Nektar LX49+ Impact Controller keyboard User Manual

Nektar LX49+ Impact Controller keyboard User Manual

Dispose of the product securely, avoiding exposure to food sources and groundwater. Only use the product according to the instructions.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, under part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used by the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. Suppose this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on. In that case, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CALIFORNIA PROP65
WARNING:
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information: www.nektartech.com/prop65 Impact firmware, software, and documentation are the property of Nektar Technology, Inc. and are subject to a License Agreement.  2016 Nektar Technology, Inc. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Nektar is a trademark of Nektar Technology, Inc.

Introduction

Thank you for buying the Nektar Impact LX+ controller keyboard. The Impact LX+ controllers are available in 25, 49, 61, and 88 note versions and come with setup software for many of the most popular DAWs. This means that for supported DAWs, the setup work has largely been done and you can focus on expanding your creative horizon with your new controller. The Nektar DAW support adds functionality that makes the user experience more transparent when you combine the power of your computer with Nektar Impact LX+.

Throughout this guide, we refer to Impact LX+ where the text applies to LX49+ and LX61+. The models operate identically, except where indicated in this manual. In addition, the Impact LX+ range allows for complete user- configurable MIDI control so if you prefer to create your setups, you can do that too. We hope you will enjoy playing, using, and being creative with Impact LX+ as much as we have enjoyed creating it.

Box Content

Your Impact LX+ box contains the following items:

• The Impact LX+ Controller Keyboard
• Printed Guide
• A standard USB cable
• Card containing license code for software inclusion
• If any of the items above are missing, please let us know via email: stuffmissing@nektartech.com

Impact LX49+ and LX61+ Features

• 49 or 61 note full-sized velocity-sensitive keys
• 5 User user-configurable presets
• 8 velocity-sensitive, LED-illuminated pads
• 2 read-only presets (Mixer/Instrument)
• 9 MIDI-assignable faders
• 4 pad map presets
• 9 MIDI-assignable buttons
• Shift functions for Nektar DAW integration
• 8 MIDI-assignable controller pots
• 3-character, 7-segment LED display
• 1 Instrument page button for Nektar DAW integration only
• USB port (back) and USB bus-powered
• 6 transport buttons
• Power on/off switch (back)
• Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels (assignable)
• Octave up/down buttons
• 1/4” jack Foot Switch socket (Back)
• Transpose up/down buttons
• Connect to iPad via Apple USB Camera Connection Kit
• Mixer, Instrument, and Preset selection buttons
• Nektar DAW support integration
• 5 Function buttons including Mute, Snapshot, Null,

Pad Learn and Setup

Minimum System Requirements
As a USB class-compliant device, Impact LX+ can be used from Windows XP or higher and any version of Mac OS X. The DAW integration files can be installed on Windows Vista/7/8/10 or higher and Mac OS X 10.7 or higher.

Getting Started

Connection and Power
The Impact LX+ is USB Class compliant. This means there is no driver to install to get the keyboard set up with your computer. Impact LX+ uses the built-in USB MIDI driver which is already part of your operating system on Windows and OS X.

This makes the first steps simple

• Locate the included USB cable and plug one end into your computer and the other into your Impact LX+
• If you want to connect a foot switch to control sustain, plug it into the 1/4” jack socket on the back of the keyboard
• Set the power switch on the back of the unit to On
• Your computer will now spend a few moments identifying the Impact LX+ and subsequently, you will be able to set it up for your DAW.

Nektar DAW Integration
If your DAW is supported with Nektar DAW integration software, you’ll need to first create a user account on our website and subsequently register your product to then gain access to the downloadable files applicable to your product.
Start by creating a Nektar user account here: www.nektartech.com/registration Next, follow the instructions given to register your product, and finally click on the “My Downloads” link to access your files.
IMPORTANT : Make sure to read the installation instructions in the PDF guide, included in the downloaded package, to ensure you don’t miss an important step.

Using Impact LX+ as a Generic USB MIDI Controller
You do not need to register your Impact LX+ to use your controller as a generic USB MIDI controller. It will work as a USB class on the device on OS X, Windows, iOS, and Linux.

However, there are several additional benefits to registering your product:

• Notification of new updates to your Impact LX+ DAW integration
• PDF download of this manual as well as the latest DAW integration files
• Access to our email technical support
• Warranty service

Keyboard, Octave, and Transpose
The Impact LX+ keyboard is velocity sensitive so you can play the instrument expressively. There are 4 different velocity curves to choose from, each with varying dynamics. In addition, there are 3 fixed velocity settings. We recommend you spend a little time playing with the default velocity curve and then determine if you need more or less sensitivity. You can learn more about velocity curves and how to select them on page 18 Octave Shift To the left of the keyboard, you find the Octave and Transpose shift buttons.

• With each press, the left Octave button will shift the keyboard down one octave.
• The right Octave button will similarly shift the keyboard up 1 octave at a time when pressed.
• The maximum you can shift the LX+ keyboard is 3 octaves down and 4 octaves up and the LX+61 can be shifted 3 octaves up.
• This covers the entire MIDI keyboard range of 127 notes.

