Details
Impact LX88 mk3: The MIDI keyboard that goes beyond MIDI
The Impact LX88 mk3 MIDI controller keyboard combines an expressive, redesigned semi-weighted piano style 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 LX88 mk3 also supports Native Instruments NKS control standard which ensures 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.
- 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 – choice of 1 edition, Bitwig Studio 8-track DAW and MOK Miniraze plugin synth.
Feel Every Note
The newly redesigned keybed is truly worthy — smooth, responsive, and built for expressive play. With minimal friction and a firm touch, it lets you connect more deeply with your instruments.
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 are the foundation of control and constantly in use. So their solid and precise performance is important.
You get near-enough a full resolution in one rotation without skipping a step. Working seamlessly with Nektar DAW integration you get relative control which means no parameter jumping or pickup functions to worry about.
Precision at Your Fingertips: Global Encoder & Display Feedback
If you had to pick just one control, the large global encoder would be it. Offering the same benefits as the other encoders but with added precision, thanks to its larger surface, it’s your ultimate tool for fine-tuning.
The best part? It works independently of mode selection and has a bunch of powerful options with Nektar DAW integration.
Faders – mix or envelope control
Faders provide a truly unique control experience, evoking the satisfying tactile feel of mixing or adjusting envelope parameters. On Impact LX mk3 that’s exactly what the faders are designed for. Little is left to the imagination with silkscreen added above the faders to indicate their default assignments.
MIDI programming right from the board
Impact LX mk3 is a MIDI controller that augment functionality with Nektar DAW integration. It’s still a MIDI controller of course and you can program 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 additionally store in 5 presets and 8 pad maps.
Build your kits, non-stop!
For groove and beat creation, 8 velocity sensitive pads make life easy. Calibrated to trigger at a light touch, finger drumming is a reality, with a nice and even velocity response.
The “Pad Learn“ feature allows you build kits as you go. Hit a pad, play a key. It’s that easy. In fact, keep Pad Learn on and let your kit evolve with your music. Non-stop!
Nektar DAW integration
Customised for your DAW
Nektar DAW integration is beyond anything you have seen before. Innovative new features builds on our previous work and give you the best possible workflow with your DAW.
With Nektar DAW integration you can:
- Create loops or navigate your DAW using the LED buttons.
- Record freely and have the looper automatically create your loop.
- Click any parameter and control it instantly.
- Full mixer control including channel volume, pan, sends, mute and solo.
- Control plugin instruments.
- Seemless switch to NKS control on track selection.
- Navigate tracks and DAW functions.
Nektar custom DAW integration is designed 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).
Looper
The looper uses the 9 LED buttons to navigate the timeline and set loop points. In the video clip we move the loop and playhead from bar 49 by adjusting the global encoder.
The looper button activates loop record though the loop is not active at this stage. Once the part is complete, we press the looper button again to deactivate record. Now the loop points are set to flank the recorded part.
Another part is recorded the same way with a third part extending the second loop. The looper basically removes a bunch of mice clicks from your workflow while allowing fast navigation through your timeline.
Global control
You can adjust mixer channel volume and pan even when instrument mode is active or you can adjust filter cutoff and resonance while you are in mixer mode.
Best of all, you can control pretty much any parameter, including inser/effect plugins by just clicking the parameter. Click, control! It’s that easy.
Selected parameter control was first introduced in our Panorama CS12 channel strip controller which can also control at fine resolution (10 bit instead of 7 bit). So we added that option to Impact LX88 mk3 integration as well.
In the mix
With a single button press, the Impact LX88 mk3 automatically maps the eight faders to the first eight channels of your DAW’s mixer. You can quickly navigate through groups of eight channels using the Bank Up/Down function, while the large global encoder controls the currently selected track.
The buttons beneath each fader correspond to their respective channels, allowing for easy muting or soloing of tracks. The eight encoders control pan for each of the eight channels and can be switched to control channel sends by pressing the page button.
To optimise your workspace, the Impact LX mk3 also includes convenient shortcuts for opening and closing your DAW’s mixer and instrument plugin windows.
Control plugin instruments.
You probably already figured out that the yellow labels on LX88 mk3 are for use in instrument mode. We map instrument plugins with parameters that correspond to the printed labels so you should near enough always get a result.
If your DAW have quick controls, Smart Controls or macro’s Impact LX88 mk3 is set up to control them. If there is a parameter learn function, we have you covered there also with neat shortcuts that ensure the process is fast.
Controlling plugins using the NKS standard
The Native Instruments NKS control standard is implemented in thousands of plugins with controller mapping ready to go. From Impact LX mk3 you can change presets, select map pages and of course use the 8 encoders to adjust parameters.
