Nektar AURA (often referred to as Nektar Aura Beat Composer) is a pad-based MIDI controller designed for beat making, sequencing, and performance control rather than traditional piano playing.

What it is

The AURA is essentially a drum-pad MIDI controller + beat production surface aimed at producers who want hands-on rhythm programming and DAW control.

Key features

• 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads
  Great for finger drumming, triggering samples, and step sequencing.
• Integrated beat sequencing workflow
  Lets you build drum patterns directly from the hardware rather than only in software.
• DAW integration (Nektar ecosystem)
  Works best with major DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, etc., using deep mapping and transport control.
• Performance controls
  Includes knobs and buttons for real-time parameter tweaking (filters, effects, volume, etc.).
• Compact production focus
  Designed more like a “beat sketchpad” than a full keyboard controller.

Who it’s for

• Beat makers and hip-hop producers
• Electronic music producers
• People who prefer pads over piano keys
• DAW users who want tighter hardware control for drums and loops