Nektar SE61 61 Key USB MIDI Controller Keyboard

The Nektar SE61 is compatible with any MIDI music software, sports a full-size keyboard with velocity, includes all the performance controls you’d expect and even has Nektar DAW control features. Simply plug the supplied USB-cable in and go: Capture your ideas while they are fresh!

Play – The Action
The keys are a keyboard controller’s most important feature. So we made sure that the SE61 has keys that are fun and expressive to play: Its synth-action keybed has 49 velocity-sensitive full-size keys with a defined and firm feel. And as everyone has their own playing style and preferences, we have included a choice of 4 different velocity curves (plus 3 fixed ones) so you can adjust the keyboard response to your needs.

Perform – The Performance Controls
No matter if you want to play a complex solo in the style of Herbie Hancock or are just trying to make an EDM wobble bass more lively by adding modulation: the SE61’s large Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels will get you there. They have a tight grip and offer just the right resistance. For piano-style sustain effects, you can connect a switch or pedal to the foot switch socket on the back of the SE61.

Button Up – The Controls
Four buttons and one MIDI-assignable fader to the left of the keys make the SE61 even more flexible: Shift the keyboard up or down -3/+4 octaves with multi-colored LED indicators showing the exact status. Or transpose the keys +/- 12 semitones with the transpose buttons right below.

These buttons can easily be reassigned to switch MIDI channel, change MIDI programs or select tracks and browse patches when DAW integration is active. Better still, pressing a key combination change 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
Take control a notch further: Most soft- and hardware products with MIDI have their parameters assigned to so-called MIDI CC messages. This lets you do cool things such as changing filter cutoff, panning, effects bypass or any other parameter that has a MIDI CC assigned to it from a hardware control on your SE61.

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.

Control Your DAW
How about getting a better workflow without any of this nerdy stuff? How about transport control, level mixing and track selection directly from the SE61? Take control of your DAW’s most important functions with our Nektar DAW Integration software! Of course, the SE61 works with any MIDI software, but with custom Nektar DAW Integration you can do even more: 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. How’s that for giving the mouse a break?

Nektar DAW Integration for SE61 surrently supports Bitwig, Cubase, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Digital Performer, Mixcraft, Reason, Reaper, Sonar and Studio One. (In order to take advantage of Nektar DAW Integration, you need to register your SE61 and download the integration files from your user account.)

Get Connected – Setup & iOS
SE61 keyboards are USB class compliant and don’t require a driver to operate. Installation and connection is easy: just plug the keyboard in to a USB port on your computer. You can also connect an Impact SE61 keyboard to an iOS device using the optional Apple USB camera connection kit. A ¼ inch input jack allows you to add a foot switch pedal for sustain or sending MIDI messages.

Capture Your Ideas – Bitwig 8-Track Included
You can start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro from day one 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 you might own, 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 you started.

With Nektar DAW Integration you can control track selection and transport controls directly from the SE61, making this a fantastic combination. If you are just starting out, you will find it’s the perfect way to take your first steps in the world of digital music creation. And if you’re already familiar with using computer software, you’ll be amazed at what this combination has to offer!

Specifications

• 61 velocity-sensitive full-size keys (synth-action)
• 4 velocity curves + 3 fixed ones
• 4 buttons: Octave Up/Down, Transpose Up/Down
• 30 mm volume fader
• Transport control via secondary button function*
• Works with any DAW or MIDI music software on OS X, Windows and Apple iOS.
• Connections: USB port (USB-powered),
• ¼" TS jack foot switch input
• Weight & Dimensions: 98.5 cm (L) x 19.7 cm (D) x 6.9 cm (H), 3 kgs

System Requirements

• USB class compliant (no driver needed)
• SE61: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 or higher. Mac OS X 10.5 or higher, Linux (Ubuntu).
• Compatible with Apple iOS (requires camera connection kit)
• Nektar DAW Integration: Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 or higher. Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. (All other requirements dependent on the DAW software used, please consult the respective manual for further details)

In The Box

• SE61 MIDI keyboard controller
• USB cable
• User Guide
• Bitwig licence card