Imbibe Expressive, Next-gen Production Power

The NKS-compatible Impact LX mk3 MIDI controllers have arrived, and Music Experience’s studio pros agree: Nektar nailed it. Across the lineup — LX25, LX49, LX61, and LX88 — these controllers combine performance, interface, and production upgrades with next-level DAW integration to supercharge your workflow. Studio-grade rotary encoders, transport controls, and velocity-sensitive pads deliver precision and control, whether you’re tracking beats or dialing in automation. Each model features a newly redesigned keybed with an optimized velocity curve, giving you expressive, nuanced playability. The LX25 through LX61 sport Nektar’s responsive Clean-action synth-style keys, while the flagship LX88 mk3 ups the ante with semi-weighted keys for added depth and feel. Whether you’re working in the studio or performing onstage, the Impact LX mk3 series stands to elevate your sound and streamline your creative process.

Unmatched DAW Integration

Across the enhancements introduced with the Nektar Impact LX mk3 controllers, the detailed transport controls that complement dedicated DAW-management tools are a game changer.

• The DAW Looper is a suite of hands-free controls that allows you to create, edit, and manage loops within your linear timeline-based DAW directly from your controller, in addition to launching clips.
• LED-backed buttons and a large global encoder make timeline scrolling, loop recording, and adjusting points seamless, boosting workflow efficiency.
• The encoder lets you switch between three tailored modes of Nektar’s DAW-integration capabilities: channel volume, instrument cutoff, and control of any selected DAW parameter or NKS-compatible plug-in.
• Studio-grade precision is enhanced by real-time display of parameter values.

Note: The Nektar Impact LX25 mk3 MIDI controller does not feature the vertical faders found on the rest of the controllers in the series.

Multimode Performance Possibilities

• Each of the eight full-resolution encoders is paired with a dynamic display that automatically adapts to your selected plug-ins.
• Dual-page encoder layout: one page for Sends, one page for Pans, giving intuitive access to key mix functions.
• All eight LED-backlit performance pads come pre-mapped for popular drum instruments but remain fully customizable for your workflow.
• Deep velocity-sensitive pads respond to finger drumming, sample triggering, one-shots, and more for expressive performance.
• Advanced performance modes:
  • Scale Mode: Lock into a scale of your choice for live or studio use.
  • Chord Mode: Play 2–6-note chords with a single key using user-defined presets and chord inversions.
  • Hold Mode: Introduces legato and sustain tools alongside pitch and modulation wheels for flexible performance.

Software Included to Kick-start Your Sound

The Nektar Impact LX mk3-series MIDI controllers provide comprehensive and customizable control, making virtually any DAW and plug-in ready for powerful performances on stage or in the studio. Key features include:

• USB-C port for USB-MIDI connections and bus power.
• 1/4-inch TS input to expand expressive options with your preferred footswitch.
• Included software suite featuring dozens of synth, drum, and multi-instrument sounds.
• Seamless integration with DAWs including Ableton, Logic, FL Studio, Cubase, and more.

What Nektar Says...

Impact LX mk3: The MIDI Keyboard That Goes Beyond MIDI

Impact LX mk3 MIDI controller keyboards combine an expressive, redesigned keybed with 9 full-resolution encoders, 8 faders, 8 velocity-sensitive pads, and tons of buttons to give you instant access to performance or DAW integration features.

New performance features include Scale, Chord, and Hold, with Nektar custom DAW integration bringing the best out of controls with innovative new features and a workflow tailored to compatible DAWs.

Impact LX mk3 also supports Native Instruments NKS control standard, ensuring compatibility with thousands of plugins even in DAWs not supported by Nektar DAW integration. With Impact LX mk3, the hard work is done, so you can focus on your creativity.

Key Features

Available in 25, 49, 61, and 88 key versions, all featuring redesigned keybeds. Key features include:

9 full-resolution encoders with parameter control in one rotation, 8 faders, 8 velocity-sensitive pads, 9 LED illuminated buttons, 22 additional buttons, 1/4″ TS footswitch jack, USB-C connection and power.

