunch of other things that make the piano feeling more realistic. I’d definitely recommend having a fully weighted keys if you are a pianist or want realistic feeling keys as you are recording, if and when you have the money of course. Hope this helps, and you are very welcome!

I’m not too sure, I’ve never used any M-Audio gear. All I know is I’m happy with this one!

@@Johnmunstudios because many famous producers use M-audio keystation 88 mkii and i remember the old silver colour keystation 88 first version

No, this keyboard can only be used with computer samples or as a midi keyboard as a slave to trigger samples with other keyboard rigs. Don’t buy if you don’t already have those things. This keyboard cannot be used standalone.

You’d have to see what’s in your price range, I’m unsure of cheaper options, but I know Korg, Roland, Nord Stage, The Prophet, Yamaha, etc. all sell keyboards with outputs and with Midi I/O. Hope this helps!

Hi, i bought this controller about 2 years ago. I've not used it too much but it seems durable. You have lots of controls (i'm assuming you already have an idea, if you're asking for the keybed). Terrible news for the keybed: it's really, but REALLY disappointing. It's defined as "semiweighted" but it's like a weighted "synth"... white keys are weighted differently compared to black keys and it's a real pain to play any kind of piano (that's why i had to use my digital piano). The truth is: in every vst that needs a decent balance in velocities, you will have a real bad time trying to fix. It's sensitive but not in a homogeneous way (black keys, especially all F# and A#, are UNPLAYABLE). So, if you need a decent keybed, this is NOT the controller for you, but for the price, it has 88 keys (you can use perfectly every vst that's not velocity sensitive, like pads or patches that don't mind of velocity input), all those faders etc. But you won't be able to play piano, cause you'll end up regretting the purchase. I hope this is of some use.

Hello Hamran, I have not used the Arturia, so I can't speak for it. As far as the Nektar, it is actually not as bad as everyone thinks, and it is definitely not "Unplayable". I've been using this keyboard for a year already and done many professional projects without having any keyboard issue. If a velocity is a bit off I just go in and fix the performance for like one or even two notes. As far as the semi-weighted keys, it's pretty good, and feels a lot more heavy than just a synth MIDI keyboard. I personally think for the price point it's an amazing keyboard and I've definitely gotten my return on investment with this one. Hope this helps!

GarageBand/Logic Pro X come with free sounds and they sound pretty good to start off!

This keyboard only works with MIDI/ sample libraries on a computer. The sound is playing from my studio monitors. Hope this helps!

Johnmunstudios thanks! It helped a lot!

Yes, you should be able too! You'll need an adapter for the iPad, but it should recognize the MIDI keyboard!

@@Johnmunstudios thanks

Virtual Instruments!

Hey! That doesn’t matter, when I set up the faders to control modulation it overrides the actual modwheel!

Hey there! I love this keyboard. It does actually feel semi-weighted and is really quiet. At least when I’m tracking and have my monitors at a good level I don’t even hear it. I have several pro friends as well and they love the keyboard as well. Good investment!

@@Johnmunstudios Hey ! Thank You ! Well then, I think I should order it tomorrow itself ! I've heard a lot of negative reviews of this keyboard, but you just cleared my doubt now ! You're awesome ! Keep on making great contents bro ! 😊

Yeah you’ll hear lots of good or bad on anything. Just the way it is lol but for me it’s been working great and it feels very nice. Thanks man! I appreciate it, hope to hear that it goes well for you and you’ll like it yourself!

@@Johnmunstudios Hey bro ! I just ordered it right now from a website called "bajao" ! Will be delivered within 5 days ! Can't wait to unbox it ! Anyway, Thank you for making a video review for this product ! 😊

Not a problem! I hope you enjoy it!

Honestly, if it wasn't because I needed a new MIDI keyboard last year I would've gotten Arturia. Simply because of the presets and sounds the MIDI keyboard has with the Arturia software it brings. Other than that they are pretty much the same keyboard. I already own many sample libraries and software so I honestly don't mind that much getting the Nektar, in fact I love this MIDI Keyboard, but if you don't own that many VST's or libraries thats a pretty good deal! That's my $350 answer!!

Both are pretty good but if you're an Ableton user definitely get arturia since nektar has been known for having terrible mapping for Ableton and even after doodling around many people fail get everything working properly. But if you're not an Ableton user then both are pretty good but arturia comes with better softwares.

Amos Samson no it does not. The faders and knobs using midi CC is as much after touch we get with this keyboard. Seaboard is one of the best in the aftertouch technology!

@@Johnmunstudios Thank you for the prompt reply. Appreciate your suggestions

Anytime man! 🙌🏽

Hi, I don't have any complaints on this keyboard, my opinion. I feel like it's a solid MIDI keyboard and till this day I am still using it and it works great. I work a ton as a film composer and it hasn't let me down. I don't have personal experience with the Arturia Essentials 88, but I have friends that use it and they love it! I hope this helps!

