There’s more choice than ever in the world of control surfaces. We check out some current options that won’t relieve you of too much space.
The last time we looked at control surfaces, the focus was on single‑fader units. And whilst many people are perfectly happy with just the one fader (or indeed, none at all!), others prefer working with something that feels a little more like a traditional console. At the top end of the market you have the likes of Avid’s S4/S6 and Yamaha’s Nuage — big, modular beasts designed to take the place of large‑format analogue mixers in commercial mixing and post‑production studios — but there’s now a healthy selection of products aimed at home and project studios that still offer a useful amount of hands‑on control, but in smaller, far more affordable packages. This month, we’re rounding up a selection of eight‑fader surfaces that offer DAW control either over protocols such as HUI and MCU, or in some cases, with some clever use of good old MIDI.
Akai MIDIMix
Akai MIDImix
Akai’s MIDIMix offers a compact and affordable way to add some physical controls to a computer‑based setup. It features eight main faders and a dedicated master fader, along with record arm and mute/solo buttons and 24 knobs — they’re not endless encoders, so they won’t remain in sync to their mapped parameters when changing between tracks/instruments.
It’s a MIDI‑only unit, so will only act as a DAW controller in software that supports parameters being mapped to MIDI commands. It does include a script that offers one‑to‑one control mapping with Ableton Live, though, and comes supplied with a copy of Live Lite, as well as a six‑month subscription to Reason Studios’ Reason+ upon registration.
$109
£77 including VAT.
www.soundonsound.com/reviews/akai-midimix
Avid S1
Avid S1
The smallest member of Avid’s S‑series range comes equipped with eight touch‑sensitive motorised faders, each of which is joined by mute, solo, record arm and select buttons, an LCD screen, and a rotary encoder with another pair of push buttons. A row of function buttons along the top of the surface can be used to assign the encoders to various DAW and plug‑in parameters.
The surface is designed to be paired up with a tablet running the free Avid Control iOS/Android app, which although not strictly necessary, does add some useful functionality such as detailed metering and an array of customisable soft keys. It communicates with a DAW using Avid’s own EuCon protocol, which, as you’d expect, offers in‑depth integration with Pro Tools, but is also officially supported in Logic Pro, Cubase and Nuendo.
Although it’s capable of functioning as a standalone surface, the S1 pairs up neatly with the Avid Dock, which acts in a similar fashion to the master section modules found in the S4 and S6, adding a master fader, transport, automation controls and more in‑depth session navigation tools. It’s possible to combine up to four S1s and a Dock in a single setup, and they all lock neatly together thanks to magnetic strips tucked away in their side panels.
$1495
£1429 including VAT.
www.soundonsound.com/reviews/avid-s1
Behringer X‑Touch / X‑Touch Compact
Behringer X‑Touch
Behringer’s X‑Touch includes main faders each equipped with an LCD scribble strip, a rotary encoder, LED metering and a set of select, record arm, mute and solo buttons; there’s also a ninth fader that acts as a dedicated master. The unit’s right‑hand side is occupied by a wealth of controls that include mode selection for the encoders, assignable function keys, DAW automation and utility controls, navigation tools, a transport section and a large jogwheel. Along with MIDI, the X‑Touch supports both HUI and MCU, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with the majority of DAW platforms.
If you want to expand your setup further down the line, there’s the X‑Touch Extender, which houses eight additional faders, screens, encoders and buttons that share the same layout as the controller’s main section. The X‑Touch Compact then offers a scaled‑down version that features the same amount of faders but without the scribble strip, and replaces the array of function keys with a set of eight additional rotary encoders and a smaller transport section.
X‑Touch $329, X‑Touch Compact $239.
X‑Touch £425, X‑Touch Compact £303. Prices include VAT.
www.soundonsound.com/reviews/behringer-x-touch-x-touch-compact
www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=0808-AAD
www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=0808-AAE
Icon Pro Audio V1‑M / P1‑M
Icon Pro Audio V1‑M
Icon Pro Audio’s V1‑M offers a wealth of hands‑on control that comprises a selection of tactile controls and a grid of touchscreen buttons that can be assigned to everything from hotkeys to MIDI commands. There are nine motorised faders in total (one is a dedicated master fader), and each of the channel faders is accompanied by a rotary encoder and four function buttons. Plenty of visual feedback is available thanks to a TFT meterbridge‑style display, and the large touchscreen interface is joined by a set of transport buttons and a jogwheel. Everything can be configured using Icon’s iMAP software application, which comes pre‑loaded with custom mapping configurations for 18 DAWs — users are free to customise the included maps if they wish.
The smaller P1‑M then offers a more compact alternative, and saves on space by losing the row of dedicate buttons for each channel, as well as offering a reduced set of function keys and a smaller jogwheel; a customisable touchscreen display is still present. Both the V1‑M and P1‑M can be expanded with an additional set of eight faders, encoders and buttons by pairing them up with the V1‑X and P1‑X respectively, and Icon also offer an optional meterbridge‑style row of display screens for both the P1‑X and its extender.
