What is the Nektar Aura Beat Composer?

It is a fully mappable USB/MIDI pad controller designed for music production. It features 16 pressure-sensitive pads and deep integration for DAW transport and editing.

What software comes with the Nektar Aura?

The device includes Nektarine 2.0 software. This can run as a standalone application or as a plugin within a DAW to manage hardware-software integration.

How do the pads on the Aura function?

The Aura features 16 RGB-lit pads that are pressure-sensitive. These pads can be used for playing drum parts, triggering samples, or controlling rhythmic parameters via pressure.

What is Pad Repeat mode?

Pad Repeat is a performance mode where holding a pad triggers repeated notes. The velocity of these notes is determined by the amount of pressure applied to the pad.

Can the Aura control a DAW directly?

Yes, it offers transport editing and DAW integration. This allows users to control playback, recording, and other software functions from the hardware.

Does the Aura include a sequencer?

Yes, the Aura features a built-in sequencer. This allows users to program and edit rhythmic patterns directly on the controller.

What rhythmic parameters can be adjusted on the Aura?

Users can adjust gate, accent interval, accent velocity offset, swing, and trigger modes. These settings help fine-tune the feel of drum patterns.

Is the Aura compatible with external MIDI gear?

Yes, as a USB/MIDI controller, it is designed to interface with computers and other MIDI-compatible hardware. It supports various clock sources for synchronization.

What is the typical price for the Nektar Aura?

The typical price range for the Nektar Aura is approximately GBP 291. Pricing may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

How does Nektarine 2.0 enhance the hardware?

Nektarine 2.0 provides a visual interface for mapping and managing plugins. It allows the hardware to seamlessly control virtual instruments with minimal setup.

Is the Nektar Aura suitable for live performance?

Yes, its pressure-sensitive pads and internal sequencing make it highly capable for live electronic music. The RGB lighting also provides visual feedback in dark environments.

How does the Aura compare to the Korg nanoPAD2?

The Aura is a more advanced, professional-grade controller with DAW integration and a sequencer. The nanoPAD2 is a simpler, highly portable budget alternative for basic triggering.

Gear article

Nektar Aura Beat Composer

The Nektar Aura Beat Composer is a professional USB/MIDI pad controller designed for rhythmic production and DAW integration. It features 16 pressure-sensitive RGB pads and deep integration via the Nektarine 2.0 software suite to streamline beat-making workflows.

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Overview and Functionality

The Nektar Aura is a hardware controller designed to facilitate hands-on music production. Its central interface consists of 16 RGB-lit pads that are sensitive to both velocity and pressure. Beyond simple triggering, the device serves as a comprehensive command centre for a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), providing dedicated transport controls and editing capabilities directly from the hardware.

A standout feature is the Pad Repeat mode, which utilises the pressure-sensitive nature of the pads to determine the velocity of drum patterns in real-time. This mode offers granular control over rhythmic parameters including gate, accent interval, swing, and clock source.

Software Integration

The Aura is deeply coupled with the Nektarine 2.0 software. This application acts as a bridge between the hardware and the user's sound library, functioning either as a standalone tool or as a plug-in within a DAW. Nektarine allows for extensive customisation and mapping, enabling users to manage their virtual instruments and effects without frequently reaching for a computer mouse. The software is essential for unlocking the full potential of the Aura's internal sequencing and mapping capabilities.

Performance Features

The device includes an internal sequencer, allowing for the creation of patterns directly on the unit. Users can manipulate various performance parameters such as:

Accent Velocity Offset: Adjusts the dynamics of accented notes.
Trigger Mode: Determines how the pads respond to input.
Clock Source: Allows the unit to sync with internal or external MIDI clocks.
Swing: Adds rhythmic feel and shuffle to programmed patterns.

Target Audience and Comparisons

The Aura is primarily aimed at beat producers and electronic musicians who require tactile feedback during the composition process. While budget-friendly alternatives like the Korg nanoPAD2 offer basic triggering, the Aura occupies a more professional space, competing with advanced control surfaces like the PreSonus FaderPort 8 in terms of DAW integration, though focusing specifically on pad-based input rather than faders. Compared to compact options like the Korg microKEY 25, the Aura provides a specialised rhythmic workflow that a standard keyboard controller lacks.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Nektar Aura Beat Composer?: It is a fully mappable USB/MIDI pad controller designed for music production. It features 16 pressure-sensitive pads and deep integration for DAW transport and editing.
What software comes with the Nektar Aura?: The device includes Nektarine 2.0 software. This can run as a standalone application or as a plugin within a DAW to manage hardware-software integration.
How do the pads on the Aura function?: The Aura features 16 RGB-lit pads that are pressure-sensitive. These pads can be used for playing drum parts, triggering samples, or controlling rhythmic parameters via pressure.
What is Pad Repeat mode?: Pad Repeat is a performance mode where holding a pad triggers repeated notes. The velocity of these notes is determined by the amount of pressure applied to the pad.
Can the Aura control a DAW directly?: Yes, it offers transport editing and DAW integration. This allows users to control playback, recording, and other software functions from the hardware.
Does the Aura include a sequencer?: Yes, the Aura features a built-in sequencer. This allows users to program and edit rhythmic patterns directly on the controller.
What rhythmic parameters can be adjusted on the Aura?: Users can adjust gate, accent interval, accent velocity offset, swing, and trigger modes. These settings help fine-tune the feel of drum patterns.
Is the Aura compatible with external MIDI gear?: Yes, as a USB/MIDI controller, it is designed to interface with computers and other MIDI-compatible hardware. It supports various clock sources for synchronization.
What is the typical price for the Nektar Aura?: The typical price range for the Nektar Aura is approximately GBP 291. Pricing may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
How does Nektarine 2.0 enhance the hardware?: Nektarine 2.0 provides a visual interface for mapping and managing plugins. It allows the hardware to seamlessly control virtual instruments with minimal setup.
Is the Nektar Aura suitable for live performance?: Yes, its pressure-sensitive pads and internal sequencing make it highly capable for live electronic music. The RGB lighting also provides visual feedback in dark environments.
How does the Aura compare to the Korg nanoPAD2?: The Aura is a more advanced, professional-grade controller with DAW integration and a sequencer. The nanoPAD2 is a simpler, highly portable budget alternative for basic triggering.