MIDI controllers

USB bus-powered 8-pad MIDI controller with 8 assignable Q-Link knobs & 4 memory banks, PC & Mac compatible

Review: The Akai LPD8 USB is a ultra-portable production pad.

The LPD8 laptop pad controller is a USB-MIDI controller for musicians, producers, DJs and other music creators. It measures less than 13" across and weighs less than a pound to easily fit into a laptop case, backpack or messenger bag for extreme portability.

The LPD8 is based on Akai Professional's MPC line of iconic music production stations. Producers who love the feel of the MPC and want to work with software on their computer will find that the LPD8 gives their laptop the controls they prefer over a mouse and keyboard.

The LPD8 has 8 orange light-up pads that are velocity sensitive for programming rhythmic or melodic parts. The pads can also send program-change information to software. Additionally, the LPD8 has eight assignable Q-Link knobs you can assign to virtually any parameters in their software for hands-on control.

The LPD8 works plug and play with Mac and PC and requires no software driver installation or wall power for operation. It has 4 memory banks for programming and recalling settings appropriate to different software programs you use.

Make music in any setting with the LPD8.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5ulQHdJs2M

16 velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads, 48 sounds from 3 sound banks, assignable Q-Link controllers, 16 configurable presets, MIDI over USB

Review: The Akai MPD18 Compact Pad controller is the easiest way to add genuine MPC pads to your setup. This MIDI-over-USB pad controller for DJs, programmers, producers and other musicians is built around the pads and controls from Akai Professional's industry-standard MPC series. The MPD18 is an expressive and intuitive instrument for the studio and stage.

The heart of the MPD18 is its bank of 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads, an Akai Pro exclusive. You can access 3 different banks of sounds from the MPC pads for a total of 48 sounds at your fingertips. The MPD18 also borrows the MPC series' assignable Q-Link controllers, enabling you to control nearly any parameters in your software in real time. You get an assignable Q-Link fader for natural, hands-on control of your most-used parameters and MPC Note Repeat enables you to quickly input patterns such as Hi-hat parts or drum rolls. The MPD18 also has 16 configurable presets so you can program it for the way you work with different hardware and software.

The MPD18 sends MIDI information over its plug-and-play USB interface so you can use it with your Mac or PC without installing any drivers. The USB connection even powers the MPD18 so the included USB cable is all you need for portable production. The MPD18 can control nearly any MIDI software, as well as MIDI hardware, such as synths, sound modules, samplers, sequencers, drum machines and more.

The MPD18 gives you the control feel of the MPC in a super-portable instrument with a compact footprint that's easy to fit in any setup.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG2ju77wFmg

MIDI-over-USB pad controller with 16 x velocity & pressure sensitive pads, 4 x pad banks, 6 x assignable Q-Link faders & 6 x assignable Q-Link 360- knobs

Review: The Akai MPD26 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller with genuine MPC pads. It's perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJs. Its blend of intuitive MPC controls and technologies meshes with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making to the world of computer music production.

The heart of the MPD26 is its bank of 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads, an Akai Professional exclusive. You can access four different sounds from each MPC pads for a total of 64 at your fingertips. The MPD26 also features the MPC series' assignable Q-Link controllers, enabling you to control nearly any parameters in your software in real time. You get six assignable Q-Link faders and six assignable Q-Link 360- knobs so you'll spend less time with the mouse and more time making music. The MPD26 also gives you a dedicated set of transport controls for instant access to the most commonly used DAW or sequencing-software controls.

While the MPC pads and Q-Links might be the heart of the MPD26, its brain is transplanted directly from the MPC. That's because the MPD26 is not just a control surface; it contains some of the key MPC technologies that have made the MPC the de facto standard it is. MPC Note Repeat is a capability that enables the MPD (or MPC) to automatically play a rhythm pattern, such as 16th notes on a hi-hat, for accuracy and speed of entry. MPC Swing is sometimes referred to as the heart and soul of hip hop because it turns perfectly aligned sequences into human-feeling time alignments. You can specify the exact degree and timing of swing you want to apply for the perfect feel. The MPD26 also has MPC Full Level and MPC 16-Level on its pads.

