NAMM 2025: Native Instruments Akai Partnership

video upload by sonicstate

"At this year's NAMM, Native Instruments made waves with their collaboration with Akai*, creating a seamless way for you to access NI sounds on MPC devices. We caught up with *Simon from Native Instruments who detailed this initiative. This partnership debuted with the release of five Play Series instruments and five expansions compatible with MPC, making NI's renowned sounds more accessible. Simon further explained that the integration process is straightforward--you purchase Native Instruments content online and activate it with a serial number on the MPC.

Additionally, Simon introduced the Tools and Leap SDKs for *Kontakt 8*, allowing developers to build compositional assistance tools in the same way you would build instruments. The conversation also delved into the broader adoption of NKS integration, expanding to devices from Akai, M-Audio, Nektar, Novation, and Korg. By mapping MIDI CC parameters, existing hardware can now utilize the vast NKS ecosystem, with further integrations planned, paving the way for deeper collaboration in the future."

NAMM 2025: Nektar's Enhanced Impact LXPlus MK3 Controllers

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Tim from NeKtar, who introduced us to the new Impact LXP+ MK3 series. Building on the success of its predecessor, the LXP+ MK3 boasts expanded Cubase integration while retaining all its original DAW capabilities. One of the standout additions is the scale and chord feature, allowing for more dynamic musical exploration.

Nectar has significantly improved user convenience with timeline control, making loop-based recording more intuitive. The introduction of a loop record button enables seamless looping and editing. The MK3 now features endless rotaries with high resolution, replacing the older pots, allowing for smoother controls. Additionally, the MK3 offers NKS compatibility through a partnership with Native Instruments, enabling integration with their complete control system.

The series is available in several key sizes, including a 25-key version. It's offered at competitive prices, notably $199 for the 49-key variant."

NAMM 2023 - Nektar Aruba

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2023, Sonic State caught up with Tim Chandler to see a live integration demo of Nektar's Aruba, which enhances the beat-making experience with Ableton Live using Max for Live devices. Tim demonstrated the integration by showing Ableton Live and Aruba running side by side. He explained how five settings within the integration need to be enabled, particularly the Clip Record mode and Auto Trim Recorded Clips feature, which trims the empty space at the start and end of a clip. Tim went on to demonstrate the basic DAW integration with Ableton Live, including controlling the arranger loops, track selection, and scene selection.

The demonstration moved on to where Aruba excels with Live, which is controlling the drum rack. Tim showed how Aruba automatically updates to give slices on the rack when loading a loop, with the bank up and down buttons moving up and down the rack. He then showed how to switch slices to be simple one-shots and change the color of pads using the pad coloring feature.

More information on Aruba can be found on their official websites.
Aruba Price: £269.00
More info:
• https://nektartech.com/aruba-beat-com..."

Aruba’s hardware is all about realtime access and performance: A host of controls ensures direct access to key features without any menu diving. At the center are 16 large RGB pads – they are velocity and pressure-sensitive and can be fine-tuned to match your personal playing style. ARUBA’s 8 heavy-duty 360-degree rotary pots are always assigned to control a selected feature’s parameters with their assignments shown on the color TFT display. 4 display buttons give access to additional settings, MIDI assignments or secondary menus. Dedicated buttons make it easy to switch between different modes: Internal MIDI controller, drum machine style sequencer, Pad Repeat or DAW Control are always just one button-press away.

The hardware Step Sequencer is programmed like a classic drum machine from the 16 small RGB buttons. Each pad can be programmed, or recorded in real-time, with its own independent sequence. You can solo, mute or trigger sequences simply by hitting a pad and control other parameters from the pots, which makes the Sequencer an excellent realtime performance tool. The MIDI Out on ARUBA’s back lets you sequence external MIDI gear and can also be used as a MIDI interface from the computer.

Then there’s the transport section for DAW Control: With Nektar DAW Integration everything’s set up for instant control of your DAW’s transport functions from Aruba. In this mode, the pots let you set locators, select tracks, navigate and even set up a connected footswitch for transport control. Without DAW integration, the transport buttons can be assigned to MIDI functions or to control the sequencer. The 2 footswitches are also MIDI-assignable. Aruba’s feature set is greatly enhanced when connected to the included Nektarine software. Eight mode buttons give one-press-access to key Nektarine functions, including Mixer, Pad Setup, Instrument and FX plugin control, browsing and solo/mute. When a mode is selected, the eight 360 degree analog pots offer smooth control of the selected mode’s parameters and in particularly, deep plugin control of your VST, VST3 and AU plugins. Control the assigned plugins, sends or insert FX from Aruba – with full parameter feedback on Aruba’s screen. Many plugins are already pre-mapped for control but you can also create your own mapping, as deep as you like.

