NektarImpact LX25+ | USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with Nektar DAW Integration Dark Grey

I am not a professional musician, though I do gig a bit, nor am I a pianist, so consider this review within that context. That said, I really love this MIDI controller. I was originally going to go with the AKAI MPK mini, which is quite a bit more transportable, but this won me over for a couple of reasons:- it has full-sized keys- it integrates rather seamlessly with most DAWs (I mainly use GarageBand--told you, I'm not a professional--but have toyed around with Cubase and Bitwig)- it can be powered by an iPad with the appropriate Lightning to USB adapterI also considered the Novation Launchkey 25, but it was bigger and more expensive.I mainly bought it around to "doodle" on, but also to do note entry in Finale. It works well for all of these, and due to it's relatively small size, I can pretty much bring it anywhere. It easily connects to both my iPad and my Mac, with little to no configuration required.The only cons I have experienced are minor:- it would be nice if the keys were piano weighted, but that would make it heaver, obviously- the keys themselves are a bit wiggly, but operate wellOverall all, though, this is a great controller, and great bang for the buck.

I got this as an upgrade from an Akai MPK mini MK2. Everything about this controller is superior. I still plan to use the Akai as well, but I'm still trying to find it's niche in my setup.Right out of the box I could tell this controller was more my speed. It comes with a manual that breaks down all of the default settings and provides tons of detail about the midi functionality of the device. The included software didn't require any addition DRM software (like iLok). Just register the device and use the included license code to download the provided DAW.The full size keys have a very pleasant action for a keyboard novice like myself. The difference is night and day. I don't miss notes when pressing lightly any more like I did on my other controller.This controller is geared more towards production than performance, with lots of built in controls for your DAW. I haven't delved deeply into the included software, but I can say that I was hoping there would be at least 1 VST instrument included.Overall, I am extremely happy with this device and can't wait to master it.

I purchased this as a control surface for GarageBand and picked it over the Akai and the similarly-priced units because it had transport keys. So from the door those transport keys, among other crucial functions, didn't map properly. Frustrated, I emailed Nektar and didn't expect a response immediately. What I got was a response the same day. They told me my software had become corrupt and offered a fix...I had to clear out the corrupted installation files and reinstall. That's it. Two minutes later everything worked the way it was supposed to. You can produce an entire song with this unit and never have to touch your computer, that's what I was after. I'm somewhat of a beginner and the LX25+ was easy to figure out and came with a physical manual as well as an online one. The only thing I would consider a "negative" for some people is that it's not really portable. It's a big, solid unit. But you're not going to put it into a backpack and stroll off with it. It's meant to be stationary in your home but it's not THAT huge, you could easily pack it up and take it with you...just not in the same laptop bag that your computer is in. Btw the laptop in the pic is a 13" MacBook Air, and that makes the LX25+ look larger than it is since it's such a small computer. All-in-all this was a great purchase and I'm very pleased.

First off, I'm a novice. I don't know a good keyboard from a bad one yet, nor am I a very experienced musician in any way. That said, this review might help if you are in the same boat as me.What I liked:- It has a boxy, simplistic, and somewhat retro aesthetic to it.- The buttons and knobs feel solid and responsive.- Despite all of its features, it was fairly easy to learn how to use it.- It's fairly lightweight.- Setup in FL Studio 20 for Windows 10 took all of 30 seconds.- Price seems more than fairWhat I didn't like:- I feel like there could be a better layout for the buttons, but it's not bad. It's just not how I'd choose to arrange them.- The same lightweight feel also makes it feel a bit hollow and cheap in certain places.- The keys, wheels, and slider don't feel as high quality as the buttons, pads, or knobs. None of them felt terrible, but I like consistency.Other Thoughts:It ended up being too big for me to make it portable, but doesn't have enough keys to play some of the stuff I want to, so I'm returning it for the LX61+. I figure that'll be enough for a permanent home use midi, and I'll look elsewhere for a much smaller and simpler midi to take on the go. Only gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of the inconsistency in build quality.