The MPD26 sends MIDI information over its plug-and-play USB interface so you can use it with your Mac or PC without installing any drivers. The USB connection even powers the MPD26 so the included USB cable is all you need. The MPD26 also has traditional DIN MIDI input and output jacks so you can use it with MIDI hardware such as synths and other sound modules. The MPD26 comes with Ableton Live Lite and Editor Librarian software so you can start creating right out of the box.

The MPD26 is the perfect interface between your creativity and the computer-based studio. Its blend of intuitive MPC controls and technologies meshes with easy USB computer connectivity to deliver the control instrument you need.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG2ju77wFmg

MIDI-synced note-repeat with MPC swing, 16 MPC pads with velocity & pressure-sensitive response, sliders and endless knobs for a total of 72 controllers

Review: The Akai MPD32 Performance Pad controller is the controller you've been waiting for. The MPD32 is a MIDI-over-USB performance pad controller for DJs, programmers, producers and others musicians. Built around the controls and technology from Akai Professional's industry-standard MPC series, the MPD32 is an expressive and intuitive instrument for the studio and stage. The heart of the MPD32 is its bank of 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads, an Akai Pro exclusive. You can access 4 different banks of sounds from the MPC pads for a total of 64 sounds at your fingertips.

The MPD32 also borrows the MPC series' assignable Q-Link controllers, enabling you to control nearly any parameters in your software in real time. You get 8 assignable Q-Link faders, 8 assignable Q-Link 360 degree knobs, and 8 assignable Q-Link buttons so you'll spend less time with the mouse and more time making music. Even better, each Q-Link can access 3 different parameters for a total of 72 real-time Q-Links. You also get 2 assignable footswitch inputs and an expression-pedal input for even more ways to control and perform with the MPD32. The MPD32 also gives you a dedicated set of transport controls for instant access to the most commonly used DAW or sequencing-software controls. While the MPC pads and Q-Links might be the heart of the MPD32, its brain is transplanted directly from the MPC. That's because it is not just a control surface; it contains some of the key MPC technologies that have made the MPC the de facto standard it is. MPC Note Repeat is a capability that enables the MPD (or MPC) to automatically play a rhythm pattern, such as 16th notes on a hi-hat, for accuracy and speed of entry. MPC Swing is sometimes referred to as 'the heart and soul of hip hop' because it turns perfectly aligned sequences into human-feeling time alignments. You can specify exactly the degree and timing of swing you want to apply for the perfect feel.

The MPD32 also has MPC Full Level and MPC 16-Level on its pads. The MPD32 sends MIDI information over its plug-and-play USB interface so you can use it with your Mac or PC without installing any drivers. The USB connection even powers the MPD32 so the included USB cable is all you need. It comes with a custom versions of Ableton Live Lite and FXpansion BFD Lite software so you can start creating right out of the box. In addition to Live and nearly any other MIDI software, you can also drive any MIDI hardware, such as synths, sound modules, samplers, sequencers, drum machines, and more. Whether inspiration strikes you in the studio or on stage, the MPD32 gives you a comprehensive compliment of input and control devices matched with the peerless feel of the MPC, only from Akai Professional.

49-note keyboard controller with drum pads and iPad dock

Review: The SynthStation49 is the most advanced, intuitive music controller designed specifically for use with the iPad and the first true iPad performance tool for musicians. Working seamlessly with Akai Professional's heralded SynthStation software, the SynthStation49 provides unparalleled music creation capabilities, including direct in-app MIDI recording from its velocity-sensitive keyboard, 9 x MPC-style drum pads and array of transport controls. In addition to its integration with the SynthStation app, the SynthStation49 is also completely iOS CoreMIDI compatible, making it instantly compatible with dozens of music apps already in the App Store and hundreds more on the way.

Dock, power and position the iPad perfectly using the adjustable-angled cradle, or establish commanding control over your favorite computer software using the SynthStation49's USB/MIDI port. Professional 14" outputs and extreme portability ensure you'll be able to take your sequences straight to the stage at a moments notice.

The SynthStation49 is the only full-featured, professional keyboard controller allowing direct MIDI performance recording onto an iPad. Bridging Akai Professional's popular MPK controllers with the previously released the SynthStation25, the SynthStation49 provides immense software control with 49, full-size velocity-sensitive keys, 9 backlit MPC-style drum pads and full transport buttons. An adjustable-angled dock for iPad allows the user to easily slide their tablet into the SynthStation49's cradle and position the screen to their preference.

