
OUR BEST MIDI CONTROLLERS FOR LIVE & STUDIO
MIDI Controllers make live performance and music production more intuitive, hands-on, and easier. They provide many functions that can control the digital audio workstation and plugins as well as effect devices and even light systems.
Due to the fact that there are hundreds of models out there coming from different brands, it could get frustrating to choose the best MIDI Controller that serves your need. For that, we have compiled our top recommended best of MIDI Controllers for live performance and studio applications.
Should you want to check the whole MIDI Controllers catalog please click here →
1.
ABLETON
PUSH 2
Ableton Push 2 is a hardware instrument that works with Live to provide a hands-on, expressive music-making experience.
Don’t put it off any longer! Get this Ableton Push 2 and Live 11 Suite package and unleash your full creative potential. The Push 2 controller features a matrix of 64 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads surrounded by additional control tools that allow you to seamlessly shift between setting up your session, laying down individual grooves, and putting everything together into a final mix. A highly detailed display allows you to surf comfortably while staying on top of settings, beat slicing, and other features, so you never have to glance at your computer.
2.
AKAI PRO
APC
Akai Professional APC40 MKII controller provides critical hands-on control over Ableton Live. This USB-powered MIDI Controller features 40 clip-launch buttons grouped in a 5 x 8 grid, making it ideal for live performance or remixing.
APC Mini is the smaller version of the big daddy providing the same grid and 9 sliders.
3.
NOVATION
LAUNCHPAD X
With Novation Launchpad X‘s rapid, hands-on clip and scene launching and our most playable grid to date, everything about composing songs in Ableton Live is simplified. Play your instruments and gadgets expressively with the 64 velocity and pressure-sensitive RGB pads, then capture ideas with one-button Capture MIDI control. Every Ableton Live performer or music producer should have a Launchpad X on their workstation.
4.
NOVATION
LAUNCH CONTROL XL
Designed for Ableton Live, but powerful enough for virtually any electronic music software, the Novation Launch Control XL puts eight channels of hands-on control at your fingertips. Three banks of knobs offer instant access to sends, panning, and more, whereas eight 60mm faders let you smoothly tweak track volume or other continuous parameters.
5.
ARTURIA
BEATSTEP PRO
The Arturia BeatStep Pro is a dream come true for everyone who enjoys the hands-on experience of hardware sequencing and works with a wide range of electronic music instruments. It is designed to work with MIDI, USB, CV/Gate, and even DIN Sync platforms.
The Beatstep Pro features two separate sequencers, each with 64 steps per sequence. A 16-track drum sequencer with real-time recording and old-school step sequencing is also included.
6.
BEHRINGER
X-TOUCH COMPACT
When precise control is required, the Behringer X-Touch Compact USB/MIDI controller puts you in command. It has you covered whether you’re mixing in your preferred DAW, tuning virtual instruments, or managing effects and lighting systems.
The X-Touch Compact‘s nine touch-sensitive motorized faders, 16 rotary encoders, and 39 lighted buttons, which are compatible with a wide range of music production software, will finally relieve you from all of that tedious mouse-clicking.
7.
PIONEER DJ
DDJ-XP2
Improve your rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro performance with the Pioneer DJ DDJ-XP2 add-on DJ controller. Whatever DJ software you’re used to, this DJ gear will allow you to get more out of it than ever before.
The Pioneer DDJ-XP2 complements your setup with 32 sturdy, colorful Performance Pads and powerful pad modes.
8.
ARTURIA
KEYSTEP PRO
The Arturia KeyStep Pro, which combines advanced sequencing capabilities with a 37-key, velocity-sensitive keybed with aftertouch, might be the controller and sequencer you’ve been looking for.
The KeyStep Pro is equipped with USB for use with software instruments, MIDI for use with hardware synths, and CV/Gate/Mod outputs for Eurorack modular synthesizers. With a four-track polyphonic sequencer, a separate 16-track drum sequencer, and complex features like randomization, arpeggiation, and chord modes, the KeyStep Pro is clearly not your typical keyboard controller.
9.
BEHRINGER
X-TOUCH MINI
If you need full-scale DAW and plug-in control but don’t want the full-scale footprint, the Behringer X-Touch Mini USB control surface is for you. The little X-Touch Mini control surface is one of those excellent items that may greatly improve the efficiency of your mobile rig.
It’s approximately the size of a laptop keyboard, yet it gives you all the hands-on control you need to keep your fingers off the mouse and your mind on the game. With eight rotary controls, 16 lighted buttons, and a single quality 60mm slider, you can easily manipulate your mix, plug-ins, and virtual synthesizers.
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