@@Johnmunstudios Thanks A lot

Hi, Although I have not tried it, it should most definitely work. This is a MIDI keyboard after all and if routed correctly to your rig, you should be able to trigger your sounds through the Nektar! Best of luck!

gkgyver you got it! It’s more comfortable and more control that way.

It's called personal choice. I suppose.

I haven’t encountered that issue. And even if that is the case, you can manipulate velocity curves in almost every sample library. People don’t know this and that’s probably why they think its not good. Every sample library sets there velocity curve differently. I don’t run into that issue.

At the moment, I don’t know what other keys are in the market that have the features you are looking for. I don’t have to layer sounds or connect multiple keys via MIDI for any of my productions. I’m sure there are many affordable options to help you find what you need.

(I have been looking at the Studiologic SL88 Studio). I loved the LX88 when I had it for both controlling VSTs in my DAW, as well as all the bells and whistles, sliders, pads, transport controls and it performed flawlessly for my needs (light home studio use), but that 3 zone thing nagged me because I wanted to control an older hardware synth module (an Alesis QSR) and some of its voices required MIDI data on 4 channels. There is no perfection at this price point, I suppose. I might still get one, nevertheless, I see on the + model buttons and sliders anre lit up, but it cannot be the only controller for (older) hardware MIDI sound modules, I suppose, unless Neektartech address this in future models.

That’s “Keyscape” from Spectrasonics

Hello Lys, Well you pretty much nailed it! Yes, this keyboard will and can work for pretty much anything genre-wise. The only way I see that can work is if you connect a 3.5mm into the headphone jack of the computer and then buy a 1/4in adapter to plug into the amp or just buy a cable in those specs. Of course, if your amp has Bluetooth as well, it can be done over that as well. Hope this helps!

@@Johnmunstudios Thank you for the info! I will try this in the near future, have a good day

Not a problem! Have a great day!

MIDI via USB

Yes, this keyboard can work in almost any DAW.

Hello Dalimar, I have seen people use MIDI keyboards on their iPhone/iPads and it works perfectly. You'll need an adapter to connect a USB to your iPhone/iPad, which Apple does sell one. I am not sure though if this keyboard is fully functional, but in theory it should be no problem. I've seen Akai keyboards being used and iRig. I hope this helps!

@@Johnmunstudios Thank you and this helps a lot!

I have not seen any information on that. I know this keyboard has a MIDI out, but it doesn’t have an in or thru port. But, theoretically if you use a usb to to connect it to your sound module and that is what is controlling the sounds, then perhaps it can work! It also has a DC 9v port, now that could be to save your laptop battery, assuming that’s what you will use, or it could be that it can be a standalone with another sound module. Hope this helps!

If it is within budget and are ok with a full size keyboard, I would!

The velocity is great! I don’t have any issues, plus sample libraries have velocity curves to adjust if need be!

@@Johnmunstudios Thank you for the quick reply!

Anytime! 🙏🏽

Depends, if you have a lot of software to be able to use then I would get this keyboard. If not Arturia comes with its own vst and has lots of sounds to be used straight out of the box. Hope this helps!

The KeyLab 88 MkII cost $999. The 61 key is good, but I could never go back to anything less than 88 keys. But then again, I'm a pianist. :)

Sure can! You just need to make sure you have a laptop so you can run your sounds through the computer. The keyboard does not have a direct output you need to use software.

@@Johnmunstudios thanks

Unfortunately no! Either a computer, or a second sample based keyboard that can be triggered via MIDI.

Hey! You have to plug it in a computer.

Hey man! Check out my new video: Studio Run-Down 2020: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VzjoqKuwbX4.html I talk about all of my external gear and computer specs. I think 32gb ram and i7 is the lowest you’ll want to go for sample libraries work. Simply because your ram will go out quick and i7 will allow you to hyperthread and i5 won’t let you do that.

@@Johnmunstudios thanks man but in India it is not possible to customise the apple product so what do you think should I go with iMac i5 9th which will enable me more ram option or with mbp which will give more CPU with less ram????? Pretty tough decision.

Sorry about that, didn’t know. I would go with more RAM over CPU because if I’m not mistaken the i5 9th gen gives you six cores so you’ll still be able to have a good amount of cores to work with. I used to have 16gb with 4 core and got some awesome scores done on it. Hope this helps!

@@Johnmunstudios thanks for solving my query man. Wish you best of luck for future.🙌🙌

Absolutely anytime man! When you receive the computer, please let me know how it goes! Would love to know!🙏🏽🙌🏽 Best of luck,

Not a stupid question at all! Yes you actually can! You’ll need a laptop running software, such as Keyscape for example, and running it preferably through a DAW, and your interface running outputs to the front of house or amplifiers on stage. This is pretty much the most basic setup you can have for a live performance.

@@Johnmunstudios oh okay thanks! do you also have any recommendations for cheaper laptop softwares and DAWs? currently im a student, but i would like to start a band with my friends and have no idea where to start regarding production software etc.

