Nektarine offers seamless control over plugins when used with compatible Nektar hardware, providing intuitive parameter and patch browsing. It serves as a powerful host for VST, VST3, and AU plugins, enabling integration within any DAW or MIDI music software that supports AAX, AU, VST, or VST3 formats. This flexibility allows users to incorporate a wide range of instruments and effects directly into their workflow, enhancing creative possibilities.

Included with several Nektar products such as Aura, Panorama T4/T6, Panorama P1/P4/P6, and Impact GXP49/61/88, Nektarine can function both as a standalone application and alongside popular DAWs like Bitwig, Reason, Studio One, and Logic Pro (version 10.7 or higher). While it operates without software authorization, some advanced features are exclusive to users with compatible Nektar hardware, ensuring optimized performance and integration. Users should note that usage is governed by a strict end-user license agreement.

The latest update, Nektarine 2.5, introduces a redesigned user interface that displays all instrument and effect plugins within a single rack alongside a new browser pane for easy navigation. Enhancements include master and channel output meters, a mixer page with a traditional layout, and an improved pads page for Aura users featuring all pads in one view with swap, copy, and paste functions. Additional improvements such as drag-and-drop content management, better plugin mapping retention, audio folder mounting, and multi-threaded audio processing contribute to a more efficient and stable experience.