As a musician, you know that having the best digital audio workstation controller can make a big difference in your work. There are many factors to consider when choosing a controller, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a digital audio workstation controller:
1. Price: OF course, you’ll want to consider your budget when shopping for a controller. There are a variety of controllers available at different price points, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs and budget.
2. Features: Another important consideration is the features offered by the controller. Some controllers are more feature-rich than others, so you’ll want to choose one that has the features you need.
3. Compatibility: You’ll also want to make sure that the controller you choose is compatible with your digital audio workstation. Not all controllers are compatible with all software, so it’s important to check before making a purchase.
4. Ease of use: Finally, you’ll want to consider how easy the controller is to use. Some controllers are more user-friendly than others, so it’s important to find one that is easy to use and understand.
Best Digital Audio Workstation Controllers: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Digital Audio Workstation Controllers Reviews
- PREMIUM DAW CONTROLLER: Elevate your digital audio production with the V1-M, a feature-packed DAW controller designed for efficiency and creativity.
- UNPARALLELED CONTROL: The V1-M offers 8 touch-sensitive motorized faders with 12-bit resolution, expandable to an incredible 64 channels with the V1-X DAW Control Expanders.
- INTUITIVE TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Enjoy a large, customizable 7-inch touchscreen with 5 color-coded layers, allowing you to access up to 120 DAW functions easily and tailor your workflow in real-time.
- SEAMLESS DAW INTEGRATION: This controller seamlessly integrates with popular DAWs like Bitwig, Cubase/Nuendo, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools, and can connect to three DAWs simultaneously.
- REAL-TIME FEEDBACK: Stay in control with the OLED display, meter bridge, and lower TFT displays providing real-time feedback on levels, pan positions, and more, all independent of your computer monitor.
- Music Production and Beat Maker Essential -USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production
- Total Control of your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes
- Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Integration - Akai Professional and Native Instruments have partnered to bring NKS support to the MPK Controller series, get ready to Kontrol straight from your MPK
- Choose Your Exclusive Complimentary NKS Bundle - Browse and control Native Instruments presets and sound libraries; select one of three curated Komplete 15 Select bundles: Beats, Band, or Electronic
- The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat and Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual synthesizer / DAW controls
- PREMIUM DAW CONTROL: Elevate your music production with the iCON Pro Audio P1 Nano, a compact USB C-MIDI control surface that puts powerful DAW control at your fingertips.
- CUSTOMIZABLE TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: The P1 Nano features a 4-inch touchscreen display with 5 color-coded layers, offering up to 80 displayable and actionable functions that you can easily organize in real-time to match your workflow.
- MULTI-DAW COMPATIBILITY: Seamlessly integrate with popular DAWs including Bitwig, Cubase/Nuendo, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools. Connect to and control up to three DAWs simultaneously, enhancing your creative experience.
- PRECISION CONTROL: Enjoy a touch-sensitive motorized fader with 12-bit resolution, 8 dual-function encoder knobs, illuminated automation command buttons, and a smooth-action jog wheel for precise control over your projects.
- DURABLE & VERSATILE: Built with superior quality and a robust metal casing, the P1 Nano is compact and portable while supporting Mackie Control and HUI protocols. It's compatible with both MacOS and Windows systems and offers firmware upgrades via USB C.
- Wide Compatibility: Fully compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS systems. Plug-and-play functionality requires no drivers, offering seamless volume control for various devices.
- Precise Volume Adjustment: Features a high-precision rotary knob for smooth and accurate volume tuning, perfect for professional or casual audio needs.
- Convenient One-Touch Mute: Instantly mute audio with a single press of the knob, ideal for quick silencing during calls or presentations.
- Stylish Breathing Light: Equipped with a soft, elegant breathing light that enhances your desktop aesthetics while providing a clear working status indicator.
- Compact and Portable Design: Its mini size saves desktop space and makes it easy to carry, suitable for home, office, or on-the-go use, meeting diverse application scenarios.
- Provides a single touch-sensitive, 100 mm long-throw, motorized fader for writing fades and automation in real-time.
- Large 360-degree push-button encoder allows you to edit and mix with greater efficiency and speed.
- Equipped with 24 buttons covering 40 different functions such as transport controls, channel record-enable, enable/disable looping, automation behavior selection, and more. Also contains user-definable function buttons.
- Innovative Session Navigator section makes mixing and controlling DAWs quick and easy.
- Comes with over $1000 worth of recording software including Studio One Artist (for which it has seamless & native support), Ableton Live Lite, and Studio Magic plug-in suite.
- Professional audio workstation and live performance software.
- Complete desktop studio production for music and audio.
- Unlimited sequences, songs, V-racks, tracks, audio voices and undo history.
- Highly customizable user interface.
- Comprehensive MIDI and audio editors.
- This compact and efficient adapter ensures seamless power connectivity for all your electronic devices. Compatible with a wide range of voltages, it effortlessly converts the standard voltage of 110V AC to meet the specific requirements of your devices.
