Pro Tools Setup and Troubleshooting: Impact LX+
With the release of Pro Tools 2024.3, the ‘M-Audio Keyboard’ control surface profile is no longer an option in Pro Tools’ MIDI Controller settings. As a result, Nektar controllers will only operate as generic MIDI Devices in Pro Tools. You will be able to play instruments from the keys and wheels, but you will not be able to control mixer, transport or navigation functions.
- Hold ‘Shift/Mute’ and press ‘Patch > (Setup)’. The display will say ‘S.E.t.’
- Press key A2. The display will say ‘0.0.0.’ or ‘0.0.2.’
- LX25/49/61+: A2 is the 13th white key from the left.
- LX88+: A2 is the 22nd white key from the left.
- If you are using LX49/61/88+ continue to step 4. For LX25+ see below.
- Press key C3 on LX+ (labeled with a ‘-‘) (C1 on the LX25+) until the display says ‘0.0.3.’
- Hold ‘Shift/Mute’ and press the ‘Patch > (Setup)’ button to exit Setup Mode.
If you are using an LX25+ continue from here:
- Press key C3 (labeled ‘Enter).
- Press key C1 on the LX25+ (labeled with a ‘-‘) until the display says ‘0.0.3.’
- Hold ‘Shift/Mute’ and press the ‘Patch > (Setup)’ button to exit Setup Mode.
Now it’s time to launch Pro Tools. With Pro Tools open go to the ‘Setup’ menu and select ‘Peripherals’, as shown in Image 1.
In the Peripherals menu, go to the ‘MIDI Controllers’ tab, then configure the following settings:
- Type: ‘M-Audio Keyboard’
- Receive From:
‘Impact LX+ MIDI2’ in OSX
‘MIDIIN2 (IMPACT LX+) [Emulated]’ in Windows - Send To:
‘Impact LX+ MIDI1’ in OSX
‘IMPACT LX+ [Emulated]’ in Windows. - Click ‘OK’.
If everything is configured correctly, you should see the Impact LX+’s MIDI ports configured as shown in Image 2 for Windows and Image 3 for OS X.
Now your Impact LX+ is configured in Pro Tools.
Image 1) Setup menu
Image 1) Setup menu
Image 2) Windows
Image 2) MIDI ports in Windows
Image 3) OS X
Image 3) MIDI ports in OS X
Features
Transport Buttons
The Impact LX+’s transport buttons perform the following functions:
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| Loop | Used in conjunction with other buttons to activate loop functions |
| << | Rewind |
| >> | Fast Forward |
| Stop | Stop playback |
| Play | Start playback |
| Record | Arm the transport for recording |
The ‘Loop’ button provides additional options and gives access to the following functions:
| Buttons | Function |
|---|---|
| Loop + Play | Loop Playback |
| Loop + Record | Loop Record |
| Loop + Stop | Undo |
| Loop + RW | Go to start |
| Loop + FF | Go to end |
Note: The loop button has no function when pressed by itself.
Mixer Mode Functions
- Faders 1-8 = Channel Volume for the selected bank
- Fader 9 = Master Volume
- Buttons 1-8 = Mute, Solo or Record Arm
- Button 9 = Select function for buttons 1-8
- Pots 1-8 = Assignable
Controlling Instrument Parameters
It’s possible to assign the Impact LX+’s control pots to instrument parameters in Pro Tools. Many of the AIR instruments and third-part plug-ins have a ‘Learn’ function.
For example, if you right-click on a parameter in the ‘XPand 2’ plug-in you will see menu with assignment options, as shown in Image 4. Select ‘Learn CC’ then move a control pot on your Impact LX+ keyboard. That parameter should now be controlled by the pot.
Pro Tools – MIDI CC assignment
Pro Tools – MIDI CC assignment
Troubleshooting
If you encounter the warning shown in Image 5, it is because the Impact series keyboards are not M-Audio keyboards. Simply click the ‘Don’t show this again’ option and then click ‘OK’.
Pro Tools – Warning Message
Pro Tools – Warning Message