Nektar Impact GX Mini

I have several Nektar midi keyboards, now including this one. I like the integration that Nektar offers for use with Cubase - it makes things easy. I have never had an issue with quality with these keyboards. I have a GX49 that I've had for over 3 years and it still plays great. I also have an LX61 which I've had over a year. I got this little mini GX to hash out drum parts in EZ Drummer 3, also to hook up to Cubasis on my tablet so I can work on things in bed. Nektar keys are good.

Not docking it a star for my own mistake, but this model, while listed to work with FL Studio, only goes back as far as version 11.2 or later. The version I've been using for years is 11.0.3... Missed it by that much! BUT... the keyboard part works fine. It's the buttons that I would need to manually map (which I haven't gotten around to yet since it also comes with its own software suite, Bitwig Studio, which I also need to test out). I haven't noticed any latency issues. A good choice if you haven't got the space for a full keyboard.

Product after setup works well but the setup process was a considerable hassle.

First, let me say, I’m experienced with studio and music recording equipment, so when I purchased this, I pretty much knew what I was looking for. I needed a small midi controller for home to sketch out ideas when I’m not in my studio. I have a pretty low spec mini pc at home that I run my daw and just a couple virtual instruments to sketch out quick ideas when inspiration hits. I needed a small controller for a small desk. So… This is a bit smaller than I thought, but it was actually exactly what I needed. The keys are decent but responsiveness and expression aren’t the best… I didn’t expect much of that though in something of this size and price range. It inputs notes that I press, that’s what I needed. I like the joystick quality. I may sound crazy for saying this, but the way it works and responds for modulation feels nicer than my KK61mk2 and my SL88. It’s also pretty nice the way some main and important functions for Cubase work right and away with just a quick download of the drivers from their website. Pretty glad I bought this and it has integrated very well into my tiny home studio setup. It’s definitely worth it and if it had even a handle of knobs, it would be double worth it. Just be realistic about your expectations. If you’re buying inexpensive, you’re not going to get something amazing. I’ve spent double or a bit more for the same 25 key type controller, but I didn’t enjoy using them as much as this one.

I wouldn't say this is a terrible midi controller, and for portability and price, it's hard to beat, but I definitely don't love it. The keys are uncomfortably stiff, and it's very difficult to get natural, expressive results with. I think that if this was a beginner's first keyboard, it would put them off digital keyboards in general, but as a back-up/travel controller, it does the job.

Portable and functional. Easy to setup and use, however mine came with a big flaw: the USB port is defective!!! A slight change of angle or an accidental touch on the cable disconnect the controller from your computer or DAW!! Never saw such a loose connection on a midi controller. Poor quality control by Nektar. Sent mine back.

I have a full size Nektar GX (which I love) and got this mini just so I can fiddle for travel. It works great, has nice DAW interfacing features. But, they are small spring (synth-action) keys, so don't expect anything near a weighted key feel, but was perfect for the need I inteded it for.

I’ve been waiting for a controller this size with full DAW integration to come out for years. I’ve got 49 key controllers that have excellent DAW integration but always wanted something I could just throw in my backpack when on the road to use with a laptop. This thing odd my answer. So far I’ve tested it with Reason 12, Reaper, Mixcraft pro studio, Bitwig, and Studio One 5 and it works like a charm with all of them. Set up is easy, transport controls all work flawlessly, and it’s so tiny and easy to transport. This is my new favorite mini sized DAW controller by a long shot. Well done Nektar!

VERY NICEEEEEE

Succede che le idee musicali mi vengono mentre dormo... e ho sempre a portata di mano un laptop. Con questa tastiera ho risolto, butto giù le idee di notte e l'indomani le sviluppo. La qualità della tastiera è decente, c'è il mio adorato joystick per il bending e la modulazione, i tasti sono pochi, ma la filosofia del prodotto è orientata al minimalismo e al minimo ingombro. RIsultato progettuale riuscitissimo. Ottima, compratela senza remore.

Es una joya pequeña, con mucho dentro !

engl. review below Von Reaper, der DAW, die ich nutze, wird das Keyboard problemlos erkannt. Allerdings muss man, wenn man die DAW schon geöffnet hat, und dann das Keyboard anschließt, nochmal auf "Optionen/Programmeinstellungen/Midigeräte gehen und dort das Gerät doppelklicken. Oder eben Reaper neu starten... Die von Nektartech angebotene "DAW-Integration" habe ich nicht installiert. Das Board an sich macht einen recht hochwertigen Eindruck, die Tasten sind zwar recht klein, aber es soll - bei mir - ja auch nur als Signalgeber fungieren. Die Anschlagdynamik ist angenehm. Die in anderen Rezensionen angedeutete Problematik eines schnell ausgeleierten usb-Ports habe ich bei mir noch nicht festgestellt. Falls es sich noch einstellt, werd ich die Buchse einfach wechseln, das sollte recht leicht möglich sein, da das Gehäuse verschraubt ist. Runs with Linux Kernel 5.15 (and probably much older ones...) The keyboard is being recognised by Reaper, the DAW I use. If Reaper is already startet, when you plug in the keyboard, you need to go to options/settings/midi-devices and doupleclick on the devices or simply restart Reaper. I did not install the "DAW-Integration" provided by nektartech as a download. The board itself seems to be of decent quality, the keys are small, but I only use it as midi-controller anyway. The velocity is pleasent. I havent yet had the problem of an easily worn out usb-port, as mentioned in other reviews. If it should occur later, I will probably just replace the usb-port; the case comes with inserted nuts.

small, functional, does the job very well, needs no extra power, just plug in to usb socket and be done.