All you need to do is insert NI Komplete Kontrol on tracks in your project and LX mk3 coonects seamlessly. Nektar DAW integration automatically detects Komplete Kontrol whenever a track is selected.
Performance tools
The Impact LX88 mk3 offers powerful performance tools that benefit both beginners and advanced players. Features like the Scale function allow musicians to explore adventurous melodic ideas without constant concern for key choices. With Scale acting as a creative safety net, notes are kept neatly within the chosen scale.
The Chord and Hold features provide similar creative freedom. Let’s look at performance tools in detail.
Keep it within the Scale
Even for experienced players, the Scale function provides comfort by ensuring you’re unlikely to play a “wrong” note. If a key is played outside the selected scale, it’s automatically adjusted to play the nearest note within the scale.
This isn’t just useful; it’s incredibly fun! Experiment with chromatic runs and discover unique note re-triggering patterns you’d likely never achieve without Scale mode.
Crafting Chords and Intervals
Whether you’re a chord expert or just starting, the LX mk3’s built-in Chord function offers endless inspiration. Think of it as an advanced interval feature that allows you to trigger more notes than your fingers press.You can play octaves, 3rds, or 5th harmonies, and even add a sub-octave (-1 or -2 octaves below the played notes) to create massive chords.
Alternatively, keep it simple by selecting from the pre-defined chord menu. Two user locations are available for capturing and recalling your custom chord creations.
Smart Chords: Scales and Chords combined
Combine the Scale and Chord functions for “Smart Chords” that ensure you never play notes outside the selected scale.
For instance, if a major chord type is selected with a C tonic, playing an A key will automatically trigger an A minor chord, keeping everything harmonically consistent.
By combining Scales and Chords, you can be playing lead parts with harmonies including entire chords that change whenever you play a new note.
Creative sustain with Hold
The Hold feature is like having an extra hand and there are both a simple and a more advanced option.
In its default mode, playing one or more notes on the keyboard will sustain them until the next note is played.
The second hold option allows notes to be sustained while you continue to play the rest of the keyboard normally. You can add or remove notes from the held sustain so your drone or chord can evolve over time.
Choose your free Komplete Select 15 bundle
Nektar and Native Instruments teamed up to give you NKS control from Impact LXmk3. And to get you started we also include the Komplete Select 15 bundle so you can start experiencing NKS control straight away.
Komplete Select 15 is a bundle of synths, sampled session instruments, and quality effects with everything you need to create.
Choose one of three curated editions:
Beats, Band, and Electronic – each designed to suit specific genres and workflows.
BITWIG STUDIO 8-TRACK INCLUDED
Bitwig 8-Track is included with Impact LXmk3 so you can start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro from day one. Bitwig 8-Track gives you a over 50 software instruments and effects along with a great selection of loops, clips and samples.
Nektar DAW Integration supports Bitwig 8-Track, so using Nektar Impact LX mk3 and Bitwig 8-Track together is a fantastic combination. If you are just starting out, you will find it’s the perfect way to take your first steps in the world of digital music creation.
Nektar DAW Integration supports Bitwig Studio 8-Track, so using Nektar Impact LX+ and Bitwig 8-Track together is a fantastic combination. If you are just starting out, you will find it’s the perfect way to take your first steps in the world of digital music creation. And if you’re already familiar with using computer software, then you’ll be amazed at what this combination has to offer!
Compare the mk3 range:
|
Model |
LX25 mk3 |
LX49 mk3 |
LX61 mk3 |
LX88 mk3 |
|
Keys |
25 |
49 |
61 |
88 |
|
Key type |
Synth |
Synth |
Synth |
Semi-weighted piano style |
|
Pitch bend and mod wheels. |
Yes – 2 wheels |
Yes – 2 wheels |
Yes – 2 wheels |
Yes – 2 wheels |
|
Encoders – full resolution |
1 large encoder & 8 regular |
1 large encoder & 8 regular |
1 large encoder & 8 regular |
1 large encoder & 8 regular |
|
Faders |
No |
8 faders (30mm) |
8 faders (30mm) |
8 faders (30mm) |
|
LED fader buttons |
No |
9 LED buttons (4 colours) |
9 LED buttons (4 colours) |
9 LED buttons (4 colours) |
|
Scale, chord and hold |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Pads |
8 velocity sensitive |
8 velocity sensitive |
8 velocity sensitive |
8 velocity sensitive |
|
Pad maps |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Foot switch input (1/4”) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
MIDI output socket |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
NI NKS compatible |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Nektar DAW integration |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Dimensions |
48 x 27 x 7 cm |
80.2 x 27 x 7 cm |
96.8 x 27 x 7 cm |
128 x 27 x 7 cm |
|
Weight |
1.9 kgs |
3.1 kgs |
3.7 kgs |
7.7 kgs |
