Keyboards · Nektar

Make your Impact LX49+'s knobs work in GarageBand

GarageBand plays the keys, but ignores most of the 8 knobs, 9 faders and 20 buttons on the Nektar Impact LX49+. KnobLink connects them: it recognises the Impact LX49+ the moment you plug it in.

Also covers: Impact LX61+.

What each control does in GarageBand

Setup in three steps

  1. Plug in the Impact LX49+ and open KnobLink. It shows your keyboard, controls and all.
  2. Allow instrument knobs in System Settings › Accessibility, once.
  3. Restart GarageBand, only the first time. Then play.

Questions

Does the Impact LX49+ work with GarageBand?

GarageBand plays the Impact LX49+'s keys and pads, but ignores most of its knobs and faders. KnobLink connects those too: knobs move the instrument's Smart Controls, faders set track volume, transport buttons work.

Do I need to set up the Impact LX49+ by hand?

No. KnobLink recognises the Nektar Impact LX49+ by name when you plug it in and knows its factory settings. If you changed its settings, KnobLink asks you to move the changed controls once.

Does it work with Logic Pro?

KnobLink is made for GarageBand. Logic Pro has its own controller assignments.