Description
The Nektar SE49 is a 49-key USB MIDI keyboard controller that focuses on providing essential features for musicians and producers at an affordable price. It’s often seen as a step-down in features from the Nektar Impact GX49, offering a more streamlined experience while still maintaining Nektar’s renowned DAW integration.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Keyboard: 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive synth-action keys. It offers 4 velocity curves and 3 fixed velocity options, allowing you to tailor the key response to your playing style. The keybed is generally considered good for its price range, providing a defined and firm feel.
- Controllers:
- Pitch Bend Wheel: Nektar SE49 have Standard wheel for expressive pitch modulation.
- Modulation Wheel: Standard wheel, assignable to control various parameters in your software.
- Assignable Fader: A single 30mm fader that is MIDI assignable, typically used for controlling volume or other continuous parameters in your DAW or virtual instruments.
- Four Buttons: These buttons are versatile. By default, they handle Octave Up/Down and Transpose Up/Down. However, with Nektar DAW Integration, they can be reassigned to switch MIDI channels, change MIDI programs, select tracks, browse patches, or even act as transport controls (Play, Stop, Record, Rewind) via a key combination.
- DAW Control: This is a strong point for Nektar controllers. The SE49 offers Nektar DAW Integration for many popular DAWs, including Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Garageband, Logic Pro, Nuendo, Digital Performer, Mixcraft, Reason, Reaper, SONAR, and Studio One. This integration aims to provide a plug-and-play experience, allowing basic control over transport, track selection, and volume directly from the keyboard without extensive manual mapping.
- Connectivity:
- USB Port (Type B): For power and data connection to a computer. It’s USB bus-powered, so no external power adapter is needed.
- 1/4″ TS Footswitch Input: For connecting a sustain pedal (not included), which is also MIDI assignable.
- Nektar SE49Â Compatibility:
- Operating Systems: Class-compliant MIDI device, meaning no drivers are needed for Windows XP and higher, macOS 10.5 and higher, and Linux (with a USB MIDI driver package installed).
- iOS Compatibility: Works with Apple iPad via an optional USB camera connection kit.
- Included Software: Comes with a license for Bitwig 8-Track, a simplified version of the Bitwig Studio DAW, which is a great starting point for music production.
- Dimensions & Weight: Compact and lightweight, making it suitable for desktop use or portability.
- Dimensions (W x D x H): Approx. 31.7 x 7.8 x 2.7″ / 80.5 x 19.7 x 6.9 cm
- Weight: Approx. 4.85 lb / 2.2 kg
Audience:
- Absolute Beginners: An excellent first MIDI keyboard for those new to music production, thanks to its low cost, simplicity, and included software.
- Students: A great option for learning piano or music theory with virtual instruments.
- Home Studio Users with Limited Space/Budget: Perfect for small setups where a compact and affordable controller is needed.
- Casual Producers: For those who primarily use software instruments and don’t require extensive hands-on control surfaces.
