Keyboards · Nektar

Make your Impact GX49's knobs work in GarageBand

GarageBand plays the keys, but ignores most of the 1 knob and 7 buttons on the Nektar Impact GX49. KnobLink connects them: it recognises the Impact GX49 the moment you plug it in.

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Also covers: Impact GX61.

Nektar Impact GX49as KnobLink draws it

What each control does in GarageBand

Setup in three steps

  1. Plug in the Impact GX49 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 GX49 work with GarageBand?

GarageBand plays the Impact GX49'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 GX49 by hand?

No. KnobLink recognises the Nektar Impact GX49 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.

Other Nektar keyboards: Impact LX Mini Impact LX49+ Panorama T4