Program, MIDI Channel, and Preset Control with the Octave Buttons
The Octave buttons can also be used to send out MIDI program messages, change the Global MIDI channel, or select the Impact LX+’s control presets. To change the buttons function:

• Press the two Octave buttons simultaneously.
• The display will now show the current assignment abbreviation for a little over 1 second.
• Press the Octave up or down button to step through the options.
• Below is the list of the functions that the Octave buttons can be assigned to control.
• The Display column shows the text abbreviation for each function as it appears on the Impact LX+ display.

The function remains assigned to the buttons until another function is selected.

• After power cycling the default function is selected.

Transpose, Program, MIDI Channel, and Preset with Transpose Buttons
The Transpose buttons work in a similar way to the Octave buttons with the following function options:

Wheels and Foot Switch

Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels
The two wheels below the Octave and Transpose buttons are typically used for Pitch bend and Modulation. The Pitch bend wheel is spring-loaded and automatically reverts to its center position upon release. It’s ideal to bend notes when you are playing phrases that require this kind of articulation. The bend range is determined by the receiving instrument. The Modulation wheel can be freely positioned and is programmed to control modulation by default. Both the Pitch bend and the Modulation wheel are MIDI assignable with settings stored over power cycling so you don’t lose them when you switch the unit off. Pitch bend and Modulation assignments are not part of the Impact LX+ presets.

Foot Switch
You can connect a foot switch pedal (optional, not included) to the 1/4” jack socket on the back of the Impact LX+ keyboard. The correct polarity is automatically detected on boot-up, so if you plug in your foot switch after boot-up is complete, you may experience the foot switch working in reverse. To correct that, do the following

• Switch the Impact LX+ off
• Make sure your foot switch is connected
• Switch the Impact LX+ on
• The polarity of the foot switch should now be automatically detected.

Controlling MIDI Software
Impact LX+ has incredible flexibility when it comes to controlling a DAW or other MIDI software. There are typically 3 different ways to set up Impact LX+‘s many controls, though it’s not uncommon to use a combination of different approaches.

1. Install the Impact DAW integration files for use with an existing DAW (must be on our supported list)
2. Set up a DAW with controller learn
3. Programming Impact LX+ controls for your software
4. Option 1 only requires the installation of our DAW integration files and following the included PDF guide.
5. You will need to create a user here: www.nektartech.com/registration and register your LX+ to get access to the files and PDF user guide.
6. If you plan to use your DAWs learn function or Impacts presets at a later stage, we do recommend reading through this chapter to understand how Impact LX+ is structured. Let’s start with an overview of what is stored in memory.

Mixer, Instrument, and Presets
Impact LX+ has 5 user-configurable presets though in reality, the total amount of useable presets is 7. That‘s because the Mixer and Instrument buttons each recall a read-only preset. A preset contains control settings for the 9 faders, 9 fader buttons, and 8 pots. The Preset button recalls the currently selected user preset and there are 3 different ways you can recall any of the 5 presets:

1. Press and hold [Preset] while using the -/+ keys (C3/C#3) to change the preset selection.
2. Assign either the Octave or Transpose buttons to change the preset (described on page 6)
3. Use the Setup menu to load a specific Preset
4. Below is a list of what each of the 5 presets is programmed to by default. Each can be programmed with your MIDI settings which we will cover later.

Presets 1, 4, and 5 are set up to transmit on the global MIDI channel. When you change the global MIDI channel (as described earlier, you can use the Octave and Transpose buttons to do this at any time) you therefore change the MIDI channel that these presets transmit on. With 16 MIDI channels available it means you can create 16 unique setups and just change the MIDI channel to switch between them. A list of controller assignments for each of the 5 presets is available on pages 22-26.

Controlling MIDI Software (cont)

Global Controls
Global controls are controls that are not stored in a preset and therefore Pitch bend/Modulation wheels plus the Foot Switch fall in this category. The 6 transport buttons, in addition, are also global controls, and assignments are stored over power cycling. As you change presets or adjust your preset controls, global controls remain unchanged. This makes sense since Transport and keyboard controls typically are set up to do one thing specifically.

Function Buttons
The second row of buttons below the display contains 5 function and menu buttons. The button’s primary functions are to change track
and patches in DAWs that are supported by Nektar DAW Integration. The following describes their secondary function.

Shift/Mute
When you press and hold this button, the MIDI output from real-time controls is muted. This allows you to reposition faders and pots without sending MIDI data. In addition, pressing this button activates the secondary functions of buttons, screened below those buttons. So for example, press and hold [Shift/Mute]+[Pad 4] will load Pad Map 4. Press and hold [Shift/Mute]+[Pad 2] will load Pad Map 2.

