Midi controllers

Buy midi controllers at session

Midi or DAW controllers are intended to do one thing above all else: make working on the PC easier. If you don't want to constantly click the mouse while recording, mixing or mastering, you will eventually decide on a DAW-supported midi keyboard (master keyboard) or a midi controllers.

Before purchasing, it should be clear which functions the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) controllers should control and which controls are necessary for this. Are buttons, potentiometers, pads or faders on the wish list? Should several channels be operable at the same time or is selection using the arrow keys sufficient? And what does it look like on the connection side? Is a simple USB Midi connection enough or can it be ethernet ?

So that you can choose the right product before buying, we will look at the crucial points here. The items mentioned are linked in our online shop and can be ordered conveniently from home.

Studio or performance controllers

Ableton Live has set a standard for live performances with its Clip Launch Matrix. Some hardware controllers take up this concept or are completely based on it. If you own the Live software, Ableton Push 2 would be the perfect control unit. With the touch-sensitive RGB pads you can easily start and stop clips - not to mention the other options.

The Novation Launchpad series is an alternative and cheaper option. From the Launchpad Mini to the X to the Pro, everyone is offered the right tool. Akai has now also entered the league of clip launchers with the Akai Fire .

The Maschinen series offers all fans of Native Instruments plug-ins the perfect controllers solution. Now in generation 3 (Native Instruments Maschinen MK3), the two models offer two high-resolution color displays, 16 dynamic multicolor pads with aftertouch, a ribbon controllers and countless other buttons, buttons and controls.

But there are also the more classically designed midi controllers. Control pushbuttons, faders, controls and potentiometers instead of brightly colored pads. The theme here is more the 60 mm or 100 mm faders. The touch-sensitive and motorized versions are designed for ease of use and would also be more likely to suffer during rough live performances.

Softube is going its own way with Console 1 . If working with Universal Audio and Softube own plug-ins is a priority, you might like this control solution. Many all-rounder devices first have to be adapted to plug-ins and programmed accordingly. Not with Console 1. Here you always have the same controls available for the same parameters!

How much does a midi controllers cost?

Cheap controllers start at around 50 euros. The Korg nanoPad2 Black with 16 pads and 4 velocity curves is available for just €56 and, with its popular hold, gate and touch scale length functions as well as numerous other sophisticated features, offers an affordable entry into the world of midi controllers. If you want faders and transport and navigation buttons, the Novation Launch Control XL MK2 offers eight sliders including rotary controls and 24 buttons.

The first product with a motorized fader is under 200 euros. The Presonus Faderport V2 is unique among midi controllers. In addition to the complete transport control, the device has a touch-sensitive 100 mm motorized fader. Thanks to the intuitive operation , you can quickly choose between the individual tracks and control them. There is no space-consuming mega controllers . Your wallet will be happy too.

If you want eight motorized 100 mm faders , the FaderPort 8 - also from Presonus - offers very extensive control options for around 500 euros. Luxury: Eight high-resolution LC displays as digital labeling fields are included! Integrated audio interface

If you are looking for a combination of control instrument and interface for planned audio recordings, the articles from NI Maschinen MK3 and the Presonus ioStation 24c are worth mentioning.

Including software package

If you haven't yet decided on a program for your digital audio workstation, you can hope for a bundle if you choose the right controller. A lot of operating aids are now offered with light versions of the big DAW software names.

Which brand offers midi controllers ?

Many manufacturers of software sequencer programs also have a corresponding hardware controllers for control on the market. This has the advantage that the products are tailored directly to the corresponding software and can fully develop their potential.

Ableton , Akai and Native Instruments are at the forefront here. The big names also include Faderfox and Steinberg (Cubase).

By the way: Most controllers work with many DAW systems. Compatibility is very important today. So don't be afraid of buying, the users' flexibility is not restricted.