Controllers

Novation have brought their control surface expertise to bear on Ableton Live. The result is the Launchpad: a low-cost, colourful and pleasingly idiosyncratic way to get hands-on with Live.

Its makers describe the Eigenharp as “the most revolutionary new musical instrument in 60 years”. Could this bold claim be justified?

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.

Akai and Ableton have collaborated on the APC40, to bring tightly integrated, hands-on hardware control to Live.

Have computers made digital multitrackers obsolete? Zoom dont think so.

The piano keyboard is so widespread and familiar that we take it for granted. But, as C-Thru Musics Axis 49 demonstrates, its not the only option out there.

The challenge was to add yet more features to Live without compromising its legendary ease of use. Have Ableton succeeded?

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

Audio interface, control surface, monitor controller — the Alesis Master Control does it all. Could it be the perfect companion to your DAW?

Whats black and white and red all over? Behringers fantastically cheap new audio interface and MIDI controller, of course!

Can controllers this tiny and toy-like in appearance really do a serious job in the studio?

This desktop DSP box runs and offers hands-on control of Creamwares ASB range of synth plug-ins — and it costs under $500. Is it too good to be true?

Steinberg's CC121 controller is, as you might expect, designed to work seamlessly with their DAW software — so is this the perfect companion to Cubase and Nuendo?

The MC Control's programmable touchscreen and 'Soft Keys' technology offer the exciting possibility of building your own custom DAW controller. Is it too good to be true? Let's find out...