Snapshot
Pressing [Shift]+[Snapshot] will send out the current status of faders and pots. This can both be used as a status recall feature and also as a fun experimental feature to change parameters without knowing for sure what will happen.

Null
Impact’s DAW integration files contain automatic catch-up or soft takeover functions that avoid parameter jumping by delaying parameter updates until a physical control position matches the value of the parameters. The Null function works similarly but does not rely on feedback from your software to achieve it. It remembers your parameter settings, when you change between, presets so you catch up with parameter values or “null”.

Example

1. Select [Preset] and make sure [Shift]+[Null] is set to on.
2. Set the Transpose (or Octave) buttons to change presets (as described earlier) and select Preset 1.
3. Move Fader 1 to maximum (127).
4. Select Preset 2 using the Transpose buttons.
5. Move fader 1 to a minimum (000).
6. Select Preset 1 using the Transpose buttons.
7. Move Fader 1 away from its minimum position and notice the display reads “Up” until you reach 127.
8. Select Preset 2 and move the fader away from the maximum position. Notice the display reads ‘dn” until you reach 000.

While “up” or “dn” is displayed, no control update values are sent to your software. The null setting is independent for each of Mixer, Inst., and Preset. To switch the function on or off, first select [Preset] and then press [Shift]+[Null] until you see the status you want (on/off). Press [Mixer] or [Inst] followed by pressing [Shift}+[Null] to set the setting for each of these options. If you are using Nektar Integrated DAW support, please make sure to check the setup instructions for your DAW. Null is in some cases required to be off because Impact LX+ uses a different method to avoid parameter jumping.

Pad Learn
Pad learn allows you to quickly select a pad and learn a note assignment by pressing a key on the keyboard. This is explained in more detail in the next section about Pads. To activate Pad Learn, press [Shift]+[Pad Learn].

Setup
Pressing [Shift]+[Setup] will mute the keyboard output and instead activate the setup menus accessible via the keyboard. Go to page 14 for more information about the setup menus.

Pads
The 8 pads are velocity-sensitive and programmable with either note or MIDI switch messages. This means you can use them as regular MIDI buttons as well as punch out your drum beats and percussive melody parts. In addition, the pads have 4 velocity curve options and 3 fixed velocity options you can choose between, depending on what you are doing and your playing style.

Pad Maps
You can load and save up to 4 different pad setups in 4 memory locations called Pad maps. Here is how you load pad maps:

• Press and hold the [Shift/Mute] button. The pad corresponding to the currently loaded pad map should now be illuminated.
• Press the pad that corresponds to the pad map you want to recall. The pad map has now been loaded.
• Page 13 shows the 4 pad maps default assignments. Map 1 is a chromatic scale which is continued in Map 2.
• If you have a drum setup that’s laid out this way (many are) you can access drums 1-8 using Map 1 and drums 9-16 using Map 2.

Pad Learn
It’s easy to change pad note assignments using the Pad Learn function. It works as follows:

1. Press the function button combination [Shift]+[Pad Learn]. The display will now blink, showing P1 (pad 1) as the default selected pad.
2. Hit the pad you want to assign a new note value to. The display blinks and updates to show the number of the pad you selected.
3. Press the key on the keyboard that corresponds to the note you want to assign to the pad. You can keep playing notes on the keyboard until you have found the note you want.
4. When you are done, press [Shift]+[Pad Learn] to exit and start playing your pads with the new assignment.
5. You can keep repeating steps 2. and 3. until you have created a complete Pad Map.

Programming MIDI Messages to Pads
The pads can also be used as MIDI switch buttons. To learn more, check the Setup section that covers how controls are programmed.

Pad Velocity Curves
You can choose between 4 velocity curves and 3 fixed velocity value options. For more information about the velocity curves and how to choose them, read about the Setup Menu, and go to page 19 for details about pad velocity curves.

Clips & Scenes buttons
The two Clips & Scenes buttons are reserved for Nektar DAW integration and do not have a function otherwise.

What the Pad‘s LED Colors Tell You

• The pad’s color coding provides information about its current status. As you change pad maps, for instance, you will notice that the MIDI note off color changes.

This tells you which pad map is currently loaded.:

• The above Pad Map color coding is only true when pads are programmed with MIDI notes. If you program the pads to send other MIDI messages, the pad colors are set up in the following way:
• Program: All pad LEDs are off except one that corresponds with the last sent MIDI Program message. The active pad is illuminated Orange. This enables you to always see at a glance which MIDI Program is active.
• MIDI cc: The pad illuminates depending on which value is sent. Value = 0 to switch off the LED. If the value is between 1 and 126, the color is green and if the value = 127 the color is red.
• MIDI cc feedback: If your DAW is capable of responding relatively to a MIDI cc message (i.e. ignore the value sent), a status message can be sent from the DAW to activate the pad LED. To set that up, the pad‘s Data 1 and Data 2 values need to be the same (see Setup, page 14 about programming Data 1 and Data 2 values) and your DAW can then send status values to illuminate the pad as follows: Value = 0 switch off the LED. If the value is between 1 and 126, the color is green. If value = 127 the color is red.
• Example: Program a pad to send MIDI cc 45 and set both Data 1 and Data 2 to 0. Set your DAW up to return MIDI cc 45 to activate the LED. Depending on the value sent from the DAW, the pad will be off, green, or red

