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
- 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
- 12 in / 10 Out USB Audio Interface for DAW Connectivity
- Click Output with TAP TEMPO
- Onboard MIDI Functionality
- 1-knob compressor and 3 band EQ installed on all input modules
- Dual headphone output with individual volume and source selection
- 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.
- 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.
- Complete Mix Control - Lightweight, compact and robust ultra-portable MIDI mixer / DAW controller seamlessly maps all mixer settings to your DAW with a single push of a button
- Mixdown Essentials - 8 individual line faders and 1 master fader for controlling track volume, virtual instrument parameters, effect settings and more
- Assignable Control - 24 knobs, arranged 3 per channel for controlling EQ, bus sends, virtual instrument parameters, effect settings and more
- Get Hands-On - 16 buttons arranged in 2 banks provide mute, solo and record arm functionality per channel
- Effortless Ableton Live Integration - Instant 1 to 1 mapping with Ableton Live (Ableton Live Lite included)
- 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.
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music.
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios.
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings.
- Everything you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins.
- Easy Start: It’s never been easier to get recording with Scarlett 4th Gen. Focusrite’s tried-and-tested Easy Start tool will have you making music in minutes.
- UNLOCK UNPARALLELED CONTROL: Enhance your music production setup with the iCON Pro Audio P1-X Extender, designed to seamlessly expand the capabilities of the P1-M MIDI DAW controller.
- PRECISION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: Eight touch-sensitive motorized faders with 12-bit resolution and eight dual-function encoder knobs provide you with precise control over your digital audio workstation, ensuring a superior music production experience.
- CUSTOMIZED CONTROL SURFACE: Craft a personalized control surface tailored to your preferences and requirements with illuminated mute, solo, select, and record buttons, as well as the option to add the D4 OLED display for essential channel information.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: The P1-X supports Universal Mackie Control and HUI protocols, offering seamless integration with a wide range of popular music production software, making it a versatile choice for any DAW user.
- ROBUST AND RELIABLE: Built with superior quality and a durable metal casing, the P1-X is not only hard-wearing but also features USB C high-speed connectivity, firmware upgrades via USB C, and a Cortex-M7 @500 MHz ARM chip for superb reliability.
- Compact and robust Universal USB Controller for professional audio production
- Features 8 rotary encoders with LED collars and 16 dedicated illuminated buttons for seamless control
- Equipped with a durable 60mm master fader for precision audio output
- Dual-layer mode for switching between DAW and instrument control configurations
- Built-in USB interface for easy connection to Mac or PC and expansion with other controllers
- ✅ [Volume Control] It is designed for a precise volume control of analog audio signals and is inserted between analog signal sources and active speakers or amplifiers, ideal for quick and easy level control by using your fingngertips with a large rotary control knob.
- ✅ [Balanced Ins and Outs] The PMC-1 features balanced combo XLR/TRS input jacks and TRS outputs, as well as 3.5mm Mini jack connections that eliminate noisy interference. Even with long cables runs, a balanced signal will help ensure that your audio is clean and pristine.
- ✅ [Easy Setup] Connect between a PC sound card or audio interface and monitor speakers, simply delivers an attenuated signal for pure transparent, without compromising your audio which is one of the man benefits of passive volume attenuation.
- ✅ [Metal Enclosure Design] The PMC-1 is constructed with a solid build metal chassis that will withstand the rigors of the road, as well as the occasional accidents of home use.
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.