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Nektar has introduced Mk3 versions of its Impact LX range of MIDI controller keyboards.

Nektar has updated its Impact LX range of MIDI keyboards across four models spanning 25-, 49-, 61- and 88-key configurations, bringing redesigned hardware, enhanced DAW integration and Native Instruments NKS support to its Mk3 line of keyboard controllers, which the company describes as “the MIDI keyboard that goes beyond MIDI”.

The Mk3 range’s most notable upgrade is the re-engineered keybed, which Nektar says offers an “expressive playing experience with a clean action and subtle velocity control”. The 25-, 49-, and 61-note models get a new and improved synth-style keybed, while the 88-note model features semi-weighted keys based on the Nektar GXP88.

On the hardware front, the keybed is complemented by banks of eight faders, eight pads, eight encoders and nine LED-illuminated buttons, and joined by a new, central Global Control encoder that integrates with compatible DAWs to offer control over channel volume and cutoff, alongside a third mode that maps the encoder to any DAW or plugin parameter with a single click.

The Global Encoder also features an additional mode that provides precise parameter control at 10-bit resolution, providing a broader range of control than standard MIDI. (Standard MIDI CC messages send values in the 0-127 range, which can result in coarse, stepped adjustments on parameters like filter cutoff – Nektar’s 10-bit resolution boosts this range to 0-1024.)

A new set of performance tools are on offer, including Scale, Chord and Hold modes, and the range has been equipped with new options for DAW timeline navigation and a loop creation workflow designed for quick performance capture in compatible DAWs.

The Impact LX Mk3 range now features support for Native Instruments’ NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) protocol, which hooks up the controllers with NKS-compatible plugins, instruments and effects via pre-mapped control layouts designed by the developers, giving the user instant hands-on control without having to do any MIDI mapping.

Impact LX Mk3 owners will get a free copy of Native Instruments’ Komplete Select bundle, along with Bitwig 8-track and the MOK Miniraze synth. To celebrate the launch of Impact LX Mk3, Bitwig and Nektar are giving away a complete copy of Bitwig Studio Essentials to the first 500 registered users.

The Impact LX Mk3 range offers DAW integration with Ableton Live Suite, Bitwig Studio, Cakewalk/Sonar, Cubase (13 or higher), FL Studio, Garageband, Nuendo,, Logic Pro (10.8 or higher), Reason, Reaper and Studio One (5 or higher). Connectivity on offer includes USB-C and 5-pin MIDI-out, and there’s a 1/4″ TS jack for footswitches.

Key features:

• Available in 25, 49, 61 and 88 key versions all featuring redesigned keybeds.
• 9 full-resolution encoders with parameter control in one rotation.
• 8 faders, 8 velocity sensitive pads, 9 LED illuminated buttons, 22 additional buttons, 1/4″ TS footswitch jack, USB-C connection and power.
• Nektar custom DAW integration for Ableton Live Suite, Bitwig Studio, Cakewalk/Sonar, Cubase (13 or higher), FL Studio, Garageband, Nuendo,, Logic Pro (10.8 or higher), Reason, Reaper and Studio One (5 or higher).
• Native Instruments NKS support. Works in any DAW and is compatible with thousands of plugins.
• Software bundle includes NI Komplete Select 15 , Bitwig Studio 8-track DAW and MOK Miniraze plugin synth.

The Nektar Impact LX Mk3 range will be available August 1st.

Find out more on Nektar website .

PeacockMedia shared this first look at MIDI Kalimba, a MIDI controller that’s played like a kalimba, with fingers or thumbs on touch-sensitive pads.

MIDI Kalimba can output:

• MIDI over USB; and
• MIDI over TRS (a TRS-5-pin DIN lead gives MIDI over 5-pin DIN)

You can set any scale/mode, octave and root note, for example C6 Mixolydian or G4 Minor Pentatonic, and then you’ll be able to play the notes in that scale and key.

It also features velocity-sensitivity for expressive playing.

MIDI Kalimba is available now for $95.

Developer Asep Bagja shared this synth jam, created with the AirBending camera-based MIDI controller.

AirBending is a macOS app that transforms hand gestures into musical expression using computer vision and MIDI technology. It tracks hand movements in real-time using Apple’s Vision framework, detecting precise hand poses and finger positions.

With dual-camera control, you can control multiple MIDI devices using up to two camera inputs, and each camera can have its own preset.

AirBending is one of the nominees in the Accessible category of the 2025 MIDI Innovation Awards, an annual event, organized by The MIDI Association, NAMM, and Music Hackspace. The awards highlight products and projects that use MIDI 1.0 and 2.0 in novel ways.

Another example of AirBending in action:

The developer says that AirBending can make music-making more accessible by eliminating the need for special instruments and devices. Unlike traditional MIDI controllers that require touching keys, knobs, or faders, AirBending transforms the surrounding space into a musical instrument using only hand gestures and built-in Mac camera, without the need for additional hardware.

This provides a new option for people that may not have access to, or may not be physically able to use traditional MIDI controllers.

You can find out more about AirBending at the developer’s site.