- Our power adapter features a sturdy build and high-quality materials, guaranteeing durability and long-lasting performance. Its sleek design allows for easy portability, making it an ideal travel companion. The adapter also includes built-in surge protection to safeguard your valuable electronics from power fluctuations and surges.
- With its universal compatibility, this power adapter is suitable for various devices,pls check your device's model is listed in the listing.
- Rest assured that our power adapter adheres to strict safety standards, providing reliable and stable power delivery. It has undergone rigorous testing and is certified to meet all relevant industry regulations, ensuring your peace of mind.
- Experience seamless power connectivity with our top-of-the-line power adapter. Stay powered up and connected with confidence.
- High-Quality Sound Output: Experience pristine sound with this passive volume controller's shielded design, which reduces distortion and prevents audio dropouts for an enhanced listening experience.
- Durable Metal Construction: Made from precision-crafted metal, this passive volume controller features gold-plated interfaces for resistance to interference and rust. The upgraded design includes 4 anti-slip pads for added stability and durability.
- 70mm Extended Stroke Fader: The extended fader offers precise tuning and effortless volume control. High-quality faders ensure durability, meeting your long-term usage needs while providing transparent sound and smooth control at your fingertips.
- Balanced Inputs and Outputs: Features balanced combo XLR/TRS input jacks and XLR outputs. Even with long cable runs, the balanced signal ensures clean, pristine audio.
- Easy to Use: Enjoy exceptional sound quality without the need for a power supply. Simply plug and play—no external power required. Compact and portable design for easy transport.
- PREMIUM DAW CONTROL: Elevate your music production with the iCON Pro Audio P1-M Professional USB-MIDI Control Surface, designed to streamline your workflow and enhance productivity
- ULTIMATE CONTROL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: This powerful device features 8 touch-sensitive motorized faders with 12-bit resolution, providing precise control over your DAW functions.
- CUSTOMIZABLE TOUCHSCREEN: The 4-inch, 16-panel digital touchscreen display allows for easy customization of up to 80 displayable and actionable functions via 'drag and drop' in the iMAPTM software.
- DAW INTEGRATION MADE EASY: Connect up to 3 DAWs simultaneously using the DAW select buttons, and enjoy seamless integration with leading DAW software including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and more.
- DURABLE AND VERSATILE: Built with durability in mind, the P1-M features a robust metal casing, smooth-action jog wheel, illuminated buttons, and supports Universal Mackie Control and HUI protocols.
- ULTIMATE AUDIO CONTROLLER FOR GAMERS - BEACN Mix is the ultimate USB C audio controller for gaming setups. With 4-channel audio control and precision volume control knobs, Mix lets you fine-tune your gaming audio to perfection. It's the perfect addition to your gaming setup accessories!
- INTUITIVE FULL-COLOR DISPLAY - The 5" full-color display of Mix is specifically designed for gaming, providing you with real-time audio control and monitoring. Each knob controls a color-coded and labeled set of sources for easy identification, making it the ideal audio mixer for PC gaming.
- CUSTOMIZABLE USB MIXER INTERFACE - With BEACN's drag-and-drop application, you can easily assign different audio sources to each knob, create custom presets on multiple profiles for when your gaming or working. Perfect for multitaskers who need a flexible and customizable audio setup.
- PRECISION VOLUME CONTROL - The smooth push-button knobs of BEACN Mix provide precise volume control for each audio source, allowing you to fine-tune your gaming audio without interrupting your game. It's the perfect desktop audio control solution for gamers who demand the best.
- EASY DEVICE SWITCHING - Quickly swap between two Personal Listening Device outputs, like your speakers and your headphones, for a more intuitive setup. It's the ideal USB audio interface gamers who want quick and easy control over their audio outputs.
What else you should know about the best digital audio workstation controllers
1. What are the best digital audio workstation controllers on the market?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best digital audio workstation controller for a given person may vary depending on their specific needs and preferences. However, some popular digital audio workstation controllers on the market include the Akai MPK2 series, the M-Audio Axiom series, and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S-Series.
2. What are the features of a good digital audio workstation controller?
A good digital audio workstation controller will have a variety of input options, including MIDI and USB. It will also have a large number of buttons and pads to control various aspects of the DAW, as well as a large, clear display.
3. What are the benefits of using a digital audio workstation controller?
Some benefits of using a digital audio workstation controller include having more control over the digital audio workstation, being able to see the digital audio workstation’s interface, and being able to use physical controls to manipulate the digital audio workstation.
4. How do I choose the right digital audio workstation controller for my needs?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best digital audio workstation controller for your needs will depend on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of your setup, your budget, and your personal preferences.
However, some things to keep in mind when choosing a digital audio workstation controller include the number of faders, knobs, and buttons it has, as well as its compatibility with your computer and other equipment.
Additionally, it is important to consider how easy the controller is to use and whether it offers features that are important to you, such as transport controls, auto-mapping, and plugin integration.
5. What are the best digital audio workstation controllers for beginners?
There is no one “best” digital audio workstation controller for beginners. However, some popular choices include the Akai MPK mini, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S-Series, and the M-Audio Oxygen series.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best digital audio workstation controllers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best digital audio workstation controllers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.