Nektar Technology

Notes: Nektar Aruba

Beat creation powerhouse!

Nektar Aruba is a powerful beat making and performance instrument. This MIDI Pad Controller has 16 hyper-sensitive RGB illuminated pads, an on-board drum machine-style step sequencer with record, a flexible pad repeat engine and incredible plugin control.

The included Nektarine software and drum library turns Aruba into a complete beat making solution that works in any DAW. Use your favourite drum instrument plugin (VST/VST3 or AU) or start creating with the built-in DP-1 drum player, K1 Kick, S1 Snare and T1 Tom synth instruments

Play your own library of audio samples or incorporate any combination of plugins with any other content, to create your own unique kits. All settings, including pad setups, are stored as part of your DAW song/project or Nektarine Multipatch for complete recall when you next start working.

Aruba and Nektarine put a complete beat creation powerhouse at your fingertips. Best of all, Nektarine runs in any DAW as a VST, VST3, AU or AAX plugin so you can load your kits in the environment you prefer. Go on - Make your own beat. It's a blast!

Specifications

Step sequencer

Stores 16 Collections of 16 Patterns each
Each Pattern with up to 4 parts for a total of up to 64 steps
Dedicated programming interface with 16 RGB buttons and parts selection buttons
Real-time performance features (solo, mute, instant start options and more)
Trigger sequencer parts in any combination at any time
Independent settings per part (play rate, step length, velocity, accent, gate, swing and more)
Extensive editing features all the way down to step level
Internal and external clock operation
Latch automation on/off

Pad repeat engine

8 adjustable real-time parameters incl. note length, accent level and interval and repeat rate
Dedicated Repeat rate settings & activation buttons
Display soft button for instant assignment of pressure to velocity
Tap tempo feature
Internal and external clock operation

Nektarine

AAX, AU, VST or VST3 plugin version and stand-alone application for OSX & Windows
Load any VST, VST3 and AU instrument plugins
DP-1 drum sample player included (supports AIFF and WAV files, up to 24 Bit / 192 kHz)
16 instrument plugin slots
Each instrument slot with choke, volume, pan, mute/solo, sends 1-4 controls
4 effect insert plugin slots per instrument (AU / VST / VST3 FX)
4 send effect plugin slots (AU / VST / VST3 FX)
Pads View for easy kit overview and fast kit creation from the integrated Browser Pane
Mixer View for kit mixing
Store instrument & FX plugin patches + Nektarine Multi-Patches
Browser Settings are remembered per plugin slot
Handles all pad-, plugin- & patch-management with complete control from ARUBA
Control page editor for customizing Nektar plugin maps or creating new ones from scratch
Full parameter feedback: display updated in real-time
Scale and Chords mode for building tracks
Multi-Patch with Pad settings saved as 'Default' load as default - all browser settings can be saved with tags for slots tag 'kick', slot 1, etc.
Drum Sample Library with 500+ sounds and patches including acoustic, electronic and drum machine samples

Aruba Nektar DAW integration supports

Ableton Live Suite
Apple Logic + Garageband
Bitwig 8-Track + Studio
Cakewalk by Bandlab
Cockos Reaper
MOTU Digital Performer
Presonus Studio One
Reason Studios Reason
Steinberg Cubase + Nuendo

Hardware

16 RGB colour illuminated velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads
8 heavy duty potentiometers (360 degrees, endless)
TFT colour display with 320×240 px including 4 soft buttons
16 RGB LED buttons
8 Nektarine buttons for direct access to Patches, Mixer, Pad Setup, Plugins and more
6 mode buttons
7 Transport Buttons with LED illumination
Fully MIDI-programmable pads, switches and pots
16 Presets for storing all internal settings (not required when using Nektarine)
Rugged housing with aluminium top

Connections

MIDI Out connector
1/4? TRS footswitch socket (for up to 2 footswitches using optional Y-adaptor)
USB connector
PSU connector (PSU not included)
Kensington Lock connector

Weight & dimensions: 30,1 cm (L) x 23,1 cm (D) x 4,5 cm(H), 1,4 kg

System requirements
USB class compliant (no driver needed)
USB Power Requirement: 500 mA
9v DC Power Requirement: 500 - 600 mA, center positive
ARUBA: works with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 or higher. Mac OS X 10.5 or higher, Linux (Ubuntu)
Nektarine and Nektar DAW Integration: Windows 8,10 or higher. Mac OS X 10.11 or higher

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Box opened, product in perfect working order***


Nektar's 'beat composer' combines MIDI pad controller, step sequencer and plugin control via the brand's Nektarine system. Neat instrument and effect control solution at a great price. Check out our full review.

