Nektar Pacer MIDI DAW Foot Controller

Summary from SOS magazine February 2019

PROS

• An effective and intuitive MIDI-based DAW foot controller
• Can store and replay complex sequences of MIDI commands and relay-controlled switching in studio and live environments
• Very good value, given its control capabilities

CONS

• Only a limited amount of information can be shown on the display screen
• A good librarian/editor program could be transformative

SUMMARY

The Pacer is, at heart, an impressive DAW MIDI based foot controller, although the extent to which all of its capabilities can be utilised does depend on the DAW program involved. Its other MIDI and relay-switching functionalities open up wider applications in controlling multiple effects, amplifiers, etc., in both studio and live environments.

CONCLUSION

“Although I was very impressed by the range of non-DAW-specific functionality that Nektar have managed to cram into the Pacer, it remains, at heart, a floorboard DAW control surface and excels in that role. However, the extent of its integration or compatibility with your preferred DAW will determine the extent of its capabilities in that regard.

Whether or not the Pacer’s wider MIDI control options will add value to its DAW control capabilities is going to depend on how you organize your workflow, both in the studio and on stage. However, the extent of its functionality makes the Pacer a competitively priced, value-for-money controller given the facilities and flexibility that it has to offer.”

- Bob Thomas, Sound on Sound (February 2019)

Nectar Pacer at a glance:

• MIDI foot controller
• Ten programmable footswitches
• Extension by external foot switches and expression pedals
• RGB LED illuminated symbols
• Supports MCU control and MIDI setups
• Stores 24 presets in four banks
• USB Class Compliant
• Solid steel housing for durability