Pads Maps Default Settings

Map 1| | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
| Note| Note No.| Data 1| Data 2| Data 3| Chan
P1| C1| 36| 0| 127| 0| Global
P2| C#1| 37| 0| 127| 0| Global
P3| D1| 38| 0| 127| 0| Global
P4| D#1| 39| 0| 127| 0| Global
P5| E1| 40| 0| 127| 0| Global
P6| F1| 41| 0| 127| 0| Global
P7| F#1| 42| 0| 127| 0| Global
P8| G1| 43| 0| 127| 0| Global
Map 2| | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
| Note| Note No.| Data 1| Data 2| Data 3| Chan
P1| G#1| 44| 0| 127| 0| Global
P2| A1| 45| 0| 127| 0| Global
P3| A#1| 46| 0| 127| 0| Global
P4| B1| 47| 0| 127| 0| Global
P5| C2| 48| 0| 127| 0| Global
P6| C#2| 49| 0| 127| 0| Global
P7| D2| 50| 0| 127| 0| Global
P8| D#2| 51| 0| 127| 0| Global
Map 3| | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
| Note| Note No.| Data 1| Data 2| Data 3| Chan
P1| C3| 60| 0| 127| 0| Global
P2| D3| 62| 0| 127| 0| Global
P3| E3| 64| 0| 127| 0| Global
P4| F3| 65| 0| 127| 0| Global
P5| G3| 67| 0| 127| 0| Global
P6| A3| 69| 0| 127| 0| Global
P7| B3| 71| 0| 127| 0| Global
P8| C4| 72| 0| 127| 0| Global
Map 4| | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
| Note| Note No.| Data 1| Data 2| Data 3| Chan
P1| C1| 36| 0| 127| 0| Global
P2| D1| 38| 0| 127| 0| Global
P3| F#1| 42| 0| 127| 0| Global
P4| A#1| 46| 0| 127| 0| Global
P5| G1| 43| 0| 127| 0| Global
P6| A1| 45| 0| 127| 0| Global
P7| C#1| 37| 0| 127| 0| Global
P8| C#2| 49| 0| 127| 0| Global

Setup Menu

The Setup menu gives access to additional functions such as control assign, load, save, selecting velocity curves, and more. To enter the menu, press the [Shift]+[Patch >] (Setup) buttons. This will mute the MIDI output of the keyboard and instead the keyboard now is used to select menus.

When the Setup menu is active, the display will show {S.E.t.} with the 3 dots blinking for as long as the menu is active. The chart below provides an overview of menus assigned to each key and what display abbreviations you see in the Impact LX+ display (in Menu keys are the same for both Impact LX49+ and LX61+ but value entry using the keyboard is one octave higher on LX61+. Refer to the screen printing on the unit to see which keys to press, to enter values.

The functions are separated into two groups. The first group spanning C1-G1 covers control assignments and behavior, including saving and Load of the 5 presets and 4 pad maps. When you press the keys in this group you first see an abbreviation showing the function. This means you can press keys until you find exactly the menu you want without worrying about controls changing assignments. Since this group of functions are the ones you most likely will use more regularly this makes the menus easy to find.

The second group spanning C2-A2 covers global and setup functions. Most of the second group functions will show you their current status when you press a key. On the following page, we cover how each of these menus works. Note the documentation assumes you have an understanding of MIDI including how it works and behaves. If you are not familiar with MIDI, we recommend you study MIDI before making control assignment changes to your keyboard. A good place to start is the documentation of the software you want to control or the MIDI Manufacturers Association www.midi.org

Assigning Controls to MIDI messages
Since the Mixer and Instrument presets are read-only, the first 4 functions C1-E1 apply only to Presets and cannot be selected if either the Mixer or the Instrument [Inst.] preset is selected. To enter the Setup menu’s assigned functions, please do the following:

• Press [Preset]
• Press [Shift]+[Patch>] (Setup)
• The display now reads {S.E.t.} with the 3 display dots {…} blinking
• The Setup menu is now active and the keyboard no longer sends MIDI notes when you press the keys.
• To exit the Setup menu, press [Shift]+[Patch>] (Setup) again at any time.

Control Assign (C1)
This function allows you to change the MIDI CC number of a control. (if applicable. The assignment type has to be MIDI CC). Most of the controls by default are assigned to send MIDI CC message type. Here is how it works:

• Press the low C1 on your keyboard to select Control Assign. The display reads {CC}
• Move or press a control. The value you see in the display is the currently assigned value (000-127)
• Change the value in decrements/increments using the keys with the -/+ symbols screened above (C3/C#3). The value assignment is instant so if you exit the Setup menu after making changes, those changes remain active
• You can also enter a specific value using the white number keys spanning G3–B4 (G4-B5 on LX+61). Press Enter (C5) to accept the change.