Supplier's notes:
Paired with the included Nektarine 2.0 software, AURA becomes a plugin control powerhouse for VST, VST3 and AU plugins. Whether working a single multi-sound drum plugin or hosting a comprehensive kit using multiple plugins, setting AURA's pads up is fast and intuitive, with real time auditioning.

Nektarine can host up to 16 different instrument-plugins simultaneously, so that each of AURA's pads can play its own plugin. Any pad can be re-routed to a new plugin by creating a plugin slot and loading a patch or plugin directly from AURA's browser. Pad assignments are saved as part of a DAW project/song or a Nektarine Multi-Patch for instant recall.

AURA's 'Plugin' mode provides instant control of hosted instrument plugin parameters. When programming drum sounds, quick access to key parameters such as pitch, decay or level is essential. Nektarine makes short work of this by auto-selecting the relevant parameters for control with AURA's 8 rotary pots based on the last triggered pad.

Nektar plugin maps ensure that even plugins with thousands of parameters can be controlled seamlessly.

Nektarine 2.0 provides 4 FX insert slots per hosted instrument plugin for up to 64 insert effect plugins per Nektarine instance.

Dedicated AURA 'FX' buttons enable selection and control of hosted effects plugins.

Each Nektarine instance has another 4 global send effects slots.

Their send levels are controlled for each instrument plugin from AURA's mixer page. Other mixer page controls are volume, pan and mute/solo for each plugin slot.

Nektarine's Browser is designed to manage thousands of patches with features like customizable tags and sorting tools, with full control from AURA. Browser settings are independent for every instrument and effect plugin slot. They are stored with a Nektarine Multi-Patch or even a DAW project/song, along with all other settings. Nektarine can be run in any DAW hosting AAX, AU, VST or VST3 plugins or as a standalone application in Windows and Apple OSX.

Pad repeat: AURA's on-board pad repeat engine is directly accessible, featuring a dedicated on/off button and settings menu. Using pad pressure to control velocity while changing repeat rates with the RGB LED buttons, makes it a great tool for creating dynamic rolls. The Repeat engine is highly customizable, parameters include Repeat Rate, Gate, Accent Interval, Accent Velocity Offset, Swing, Trigger Mode and Clock Source.

Hardware step sequencer: On pressing AURA's 'SEQ' button, the 16 LED buttons below the pots become the much loved, classic 16-step programming interface. 16 patterns (one per pad) with 4 parts (comprising of up to 16 steps each) add up to a total of 64 steps. This provides a lot of flexibility for inspired beat creation. A set of patterns can be saved in one of AURA's 16 Collections. AURA's sequencer is all about interaction and performance: Parts may be triggered in any combination at any time. Each pattern, and even each part in a pattern, can have a different length - massively simplifying the creation of interesting poly-rhythms. Many of the editing features go all the way down to step level and include play rate, velocity, accent, gate and swing.

Internal and external clock modes ensure perfect sync. The sequencer may also be used stand-alone for MIDI instruments connected to AURA's external MIDI Out.

DAW integration: The dedicated 'DAW' button assigns AURA's surface to take control of many popular DAWs, offering Nektar DAW integration features such as extended transport control, track selection, project navigation and more. Nektar DAW Integration software is included for Ableton Live Suite, Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Studio One and Sonar/Cakewalk. 7 transport buttons are otherwise fully MIDI assignable, including MMC commands, and can be used to set up transport control for any software not supported by Nektar DAW integration. MIDI programmability: AURA is designed for control of Nektarine, but it can also be used as a self-contained programmable USB MIDI pad controller in 'Internal' mode. It connects with hard- and software via USB or the MIDI output jack. 16 presets store pad and control assignments for use for the 16 pads, 8 pots, 7 switches and 2 foot switch connections.

