Nektar Aura / MIDI-Pad-Controller

With 16 hypersensitive, illuminated RGB pads, an integrated standalone step sequencer, a flexible pad repeat engine and incredible plug-in control, AURA offers an exciting workflow in drum machine format for every DAW and every hardware MIDI setup. Together with the supplied Nektarine 2.0 software, AURA becomes a plug-in control powerhouse for VST, VST3 and AU plug-ins. Regardless of whether you play a single multi-sound drum plug-in or an extensive kit with several plug-ins, the assignment of the pads is quick and intuitive thanks to the real-time preview function. The Nektarine software can host up to 16 different instrument plug-ins at the same time, so that each of the AURA pads can be assigned its own plug-in. The pad assignments are saved as part of a DAW project / song or a Nektarine Multi-Patch and can be recalled immediately. Plugin mode provides instant control over the parameters of the hosted instrument plugins. When programming drum sounds, quick access to important parameters such as pitch, decay or level is essential. The Nektarine software simplifies the process by automatically mapping the relevant parameters to the 8 rotary knobs of AURA based on the last triggered pad. The on-board pad repeat makes creating dynamic rolls and flams a breeze. Thanks to extensive adjustable parameters such as repetition rate, gate, accent interval, accent, velocity offset, swing, trigger mode and clock source, plugins and hardware devices can be played expressively. As soon as the SEQ button is pressed, the 16 LED pads transform into the popular 16-step programming interface and Aura's hardware sequencer comes to life. 16 patterns (one per pad) with 4 parts (each consisting of up to 16 steps) add up to 64 steps. This leaves a lot of freedom and flexibility for inspired beat creation. Everything here revolves around interaction and performance: Parts can be triggered in any combination at any time. Each pattern, and even each part in a pattern, can have a different length - which makes creating interesting poly rhythms a lot easier. Many of the editing options go down to the step level. With play rate, velocity, accent, gate and swing. Internal and external clock modes help ensure perfect synchronization. Aura's sequencer can also be used stand-alone with external instruments, a MIDI-out connection is available for this.