MIDI Channel Assign (D1)
Each control within a preset can be assigned to send on a specific MIDI channel or follow the Global MIDI channel.

• Press D1. The display reads {Ch}
• Move or press a control. The value you see in the display is the currently assigned MIDI channel (000-16). The MIDI specifications allow for 16 MIDI channels.
• In addition, Impact LX+ gives you the option to select 000 which is the selection for the Global MIDI channel. Most of the default presets assign controls to the Global MIDI channel so you may see this value when you move a control.
• Change the value in decrements/increments using the keys with the -/+ symbols screened above (C3/C#3). The value assignment is instant so if you exit the Setup menu after making changes, those changes remain active
• You can also enter a specific value using the white number keys spanning G3–B4 (G4-B5 on LX+61). Press Enter (C5) to accept the change.

Assignment Types (E1)
Most of the controls in the default presets are assigned to MIDI CC messages. But there are several other options and the below chart shows you which are available for the two types of controls.

To change an assignment type, do the following

• Press the E1 on your keyboard to select Assign Options. The display reads {ASG}
• Move or press a control. The type abbreviation you see in the display is the currently assigned type as per the above chart
• Change the value in decrements/increments using the keys with the -/+ symbols screened above (C3/C#3). The type change is instant so if you exit the Setup menu after making changes, those changes remain active
• Data 1 and Data 2 Values (C#1 & D#1)
• The Data 1 and Data 2 functions are required for some controller assignments as per the chart below.

To enter a Data 1 or Data 2 value, do the following

• Press either C#1 or D#1 on your keyboard to select either Data 1 or Data 2. The display reads {d1} or {d2}
• Move or press a control. The controls Data 1 or Data 2 value will be visible in the display
• Change the value in decrements/increments using the keys with the -/+ symbols screened above (C3/C#3).
• The value assignment is instant so if you exit the Setup menu after making changes, those changes remain active
• You can also enter a specific value using the white number keys spanning G3–B4 (G4-B5 on LX+61). Press Enter (C5) to accept the change.

value
Aftertouch| Max value| Min value
Pitch Bend| Max value| Min value
Buttons 1-9, Transport buttons, Foot Switch| MIDI CC Toggle| CC value 1| CC value 2
MIDI CC Trigger/Release| Trigger Value| Release value
MIDI note| Note on velocity| MIDI note #
MIDI Machine Control| n/a| Sub-ID #2
Program| n/a| Message value

Drawbar On/Off (F1)
The Drawbar function reverses the value output of the 9 faders from the default 0-127 to 127-0. This can also be achieved by reversing the min/max values of a control when you program Data 1 and Data 2. However, if you don’t want to change the reversal permanently in your preset, this function is ideal, and here is how to activate it:

• Press F1. The display will show {drb} and then alternate with the function status (on or off)
• Change the status, using the keys with the -/+ symbols screened above (C3/C#3)
• The change is immediate so to try out the setting just press [Shift]+[Setup] to exit the Setup menu.

Save Presets and Pad Maps (F#1)
When you make assignment changes to a control or pad, the changes are stored in a current working memory area and the settings are also stored over power cycling. However, if you change the preset or pad map your settings will be lost because the loaded data will overwrite your programmed changes. If you don’t want to lose your work we recommend saving as soon as you have created your setup. Here is how to do that:

Save a Preset

• Press F#1 to activate the Save menu. The display will read {SAu} (yeah, that’s supposed to be a v)
• Select the Preset you want to save, using the keys with the -/+ symbols screened above (C3/C#3).
• You can also enter a specific preset number (1-5) using the white number keys spanning G3–D4 (G4-D5 on LX+61).
• Press Enter (C5) to save to the selected Preset location (applicable for both selection methods)

Save a Pad Map

• Press F3 to activate the save menu. The display will read {SAu} (yeah, that’s supposed to be a v)
• Press [Enter] (the last C key on your keyboard) to confirm the menu selection
• Press [Shift] and the pad corresponding to the pad map you want to save your pad settings to (1-4)
• Press Enter (C5) to save to the selected pad map location

Load a Preset (G1)

• We explained earlier how you can use the Octave and Transpose buttons to select presets. Here is an alternative option for loading presets so you don’t have to change your button functions.
• Press G1 to activate the Load menu. The display will read {Lod} (better than Loa, right?)
• Select the Preset you want to load using the keys with the -/+ symbols screened above (C3/C#3). Presets are loaded instantly as you step through them.
• You can also enter a specific preset number (1-5) using the white number keys spanning G3–D4 (G4-D5 on LX+61).
• Press Enter (C5) to load the selected Preset location (only applicable when loading using the number entry option)

Global Functions and Options
Unlike the Control Assign functions, Global functions can be accessed regardless of what preset has been selected. And just to recap: Pressing [Shift]+[Patch>] (Setup) buttons will activate the Setup menu and the display will show {S.E.t.} with the 3 dots blinking for as long as the menu is active. The following assumes the Setup menu is active.