Notes: PACER boosts your creativity by providing hands-free control of your DAW, MIDI guitar soft- or hardware as well as channel and FX switching on your trusted analog amp. All integrated into one rugged and stage-ready foot pedal with 10 programmable LED foot switches, 4 switching relays and connections for up to 4 external foot switches and 2 expression pedals. That's a lot of switching power right at your feet: With just one press of a button, you can send up to 16 MIDI and relay messages to reconfigure a setup instantly. Step up your pace with this powerful MIDI DAW Footswitch Controller!

THE POWER OF SWITCHES:
Pacer's programming options are extensive. In the most basic state, a switch can send a MIDI message or change a relay state. But being able to send MIDI messages in a sequence of steps, takes the usefulness of a preset to another level. Use one switch to step through program change messages during your song and the other switches are free for FX on/off control. Or switch your amp channel, start playback in your DAW and change program on your effects rack, all by just pressing ONE button within the same preset. Another 16 MIDI messages/relay settings can be programmed for triggering when each of the 24 presets are selected.

DAW CONTROL OPTIONS:
Don't stop the music: PACER is the only true hands-free solution for controlling a DAW and features a complete set of dedicated track and transport controls. For MCU (Mackie Control Universal) compatible DAWs, a Transport preset provides control over Cycle/Loop, Rewind, Forward, Stop, Play and Record. Each switch has its own large icon illuminated by an RGB LED to show the current status. The Track preset controls Solo, Mute, Record Arm and Click. Almost every DAW is compatible with MCU including Ableton Live, FL Studio or Sonar.

Nektar DAW integration provides the highest level of integration with additional options for track and patch selection, customized RGB LED colour feedback and in some cases additional functionality. Nektar DAW integration supports Bitwig, Cubase, GarageBand, Logic, Nuendo, Reason, Reaper and Studio One.

CONTROL CENTER:
PACER has 10 programmable foot switch controls, each equipped with an RGB LED. Add to that a crisp and large two row LED display, a dedicated switch for Preset recall and an encoder with push switch for programming, navigation and control. So, PACER definitely won't leave you in the dark, figuratively speaking: Depending on the active mode, the top or middle row icons are illuminated. The RGB LEDs in the bottom row display switch status.

DISPLAY AND LEDs:

A red LED display with two rows shows the active preset name/number, mode and selected parameter and value. The data encoder with push switching right next to it makes parameter selection and programming swift and easy. Each foot switch has its own RGB activity LED and function LEDs, which are also part of a preset. So, if you'd like a switch to use a different colour or LED, you can easily customize that!

SWITCHES A-D:

These switches are fully programmable, but factory assigned with these presets:

A: Track preset (for DAW control)
B: Transport preset (for DAW control)
C: Load previous preset
D: Load next preset

You can reconfigure the switches to send any other function or MIDI message.

SWITCHES 1-6:
You can program the switches to send MIDI messages, control one of PACER's 4 relays or to load presets. When DAW Transport or Track functions are assigned, the top and middle row icons are illuminated by default. Worth mentioning is, that each switch can change up to 6 actions simultaneously or in a sequence of presses. That's a lot of switching power right there!

PRESET SWITCH:
PACER has 24 presets. Any switch can be programmed to select a preset, but pressing and holding "Preset" and then selecting a bank & number is available at any time.

Notes: Logic Pro users, pay close attention. Full channel strip control via one of the most ergonomic, effectively designed options around. Take charge via a 100mm motorised fader, dedicated pan knob and 12 assignable pots.

Supplier's Notes:
The Best Channel Strip Controller for Logic Pro

Panorama CS12 does what no other controller can do: Give full control of all Logic Pro channel strip parameters including plugins. There is nothing vanilla about Panorama CS12. The entire workflow is designed from the ground up, which enables astonishing features, with a workflow never seen on a control surface before.

High Resolution Fader with a Touch of Class!

A 100mm ALPS motorized fader follows the selected mixer channel when you work. With up to 14 bit resolution, you get detailed control with touch sensing enabling automation override and update captures in real time.

Paired with a dedicated pan control, as well as buttons for solo, mute and record arm, you have instant access to all main mixer parameters on the selected channel.

Create Clean Automation, Easy and Fast

Recording automation can get messy with lots of data generated even when a simple fader is needed. Panorama CS12 solves the problem by giving you the option to insert automation points.

