MIDI Controllers

Can M-Audio's ambitious pad controller offer something new in the era of hybrid beat workstations?

As their name implies, Korg's new MIDI keyboards are all about hands‑on control.

Livid's latest control surface is of typically high‑quality and designed to be the perfect partner for Ableton Live.

Softube are out to make DAW mixing more like using a large-format console. Can Console 1 liberate us from mouse and keyboard?

Nektar's Panorama P1 is a control surface with a lot going for it — especially if you use Cubase or Reason.

Novation expand their controller range as they serve up a three-course Launch. We check out what's on the menu.

Numark's Orbit is aimed at DJs, but it also has plenty of potential as an unusual controller for the studio.

What does the current crop of premium control surfaces have to offer? Read our round-up to find out.

Novation's new controller keyboard has bright lights, friendly buttons and a newt-like orange underbelly. Splendid.

Arturia have pared down their hybrid drum controller. It's cheaper and more compact — but does the Spark spirit remain?

The new Launchpad is brighter, faster and more powerful than the original, but costs the same. What’s not to like?

At first glance, the Max49 seems much like other controller keyboards, but it’s got a surprise up its sleeve...

Akai’s slimline follow-up to their Renaissance hybrid MPC aims to claim some territory from a certain competing machine...

Few product launches have attracted as much attention as Slate’s touchscreen controller. Is the Raven the future of DAW control — or an oversized iPad?

Miniature controller keyboards can be incredibly useful for making music on location. The new Korg MicroKey family of velocity...

Live 9 has been a long time coming, but, along with Ableton’s new Push controller, has the potential to revolutionise music-making.

Maschine’s MkII hardware gets a Technicolour make-over, while its software increments to v1.8...

Keith McMillen’s idiosyncratic controllers go from strength to strength — and in this case do so with a spectacular blaze of colour...

The Graphite is Samson’s first foray into the world of keyboards — and it’s an impressive debut.

Propellerhead’s Reason gets its first dedicated MIDI keyboard and control surface. What can it offer that your mouse can’t?

Tired of navigating complex audio software with just a mouse and keyboard? Then a control surface might be just what you need. Here’s our selection of current models, with links to the SOS review where available.