V1‑M $1269.89, P1‑M $692.14.
V1‑M £1186.80, P1‑M £646.80. Prices include VAT.
www.soundonsound.com/reviews/icon-pro-audio-v1-m-v1-x
iconproaudio.com/product-category/control-surfaces
JLCooper FaderMaster Professional
JLCooper FaderMaster Professional
JLCooper’s FaderMaster Professional is about as simple as a control surface can get, housing just a set of eight 100mm faders and eight buttons, although it is possible to link multiple units to create a larger surface. MIDI I/O is provided on 5‑pin DIN sockets, and there are two quarter‑inch TRS sockets that can be used to integrate an external foot pedal and footswitch. All of the controls are freely assignable, and the surface can be configured using a Mac‑based software application. As it’s a MIDI‑only device with no support for protocols like HUI or MCU, the FaderMaster Professional will need to be used alongside a DAW that supports MIDI mapping.
$999.95
$999.95.
Korg NanoKontrol 2 / Studio
Korg NanoKontrol 2
If you’re tight on space, then it’s worth taking a look at Korg’s NanoKontrol 2. The latest iteration of the ultra‑compact controller packs in eight mini faders, each of which is joined by a rotary control and dedicated solo, mute and record‑arm buttons. The left‑hand side of the unit features a set of transport controls along with buttons for engaging loop/cycle playback modes, setting and navigating track markers and DAW track navigation. Everything can be customised using the Korg Kontrol Editor software, which allows users to define the type of MIDI message transmitted by each control, as well as setting their minimum/maximum values. Because the NanoKontrol 2 is a MIDI controller, it’s possible to use it to control software instruments and sample libraries as well as a DAW. The larger (but still relatively compact) NanoKontrol Studio then offers a similar layout, but with the addition of per‑channel select buttons, a jogwheel, built‑in scene switching and Bluetooth connectivity.
NanoKontrol 2 $119.99, NanoKontrol Studio $219.99.
NanoKontrol 2 £49, NanoKontrol Studio £120. Prices include VAT.
Mackie MCU Pro
Mackie MCU Pro
The MCU Pro is the latest in a long line of control surfaces from Mackie, who actually developed the MCU (and earlier HUI) protocols that have become the standard method of communication between many DAWs and control surfaces. The current model’s main section sports nine touch‑sensitive motorised faders (eight channel faders plus a dedicated main fader), along with eight assignable V‑Pot rotary controllers and dedicated record‑arm, solo, mute and select buttons. A section above the main faders offers Track, Send, Pan/Surround, Plug‑in, EQ and Instrument modes for the V‑Pots, along with buttons for bank navigation and fader modes.
The right‑hand side of the controller packs in an array of assignable function buttons, as well as offering dedicated sections for selecting automation modes, triggering keyboard modifier keys and selecting important menu functions such as undo and save. The lower‑right corner features a transport section, navigation/zoom controls and a jogwheel. As for visual feedback, there’s a digital scribble strip above the eight channel faders and a counter that can display time, bars/beats or SMPTE timecode.
Thanks to a built‑in MIDI interface, it’s possible to connect up to three of Mackie’s XT Pro units, each of which adds another bank of eight faders, V‑Pots and channel function buttons.
$1399.99
£1274 including VAT.
mackie.com/en/products/controllers/mcu-pro-and-xt-pro
Nektar Panorama P1
Nektar Panorama P1
Occupying around the same space as a 17‑inch laptop, Nektar’s Panorama P1 houses a set of nine 45mm faders, 16 rotary encoders, 10 LED buttons and 28 standard push buttons — those looking to get some more limbs involved will be pleased to see there’s also a footswitch input. A full transport section is present, and this helpfully doubles up as an additional set of function keys that can be configured to transmit MIDI commands or QWERTY keyboard macros. Visual feedback for the controller’s various operation modes is provided by a 3.5‑inch colour display, which also makes it possible to carry out MIDI mapping assignments on the unit itself.
As the Panorama P1 is a MIDI device, it can be used to control a whole host of software and virtual instruments. However, Nektar have provided pre‑built configurations that offer in‑depth integration with a selection of DAWs straight out of the box. Currently, users of Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro, Reaper, Reason and Studio One all enjoy dedicated Mixer, Instrument and Transport modes, along with a fourth mode that provides access to standard MIDI control.
