The Launchkey line from Novation combines typical DAW control parameters (buttons, faders, pads, knobs, expression wheels) with keyboard controls for superb, top-of-the-line MIDI controllers. Of course, samplers like Akai’s line of MPCs were designed with grid trigger pads long before, but Novation brought this idea to the DAW MIDI controller. It was one of the very first grid-based keyboard-less controllers, which have become staples in the Electronic and Hip-Hop markets.
The company’s successful Launchpad series was first introduced in 2009 with the original Launchpad. Though 'Done With Mirrors' was intended to mark Aerosmiths comeback, 'Permanent Vacation' is often considered their true comeback album, as it was the bands first truly popular album since their reunion. Novation makes plenty of superb MIDI controllers and has an ongoing relationship with the wildly popular DAW developer Ableton (makers of Ableton Live). I’ll also include an example of a MIDI controller from each of the brands, along with a link to their official websites and info on the companies’ histories.Ĭlick here to return to My New Microphone’s articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers. We’ll get into each of these brands in greater detail to explain why they made this list. I’ve included my own bias and the opinions of others (in real life, in online forums, and by which brands professionals use). I’ve done my best to make this as objective as possible. Of course, any “best of” list is subjective by nature. The top 11 best MIDI controller brands in the world are: I feel the need to make this distinction because DAW controllers/control surfaces (they look like studio mixing boards) are also technically MIDI controllers (for the most part).
In other words, we’ll emphasize keyboard-type and pad-type controllers. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 11 MIDI controller brands with an emphasis on music creation. The brand is not so critical, though knowing the top brands should help to point you in the right direction. There are plenty of important factors to consider when selecting your MIDI controller(s). With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to pick just one (or however many you need) for your setup. Typically these controllers will have triggers (buttons, pads and/or keys) and control parameters (sliders, knobs, wheels, etc.). So then, it makes perfect sense that there’s a huge market for MIDI controllers. This includes, notably, audio production tools in digital audio workstations, among many other instruments and computers.
Beyond keyboard controls, the powerful MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) communications protocol can allow for incredibly flexible control over pretty much any parameter in digital audio equipment. A keyboard MIDI controller can simplify the music creation process significantly.