Global MIDI Channel (C2)
The Impact LX+ keyboard always transmits on the Global MIDI Channel but this setting also affects any control or pad that is not assigned to a specific MIDI channel (i.e. 1-16). Earlier we learned how the Octave and Transpose buttons can be set up to change the Global MIDI.

Channel but here is another option

• Press the C2 key on your keyboard to select Global MIDI Channel. The display shows the current value {001-016}
• Change the value in decrements/increments using the keys with the -/+ symbols screened above (C3/C#3).
• The value assignment is instant so if you exit the Setup menu after making changes, those changes remain active
• You can also enter a specific value (1-16) using the white number keys spanning G3 –B4. Press Enter (C5) to accept the change

Keyboard Velocity Curves (C#2)
There are 4 different keyboard velocity curves and 3 fixed velocity levels to choose between, depending on how sensitive and dynamic you want the Impact LX+ keyboard to play.

uC2
Hard| Focus on the higher velocity levels. If you don‘t like exercising your finger muscles, this may be the one for you| uC3
Linear| Approximates a linear experience from low to high| uC4
127 Fixed| Fixed velocity level at 127| uF1
100 Fixed| Fixed velocity level at 100| uF2
64 Fixed| Fixed velocity level at 64| uF3

Here is how you change a velocity curve

• Press the C#2 key on your keyboard to select Velocity Curve. The display shows the current selection
• Change the value in decrements/increments using the keys with the -/+ symbols screened above (C3/C#3).
• The value assignment is instant so if you exit the Setup menu after making changes, those changes remain active
• You can also enter a specific selection (1-7) using the white number keys spanning A3–G4. Press Enter (C5) to accept.

Pads Velocity Curves (D2)
There are 4 different pad velocity curves and 3 fixed velocity levels to choose between, depending on how sensitive and dynamic you want the Impact LX+ pads to play.

PC2
Hard| Focus on the higher velocity levels. If you don‘t like exercising your finger muscles, this may be the one for you| PC3
Linear| Approximates a linear experience from low to high| PC4
127 Fixed| Fixed velocity level at 127| PF1
100 Fixed| Fixed velocity level at 100| PF2
64 Fixed| Fixed velocity level at 64| PF3

Here is how you change a velocity curve

• Press the D2 key on your keyboard to select Velocity Curve. The display shows the current selection
• Change the value in decrements/increments using the keys with the -/+ symbols screened above (C3/C#3).
• The value assignment is instant so if you exit the Setup menu after making changes, those changes remain active
• You can also enter a specific selection (1-7) using the white number keys spanning A3–G4. Press Enter (C5) to accept the change

Panic (D#2)
Panic sends out all notes and resets all controller’s MIDI messages on all 16 MIDI channels. This happens the minute you press D#4 and the Setup menu will exit upon release of the key.

Program (E2)
Earlier in this guide, we covered how you can send MIDI program change messages using the Octave and Transport buttons. However, there may be times when the Transpose buttons are deeded for another function or you want to send out a specific MIDI program change message without having to inc/dec to get to it. This function allows you to do that.

• Press the E2 key on your keyboard to select Program. The display shows the last sent program message or 000 by default
• Change the value in decrements/increments using the keys with the -/+ symbols screened above (C3/C#3). Press Enter (C5) to accept the change and send out the selected MIDI program message.
• You can also enter a specific selection (0-127) using the white number keys spanning G3–B4. Press Enter (C5) to accept the change

Bank LSB (F2)
This function will send a Bank LSB MIDI message from the keyboard. Note, most software products don’t respond to Bank change messages but many MIDI hardware products do. Here is how you send out a Bank LSB message

• Press the F2 key on your keyboard to select Bank LSB. The display shows the last sent Bank message or 000 by default
• Change the value in decrements/increments using the keys with the -/+ symbols screened above (C3/C#3). Press Enter (C5) to accept the change and send out the selected Bank LSB message.
• You can also enter a specific selection (0-127) using the white number keys spanning G3–B4 (G4-B5 on LX+61). Press Enter (C5) to accept the change.

Bank MSB (F#2)
This function will send a Bank MSB MIDI message from the keyboard. Note, most software products don’t respond to Bank change messages but many MIDI hardware products do. Here is how you send out a Bank MSB message

• Press the F#2 key on your keyboard to select Bank MSB. The display shows the last sent Bank message or 000 by default
• Change the value in decrements/increments using the keys with the -/+ symbols screened above (C3/C#3). Press Enter (C5) to accept the change and send out the selected Bank MSB message.
• You can also enter a specific selection (0-127) using the white number keys spanning G3–B4(G4-B5 on LX+61). Press Enter (C5) to accept the change

Memory Dump (G2)
The Memory Dump function will back up your current controller assignment settings including the 5 user presets by sending out MIDI sysex data. The data can be recorded in your DAW or other application capable of recording sysex data and replayed/sent back to your Impact the LX+ keyboard when you want to reload your settings.

