The Best Hardware Controllers

Hardware controllers are actually the current solution to an old problem: How can the various components of a musical setup be controlled intuitively? The advantages of hardware controllers are obvious: Ideally, they offer more direct, faster and more convenient access to the most important functions of your recording software and plug-ins. They include MIDI keyboards with assignable knobs, specialized solutions for controlling popular DAWs, performance tools for beat production, universal MIDI controllers for intuitive control of key DAW and plug-in functions, and much more. Some devices bring in additional functions with high musical value, like arpeggiators and sequencers. DAW controllers, on the other hand, aim to make it easier to control common audio/MIDI sequencers. You can choose between universal all-in-one solutions and devices optimized for specific DAWs.

A Model for Every Application

A suitable MIDI controller can control the DAW of your choice, synth or effect plug-ins, or DJ software and greatly facilitate and accelerate workflows. The range of controllers is as diverse as the possible applications. Many universal models include a transport section to control playback and recording functions of your DAW, as well as freely assignable knobs, sliders,