ARUBA stores 16 user Internal presets for pad configuration and pot MIDI control assignments. When paired with Nektarine, an ulimited amount of pad configurations can be saved complete with plugin and Nektarine settings. Pad’s are programmed from the Pad Setup mode which also includes menus for Chord and Scale, so you can use the pads to play melodic parts or assign chords to each pad.

NAMM 2022 - Nektar- Big Updates to Aura Pad Controller

video upload by sonicstate

"In the blissfully quiet ticket office we spoke with Niels from Nektar Tech - he showed us the Nektar Aura Pad Controller which has recently had a big OS update.
With a more immediate sound browsing channel strip access.
There's also a new Audio Tab in the broswer for extremely quick kit making on the pads, whether that s plug-in or a sample or an AU instrument.

Using the Nekarine plug-in, its possible to easily configure the pads to your custom layout. Also included are 500 kits to get you started which will load into the DP-1 drum player - included which is a fully featured sample playback engine, though of course you can put in Kontakt, Battery or any other instruments as you wish.

Aura update is available now (just released) free to existing Aura users (or Panorama T series owners): the Aura hardware is priced at £279

nektartech.com"

Nektar Introduces the Impact LX Mini Keyboard Controller

video upload by NektarTechnology

"The new Impact LX Mini USB MIDI Controller Keyboard offers a host of realtime performance tools, including 2 independent Arpeggiator/Repeat engines, Nektar's "Part 2" feature for momentary setup changes, hyper-sensitive LED drum pads, joystick, foot-switch socket - and of course an expressive 25 note mini-keyboard with velocity. Add to that universal compatibility with any MIDI music software on Mac OS, Windows, iOS (requires optional camera kit) and Linux (requires installation of JACK and ALSA).

Nektar DAW Integration including plugin instrument control for most popular DAWs turns the controller into an even more powerful instrument for mobile production. DAW integration is included for:

Ableton Live, Bitwig, Cakewalk, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Studio One. Also includes template setup for Pro Tools.

In short: Great news for your backpack! :)"

FEATURES & SPECIFICATONS

25 velocity-sensitive mini keys

4 velocity curves (soft, default, hard 1, hard 2) + 3 fixed values

Joystick for pitch bend, 2 modulation controls (MIDI assignable)

Footswitch jack 1/8″ (adapter to 1/4″ included)

Octave up/down buttons with LED indicators

Transpose via Shift + Part 2 buttons

Part 2 LED buttons (assignable to momentary keyboard shift, transpose, layering MIDI notes and switching MIDI channels (includes Latch option)

7 transport buttons for DAW integration or MIDI assignable

Shift button activates secondary level for a total of 14 accessible MIDI button functions (plus 3rd level for another 7 functions with Nektar DAW Integration)

8 velocity-sensitive LED Pads (4 pad maps)

8 pots (x2 via Page button, functionality changes according to mode)

Volume pot with LED settings indication (MIDI-assignable)

Nektar DAW integration support*

Nektar DAW Integration for Impact LX Mini currently supports: Ableton Live, Bitwig, Cakewalk, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Studio One. Includes template setup for Pro Tools.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Nektar Panorama P1 USB MIDI Controller w/ Original Box

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

This is a supporting member post.

"The Panorama P1 from Nektar Technology is a MIDI controller housed in a desktop enclosure that provides deep Reason, Cubase and Nuendo integration, along with comprehensive MIDI programming options. Multiple encoders, faders, buttons and a foot switch jack provide immediate control of up to sixty-one parameters at any one time. Settings can be stored in twenty presets, with individually save and loadable function-key maps that yield more than 1,200 combinations. However, the controller will happily function with virtually any other DAW. A 3.5" color TFT display delivers the information needed for each mode or menu, while providing detailed information that makes workflow fluent and fast. Setting up presets or function-key maps is easy. The Control Edit menu allows for selecting a control, and in real-time, assigning the MIDI command required. For each control, values can be scaled, reverse and assigned specific or global MIDI channels.

