Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $242

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$99

$300+

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Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Nektar Aura". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover a new realm of beat-making and performance with the Nektar Aura, a robust MIDI pad controller designed for both studio and stage. This dynamic instrument melds seamlessly with your DAW, offering an intuitive workflow that feels like a natural extension of your creative process. With its 16 pressure-sensitive RGB pads, the Aura invites you to explore intricate rhythms and dynamic performances.

At the heart of the Nektar Aura is its powerful integration with Nektarine 2.0 software, transforming the controller into a versatile hub for VST, VST3, and AU plugins. Whether you're layering sounds or experimenting with different textures, the Aura accommodates up to 16 instrument plugins simultaneously, each pad capable of triggering its own unique sound. The onboard step sequencer further enhances your creative palette, enabling you to craft complex patterns with ease.

With eight rotary pots and a dedicated plug-in mode, the Aura provides effortless access to key sound parameters. Adjust pitch, tweak decay, or modulate effects directly from the controller, ensuring your workflow remains unbroken. The innovative pad repeat engine is perfect for adding nuanced rolls and dynamic shifts, while the hardware step sequencer allows real-time interaction with your beats.

For those seeking deep DAW integration, the Aura doesn't disappoint. It boasts comprehensive support for popular DAWs, bringing transport control, track selection, and project navigation right to your fingertips. Whether you're controlling your software or connecting to external MIDI gear, the Nektar Aura is engineered to elevate your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • 16 RGB illuminated, velocity-sensitive pads
  • Nektarine 2.0 software integration for extensive plugin hosting
  • Onboard step sequencer with 16 patterns and up to 64 steps
  • Eight rotary pots for real-time parameter control
  • Comprehensive DAW integration with support for popular platforms
  • USB and MIDI connectivity for versatile hardware and software interaction

FAQs

Is the Nektar Aura compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic Pro?

Yes, the Nektar Aura is compatible with a wide range of DAWs, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Studio One, Cubase, and more, providing seamless integration and control.

Can the Nektar Aura be used as a standalone device?

Yes, the Nektar Aura can function as a standalone device, allowing you to connect external MIDI instruments directly to its MIDI Out jack for versatile performance options.

How many pads does the Nektar Aura feature and are they velocity-sensitive?

The Nektar Aura features 16 RGB color illuminated pads that are both velocity- and pressure-sensitive, providing dynamic control over your beats and performances.

Does the Nektar Aura support VST and AU plugins?

Yes, the Nektar Aura supports loading VST, VST3, and AU instrument plugins, offering extensive flexibility for integrating your favorite sounds and effects.

What are the main real-time performance features of the Nektar Aura?

The Nektar Aura offers real-time performance features such as solo, mute, instant start options, and the ability to trigger sequencer parts in any combination, enhancing live creativity.

What type of connection does the Nektar Aura require to operate?

The Nektar Aura is USB class compliant, requiring no additional drivers, and works with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 or higher, as well as Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.

The Quest for Groove

The Quest for Groove

Nektar Aura \\ Great pads! (if you set it up correctly)

Video thumbnail for Nektar Aura \\ Great pads! (if you set it up correctly) by The Quest for Groove

Nektar Aura \\ Great pads! (if you set it up correctly)

The Quest for Groove

The Quest for Groove

Video thumbnail for Introducing Nektar AURA Beat Composer by NektarTechnology

Introducing Nektar AURA Beat Composer

NektarTechnology

NektarTechnology

Video thumbnail for Nektar Aura Beat Composer vs Akai MPD 226. Can the Aura dethrone the venerable Akai pad controller? by Featherlightstudio

Nektar Aura Beat Composer vs Akai MPD 226. Can the Aura dethrone the venerable Akai pad controller?

Featherlightstudio

Featherlightstudio

Video thumbnail for Nektar Aura Beat Composer and DAW Controller Performance by Sweetwater

Nektar Aura Beat Composer and DAW Controller Performance

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Nektar Aura Beat Composer. Hardware and MIDI controls. by Featherlightstudio

Nektar Aura Beat Composer. Hardware and MIDI controls.

Featherlightstudio

Featherlightstudio

Video thumbnail for Nektar Aura’s latest software update is a beatmaker’s dream! by Emlyn In The Mix

Nektar Aura’s latest software update is a beatmaker’s dream!

Emlyn In The Mix

Emlyn In The Mix

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Nektar Aura.

Features and functionality

  • The Nektar Aura can only use 8 knobs outside of its VST, which are sent as CCs and lack context sensitivity.

    Source
  • Each pad's sensitivity can be fine-tuned individually, enhancing the setup for finger drumming.

    Source
  • The Nektar Aura requires a computer and DAW to produce sound, as it lacks internal sound generation capabilities.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • While the Nektar Aura works under Linux, it's only somewhat supported, requiring workarounds for full functionality.

    Source
  • The control script in bitwig crashed twice and froze the controller, hinting at potential instability in the software integration.

    Source
  • Rotary controllers in Reason are hardwired to generic functions; mapping to device performance controls is not possible.

    Source
  • The Nektarine VST plugin is reportedly ineffective for mapping controls to various VSTs.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner experienced a pad becoming unresponsive, staying lit and failing to trigger sounds, even after a firmware update.

    Source
  • The Aura's internal sequencer works well but lacks integration with bitwig for MIDI clip editing, limiting its standalone functionality.

    Source
  • Owners praise the Aura for its versatility as a drum sequencer and VST controller, but it must be paired with a sound module or DAW.

    Source

Build quality

  • Lightweight build requires a hard, flat surface to prevent casing flex.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Aura's standalone sequencer doesn't integrate with Reason and is meant for standalone hardware use.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Novation Circuit is suggested as an alternative for those seeking a standalone unit without needing a computer.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Worth the wait: Nektar Aura's latest software update is a beatmaker’s dream - DJ TechTools

djtechtools.com

The Nektar Aura's recent software update has transformed it from a frustrating tool into a creative powerhouse. With its exceptional drum pads and improved integration with Reason DAW, it proves to be an invaluable asset for beatmakers. However, initial software quirks and a lack of intuitive sample loading remain drawbacks. Thankfully, the latest update enhances usability dramatically, making the Aura a compelling option for those seeking a compact MIDI drum computer. While it shines in hardware performance, some software aspects still require refinement.

positive

Nektar Aura review | Juno Daily

juno.co.uk

Nektar's Aura brings a refreshing twist to the pad controller game, seamlessly blending traditional drum programming with innovative features. Its responsive and well-built pads offer an impressive tactile experience, while the integrated Nektarine software enhances plugin control and real-time interaction. However, it falls short of the deep integration that competitors like Maschine provide, making it feel somewhat conventional in a crowded market. Ultimately, the Aura carves out a unique niche, delivering versatility and efficiency for musicians looking to bridge the gap between software and hardware.

positive

5.0 out of 5

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