Sending out a memory dump for backup

• Make sure your MIDI software program is set up and capable of recording MIDI Sysex data
• Start recording
• Press the G2 key on your keyboard to activate the memory dump. The display reads {SYS} while the data is being sent.
• Stop recording when the display reads {000}. The content of your Impact LX+ memory should now be recorded in your MIDI software program

Restoring a backup
A memory dump/backup MIDI sysex file can be sent to the Impact LX+ at any time, while the unit is powered on, to restore a backup. Make sure the Impact LX+ is the output destination of the MIDI track containing the backup data. The display will read {SyS} when data is received. Once the data transmission has been completed, the backup has been restored.

Low Power Mode(G#2)
LX+ can be run at lower power to enable connectivity and powering from an iPad or to conserve battery power when running it with a laptop. When Low Power Mode is on, all LEDs are permanently off. To enable the LEDs again, Low Power Mode should be switched off. There are a couple of ways the LX+ can enter and exit Low Power Mode:

• With LX+ off, press and hold the [Cycle]+[Record] buttons and switch the unit on.
• Release the buttons once the unit has powered up. Low Power Mode is now active while the unit is on.
• When activated in this manner, the Low Power Mode is not stored when you switch the LX+ off.
• You can also set Lower Power Mode so the setting is stored when the LX+ is switched off:
• Make sure LX+ is on and enter [Setup].
• Press G#2 and change the setting to On by using the -/+ keys.

USB Port Setup (A2)
Impact LX+ has one physical USB port however there are 2 virtual ports as you may have discovered during the MIDI setup of your music
software. The additional virtual port is used by the Impact DAW software to handle communication with your DAW. You only need to change the USB Port Setup setting if the Impact LX+ setup instructions for your DAW specifically advise that this should be done.

User Preset 1 GM Instrument
Note: B9 is assigned to MIDI cc 65 on all presets intended to be available for a global function.

Faders| | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan| Param
F1| MIDI CC| 73| 127| 0| Global| Attack
F2| MIDI CC| 75| 127| 0| Global| Decay
F3| MIDI CC| 72| 127| 0| Global| Release
F4| MIDI CC| 91| 127| 0| Global| Effect depth 1 (Reverb Send level)
F5| MIDI CC| 92| 127| 0| Global| Effect depth 2
F6| MIDI CC| 93| 127| 0| Global| Effect depth 3 (Chorus send level)
F7| MIDI CC| 94| 127| 0| Global| Effect depth 4
F8| MIDI CC| 95| 127| 0| Global| Effect depth 5
F9| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| Global| Volume
Buttons| | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan| Param
B1| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 0| 127| 0| Global| Bank MSB
B2| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 2| 127| 0| Global| Breath
B3| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 3| 127| 0| Global| Control Change (Undefined)
B4| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 4| 127| 0| Global| Foot Controller
B5| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 6| 127| 0| Global| Data Entry MSB
B6| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 8| 127| 0| Global| Balance
B7| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 9| 127| 0| Global| Control Change (Undefined)
B8| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 11| 127| 0| Global| Expression Controller
B9| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 65| 127| 0| Global| Portamento On/Off
Fader| | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan| Param
K1| MIDI CC| 74| 127| 0| Global| Brightness
K2| MIDI CC| 71| 127| 0| Global| Harmonic Content
K3| MIDI CC| 5| 127| 0| Global| Portamento Rate
K4| MIDI CC| 84| 127| 0| Global| Portamento Depth
K5| MIDI CC| 78| 127| 0| Global| Control Change (Vibrato Delay)
K6| MIDI CC| 76| 127| 0| Global| Control Change (Vibrato Rate)
K7| MIDI CC| 77| 127| 0| Global| Control Change (Vibrato Depth)
K8| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| Global| Pan

User Preset 2 GM Mixer 1-8
Note: B9 is assigned to MIDI cc 65 on all presets intended to be available for a global function.

Faders| | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan| Param
F1| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 1| CH1 Volume
F2| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 2| CH2 Volume
F3| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 3| CH3 Volume
F4| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 4| CH4 Volume
F5| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 5| CH5 Volume
F6| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 6| CH6 Volume
F7| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 7| CH7 Volume
F8| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 8| CH8 Volume
F9| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| G| Selected CH Volume
Buttons| | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan| Param
B1| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 1| Mute
B2| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 2| Mute
B3| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 3| Mute
B4| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 4| Mute
B5| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 5| Mute
B6| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 6| Mute
B7| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 7| Mute
B8| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 8| Mute
B9| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 65| 127| 0| Global| Portamento
Fader| | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan| Param
K1| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 1| CH Pan
K2| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 2| CH Pan
K3| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 3| CH Pan
K4| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 4| CH Pan
K5| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 5| CH Pan
K6| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 6| CH Pan
K7| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 7| CH Pan
K8| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 8| CH Pan

