Nektar Pacer – Programmable MIDI DAW Footswitch Controller with Relays
The Nektar Pacer is a rugged, stage-ready MIDI foot controller that puts hands-free control at your toe’s reach. With 10 LED-illuminated programmable footswitches, four relay outputs, dual expression pedal inputs, and deep DAW and hardware guitar rig integration, it’s ideal for seamless scene switching, transport control, amp channel toggles, and more.
Key Features
- 10 Programmable RGB Footswitches: Each button can be assigned up to 6 MIDI or relay actions, in sequences or simultaneous triggers.
- Up to 24 Presets: Store configurations across four banks (A–D), each capable of firing 16 MIDI messages or relay commands at once.
- DAW & MCU Integration: Full hands-free control for transport (play, stop, record, etc.) and track navigation via Nektar DAW mapping or Mackie Control Universal (MCU).
- Relay Switching & External Input: Four relay outputs for analog amp control, plus ports for up to four external footswitches and two expression pedals.
- Display & Encoder: Two-line LED display plus an encoder with push-button for preset browsing, mapping, and navigation.
- Cross-Platform Connectivity: USB class-compliant—works on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS—and can be powered via USB or 9 V DC adapter.
Customer Benefits
The Pacer delivers seamless, expressive control of your DAW or guitar rig—whether you’re recording, mixing, or performing live. Reconfigure entire setups, trigger sequences, or switch amp channels without missing a beat or lifting your hands from your instrument.
Quick Specs
- Footswitches: 10 RGB-programmable
- Presets: 24 (6 per bank A–D), each can trigger up to 16 actions
- Relays: 4 switch outputs
- Expression Inputs: 2 × expression pedal, 4 × external footswitch (via adapters)
- Control Encoder: Push encoder with parameter selection
- Display: Two-line LED
- Connectivity: USB-B (USB-powered or 9 V DC), USB MIDI and traditional MIDI output support
- Software Support: Nektar DAW integration for Bitwig, Cubase, Logic Pro, Studio One, Reaper, Reason, GarageBand, and others; MCU/Pro Tools compatible; presets for guitar rigs like Helix, Kemper, AxeFX
What’s in the Box
- Nektar Pacer MIDI foot controller
- USB cable
- User guide
Use Cases / Ideal For
Perfect for live performers, guitarists, setup-heavy producers, and anyone who prefers hands-off control. From switching DAW transport while playing, to toggling amp channels or reprogramming looper states mid-performance—the Pacer keeps you in the moment.
Compatibility
Fully compatible with major DAWs across macOS, Windows, Linux, and iOS via camera-adapter. Offers MIDI control via USB or traditional DIN output, plus analog switching via relays for hybrid analog-digital setups.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Exceptionally flexible foot control with LED feedback and deep mapping
- Supports both MIDI and relay switching—ideal for hybrid rigs
- Robust build quality built for live environments
⚠️ Cons:
- No dedicated software editor—configuration can feel complex initially
- Large size for a pedalboard, and no native iOS control editor yet
The Nektar Pacer is a powerhouse foot controller—ideal for hands-free creativity across studio and stage, bridging software and hardware with creative freedom.
