Controllers

We are used to the idea of using fader boxes and other MIDI controllers to manipulate our music software, but now Serato want to get us using our turntables to scratch digital audio. Can it possibly work?

Kenton's latest take on their affordable hardware control surface concept eschews the faders of previous Control Freaks in favour of 16 knobs. And it manages to be cheaper than the fader versions...

FireWire audio and MIDI interfaces are gaining in popularity, as are fader surfaces designed for hands-on control of computer recording packages. Now Digidesign have combined the two.

With their latest recording tool, Tascam aim to entice hobbyists away from their cassette multitrackers and onto their computers.

Akai's MPC sampling workstations have been a studio fixture for nearly 15 years, and the MPC4000 is the most powerful one yet. But the world of sampling has changed dramatically since the MPC2000XL was released. Can an MPC still cut it in the 21st century?

For applications where space or portability are at a premium, it is hard to beat this compact, two-octave MIDI master keyboard, which also incorporates eight assignable real-time MIDI controllers.

Users of Emagic's Logic sequencer have been itching to get their hands on the latest version 5 and Logic Control, the company's dedicated moving-fader control system. Has it been worth the wait?

The SPD6 MIDI percussion pad features 113 internal drum sounds, with six rubber playing pads and can run from an optional power adaptor or from batteries.

Miditech's new 49-key take on the simple MIDI keyboard controller adds a panel of assignable knobs for even more control potential - and all for well under £200.

The Soundbeam's ability to translate physical movements into MIDI messages, in a sophisticated and customisable way, makes it unique among alternative MIDI control systems.

Steinberg's new Houston hardware controller certainly looks space-age, but is it a small step or a giant leap for the 21st-century computer musician? Martin Walker takes his protein pills and puts his helmet on...

More Pro tools users than ever will now have the option of ditching the mouse and mixing from a full-featured hardware control surface, thanks to this collaboration between Digidesign and Focusrite. Hugh Robjohns and Paul White get their hands on the Control 24.

The new C16 offers 16 MIDI-assignable control faders for the thoroughly reasonable price of £150. Derek Johnson and Debbie Poyser love that feeling of control...

Roland's new guitar synth is their most affordable yet, but could it also be the best?

Nicholas Rowland is star-struck by Roland's frankly fabulous new hand percussion controller.

Fancy having 24 assignable faders and 72 buttons to control your MIDI gear? How about an eight-track MIDI step sequencer with CV and gate outputs too? Paul Nagle explores a product that gives you both.

Paul White takes a turn on a hardware controller box which allows knobularly-challenged GS and XG synths and soundcards to join the rotary club.

Paul White, with a little help from Rachel Fletcher and Paul Farrer, gives a blow-by account of a controller that allows MIDI modules to harness the power of wind.

MIDI guitar has a long and chequered history, litered with great expectations and expensive failures. Dave Lockwood investigates the latest contender to see if it really is able to bring something genuinely new to the field.