Best Midi Controllers

Novation Launchpad Hardware Controller for Ableton Live

Novation Launchpad Hardware Controller Details

Launchpad is a dedicated controller for Ableton Live, co-developed by Novation and Ableton. Perfect for DJing, performing live or working in the studio, Launchpad features a multi-color, 64-button grid, control modes for the Session View and Live's mixer, two fully-programmable User Modes and dedicated scene-launch/function buttons. Despite the big grid, Launchpad is neat, compact and portable.

While the Novation Launchpad is a majorly cool tool for using Live's Session View, thanks to its massive clip-triggering section, you can also use it to control your mix. Take innovative control over your volume, pans, sends, record arming, soloing, and muting — use Launchpad's buttons to instantly jump to different levels across eight channels at once.

Arturia Analog Experience - The Laboratory Software Synthesizer w/ 49 Key MIDI Controller

Arturia Analog Experience - The Laboratory Software Synthesizer w/ 49 Key MIDI Controller Details
Analog Experience - The Laboratory is our professional grade version of the Analog Experience Series. Featuring a top-notch 49-key MIDI keyboard controller and The Laboratory version of our Analog software, the Laboratory includes the same preset-based collection of Arturia’s best analog sounds, with the possibility to edit the patches in depth and a new layering mode turning Analog Factory into a small workstation: It’s Analog Factory on steroids.

AKAI MPD18 Compact USB Pad Controller

AKAI MPD18 Compact USB Pad Controller Details
The Akai MPD18 is a 16-pad USB MIDI controller. It enables you to trigger MIDI notes through USB with any MIDI assignable software. The 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads react in a very musical manner, giving the user very precise control when triggering commands.

When it comes to pad-style drum triggering devices, there is no product line more well-known for this than Akai Professional's MPC series. What the MPD18 has set out to do is to provide users with MPC-style trigger pads in a compact, bus-powered USB form factor.

M-Audio Axiom Pro 49 Keyboard Controller

M-Audio Axiom Pro 49 Keyboard Controller Details

The M-Audio Axiom Pro 49 keyboard controller builds on the acclaimed Axiom 49 with premium TruTouch action, proprietary HyperControl MIDI mapping technology and other cutting-edge enhancements. HyperControl automatically maps the keyboard's 65 controls to commonly accessed parameters in digital audio workstations including Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic and Reason, as well as software instruments. The constant two-way link with your host DAW means the keyboard's controls are always in sync with your software's active parameters. The intuitive graphic LCD constantly updates the current values, which ensures seamless editing and prevents parameter jumps—even when plug-ins are closed. Toggle instantly between Mixer and Instrument control modes. Map buttons to send QWERTY key commands right from the Axiom Pro 49. Save settings to 50 memory locations—each with four profiles of quick recall via the intuitive graphic LCD. Now you can control your entire session right from your Axiom Pro 49.

AKAI MPK49 49-Key MIDI Controller

AKAI MPK49 49-Key MIDI Controller Details
Maximize your musical ideas on-stage or in the studio with the new Akai MPK49 performance controller. The Akai MPK49 ushers in a new era for USB/MIDI controllers by combining a high-quality, 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and 12 genuine MPC drum pads. 48 total pads are accessible via 4 pad banks. The pads feature the heart and soul of hip hop: the MPC Note Repeat function and Swing parameters. The Akai MPK49 Performance Controller also has its own arpeggiator, for creating quick, creative riffs in seconds.

The Akai MPK49 features MPC 'Full Level' and '12 Levels' functions on its pads, and MPC Swing can be applied to both Note Repeat and Arpeggio functions. Tap Tempo and time-division buttons allow for real-time control of Note Repeat and Arpeggio clock speeds. The Akai MPK49 delivers an amazing 76 assignable controls, with assignable inputs that include an expression pedal, footswitch, pitch bend and modulation wheel.

More than just a USB/MIDI controller, the MPK49 captures the soul of your performance.