The SynthStation49's keyboard, pitch/modulation wheels and sustain pedal input provide great feel and the essential controls for musicians and producers to compose, record and perform. The 9 drum pads of the SynthStation49 give users immediate, intuitive beat-creation capabilities over the 50 classic and modern kits available within the SynthStation software. Program, Sequence, Song select and Transport buttons also provide quick navigation to the SynthStation App's most used components for a seamless, efficient workflow.

The SynthStation49 also contains a stereo pair of professional 14" TRS outputs with volume knob for easy connecting to other pro audio equipment on stage or in the studio. A headphone output also lets users practice and compose in private. The SynthStation49's USB port can be connected directly to a Mac or PC computer to receive power in addition to transmitting MIDI to and from music software, a great way to turn the SynthStation App or other CoreMIDI compatible App into a sound module. You can even use the SynthStation49 as a traditional USB MIDI controller with your computer, no iPad required.

AkaiConnect SDK allows third-party developers to take advantage of all the professional controls and capabilities of Akai Pro's SynthStation49 keyboard controller and incorporate support for those controls within their iPad applications. Software developers interested in creating programs compatible with SynthStation49 can submit an application now at SynthStationApp.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY3YumTIpKA
http://www.akaipro.com/print/print.php/226456

Total recall USB MIDI controller desk with 8 motorized faders

Review: Behringer's B-Control Fader BCF2000 is a unique, total recall cascadable desktop MIDI controller with analog feel and an intuitive user interface.

The B-Control Series combines the unlimited versatility of today's audio software with the feel of real controls. It lets you move real faders and turn real knobs to control all the virtual gear in Cubase, Cakewalk, Logic Audio, Ableton and other major audio software. It's the intuitive way to control and create music with a real hands-on feel. Tired of using a mouse? Want to control your synth, mixer, effects or signal processor with real controls? Pick the B-Control that matches your 'virtual hardware' or cascade them together for the ultimate workstation.

The BCF2000 is an innovative, hands-on control surface with ultra-precise 100mm motorized faders for the ultimate control of virtual mixers, organ-drawbars, synths and samplers. You can make group moves that you can't make with a mouse, and the faders are motorized for automated control.

The BCF2000 is USB compatible, features full MIDI I/O/Thru capability and includes 8 endless rotary encoders, each with a 15-element LED indicator plus a push-to-set function, which lets you select, adjust, set and control a myriad of functions. Assign a dedicated knob, fader or key to your most frequently used functions and make edits without touching the mouse. Tweak 'front panel' settings by simply turning a knob or sliding a fader. It's like having the real knobs and faders for every control on the screen.

Best of all, discover just how awesome MIDI can be.The energyXT2.5 Compact Behringer Edition included. If you're ready to take your projects to an even higher level, XT Software's energyXT2.5 is just the trick. This amazing DAW (digital audio workstation) makes it easy to manipulate your audio and MIDI files, turning song ideas into stunning CD or web-ready recordings. energyXT2.5 includes built-in synthesizers, which can be accessed directly via an external controller or programmed by step-write mode. There's even a built-in drum machine and internal multi-FX processor.

Simply connect your B-Control to your computer via USB. Then assign and control MIDI/audio sequencers, software mixers or virtual synths/plug-ins with real knobs and faders, without using your mouse. You'll spend less time clicking around and more time enjoying your music.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=26glHaanAMQ

USB MIDI controller desk, 24 x encoders with LED rings, 16 + 4 illuminated freely assignable buttons

Review: The Behringer B-Control Rotary BCR2000 is a unique, total recall cascadable desktop MIDI controller with analog feel and an intuitive user interface.

The B-Control Series combines the unlimited versatility of today's audio software with the feel of real controls. It lets you move real faders and turn real knobs to control all the virtual gear in Cubaser, Cakewalk, Logicr Audio, Ableton and other major audio software. It's the intuitive way to control and create music with a real hands-on feel. The choice is yours: knobs (BCR2000) or faders (BCF2000). Tired of using a mouse? Want to control your synth, mixer, effects or signal processor with real controls? The B-Control matches your virtual hardware or cascades them together for the ultimate workstation.

