Impact GXP provides keyboard players with all the right expression options needed for live and studio work. At the core is a newly designed semi-weighted action featuring 49, 61 or 88 velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive full-size keys. The streamlined no-fuss control panel is based on Nektar’s successful Impact GX-series, enabling advanced DAW integration with extended transport control, track selection, volume control, project navigation and options to open or close DAW windows. 14 assignable illuminated RGB buttons for direct MIDI program- and bank-selection deliver visual feedback at a glance.

Performance tools include a new real-time Key Repeat engine for creating inspiring rhythmic elements. Dedicated controls allow instant access to parameters like Tempo, Repeat Rate, Accent, Interval, Swing and routing aftertouch or modulation to velocity. The rear panel sports a MIDI Out jack as well as connections for one expression pedal and up to 2 footswitch pedals. All GXP controllers can be powered via USB or from an optional external power supply.

When used with Nektar’s Nektarine software, Impact GXP turns into a powerful master keyboard for hybrid or software-based MIDI setups: Up to 16 VST or AU instrument-plugins can be loaded into Nektarine for simultaneous use with direct patch control from GXP’s illuminated RBG patch buttons. It is also possible to define keyboard zones, layers and splits for the hosted plugins. All plugin settings and combinations can be saved in a single Multi-patch for recall at the touch of a button. Nektarine is included with Impact GXP and runs as a stand-alone application or as a VST, AU or AAX plugin inside any compatible DAW on PC or Mac.

Impact GXP also comes with a complete starter-pack for music production, featuring Steinberg’s acclaimed Cubase LE DAW software including HALion Sonic SE, Groove Agent SE, 23 audio effects and 5 GB of sounds & loops. Also included is a license for the versatile Retrologue 2 virtual analog synthesizer plugin which can be used with any VST, AU or AAX compatible DAW.

Impact GXP49, 61 and 88 work with any MIDI software on OSX, Windows and iOS and can also be used as a standard MIDI controller for external MIDI gear right out of the box.

Pricing and availability (MAP / MSRP):

• GXP49: US$189.99
• GXP61: US$229.99
• GXP88: US$299.99

Available in July 2021

The new Panorama T-series keyboard controllers bridge the gap between the Impact LX+ and Panorama P-series. Panorama T4 and T6 deliver a new level of system integration with deep instrument plugin control in any VST/AU compatible host, DAW control, new performance features and extensive MIDI functionality for more user choices than ever before.

The T-series controllers come with the new Nektarine plug-in control manager software. With Nektarine, Panorama users can control any VST, VST3 or AU instrument with one of the many included maps or by creating their own. Every plug-in parameter change is instantly visible on the hardware display. Nektarine’s graphic UI makes the customisation of existing maps and the creation of new ones easy. Maps can be as simple or comprehensive as required, screened synth parameters below Panorama T4/T6’s buttons in the fader section can even be mapped to access parameter groups in plug-ins such as Oscillator, LFO or Filter. So the encoder mapping will follow suit at the press of a button, multiplying the number of available hardware controls manifold. Nektarine also includes patch library management, making a plugin’s sounds effectively cross-DAW compatible, simplifying the use of plugins across multiple DAWs.

DAW control of almost any available DAW is also included: Even without installing any additional software, standard mixing, track selection and transport functionality work out of the box if a DAW is MCU compatible.  Advanced features, like access to mixer sends or smart controls in Logic, ‘grab’ plugin control in Reaper or Cubase and device control in e.g. Reason or Bitwig becomes available once Nektar DAW integration is installed.

“Nektar is known for stretching the limits of what’s possible with DAW integration and we continue that work with the new Panorama T4 and T6”, says Nektar chief Niels Larsen. “The introduction of Nektarine allows us to go beyond a DAW’s control options. It delivers a discreet, consistent user experience with expanded functionality such as hosting of up to eight plugins at a time, map editing and patch browsing from Panorama T4/T6.  And because Nektarine runs in any VST/AU compatible DAW, Nektar plugin control is now accessible to music creators using almost any DAW, for the first time.”

