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Nektar Pacer - USB MIDI Footswitch Controller with Nektar DAW Integration Dark Grey
Nektar

Nektar Pacer - USB MIDI Footswitch Controller with Nektar DAW Integration Dark Grey

Bottom line: The Nektar Pacer: 10 programmable foot switches, expandable with 4 external pedal inputs; main trade-off: deep MIDI programming has a learning curve before live use.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 10 programmable foot switches, expandable with 4 external pedal inputs
  • ✓ 4 relay outputs switch amp channels on analog rigs, no hands needed
  • ✓ Both MIDI DIN and USB outputs for software and hardware gear
  • ✓ 2 expression pedal inputs for wah, volume, or CC sweeps
  • ✓ Ships with Bitwig Studio 8-Track DAW plus a sound content pack

Cons

  • ✗ Deep MIDI programming has a learning curve before live use
  • ✗ No expression pedals or extra footswitches included in the box
  • ✗ Dark grey chassis offers no backlighting for dim stage floors

Manufacturer description

Nektar PACER lets you control your DAW and other MIDI gear without even lifting a finger: Select tracks and control transport functions in your DAW, tweak settings in your MIDI guitar soft- or hardware or switch tracks on your trusted analog amp. PACER's switching power lets you do all of that - and more.

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Nektar Pacer using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the audio & midi category. Nektar's audio & midi lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for audio & midi of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • Powerful MIDI Footswitch Controller and DAW Controller in one device - perfect for recording and for live performance
  • Hands free control of your DAW's transport and navigation functions - great if you can't easily sit behind the computer desk when recording (eg. when playing a guitar, etc. )
  • 10 fully MIDI programmable foot switches plus connect up to 4 optional foot switch pedals.
  • 4 relay outputs switches, 2 expression pedal inputs, MIDI and USB outputs
  • Comprehensive MIDI functionailty. Compatible with all MIDI music software applications
  • Includes Bigwig Studio 8-track DAW + sound content package

Full Specifications

Size11 Footswitches
BrandNektar
ColorDark Grey
PlatformMac
Instrumentdigital audio workstation
Model NamePacer
Model Year2018
Unit Count1 count
ConnectivityUSB
Control TypeDAW control
Model Numberda0a8828-9973-4dc9-b82d-68aa60520e79
CompatibilitySwitch
Material TypeMetal
Noise ControlNone
Product StyleFootswitch
Connector TypeMIDI, USB
Control MethodTouch
Instrument KeyAny
Item Type NameMIDI Controller
Outer MaterialMetal

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Nektar Pacer - USB MIDI Footswitch Controller with Nektar DAW Integration Dark Grey
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