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 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.
- 8+1 touch-sensitive motorized faders with 10-bit resolution
- 8 dual-function encoder knobs (rotate and enter)
- Class-compliant with macOS Big Sur (M1 and Intel Compatible), Windows 10, and Windows 8/7 (32 & 64-bit)
- Mackie control built-in for Cubase, Nuendo, Amplitude, Logic Pro, Able ton Live, Reaper, Reason, Studio One and Bit wig
- Platform D2 optional LCD display available separately
- Velocity-sensitive piano style 25-Key keyboard
- USB 2.0 high speed connectivity and Bus Powered; Class-compliant with macOS Big Sur (M1 and Intel Compatible), Windows 10, and Windows 8/7 (32 & 64-bit)
- Supporting most of the DAW including Cubase, Nuendo, Samplitude, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Reaper and Reason etc
- iMapTM software included for easy mapping of MIDI functions
- Includes free recording software, such as Harrison 32C Vocal Intensity Processor, a “greatest hits” collection of features from Harrison’s analog console heritage, Harrison AVA plugins and Mixbus32C workstation; Tracktion DAW Essentials, a collection of 16 contemporary FX plugins for use with any DAW; Dotec Audio plugins for streaming, podcasting, recording and mixing; and Bitwig Studio 8-Track, the trim and effective digital audio workstation to start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro, all available via download upon purchase and registration
- Universal DAW control surface with Mackie control and HUI
- 9 touch-sensitive motorized faders
- Presets and overlays for Cubase/Nuendo, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, studio One, digital performer, FL studio, amplitude, Reaper, Bitwig, Reason, Sonar, and Audition
- Large backlit LCD to display channel name, control values etc. For each channel
- Illuminated buttons for each channel including rec-enable, solo, mute, select and monitor
- Behringer X-TOUCH Mini Universal USB Controller - Adorama 1 Year Limited Warranty
- Controls: 1x Long-wearing 2.3" (60 mm) master faders8x Rotary controls with LED collars16x Dedicated illuminated buttons
- Connections: 1x USB Type B port
- Protocols Supported: Mackie Control
- [DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL AUDIO QUALITY]: Featuring a premium preamp with an adjustable gain of up to 60dB, this audio mixer delivers unmatched sound quality. Thanks to its powerful preamp, the AMC2 NEO is compatible with high-end dynamic microphones with ultra-low gain. The 48V phantom power drives XLR condenser microphones to level up audio production. Take your podcasting and streaming to new heights with the MAONOCASTER AMC2 NEO Audio Interface.
- [RECORD WHATEVER YOU HEAR]: The AMC2 NEO Audio Mixer for PC, offers independent controls for mic volume, mic gain, AUX IN, Headphones, and stream out. Enjoy a hassle-free experience with a user-friendly interface and record what you hear. Elevate your streaming journey and share your stories and insights with the world.
- [ENHANCE YOUR LIVE STREAMING ATMOSPHERE]: The Bluetooth wireless audio input offers more flexibility for users. The 3 fully customizable sound pads will help make your podcast more unique. Engage your audience in an entertaining and interactive way with 6 preset reverb scenes and 4 voice changers. Control monitoring with an intuitive one-button monitoring on/off button. Allow your voice to shine and attract a global audience with 2-levels of noise reduction.
- [ONE-STOP STREAMING MIXER]: The portable AMC2 NEO XLR interface is a perfect solo streaming audio mixer. Connect your microphone via the XLR/6.35mm interface. Use the AUX interface to play background music from your phone and record directly to your phone through the STREAM OUT output. Or simply connect to a computer via the USB-C port for direct recording. Monitor your audio using the HEADPHONE interface.
- [BUILT-IN BATTERY FOR 7H OF WORKING TIME]: The built-in 1500mAh battery ensures uninterrupted live streams. Never worry about running out of battery. On a full charge the battery will give you 7 hours of working time, allowing you to create content anywhere. While charging the PC audio interface via the USB-C charging port, you can charge an Android phone via the other USB-C port. With this function you can enjoy long-time podcast production or streaming.
- 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.
- FEATURES / POWER SPECS : Extra Long 6 Feet USB 2.0 Type-A Male to Type-B Male Connection Cable / High-Speed Transfer Rates up to 480Mbps 28AWG/2C+26AWG/2C with Error-Free Performance
- COMPATIBILITY: Ideal for connecting your Yamaha Digital Piano, Roland Music Workstation, Donner DEP 10 20 45 DDP-80 88 Key Digital Pianos, Alesis, Korg, Casio Keyboard, AKAI Professional, Arturia KeyLab MiniLab, Midiplus, Nektar Impact, Novation, M-Audio MIDI Controller, Native Drum Controller, Pioneer, Hercules DJControl Inpulse, Numark DJ Mixer, Behringer U-Phoria, PreSonus AudioBox Audio Interface, Microphone, Studio Equipment to a Laptop, Computer (Mac PC) and other devices with a USB-B port
- Also is a good USB Type B replacement cord for devices like Printer, Scanner, Fax, Hard Drive Disk, Server, Keyboard, DAC, Development board, UPS, Digital Camera, Arduino, Silhouette Cameo Cutting Tool Machine, Blue, Brother, Canon i-SENSYS PIXMA SELPHY, CyberPower, Dell, Epson Artisan Expression Home Premium Stylus WorkForce, Fujitsu, HP Deskjet ENVY LaserJet OfficeJet PhotoSmart, IOGEAR, Lexmark, Panasonic, Snowball mic
- SAFETY: Pwr+ cables manufactured with the highest quality materials. CE/FCC/RoHS certified.
- WARRANTY: 30 Days Refund - 24 Months Exchange. PWR+ is WA, USA based company. We are friendly Customer Support Experts
- 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.
- FEATURES / SPECS : Premium Nylon-Braided USB-C 2.0 Type-C Male to Type-B Male Connection Cable - Extra Long 10 Feet - High-Speed Transfer Rates up to 480Mbps - Connects USB-C enabled computers to USB-B 2.0 devices and peripherals (legacy printers, scanners, audio interface, hubs and hard drives)
- COMPATIBLE WITH: Alesis Casio Donner Korg Roland Yamaha Keyboard Digital Piano Music Workstation, Akai Professional Arturia KeyLab MiniLab Midiplus Novation M-Audio MIDI Native Drum Controller, Behringer U-Phoria Pioneer Hercules Numark DJ Mixer DJControl Inpulse, PreSonus AudioBox Audio Interface; Printer Scanner Copier Fax Machine Hard Drive Disk Server Thermal Printer Digital Camera Arduino Silhouette Cameo Cutting Tool Machine Apple MacBook Pro Air
- COMPATIBLE WITH: Brother Canon i-Sensys Pixma Selphy CyberPower Epson Workforce Stylus Expression Home Artisan Expression Home Premium Stylus WorkForce Fujitsu ScanSnap HP OfficeJet Deskjet Laserjet Envy Pro PhotoSmart Iogear Lexmark Xerox Panasonic Snowball; Laptop Notebook Chromebook Acer Aspire Spin Asus Flip Zenbook Transformer Pixel Dell Latitude Xps HP Spectre Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga Huawei MateBook Surface Book Google Pixelbook LG Gram Razer Blade Stealth Samsung Plus Toshiba
- SAFETY: Pwr+ cables manufactured with the highest quality materials. CE/FCC/RoHS certified.
- WARRANTY: 30 Days Refund - 24 Months Exchange. PWR+ is WA, USA based company. We are friendly Customer Support Experts
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.