Touch the fader, set the value with the fader, and done!

Jump to the next position in the timeline and insert another automation point. Clean, easy and fast.

Complete Insert FX Plugin Control

Panorama CS12 excels at controlling plugins. You can control any plugin without looking at the plugins' UI so you can focus on creating, composing and editing.

Many commonly used plugins are pre-mapped including of course Logic Pro's own. Panorama CS12 dedicates 12 RGB illuminated 360 pots, 4 display buttons and an additional 4 RGB LED buttons to plugin control. Every control can be assigned on multiple pages ensuring as a complete plugin experience, with no parameter left behind.

Via the ControlCore mapping system, it stores all settings in unique files so they can be ported to other computer systems and ensure compatibility with other DAWs in the future.

Any Plugin? ....Really?

Any plugin that presents its parameters for automation in Logic Pro, can be controlled from Panorama CS12. That includes Logic Pro's own plugins and any AU plugin hosted in Logic Pro.

There is no wrapper or plugin host. It just works.

Plugin Slot Selection

CS12 control insert plugins like no controller has ever done before. The 8 plugin slot select buttons are illuminated when plugins are present in the first 8 slots and the top button toggles between slots 1-8/9-16. Press a button and control the insert plugin immediately. Press another button and now control that plugin.

Control Any Parameter NOW

Control any parameter by simply clicking on it. The 100mm ALPS fader immediately jumps to the clicked parameters position and you take over from there. The fader or pan rotary, can be used to control any parameter in the currently selected Logic Pro channel, at any time.

Activate the Select button and the motorized fader now controls any parameter you click. Any mixer channel, instrument or insert effect plugin parameters. Click, control, click control. Super easy.

Plugin Parameter Learn

A plugin quick learn feature enables assignments on the fly. It's as simple as moving a parameter and moving a control to complete assignment. And while you are at it, change the LED colour of the control too.

Nektarine Map Creation

For the ultimate in control mapping, use the included Nektarine application/plugin. Assign parameters to controls using drag and drop, create your page structure and name parameters and pages so they are optimized for CS12. Once saved, plugin maps are picked up by ControlCore for use with CS12.

Precision control at 10x resolution

14 bit control resolution is not limited to the motorized fader. With the Fine button (magnifier icon) enabled each of the 12 pots control at 14 bit resolution. In practice this means you'll be able adjust parameters with the same fine grained values available through your plugins UI or up to 10 x regular control resolution.

Features & specifications

Panorama CS12

1 100mm ALPS motorized fader.
4 RGB LED control buttons.
6 segment LED meter.
3.5" TFT colour display.
4 display buttons.
4 channel strip LED buttons.
18 Function and navigation LED buttons
2 encoders for zoom and tempo.
1 encoder with push button for Data/Menu
13 endless or 360 potentiometers with RGB LED illumination.
11 RGB LED buttons for selection of channel strip sections.
1/4" TRS Footswitch socket for basic handsfree DAW control.
Connect up to two foot switches using TRS to TS Y-cable splitter.

System requirements

USB class compliant, no driver needed.
Nektar ControlCore installation required. Unit doesn't operate on its own.
A Nektar account for registration and download of support files.
USB Power Requirement: 500 mA minimum, connect to a USB high power port recommended.
MacOS: 11.5 or later.
Logic Pro: 10.7.8 or higher.

Dimensions & weight

39 cm (L) x 11,5 cm (D) x 3,2 cm (H), 0,49 kgs

In the box

Panorama CS12
Quickstart guide and functional overview. All other documentation is part of the download package.
USB A to C cable.

Notes: Panorama P1 is an incredible controller with the most intuitive workflow you have ever seen.

Spectacular , deep Reason & Cubase implementations, along with vast MIDI programming options means you can focus on your music instead of the equipment. Set up your generic MIDI presets for instant recall when you need them or use Panorama P1 with Bitwig, Cubase, Logic, MainStage, Nuendo, Reaper or Reason for a completely integrated experience.

