Introducing the Nektar SE USB MIDI keyboard controller

The Nektar USB MIDI controller keyboard has all the features you need to start making great-sounding music with your computer.

The SE Series features a full-size keyboard with velocity-sensitive keys, compatibility with any MIDI music software, all the performance controls you’d expect, and even Nektar DAW control features.

Plus, it features a lightweight and portable design, allowing you to capture all your ideas in the moment, no matter where you are. Simply plug the supplied USB cable in and you’re ready to go!

Comfortable to play

The keys are a keyboard controller’s most important feature, that’s why Nektar made sure that the SE models have keys that are comfortable, expressive, and fun to play. Their synth-action keybeds have 49 or 61 velocity-sensitive full-size keys, with a defined and firm feel with every press. Every player has their own playing style and preferences, so Nektar also included a choice of 4 different velocity curves (plus 3 fixed ones) that let you adjust the keyboard response to your liking.

Perfect for aspiring musicians

The SE features large Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels that make playing complex solos or adding modulations significantly easier, meaning there’s nothing to hold your creativity back. The wheels have a tight grip and offer just the right resistance to make using them feel intuitive. For piano-style sustain effects, you can connect a switch or pedal to the foot switch socket on the back of the SE49 and SE61.

Take control of your sound

Four buttons and a MIDI-assignable fader are what make the SE range of MIDI controllers even more flexible. Transpose the keys /- 12 semitones with the transpose buttons, or shift the keyboard up or down -3/ 4 octaves and watch as the multi-coloured LED indicators quickly show you the exact status. These buttons can easily be reassigned to switch channel, change MIDI programmes, or select tracks and browse patches when DAW integration is active. Better still, pressing a key combination changes the Octave and Transpose buttons function to send out MMC transport functions so you can activate start, stop and record directly from your keyboard.

Custom MIDI assignments

Most products with MIDI have their parameters assigned to MIDI CC messages, which lets you do things such as changing filter cutoff, panning, effects bypass and more. Simply set the MIDI Fader, Modulation Wheel or foot switch pedal to control the MIDI CC message you want. Your assignments are stored over power cycling, so next time you can continue where you left off right away.

Improve your workflow

Make the most of your DAW’s most important functions with custom Nektar DAW Integration software. Use the Transpose buttons for track or patch change, always have the currently selected track’s volume assigned to the fader, and turn the Octave and Transpose buttons into Play, Stop, Record and Rewind buttons. Nektar DAW Integration for SE49 and SE61 currently supports Bitwig, Cubase, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Digital Performer, Mixcraft, Reason, Reaper, Sonar and Studio One.

Simple to setup

SE MIDI controller keyboards are USB class compliant and don’t require a driver to operate. Installation and connection is easy, just plug the keyboard into a USB port on your computer. You can also connect an Impact SE49 or SE61 keyboard to an iOS device using the optional Apple USB camera connection kit. Plus, a 1/4″ input jack allows you to add a foot switch pedal for sustain or sending MIDI messages.

Bitwig 8-Track included

You can start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro straight away with the included Bitwig 8-Track DAW. It includes over 50 software instruments and effects for use on up to 8 audio or MIDI project tracks, and you can use any 3rd party VST plug-ins too. The ‘Bitwig Essentials Package’ comes as part of this package as well, featuring a highly versatile handpicked selection of loops, clips and samples, to make it even easier to get started.

Melodics

Learn to play your MIDI keyboard and improve your skills with the exclusive Melodics bundle, which comes with your Nektar controller. The Nektar Melodics licence gives you access to 40 free Melodics lessons, plus a bonus fundamentals course. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, this content helps you to expand your skill set and ultimately get the most out of your controller. Melodics provides a musical platform for you to learn and practice all aspects of a performance. Songs and lessons are broken down step by step with real music to play along to. Each step encourages correct fingering and rhythm, whilst teaching scales, chords and progressions along the way.