MIDI Controllers

Looking for a compact controller keyboard costing not much more than a bag of chips? Look no further...

Are Akai's mini MIDI controllers the perfect partners for your laptop?

After an extensive programme of selective breeding, Novation have created the Nocturn 25 — an affordable, touch-sensitive controller keyboard.

The Axiom Pro showcases M-Audios controller keyboard know-how and debuts their brand-new Hyper Control technology, which is designed to make adjusting software parameters quicker and easier.

The tiny MPK25 goes beyond knobs and buttons alone, offering MPC-style drum pads for added versatility.

The updated SL range rejoices in touch-sensitive knobs and sliders, and in Novations ingenious Automap technology.

Long-term players in the controller keyboard game, Fatar have brought all of their expertise to bear on the Numa — so is it as sophisticated as it is stylish?

The CME UF80 offers a weighted, hammer-action 88-note keyboard at a knockdown price. Is it too good to be true?

Akai will be best known to SOS readers for their samplers and ever-popular MPC range — so what can they bring to the controller keyboard party?

Edirol's updated PCR keyboard range offers more controls than ever, and a software editor to make the most of them. Let's check it out...

This controller comes from a range that, unusually, takes the concept of a quality weighted action into the realm of the shorter keyboard — and offers hands-on knobs and sliders for software control to boot.

Synthesizer, USB audio interface, MIDI controller — Novation's Xiosynth does it all, and at a very reasonable price...

M-Audio's new wireless controller keyboard aims to free you from the restraints of MIDI cables.

Novation's Remote LE range offers a healthy selection of features from their popular Remote controller keyboards at a cut-down price.

Controller keyboards are fitting ever more control facilities into progressively smaller units costing less and less. Is the semi-weighted Axiom 25 M-Audio's best deal yet?

Note: this is a genuine product, not an April Fool hoax!

The price of controller keyboards has fallen sharply over the past few years, but whoever thought that we would see an 88-note weighted-action keyboard with aftertouch for under £500? Enter CME's UF8...

M-Audio have been producing impressive, inexpensive controller keyboards for some time, and have recently moved seriously into Firewire interfacing. The new Ozonic seeks to combine both capabilities in one product — and all for less money than you'd think...

Korg's Microkontrol was a highly versatile, yet compact MIDI controller — but perhaps, with its three octaves of miniature keys, it was too compact. The Kontrol 49 looks set to put that right with its four-octave, full-size keyboard.

No-one can doubt Fatar's long-established record for making quality MIDI controller keyboards, but that market has become highly competitive over the past couple of years. Can the VMK188 hold its own against all the budget alternatives?

Even the best weighted keyboards and sample libraries offer only an approximation to the feel and sound of an old-fashioned piano. So what if you just can't do without the real thing, but need to have your notes output as MIDI? Enter the Piano Bar from synth pioneers Bob Moog and Don Buchla...