The 62 physical hardware controls put a lot of control power under your fingertips – and that’s not counting shift or alternate functions. The LED Display provides real-time parameter names and feedback. A 49- or 61-key second generation synth-action keyboard with medium tension and aftertouch ensures expressive playability. Other features include a fader bank with nine 30mm faders, eight LED buttons, eight encoders, illuminated transport controls, eight LED drum pads with aftertouch.

The new Note Repeat feature for keys and pads offers many real-time parameters and its own fully MIDI-syncable on-board timing engine. This provides players and producers alike with new creative tools: From staccato chords to programming hi-hat lines with varying accents simply by activating the Repeat button, there are many creative applications for this new feature. Chords can also be learned to the pads, making it possible to play complex solos and chords at the same time, even sending data on different MIDI channels.

Together, a Panorama T-series keyboard, the Nektarine software, and Nektar DAW Control provide a powerful integrated system experience, further closing the gap between software and hardware.

Reason users have plenty of cause to feel smug. We’re producers of music from first principles. We have a grasp of the dots on a stave; we’re not afraid to dig into synth parameters and indeed flip them around for re-patching; we’re engineers, producers and musicians and we’re proud. [Pause a moment for high fives and fist bumps.]

But we’re not feeling the love from those who make hardware controllers.

Meanwhile, those trumped-up DJ wannabes, throwing loops together, not knowing their rituendo from their Nintendo, have a smorgasbord of possible external control. 

Novation, Akai, Ableton themselves, Tenori and others have been indulging the Live community with arrays of buttons and pots that provide these pseudo-musical dolts with hands-on control.

Frustrating? It’s enough to make me smash one of my Stradavarii.

But, fear not, fellow Reason scholars, help is at hand. A new and enlightened company called Nektar out of the US has clarity where others don’t. Nektar is a friend of Reason, and, as such, is your friend too.

COMPATIBILITY

I’ve had the Panorama P6 over the Christmas break and it’s been a delight. Like an early Santa present, I plucked the P6 out of the box, popped the USB cable into the back of my Mac, booted up Reason, and with very little ado, was immediately cueing up new sounds, tapping away at the drum pads, and tweaking levels like the natural extension of Reason I hoped it would be.

Did I audition the Panorama with other DAWs? No. And I’m unapologetic.

Not to say you can’t. Nektar can be adopted by other DAW tribes. The Nektar literature outlines compatibility with Logic, Cubase/Nuendo, ProTools, [gag] Live, or even as a generic MIDI controller, but the real juice is in its deep Reason control.

INSPIRATION FROM CONTROL

I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but Reason’s sound banks run deep. I’m endlessly impressed by Propellerhead’s synths, and, okay, always lusting after the next Rack Extension. But I’m sure I speak for others here when I talk about cueing up sounds. Got a groove happening and auditioning leads? Often it’s not the original preset that screams ‘use me’, it’s how it responds to modulation, to how it sounds with extreme resonance, or a different LFO shape/depth. With the P6 I found myself, not only cueing up a new synth patch from the keyboard but instantly grabbing the P6 parameter pots to hear how the patch responded. Nektar makes this easy by automatically mapping parameters and providing you with different parameter combinations. Adjust to taste. The 3.5-inch TFT is bright and easy enough to read and the naming of the parameters pleasantly non-cryptic. It’s a joy to riffle the Reason sound ‘deck’ with the P6 and find what you need or a good place to start your own sound creation.

Meanwhile, when you’re deep into editing a synth patch, for example, you might find a more arcane parameter (dunno, maybe the resonance on your Malström’s comb filter) is really driving the sound. It’s easy to map that control to the Panorama pots via the Control Edit menu. Ditto on/off toggle switches. Like that particular map? Save it as a preset.