NAMM 2020Nektar introduces Impact GXP88 Performance Keyboard Controller and MIDIFLEX4 Compact 4-Port USB MIDI Interface

20th January 2020 - KVR Audio News

Nektar Technology has announced Impact GXP88, a performance keyboard controller, and MIDIFLEX4, a Compact 4-Port USB MIDI Interface with flexible I/O port routing and merge and split features.

The Impact GXP88 USB MIDI controller keyboard focusses on players and performers, featuring 88 semi-weighted keys, instant access to performance controls including a real-time repeat engine, powerful Nektarine plugin patch management and Nektar DAW Integration.

At the core of GXP88 is a newly designed and carefully balanced keyboard action. Its 88 semi-weighted full-size keys with velocity and aftertouch deliver a nice, firm touch and great playability. The GXP88 gives keyboard players all the right expression options needed for live and studio work, featuring pitch bend & modulation wheels, an expression pedal socket and a ¼" TRS jack for connection of 2 footswitch pedals. The rear panel also includes a 5-pin MIDI out jack and an external power supply socket for powering the unit when not connected via USB.

The streamlined no-fuss control panel is based on the Nektar Impact GX-series, enabling advanced DAW integration with extended transport control, track selection and volume control as well as options to open/close DAW windows and navigate songs. In addition, GXP88's user interface also has 14 assignable illuminated RGB buttons for direct MIDI program- and
bank-selection.

The new Key Repeat engine adds an intuitive real-time tool for creating inspiring rhythmic elements. Repeat is directly controllable from GXP's illuminated RGB buttons: Once the Repeat mode is engaged, the buttons allow for direct selection of Repeat Rates, Accent, Interval, Swing and routing aftertouch or modulation to velocity. When Repeat is active, the second encoder turns into a dedicated tempo control, unless synchronization is set to external MIDI clock.

In combination with Nektarine, Impact GXP88 gets powerful master keyboard functionality: Up to 16 VST or AU instrument-plugins can be loaded into Nektarine's 16 slots for simultaneous use. GXP88 brings instant patch recall to hybrid or software-based keyboard setups with direct patch control from GXP88's RBG patch buttons and the ability to define keyboard zones, layers and splits for all hosted plugins. All plugin settings and combinations can be saved in a single Multi-patch for recall at the touch of a button. Nektarine can run as VST, AU or AAX plugin in any compatible DAW or be used as stand-alone application.

GXP88 works with any MIDI software on OS X, Windows and iOS and can also be used as a standard MIDI controller for external MIDI gear right out of the box.

Pricing & Availability (MAP / MSRP):

Shipping: March 2020.
Price: 299.99 US / 254.99 GBP/ 299.99 EUR.

MIDIFLEX4 is a compact USB MIDI interface. It offers a lot of flexibility with 4 configurable MIDI I/O ports as well as stand-alone operation as a MIDI merge & split box.

MIDIFLEX4 comes in a road-worthy housing with wrap-around aluminum cover and can easily be adapted to the ever-changing MIDI connection needs in a studio or on the road. It may be used as a 1 in / 3 out, 2 in / 2 out or 4 out interface on Windows, MacOS and iOS. Setup is instant: As MIDIFLEX is USB class-compliant it requires no custom drivers. Most DAWs recognize the ports automatically and the MIDI ports become available in the music software's track routing options right away. What's more, MIDIFLEX4 automatically detects if a MIDI in- our output is connected and displays the setting with its port MIDI indicators. For even more ports, multiple MIDIFLEX units may be used at the same time.

MIDIFLEX4 can also operate stand-alone without a computer connected. In this mode, it works as a MIDI 2-1 merge or 1-3 split box. A dedicated button on the unit ensures easy switching of the modes with instant visual feedback on the 4 MIDI LED indicators.

Pricing & Availability (MAP / MSRP):