Nektar Pacer Hands-free DAW Nektar Pacer Hands-free DAW and Midi Foot Controller

The Nektar Pacer MIDI Foot Controller is a hands-free DAW and MIDI foot controller designed for musicians who want to control software, hardware, and effects using their feet instead of a keyboard or mouse.

What it is

It’s a rugged footswitch board (made by Nektar Technology) that lets you run your music setup without using your hands — especially useful for guitarists, live performers, and studio musicians working with a computer.

Key features

10 programmable footswitches

• Each switch has RGB LEDs for visual feedback
• Can trigger MIDI commands, DAW functions, or hardware switching

DAW control (hands-free recording/production)

• Works with major DAWs like:
  • Logic Pro
  • Ableton Live
  • Cubase
  • Reaper
  • Studio One
• Supports transport controls: play, stop, record, loop, rewind, etc.

MIDI + hardware control

• Sends MIDI messages (notes, CC, program changes)
• Can control synths, plugins, amp modelers, and FX units
• Includes 4 relay switches for real guitar amp channel switching

Expression pedal support

• 2 inputs for expression pedals (volume, wah, filter control)

Preset system

• 24 user presets
• Each switch can perform multi-step actions (even sequences)

Why people use it

• Guitarists: switch amp channels + effects while playing
• Loop performers: control looping software without hands
• Producers: start/stop recording without leaving instruments
• Hybrid setups: combine DAW + hardware synths + guitar rigs

Real-world impression (from reviews)

• Very flexible and powerful for complex setups
• Strong build quality, stage-ready
• Can be slightly complex to program at first

Simple way to think about it

It turns your feet into:

• a DAW controller
• a MIDI controller
• an amp footswitch system
  —all in one programmable unit.

If you're considering it

It’s best if you:

• play guitar or bass while using a DAW
• use loops or live performance setups
• want deep control over plugins without touching a computer

If you tell me your exact setup (DAW + instruments + gear), I can map out how the Pacer would actually fit into your rig.