User Preset 3 GM Mixer 9-16
Note: B9 is assigned to MIDI cc 65 on all presets intended to be available for a global function

Faders| | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan| Param
F1| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 9| CH1 Volume
F2| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 10| CH2 Volume
F3| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 11| CH3 Volume
F4| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 12| CH4 Volume
F5| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 13| CH5 Volume
F6| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 14| CH6 Volume
F7| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 15| CH7 Volume
F8| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| 16| CH8 Volume
F9| MIDI CC| 7| 127| 0| G| Selected CH Volume
Buttons| | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan| Param
B1| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 9| Mute
B2| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 10| Mute
B3| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 11| Mute
B4| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 12| Mute
B5| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 13| Mute
B6| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 14| Mute
B7| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 15| Mute
B8| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 12| 127| 0| 16| Mute
B9| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 65| 127| 0| Global| Portamento
Fader| | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan| Param
K1| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 9| CH Pan
K2| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 10| CH Pan
K3| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 11| CH Pan
K4| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 12| CH Pan
K5| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 13| CH Pan
K6| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 14| CH Pan
K7| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 15| CH Pan
K8| MIDI CC| 10| 127| 0| 16| CH Pan

User Preset 4 “Learn Friendly” 1
Note: B9 is assigned to MIDI cc 65 on all presets intended to be available for a global function.

Faders| | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan
F1| MIDI CC| 80| 127| 0| Global
F2| MIDI CC| 81| 127| 0| Global
F3| MIDI CC| 82| 127| 0| Global
F4| MIDI CC| 83| 127| 0| Global
F5| MIDI CC| 85| 127| 0| Global
F6| MIDI CC| 86| 127| 0| Global
F7| MIDI CC| 87| 127| 0| Global
F8| MIDI CC| 88| 127| 0| Global
F9| MIDI CC| 3| 127| 0| Global
Buttons| | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan
B1| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 66| 127| 0| Global
B2| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 67| 127| 0| Global
B3| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 68| 127| 0| Global
B4| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 69| 127| 0| Global
B5| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 98| 127| 0| Global
B6| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 99| 127| 0| Global
B7| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 100| 127| 0| Global
B8| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 101| 127| 0| Global
B9| MIDI CC (Toggle)| 65| 127| 0| Global
Fader| | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan
K1| MIDI CC| 89| 127| 0| Global
K2| MIDI CC| 90| 127| 0| Global
K3| MIDI CC| 96| 127| 0| Global
K4| MIDI CC| 97| 127| 0| Global
K5| MIDI CC| 116| 127| 0| Global
K6| MIDI CC| 117| 127| 0| Global
K7| MIDI CC| 118| 127| 0| Global
K8| MIDI CC| 119| 127| 0| Global

User Preset 5 “Learn Friendly” 2

Faders| | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan
F1| MIDI CC| 80| 127| 0| Global
F2| MIDI CC| 81| 127| 0| Global
F3| MIDI CC| 82| 127| 0| Global
F4| MIDI CC| 83| 127| 0| Global
F5| MIDI CC| 85| 127| 0| Global
F6| MIDI CC| 86| 127| 0| Global
F7| MIDI CC| 87| 127| 0| Global
F8| MIDI CC| 88| 127| 0| Global
F9| MIDI CC| 3| 127| 0| Global
Buttons| | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan
B1| MIDI CC (Trig)| 66| 127| 0| Global
B2| MIDI CC (Trig)| 67| 127| 0| Global
B3| MIDI CC (Trig)| 68| 127| 0| Global
B4| MIDI CC (Trig)| 69| 127| 0| Global
B5| MIDI CC (Trig)| 98| 127| 0| Global
B6| MIDI CC (Trig)| 99| 127| 0| Global
B7| MIDI CC (Trig)| 100| 127| 0| Global
B8| MIDI CC (Trig)| 101| 127| 0| Global
B9| MIDI CC (Trig)| 65| 127| 0| Global
Fader| | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---
Ctrl| Msg Type| CC| Data 1| Data 2| Chan
K1| MIDI CC| 89| 127| 0| Global
K2| MIDI CC| 90| 127| 0| Global
K3| MIDI CC| 96| 127| 0| Global
K4| MIDI CC| 97| 127| 0| Global
K5| MIDI CC| 116| 127| 0| Global
K6| MIDI CC| 117| 127| 0| Global
K7| MIDI CC| 118| 127| 0| Global
K8| MIDI CC| 119| 127| 0| Global

Factory Restore

If you need to restore factory settings for example if you by mistake managed to change the assignments needed for DAW integration files, here is how you do that.

• Make sure your Impact LX+ is switched off
• Press the [Octave up]+[Octave down]
• Switch your Impact LX+ on

Designed by Nektar Technology, Inc Made in China

Downlaod PDF:Nektar LX49+ Impact Controller keyboard User Manual

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>