CLICK FOR MORE »

NAMM 2020 Nektar Aura Beats Controller

Published on Jan 18, 2020 sonicstate

"A new pad based controller from Nektar TECH which features 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads, plus an integrated pattern based sequencer which works in standalone mode via the MIDI out port.
All hooks up to Nectarine, the plug-in hosts up to 16 plug-ins (one per pad) plus up to four inserts per pad and four FX sends - all with accessible parameters via the 8 knobs.
Available early March 2020 priced at $349.99"

Nektar Aura posts

NAMM Synth Bonanza: Korg (opsix), 2hp, Arturia and More at Winter NAMM 2020

Published on Jan 17, 2020 Reverb

"Justin DeLay, one of many synth nerds here at Reverb, decided to scope the scene at the Winter NAMM 2020 convention. Here is just a small selection of the incredible innovations and exciting products coming this year.

Featuring the:
Korg Opsix
Korg Wavestate
Korg MS-20 FS
Korg ARP-2600 Reissue
Blipblox After Dark
Sequential Pro 3
Nektar Aura
Beatbox
Arturia KeyStep Pro
Roland Jupiter XM
Roland Jupiter X
2hp Lunchbox Modular
& Nord Wave 2"

Nektar Aura Beat Composer - NAMM 2020

Published on Jan 16, 2020 Bedroom Producers Blog

"Nektar Aura Beat Composer presentation at NAMM 2020."

Introducing Nektar AURA Beat Composer

Published on Jan 15, 2020 NektarTechnology

"See AURA in action: AURA is Nektar's new powerful beat creation and performance instrument. Hardware features like 16 hyper-sensitive RGB illuminated pads, color TFT display, an on-board step sequencer, a flexible pad repeat engine and incredible plugin control, make beat creation in any VST, VST3, AU or AAX compatible DAW-environment a fun experience with true groove-box feeling. Paired with the included Nektarine 2.0 software, AURA becomes a plugin control powerhouse for VST, VST3 and AU plugins.

AURA can also be used in stand-alone mode with external MIDI devices. Custom Nektar DAW integration adds 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."

And the Press Release:

NAMM 2020: NEKTAR ANNOUNCES AURA BEAT COMPOSER

Nektar AURA is a powerful beat creation and performance instrument. Featuring 16 hyper-sensitive RGB illuminated pads, an on-board step sequencer, a flexible pad repeat engine and incredible plugin control, AURA brings an exciting drum-machine-style workflow to any DAW or external MIDI setup.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Presentation: Nektar Panorama With Bitwig

Published on May 16, 2014 sonicstate·829 videos

"First of a series of in-depth looks at Panorama integration. We start off with a look at how the Nektar Panorama P4 works with Bitwig - the new kid on the DAW block.
Tim takes us through the features of the keyboard and the way it works with Bitwig's unique workflow."

Messe 2014: Nektar And Bitwig and Logic X

Published on Mar 13, 2014 sonicstate·760 videos

NAMM 2014: Nektar controllers with BitWig Integration

Published on Jan 30, 2014 sonicstate·685 videos

"NAMM 2014: Nektar controllers with BitWig Integration Nektar to Distribute BitWig in UK & USA too"

Nektar Panorama P4 Controller

YouTube Published on Jul 5, 2012 by DV247TV

"Tim Chandler form Nektar takes us through the use and applications of the new Panorama P4 MIDI controller. Designed to seamlessly integrate with Reason 6, the Panorama P4 will also offer control for any of the other major DAWs out there.

For more information or to buy a Panorama P4 today, please visit our store:
http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/nektar-panorama-p4-keyboard-controller--90782"

Nektar PANORAMA DAW CONTROLLER KEYBOARD for Reason 6

"Reason 6 is here! Need a controller?

Panorama is our vision of how a great controller should work. Yes, there are many 'generic' controllers on the market already but we have yet to find one that satisfies our criteria of operating the software, as if it’s hardware - That’s Panorama.

Panorama uses a communication protocol that has been custom designed for Reason 6, putting control - every control - at your fingertips. There's nothing generic about this controller. Panorama really does access all areas.

Here you get the chance to read early information. We’ll reveal more and more snippets of Panorama up until release."

"Panorama allows you to gain access to Reason’s mixer at the touch of a button. Here you see the Reason mixer channels assigned to be operated by each of Panorama’s controls. The display gives you an accurate overview of what parameter each control is assigned to as well as current value state. Let’s look at the display screen in some more detail."

"The mixer channel strips in Reason are comprehensive and like the real world hardware - quite long! Panorama breaks the channel strip down in to manageable localized sections, accessible at the push of a button. From the mixer menu described in Part 1, you have access to EQ, Dynamics, Inserts and Sends across the buttons below the display. "