Nektar Impact LX Mini: Compact Keyboard Controller with many Features

Nektar is expanding the Impact LX series with the Impact LX Mini. The best MIDI keyboard controller for budget users offers extensive functions for DAW control and many interesting performance features in a compact format with 25 mini keys.

Shortly after the Impact GX Mini was announced in August, it is now the turn of the LX series, and a compact keyboard MIDI is being added. The new Impact LX Mini also fits into every backpack with 25 mini-buttons and is therefore ideal for use on the go. However, as a member of the LX series, it offers significantly more controls and control functions than the GX Mini.

The touch-sensitive MIDI keyboard controller has two octaves and can be adjusted with four velocity curves. On the left, there are octave and transposition buttons as well as a joystick for pitch bend and modulation, which was taken over from the Impact GX Mini. This is where the “Part 2” function comes from, which is particularly interesting for performances. It makes it possible, for example, to temporarily transpose the keyboard MIDI at the touch of a button – very welcome with 25 keys. With “Part 2” you can also temporarily switch to another MIDI channel or superimpose a second sound. After releasing the key, the keyboard returns to its original configuration. Practically!

Above the keyboard, the Impact LX Mini has eight touch-sensitive, illuminated drum pads and eight assignable rotary controls. Due to the direct integration into many popular DAWs, the cumbersome assignment is no longer necessary in many cases. The connections are located on the left. The Impact LX Mini offers a USB port, which is also used to power the keyboard, as well as a configurable port for a footswitch or a sustain pedal.

Another performance feature is the two independent arpeggiator/note repeat engines for the keyboard and pads. After activating the arpeggiator, its parameters such as rate, swing, accent level, interval, tempo, arpeggio mode, and octaves can be set directly using the rotary controls.

As a compact MIDI controller keyboard with pads and rotary controls, the Nektar Impact LX Mini competes with the AKAI MPK Mini Mk3, the Novation Launchkey Mini Mk3, the M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk5, and the somewhat outdated Arturia MiniLab MkII. If you are looking for the best MIDI keyboard controller under $150 with extensive control functions on the go, you now have another interesting option in this segment.

Nektar Impact LX Mini price and availability

The Nektar Impact LX Mini is now available to pre-order via Bhphotovideo.com at the recommended retail price of $119.99.