Nektar has annouced two new USB MIDI controller keyboards with the acclaimed dedicated Nektar DAW integration features. Here's the story of the Impact GX49 and GX61 Controller Keyboards in their own words...

The Nektar GXs' compact design is comfortable in front of a computer and delivers powerful functionality not even found on more comprehensive controllers. The Impact GX49 and GX61 are dynamic and expressive instruments, tailored for composition & performance with a computer music system, featuring a 49-note (4 octave) or 61-note (5 octave) keyboard, pitch-bend wheel, modulation wheel and foot switch socket. Two multi-colored octave buttons enable shifting the keyboard range up or down -3/+4 octaves with the LED colors changing to show the exact status, Impact GX are well equipped to deliver a great workflow.

Dedicated transpose buttons allow to shift the keyboard range up to +/- 12 semi tones. The buttons can quickly be re-purposed to change the Global MIDI Channel or send Program messages. Additionally an assignable potentiometer provides control over any MIDI parameter, by default controls mixer volume.

Controlling the DAW
The acclaimed Nektar DAW Integration supporting many of the most commonly used DAWs makes the GXs a pleasure to use as the controller keyboard becomes an integral part of the music system always providing the creative freedom to compose, perform and play, without having to reach for the mouse constantly. Eight buttons intended for DAW control, are at the center of the Impact GX. Highly repetitive tasks like  transport activation or navigating tracks do not require reaching for the mouse every time. Used with Nektar DAW integration, the 8 buttons extend functionality includes control over transport and a host of other important DAW functions, right from Impact GX.

The buttons can also be assigned to MIDI messages for use with any MIDI software that's not supported by Nektar DAW Integration. A primary and a secondary message can be programmed for each of 7 buttons, delivering 14 programmable options total.

CONNECTIVITY & APPLE iOS
As a low powered USB device, Impact GX works with all USB devices that feature a Class compliant MIDI driver. That includes all version of Windows from XP and higher, Apple OS X 10.5 and higher plus Linux (as long as a USB MIDI driver package is installed).
Impact GX keyboards also work with an Apple iPad using the iPad's optional USB camera connection kit (optional). The Impact GX is powered by the iPad which makes it a fully mobile music performance and recording sytem.

Overview of Impact GX DAW integration features

• Extended Transport includes Loop on/off, Click on/off, Go To Locator, and Undo controls in addition to the more familiar Play, Stop, Record, Forward and Reverse controls
• Track Select for navigating tracks in the DAW project
• Patch select for navigating the sounds in instrument plug-ins

Other GX key features

• Control of mixer volume with the potentiometer (also MIDI assignable to other functions)
• Comprehensive MIDI Controller specification (18 MIDI assignable controls)
• iPad compatible
• Includes Bitwig 8-Track DAW software, a compact edition of the highly-acclaimed Bitwig Studio DAW providing powerful composition and production tools. Supported by Nektar DAW integration for Impact GX.

Nektar DAW Integration for Impact GX49 and GX61 currently supports: Apple GarageBand and Logic Pro, Bitwig 8-Track, Bitwig Studio, Cakewalk Sonar, Cockos Reaper, Image Line FL Studio, MOTU Digital Performer, PreSonus Studio One Artist, Propellerhead Reason, Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo.

Pricing and Availability:
The Nektar GX49 and GX61 are expected to be available in stores worldwide from the end of May 2016 at the following prices:
Impact GX49: MAP / SSP = $99.99 / £74.99 / €99.99
Impact GX61: MAP / SSP = $119.99 / £82.99 / €109.99

More information:

• Nektar GX49 and GX61
  

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