
NUX NAI-5 Optima Air Acoustic Guitar Simulator Pedal
Perfect for the guitarist looking for an all-in-one tone machine, the NUX NAI-5 Optima Air acoustic sim lets you explore multiple sounds with one guitar.
$189.00
- No Credit Check6 x$31.50
- No Credit Check4 x$47.25
Overall User Ratings (based on 7 ratings)
Submitted May 6, 2021 by Nathan W in Pittsburgh, PA
"Not Bad At All"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
I’ve been using the Optima Air for several months now and have been quite pleased with its performance. I run a Gibson G-45 Studio (w/ a Fishman Sonitone) through it, and it does a phenomenal job resurrecting my tone from that horrible piezo “zing.” The preloaded IR files aren’t bad (I especially like the Martin D-45 and Taylor 314 settings); however, where it really shines is the ability to load third-party IR’s. I got one for a Gibson J-45 and it just about nailed my guitar’s natural, unplugged tone. The ability to EQ your tone and add reverb is also a nice addition—I set the reverb to about 1/3 and LOVE the sound. Before this, I used a Fishman Aura Spectrum DI (similar tech) but actually prefer the Optima Air.My only gripes: Wish it had an onboard tuner, and I wish it took a 9V battery (you’ll need to buy an adapter).Otherwise, great product!
Musical Background:
26 years playing
Musical Style:
Anything, but primarily worship
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Submitted May 24, 2021 by a customer from gmail.com
"Just what I was looking for"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
Before I bought this pedal, my amplified Taylor 224ce Koa Grand Auditorium sounded like cardboard through an acoustic amp. The annoying shrill sounded nothing like my guitar unplugged. I bought the NUX Optima Air on zzounds at a discount because it was used and "blemished." When I received it, it looked new to me. I am super happy with the condition of the unit. I did not notice any scratches or blemishes. The Optima Air made a huge difference. The preamp with an IR loaded (Martin D-45 piezo) made my guitar pleasant on the ears again. I didn't have to spend a lot of time dialing it in. Most of my dials are near 12 o'clock. The E chord sounds beefy and the D chord doesn't grate your brain. I will not amplify my guitar without this pedal!
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Submitted October 6, 2022 by a customer from simpsonmail.us
"Don't buy a used one. No one will repair it!"
I bought a used Optima Air. It was good until it died one day. I contacted Cherub USA (the American vs arm of NUX) and got a quick reply. But one they learned I had not bought it new, they ghosted me. Two subsequent messages from me to prompt them have led to no reply. These have surface mount electronics, so independent repair places won't touch it. It HAS to be repaired by Cherub USA. Mine is now just an interesting paper weight. I hope this info helps someone.
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Submitted October 3, 2024 by a customer from twc.com
"Sounds great when it works"
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I was just getting use to this unit when it started to act up mind you I’ve only had it for a few days. Looked up on the forums and seems there’s some common bugs and mine would sound distorted and thin then go back to sound fine. I can’t have that happening live so unfortunately it has to be returned I’m not going to try and troubleshoot or contact the manufacturer there’s no excuse for this. If they ever address the problem then maybe i would reconsider but not now
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Submitted August 25, 2024 by a customer from verizon.net
"Don't waste your money"
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Bought this pedal a year ago. It was fine until you had it on for a while. The pedal then starts giving you a totally distorted sound and is unusable until you unplug it and plug it back in. The XLR out is far too noisy for a recording situation. They honored the warranty and sent me another one that promptly did the same thing. Run screaming.
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Submitted November 26, 2024 by a customer from gmail.com
"Didn’t last"
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Amp was good until it started making static noise. So It’s only a DI box for now. Head phone jack is awesome. The IR knob broke off easily. IR presets sound too processed IMO.
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Submitted August 29, 2022 by BRIAN N in Denver, PA
"USB doesn't work"
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I bought this unit to to use third-party IR's I had purchased and downloaded for use with my Taylor. The unit was undetected by my Windows 10 computer. "Must have received a dud." zZounds graciously replaced. Same issue. My laptops run a whole host of usb devices. This one undetected. Can't even update firmware. Contacted NUX US customer service and explained the problem with great detail. The guy wants me to send a video of me plugging unit into my computer -- the most outrageously ridiculous customer service "assist" request I have ever encountered. Don't buy NUX. Their products don't work and their customer service is among the worst in the industry.
Musical Background:
Professional musician
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