Controllers

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.

Pedalboards and foot controllers are usually seen as the preserve of guitarists rather than of DJs and keyboardists — but if one man has his way, that might just be about to change...

Steinberg’s new CMC Series gives you the building blocks for creating your own custom Cubase control surface.

CME go minimal with their new controller range. But is less really more?

The Impulse controllers are cost-effective, yet seem generously specified — so where’s the catch?

It’s cheap, but is it cheerful? We examine the latest controller keyboard from Alesis.

Mouse-free, wallet-friendly groove production is the order of the day as Native Instruments miniaturise their Maschine.

Sonuus’ nifty gadgets make real-time audio-to-MIDI conversion easy and affordable — as long as you only play one note at a time!

French synth experts Arturia get their groove on with a hybrid software/hardware drum machine. Zut alors!

It looks like something that should be plugged into a games console, but Inspired Instruments’ You Rock Guitar just might be the MIDI guitar controller you’ve always wanted!

Some synths sound great, but lack hands‑on control. That’s where the Patch Editor comes in...

As its name suggests, the Nucleus is designed to be the core of your studio. It’s ambitious, but if anyone can pull it off, SSL can...

Livid Instruments' new control surface boasts not only an unusual flexibility — courtesy of its custom editing software — but also some fine handmade wooden end-cheeks...

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

Fed up with the vagaries of pitch-to-MIDI guitar, but don't have time to learn to play a keyboard? The Ztar offers clean, keyboard-like MIDI from an instrument that guitar players can relate to instantly. It could be just what you need...

Offering hands-on DAW control and a 32-input analogue console with bus compressor, Audient's latest mixer is very impressive indeed — and it's not as expensive as you might expect...

Does a 'boutique' approach to building outboard have to mean inflated prices? Not according to this manufacturer...

The Faderfox controllers are bijou and boutique, and theres five of them to choose from.

The Ableton controller race is hotting up — so how does the latest contender, the Akai APC20, compare to the competition?