Nektar Impact Quickstart Guide
Getting started with the Nektar Impact
In this guide, we will show you how to register, set up, connect, and sync your Nektar Impact. This guide only scratches the surface on how powerful your Nektar Impact is, so follow the instructions below to get started.
Register the Impact
Before we get up and running, the first thing you’ll need to do is register the device with Nektar. Once you register your Impact, you’ll gain access to all DAW integration files you will need to have full DAW control using your Nektar Impact. You’ll also get a free copy of Bitwig 8-Track Studio.
IMPORTANT: If you’re only using the Impact as a generic MIDI controller, skip this section and go to Connect the Impact. If you don’t register the Impact, however, you won’t receive notifications for Impact software and hardware updates, DAW integration files, and an extended warranty.
- Log into your Nektar account. If you don’t have one, you can create it here.
- Click My Account, enter the Serial Number located on the bottom of the Nektar Impact, then click Submit.
- Select the OS and DAW that you’re using, then click Submit.
- Choose the correct DAW and OS when prompted as that will be the only DAW integration download on your account page.
- You can always change the DAW and OS by clicking the EDIT button and selecting another DAW or OS.
Click the image to register your Nektar Impact
Connect the Impact
Now that your Nektar Impact is registered, the next step is to connect and integrate it with your DAW. You can use your Nektar Impact as a standard MIDI controller, connect it to and iOS device using an Apple Camera Adapter, or you can control your DAW just by using your Impakt! This is particularly useful since you won’t need to go back and forth between your Nektar Impact and your keyboard and mouse.
IMPORTANT: If you’re connecting your Impact to an iOS device, you will need to enter Low Power Mode. To do this, Enter the Setup menu (Press [Shift]+[Patch >]) and black Low Power Mode key (G#4).
Using the Nektar Impact as a standard MIDI controller
If you’re using multiple DAW’s or just want to play without fussing with menus, you can just plug it into an available USB port and start playing. The Impact is bus-powered, which means it’s powered directly by your computer, and is also class-compliant, which means no additional driver software is necessary. All you’ll need to do is go into your DAW’s MIDI hardware setup menu and set it as your primary MIDI input.
IMPORTANT: If you’re experiencing connectivity issues or if the Nektar Impact isn’t powering on, first try disconnecting and reconnecting the device. If it still isn’t working correctly, try a different USB port or USB cable. Also, be sure to check out our article about Resolving MIDI Device Issues on PC and Mac.
MIDI keyboard setup guides
Integrating the Nektar Impact with your DAW
Your Nektar Impact can control almost everything within your DAW. Before you connect your Impact to the computer, you’ll need to download and install the Integration file from your Nektar account page.
- Go to your Nektar account page and download the integration file for your DAW.
- Navigate to your Downloads folder then extract the installer file.
- PC: Right-click the .zip folder and choose Extract All.
- Mac: Double-click the zip file,
- Open the installation folder, run the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Connect your Nektar Impact to your computer and power it on (if you haven’t done so already).
- Click the DAW you’re using below to complete your setup.
Nektar Impact DAW integration guides
Creating presets with your Nektar Impact
One great thing about the Nektar Impact is that you can create five user presets for later recall for things such as MIDI CC# and mixer controls. Presets are very useful, especially if you’re working on multiple projects or using multiple DAWs which require different CC messages. To make changes to a user preset, you’ll need to be in the Setup menu.
- Press Preset, then press the Shift + Patch > (Setup) to enter the Setup menu.
- You should see three blinking dots and S.E.t. On the flight.
- Press the keys and pads you want to change the parameters.
- For a full list of MIDI controls that can be changed, visit the owner’s manual here.
How to save your Impact presets
Once you’re finished, follow these steps to save your preset. If you need to back up your saved presets when performing a factory reset, check out our article here.
- Press the F3 key so the screen shows SAu, then press Enter (Last C key on your Impact).
- Use the +/- buttons to select the preset you want to save to, then press Enter.
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Additional resources
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