Also are the keys touch sensitive?

It does not bring a DAW, it’s tech is integrated with standard DAWs that are in the market now. This is just a keyboard. Just velocity curves.

Should just be plug and play honestly, but try installing the drivers that are found on the website. You’ll need to sign in and register your keyboard.

Yes, one controls tuning and the other control Modulation (MIDI CC#1).

Never used M-Audio, but I’m sure they both do the job right! 💪🏽

Dick Tempelaar Here it is! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pSZpbm-rh2Q.html

@@Johnmunstudios just found it hahaha , thanks, i have the Lx for about 2 years, it is great , can i map all the faders and knobs this way ?

Unfortunately, no. 😕

You don't need one! USB powered and you can just plug in headphones to your computer.

Nope, not at all.

@@Johnmunstudios no latency?

@@dhanipianist Nope!

@@Johnmunstudios thanks, so helpful

You got it! Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated with new content! 🙌🏽

Nevermind

I hadn't seen the rest of the vid

Awesome brother! I’m glad it helped!

The Nektar Impact lx88+ is a MIDI controller, so it won't output any sound... You need a software or plugin (on your computer or even on your phone), or you can connect the lx88+ to another hardware that has MIDI input (keyboards, synths etc...)

You’ll need a laptop and an audio interface!

Yes, you only need an app that can detect midi (there are a lot of them actually, but very few with decent sounds...)

Cyka Blyad you need to plug it into the computer, it does not have an output or speakers.

@@Johnmunstudios thanks

It needs to be triggered by samples on a computer, or another keyboard.

My monitors, the keyboard has no speakers.

Not directly through the keyboard, through an output from your computer you can! 👍🏽

@@Johnmunstudios thanks man

No problem!

Semi-weighted!

Moshé Assous thanks man! 🙏🏽

@@Johnmunstudios I think I would buy it, but I don't know if it will work with Komplete Kontrol plugin?

Absolutely will! Of course it’s not the same as the NI MIDI keys they sell from their store because that’s specifically designed to work 100% with all NI plugins and VSTs and of course any other library. But this can absolutely work with anything, and you can dial in any parameters you want with the knobs, faders, and pads. Check out this video where I show how you can map midi CC controls and drum pads to any sounds you have! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pSZpbm-rh2Q.html

@@Johnmunstudios Wow! Thank you bro. +1 sub

Absolutely brother! Anytime, and thank you! 🙏🏽

Works perfectly!

@@Johnmunstudios Awesome and thanks for the reply! Think I'll just have to get one now :)

@@lonecycle4849 me too

Revathi Sundaram hey man! Trust me not much missed! Just the usb cable to connect it to your computer and the manual! The packaging is very straightforward!

No, they are not wooden keys, they are plastic.

@@Johnmunstudios okey thank you

Yes

@ 5:21

No u need some kind of software to use it. I'm thinking on buying one 🥺😍

I don’t see a problem as too why not, as long as you have proper adapters to plug it in. I wouldn’t know 100% because I don’t use my iPad for any production. Try it out and let me know! I’ve seen other midi devices connected to it so you should have a great chance of it working!

I believe it does, I would do some research about it first though because Im not 100% sure

I've seen some things saying you CAN use Pro Tools with this but would you recommend it?

Yes, this can be used in pro tools as long as you have sample libraries to use it with!

Hey! No it does not. Arpeggiation can be triggered inside the DAW and the keyboard will respond! Hope this helps!

@@Johnmunstudios aftertouch?

No, this is just a standard MIDI keyboard with manual knobs/faders to manipulate parameters and drum pads. I’d recommend getting a Seaboard for aftertouch.

@@Johnmunstudios hey thanks for the quick replies. Even without these two functions, this controller seems priced right and the knob and fader count are good.

Not a problem! Absolutely, this keyboard is definitely worth the price. It has everything I need to work. No complaints.

Maybe! My keyboard works perfectly! It could be my playing style and sensitivity (which you can adjust the velocity curves on the unit itself) Check it out 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OdFT2UE9BGE.html All keyboards won’t feel right to everyone but regardless been using it for years now and I love it! The 61 is a synth with no weight, you are absolutely right, my error.

@@Johnmunstudios I must have got a bad unit then because I can't use it as a controller to trigger piano sample libraries because the sensors are so bad! I returned mine and am waiting for its replacement to arrive (M Audio Hammer 8 Pro).

@@SR1Records Debes ser tu, ya que tengo el mismo controlador hace 2 años y al día de hoy no tengo ningun problema con la curva, es más, me compré el keylab 88 por que es hermoso y terminé vendiendolo a los 2 meses por que, a pesar de actualizarlo, tenia serios problemas, tanto asi que las teclas negras responden de forma diferente a las blancas, cosa que no ocurre con el nektar

Sorry to hear that! Hope you still learned something from it! 🙏🏽