Power Of Control
The enormous controlling power of Panorama P1 is contained in a compact case about the size of a 17" laptop. An unrivalled amount of assignable controls makes Panorama the most comprehensive and fully featured MIDI controller around. 16 encoders, 9 45mm faders, 10 LED buttons, 28 buttons and a foot switch jack gives you immediate control of up to 61 parameters at any one time. Settings can be stored in 20 presets with individually save and loadable F-keys maps for more than 1200 combinations. The numbers may not matter but being in control does.

The Display Says It All
A crystal clear 3.5" color TFT display delivers the information you really need, for each mode or menu. Regardless of whether you are operating Reason or programming MIDI assignments in Internal mode, the display provides detailed information that makes your workflow fluent and fast. Panorama takes the hard work out of using a controller and makes operations that seem complicated and non-transparent on other products, straight-forward and simple.

MIDI Control - A Game Of Many Options!
Setting up presets or F-keys maps is easy on Panorama. The Control Edit menu enables you to quickly select a control and in real-time assign the MIDI command you want. For each control values can be scaled, reverse and assigned specific or global MIDI channels.

Transport When You Need It, Function Buttons When You Don't
It's hard to go places without transport so Panorama features an extended 11 button transport bar, positions right where you need it controlling: Return to L, Forward to R, Undo, Click on/off, Record Mode, Cycle on/off, Back, Forward, Stop, Play and Record. Using the shift button, these also double up as 11 function buttons each assignable to MIDI commands or QWERTY macro's.

SHORTCUT TO SOFTWARE FUNCTIONS*
So QWERTY macro's, big deal, right? That's right, its a VERY big deal. Your software has a ton of features and functions that can be activated using QWERTY shortcut commands. Assigning a command to a button so you don't have to be near your computer makes life a lot easier. Assigning a string of up to 8 commands takes it to another level. With this powerful feature you could for example enter edit mode, zoom in and select a tool with just one button press.

Or create an instrument or effects track and locate a folder containing your presets so you can select them from Panorama, all with one button press and without looking at your computer.

*QWERTY macro's are not available in OS X 10.11 or higher

Controlling Bitwig, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro, Mainstage, Reaper, Reason Or Studio One Has Never Felt So Real

For Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro, Reaper, Reason ans Studio One users, Panorama is a dream come true. The dedicated communication protocol ties Panorama and your DAW tightly together so all you have to do is select the mode and menu you want to control. Panorama does the rest.

Three modes allows you one button press to switch between controlling the Mixer, Instruments and Transport, with the 4th mode, Internal, still providing access to traditional MIDI control.

The integration with Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro, MainStage, Reaper, Reason and Studio One is so deep that you can immerse yourself in your music without having to constantly reach for the mouse. Panorama gives you the creative freedom to just focus on your music.

Your Rewire Slave And Host Controlled In Absolutely Real-Time
Reason ReWired to Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro or Reaper is a whole new experience with Panorama. Select which DAW you want to control straight from Panorama, in absolute real-time and regardless of what's in focus on your computer. Color coding clearly tells you which environment you are controlling so you don't get confused as you switch back and forth. And better still, there really is not functionality lost when you change from controlling one DAW to the other. You of course could buy 2 Panorama products to achieve the same result but with Panorama you don't have to. The choice is yours.

Specifications:

Preset Controls:
16 encoders
9 45mm faders
10 assignable LED buttons
11 dedicated transport buttons
20 preset locations store all settings including links to F-keys maps

F-keys:
11 assignable Function Keys (accessible using shift and tranport keys)
Load or Save to any of 10 F-Keys maps
F-Keys assignable even in 3 Reason modes

Additional:
6 dedicated assignable navigation buttons
ASCII/QWERTY macros assignable to buttons and pads
3.5" high-resolution TFT display provides incredible navigation and user visibility
Nektar DAW Integration
Presets and setup files for major DAWs and VIs

Connections:
Foot switch (sustain) 1/4" jack input (pedal not included)
USB port for communication with computer

System Requirements:
USB Class compliant, no driver is needed for:
Apple iOS, Apple OSX
Windows XP, or higher
Linux (MIDI driver software required)

USB Power Requirement: 500 mA

Nektar DAW Integration:
Mac OS X 10.7 or higher
Windows Vista, 7 & 8 or higher

Weight & Dimensions:
Dimensions: 15 1/4"(L) x 9 1/4"(D) 2"(H)
Weight: 2.8 Lbs