#BEST MIDI PAD CONTROLLER SOFTWARE#

Enter the A-Range, a cutdown version of the KK series, but with a wallet-friendly price.ДЇor as little as ВЈ119 for the 25-key version, NI power-users can enjoy direct control over Kontakt, Mashchine and the rest of the Komplete range. They wanted the instant control the KK range offered, but not at the price NI had in mind. Expect to pay about ВЈ550 for the privilege.ДЄfter the launch of Native InstrumentsвЂ™ Komplete Kontrol keyboard and its distinct вЂLight GuideвЂ™, a price point followed that disappointed some users. While it might not be suitable for traditional keyboardists, if youвЂ™re more a sound designer or electronic musician, the versatility the ROLI range offer is second to none.

It also comes with their custom-built and epic-sounding synth Cypher2. Every aspect of the вЂkeysвЂ™ are adjustable, so you can get ultra-realistic guitar sounds, all the way up to out-of-this-world warbles and abstract synth performances. What makes the Seaboard unique is its multi-touch interface, meaning gestures like sliding your fingers up a key once itвЂ™s pressed down will change the sound. Now, their Seaboard Block brings the sponge-like keys to the masses. Until recently though, most mere mortals were priced out of the game. Used by everyone from Hans Zimmer to Pharrell, ROLIвЂ™s innovative flexible and touch-sensitive interfaces have revolutionized the industry.

Only recommended if youвЂ™re running a lot of hardware too, but if you did take the plunge you wonвЂ™t regret it. It also connects directly to most main DAWs for instant control.ДЇor all those features though, itвЂ™s gonna cost you вЂ“В the 49-key edition comes in at a whopping ВЈ539.99. The MKIII adds some extra cool functions like step sequencing, multiple screens for easy-to-access tweaking, direct CV outputs for controlling modular or analogue gear without a computer and a new keybed for better playability. Novations SL range was always a popular choice as an all-rounder, but with the MKIII theyвЂ™ve knocked it out of the park, adding some modern and versatile features to make one of the best options for anyone looking for a studio centrepiece. If youвЂ™re on a budget, try their MiniLab range. Great choice if youвЂ™re not tied to one DAW, play keys and need a lot of synth tones.

#BEST MIDI PAD CONTROLLER SOFTWARE#

Starting at ВЈ175, itвЂ™s a bit more expensive than other 49-key controllers but the built quality and software included are all pro. It also features pads, faders and knobs, transport control for your DAW and comes with a cut-down version of their virtual synth package. Their Keylab range is equally high quality, built like a tank, with a great keybed for anyone whoвЂ™s used to a real piano. Though they started out designing high quality virtual versions of famous synths, Arturia have since started building some very impressive hardware including a range of analogue synths and drum machines. With that in mind weвЂ™re rounding up the best all-rounder controllers to get you started вЂ“В extra points for automatically controlling certain software or coming with some bundled goodies.

It makes things a lot easier, and allows you stay creative and in the flow, rather than fiddling around with MIDI messages. Years ago, youвЂ™d have to assign every knob and fader to the parameter you wanted it to control but these days, more and more, software and hardware manufacturers are teaming up to create bespoke controllers for individual pieces of software.

It sends messages when you press a key, turn a knob or hit a pad and the software reacts. A MIDI controller is a piece of hardware that mimics an instrument, mixing console or drum pad device. No matter what type of music you make or what DAW you us e, itвЂ™s very likely youвЂ™re going to need a MIDI controller. We round up the best hardware controllers for your studio

Best midi pad controller