Nektar custom DAW integration for Ableton Live Suite, Bitwig Studio, Cakewalk/Sonar, Cubase (13 or higher), FL Studio, Garageband, Nuendo, Logic Pro (10.8 or higher), Reason, Reaper, and Studio One (5 or higher).

Native Instruments NKS support works in any DAW and is compatible with thousands of plugins.

Software bundle includes NI Komplete Select 15, Bitwig Studio 8-track DAW, and MOK Miniraze plugin synth.

Feel Every Note

The newly redesigned keybed is smooth, responsive, and built for expressive play. Paired with pitch bend and modulation wheels, plus a footswitch input for sustain, you’ve got everything you need to shape your sound with nuance and emotion.

Effortless Control at Full Resolution

The encoders provide solid and precise performance, offering near-full resolution in one rotation. Working seamlessly with Nektar DAW integration, you get relative control without parameter jumping or pickup issues.

Precision at Your Fingertips: Global Encoder & Display Feedback

The large global encoder offers precision fine-tuning and works independently of mode selection. It provides powerful options when combined with Nektar DAW integration.

Faders – Mix or Envelope Control

The faders deliver tactile control for mixing or adjusting envelope parameters. Silkscreen labels above the faders indicate default assignments for ease of use.

MIDI Programming Right from the Board

Impact LX mk3 allows programming of controls in Preset mode directly from the hardware. In Setup mode, use the large encoder to select menu options and program MIDI messages immediately. All settings are stored over power cycling, with options to store in 5 presets and 8 pad maps.

Build Your Kits, Non-Stop!

Eight velocity-sensitive pads make groove and beat creation easy. Calibrated for light-touch finger drumming, the pads respond evenly and support “Pad Learn” for evolving kits as you play.

Nektar DAW Integration

Customized for your DAW, Nektar DAW integration provides:

Loop creation, timeline navigation, instant parameter control, full mixer control including volume, pan, sends, mute and solo, plugin instrument control, NKS switching, and DAW function navigation.

Looper

The Looper follows the play position and uses the 9 LED buttons for quick navigation and loop point setting. Press a button to move the playhead, hold one and press another to set loop start/end, and hit Loop Record to automate recording and playback.

Global Control

The global encoder adjusts mixer channel volume, pan, filter cutoff, and resonance. Selected parameters can be controlled instantly with fine resolution, displaying formatted values directly from the DAW.

In the Mix

The Impact LX mk3 maps eight faders to the first eight channels of your DAW mixer, with bank navigation and global encoder control for selected tracks. Buttons under each fader allow muting or soloing, and encoders control pan or sends.

Control Plugin Instruments

Instrument mode maps parameters to printed labels for consistent results. Quick controls, Smart Controls, and macros are fully supported, including default mappings for Korg Polysix and other instruments.

Controlling Plugins Using NKS Standard

The Native Instruments NKS control standard is supported in thousands of plugins, allowing presets, map pages, and parameter adjustments using the 8 encoders. Nektar DAW integration automatically detects Komplete Kontrol tracks.

Performance Tools

Impact LX mk3’s Scale, Chord, and Hold features offer creative freedom. Scale ensures notes stay within key, Chord allows multi-note triggering including octaves and intervals, and Hold sustains notes for evolving chords or drones.

Road-Tested by the Pros

Midge Ure of Ultravox and Band Aid tested the LX88 and LX61 mk3 keyboards on tour in the U.S., and both returned without a scratch, proving their durability on the road.

Native Kontrol Standard (NKS)

NKS ensures seamless connection of virtual instruments to Impact LX mk3. Existing NKS-compatible plugins work immediately, or use the included Komplete Select 15 bundle for a curated NKS experience.

Included Software Bundle

Choose your free Komplete Select 15 bundle (Beats, Band, or Electronic), featuring synths, sampled instruments, and effects. Miniraze by MOK provides unique plugin sounds, and Bitwig Studio 8-track is included to start producing immediately with Nektar DAW integration support.