$299.99
£259 including VAT.
www.soundonsound.com/reviews/nektar-panorama-p1
Novation Launch Control XL Mk3
Novation Launch Control XL Mk3
The latest iteration of Novation’s MIDI fader controller offers a wealth of hands‑on control, and thanks to a set of custom scripts, can be used to control a selection of DAWs (Ableton Live 12 or later, Logic Pro 11 and later, Cubase 12 and later, FL Studio, Bitwig) as well as any MIDI‑capable hardware and software instruments. There are eight 60mm faders, 24 endless encoders with RGB LEDs and 16 assignable buttons, along with dedicated navigation, page and play/stop and record buttons — the Mk3 version also introduced an OLED display for some visual feedback. The controls can be custom mapped to suit just about any instrument or setup, and it’s possible to store up to 15 configurations. As for connectivity, the unit offers MIDI I/O over USB as well as 5‑pin DIN sockets. The Launch Control XL Mk3 is available to pre‑order at the time of writing, and should be shipping by the time you read this!
$249.99
£189 including VAT.
novationmusic.com/products/launch-control-xl
PreSonus FaderPort 8
PreSonus FaderPort 8
PreSonus’ take on an eight‑fader control surface comes in the form of the FaderPort 8, which offers a middle ground between the FaderPort (a single‑fader surface) and the larger FaderPort 16. You get eight 100mm, touch‑sensitive motorised faders, each of which is accompanied by an LED scribble strip and select, mute and solo buttons, while a multi‑mode encoder at the top left of the surface offers control over the likes of panning and plug‑in parameters. A collection of 65 buttons offers hands‑on access to 78 functions, and there are sections dedicated to automation modes, track navigation, zooming/scrolling and transport.
As you’d expect, the FaderPort 8 boasts in‑depth integration with PreSonus’ Studio One DAW (and comes with a six‑month membership for the Studio One Pro+ subscription), and there’s also a customised mode that extends the courtesy to Ableton Live users. Other DAWs aren’t left out, though, as support for MCU and HUI offers compatibility with all of the major alternatives.
$524.99
£469 including VAT.
www.presonus.com/products/faderport-8-daw-controller
www.soundonsound.com/reviews/presonus-faderport-8
Softube Console 1 Fader MkIII
Softube Console 1 Fader MkIII
Softube’s Console 1 Fader MkIII breaks convention in that it actually has 10 faders, but given its size, it seems reasonable to include it here anyway! The motorised faders have been upgraded in the MkIII version, and now offer haptic feedback that can emulate detents, along with touch sensitivity. They are joined by select, solo and bypass buttons, the latter two of which double up as polarity and bypass function switches, and a row of 10 OLED displays that offer a digital scribble strip and parameter readouts.
As with its predecessors, the unit integrates tightly with Softube’s Console 1 software, but also includes Pro Tools HUI and Generic MCU modes that allow it to function as a standard controller in all major DAWs, along with an Apollo Central mode that allows it to control Universal Audio’s interface software mixer. Helpfully, it can also be used as a MIDI CC controller. Thanks to dual USB‑C ports, it’s possible to link up to four units without a hub, and there are a selection of mounting options available, including a rackmount kit, a VESA mount, and a stand that allows the Fader MkIII to be housed below a Console 1 Channel MkIII.
$1099
£939 include VAT.
www.soundonsound.com/reviews/softube-console-1-fader-mkiii
www.softube.com/console-1/console-1-fader-mk-iii
SSL UF8
SSL UF8
The SSL UF8 features eight 100mm touch‑sensitive motorised faders that are each joined by a high‑resolution colour display that offers a virtual scribble strip, level metering and channel routing information. Eight dedicated select, mute and solo buttons are present, along with eight multi‑function V‑POT encoders derived from SSL’s large‑format Duality and AWS consoles.
As with the other members of SSL’s controller family, the UF8 integrates with the company’s SSL 360 software, which acts as a central control point and integrates the surfaces with SSL’s 360‑enabled plug‑ins and the user’s DAW. All of the major DAWs are officially supported out of the box — the UF8 can control up to three simultaneously — and it’s possible to control software that isn’t currently on the list thanks to HUI, MCU and MIDI CC compatibility.
There are also two quarter‑inch inputs that can be used to assign a variety of functions to external footswitches. Up to four UF8s can be linked together to build a larger surface, and it’s possible to team the unit up with SSL’s UF1 and UC1 in order to build a virtual SSL console with a dedicated master fader, full transport section, additional metering and hands‑on channel strip/bus compressor controls.
$1299.99
£1198.80 including VAT.
www.soundonsound.com/reviews/ssl-uf8
solidstatelogic.com/products/uf8
Studiologic SL Mixface
Studiologic SL Mixface
Studiologic’s ultra‑compact SL Mixface has been designed as a mobile solution for those working on the go. It features nine faders (eight main faders along with a master), along with a set of eight buttons and rotary controls. Despite the minimal footprint, Studiologic have found space on the SL Mixface’s panel for a set of transport controls, and it will also attach magnetically to the company’s range of controller keyboards and act as an expander for their built‑in controls. Although it’s a MIDI‑only controller, it does offer automatic parameter mapping for all of the major DAW platforms — a full compatibility list is available on the company’s website.
$299.95
£169 including VAT.