Engineered for expressive keyboard performance and advanced live control, the Nektar Impact GXP61 stands apart from standard MIDI controllers with its semi-weighted aftertouch-capable keys, built-in Repeat Engine and expanded connectivity. Where the Impact LX series focuses on DAW production control, the GXP61 is built around performance expressivity — aftertouch modulation, real-time note repeat and a flexible pedal input setup make it a genuine performance instrument as much as a studio controller. It is compatible with both the Nektarine plugin host and all major DAWs through deep Nektar DAW integration.

Semi-Weighted Keys with Aftertouch

The 61 semi-weighted keys deliver velocity-sensitive response combined with channel aftertouch — pressing harder after the initial note attack generates a continuous MIDI message that can modulate vibrato, filter cutoff, expression or any aftertouch-responsive parameter in a plugin or synthesizer. This expressive capability is rarely found at this price point and opens up playing styles and performance techniques not possible on standard velocity-only keyboards. Five velocity curves and three fixed velocity levels allow precise customisation for different playing dynamics.

Repeat Engine

The GXP61's dedicated Repeat Engine is one of its most distinctive features, giving front-panel access to note repeat rate, accent, interval, swing and five trigger modes in real time during performance. Rates range from slow rhythmic pulses to rapid machine-gun effects, accent shapes the dynamics of repeated notes and swing introduces groove. The five trigger modes control how notes are gated and triggered, allowing everything from simple repeating patterns to complex rhythmic textures — all without opening a DAW or triggering a sequencer plugin.

Controls and RGB Buttons

Fourteen RGB LED buttons serve a dual role as MIDI-assignable controls and dedicated note repeat buttons for immediate access during live sets. A push encoder on the front panel controls Repeat Engine tempo, while one MIDI-assignable potentiometer handles a user-defined parameter. Large pitch bend and modulation wheels complete the performance-focused front panel layout.

Expression and Footswitch Inputs

Unlike the LX series, the GXP61 features a 1/4" TRS expression pedal socket in addition to the standard footswitch input, allowing connection of a volume or expression pedal for continuous real-time control of a MIDI CC. Both inputs are fully MIDI-assignable, covering sustain, soft pedal, sostenuto or any custom function.

DAW Integration and Nektarine

Deep Nektar DAW integration delivers automatic bidirectional control in all major DAWs — transport, track selection and plugin parameters all map automatically without manual MIDI setup. The GXP61 is also fully compatible with Nektarine, Nektar's dedicated plugin host, which creates a direct hardware-to-instrument connection between the GXP61 and supported virtual instruments — deeper than standard MIDI learn and without the need to open a full DAW session.

Connectivity

The GXP61 is USB bus powered and class compliant — it works without drivers on Windows, macOS and Linux. In addition to USB, it features a dedicated 5-pin MIDI output jack for direct connection to hardware synthesizers and sound modules, a 1/4" TRS expression pedal socket, a 1/4" TRS footswitch socket and an optional 9V DC power supply input for standalone use without a computer. Dimensions: 96.5 × 23 × 7.2 cm, weight: 5 kg.