Nektar introduces new USB keyboards

Nektar Impact GX49
Nektar Impact GX49

Nektar Impact GX49: four-octave USB MIDI controller keyboard

Impact GX49 and GX61 instruments tailored to composition and performance, feature DAW integration and MIDI controller functionality with iOS devices

California-based manufacturer Nektar Technology Inc has announced two new USB MIDI controller keyboards with dedicated DAW integration features. Tailored for composition and performance with a computer music system, the Impact GX features a 49-note (four octaves) or 61-note (five octaves) keyboard, pitch-bend wheel, modulation wheel and footswitch socket.

Two multi-coloured octave buttons enable shifting the keyboard range up by four octaves or down by three octaves, with the LED colors changing to show the exact status. Dedicated transpose buttons allow to shift the keyboard range up to plus-or-minus 12 semitones. The buttons can be re-purposed to change the Global MIDI Channel or send Program messages. Additionally an assignable potentiometer provides control over any MIDI parameter and by default controls mixer volume.

Nektar’s DAW integration supports many of the most commonly used DAWs, including Apple GarageBand and Logic Pro, Bitwig 8-Track, Bitwig Studio, Cakewalk Sonar, Reaper, FL Studio, MOTU Digital Performer, Studio One, Reason, Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo. Eight buttons extend functionality including control over transport and other important DAW functions. The buttons can also be assigned to MIDI messages for use with any MIDI software that’s not supported. A primary and a secondary message can be programmed for each of seven buttons, delivering a total of 14 programmable options.

The Nektar GX49 and GX61 are expected to be available in stores worldwide from the end of May 2016, at the recommended retail price of £74.99 for the GX49 and £82.99 for the GX61. For further information, go to: nektartech.com




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