The BCR2000 is an innovative, hands-on control surface with an additional 24 x endless rotary encoders for the ultimate control of virtual synths, samplers, effects and signal processors. Tired of using the mouse to turn knobs? How about more intuitively controlling your synth or MIDI expander? With the BCR2000 controller this is reality intuitive control with a real hands-on feel. The BCR2000 is USB compatible, features full MIDI In/Out/Thru capability and includes 8 endless rotary encoders, each with a 15-element LED indicator plus a push-to-set function which lets you select, adjust, set and control a myriad of functions. Assign a dedicated knob or key to your most frequently used functions and make edits without touching the mouse. Tweak front panel settings by simply turning a knob. It's like having the real knobs for every control on the screen.

Best of all, discover just how awesome MIDI can be.The energyXT2.5 Compact Behringer Edition is included: if you're ready to take your projects to an even higher level, XT Software's energyXT2.5 is just the trick. This amazing DAW (digital audio workstation) makes it easy to manipulate your audio and MIDI files, turning song ideas into stunning CD or web-ready recordings. The energyXT2.5 includes built-in synthesizers, which can be accessed directly via an external controller or programmed by step-write mode. There's even a built-in drum machine and internal multi-FX processor.

Simply connect your B-Control to your computer via USB. Then assign and control MIDI/audio sequencers, software synths or virtual plug-ins with real knobs, without using your mouse. You'll spend less time clicking around and more time enjoying your music.

MIDI Controller

Review: The Rhizome LE is the ideal hybrid solution for musicians, DJs and producers who want to use our technology on their own computers. Like its big brother RHIZOME SXE-, RHIZOME LE- has several controls, 16 velocity-sensitive pads, and the largest existing screen displays for hybrid controllers.

The Rhizome LE-offers several interface controls that provide instant access to all parameters of our Rhizome Host - software, of your virtual instruments, of your virtual effects and of your external equipment.

With Rhizome you can control and sequence all of your favorite VST plug-ins and external instruments. Rhizome offers an instant access to all software features with its numerous controls. Delete, save, tweak, play, automate and modify all effects, instruments and mixers parameters via buttons and endless rotary knobs . When your project is done you can easily export and bounce in one time instruments and buses, and import the audio tracks into your preferred DAW to mix your production.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7sIRVmo8sQ

Slim-line USB controller

Review: The Korg NanoKontrol2 slim-line USB control surface fits perfectly in front of your laptop computer or desktop keyboard, offering impressive control while conserving valuable set-up space.

The Korg NanoKontrol2 controller provides knobs, switches and faders. It is perfect for controlling any DAW computer based DAW or numerous types of other music production software.

In a body proportioned to fit perfectly in front of your laptop computer, the Korg NanoKontrol2 provides 8 channels of the controllers you need to control your music software. It also features a dedicated transport control section. Many software titles are supported, dramatically reducing the need to make complicated connection settings. 1 knob, 1 fader and 3 switches are provided for each of the 8 channels, respectively assigned to pan, volume and solo/mute/record. In addition, there's also a marker button, making it easy to assign marks at important points in your song for more efficient recording and song production.

Slim-line USB pad controller.

Review: The Korg NanoPad USB powered slim-line controller is so small you can put it on your workstation, in front of your laptop, on a recording console or anywhere else you need versatile control over your DAW, virtual instrument/effect or DJ software.The Korg NanoPad, despite its small size, goes huge when it comes to functionality, yet its intuitive layout provide extremely easy operation for any user.

The NanoPad features 16 highly responsive trigger pads, also capable of sending both notes and MIDI control data, plus an X-Y pad with roll and flam functions giving you a unique interface for realistic drum programming. In addition, a new chord trigger function lets you enter chords onto a single pad, helping you to make the most of the work surface as you create. The pads are also able to transmit control change messages, making this a great interface for soloing or muting mixer tracks, turning objects on and off, or triggering clips during your live performances.

Korg NanoPad's X-Y pad offers roll and flam modes, to help you lay down ultra-realistic drum grooves. The X-Y pad will also send MIDI control change, making it a go-to interface for any parameter within your software that requires full range MIDI control such as pitch, cutoff, volume and beyond.

With the Korg Kontrol editor (downloadable free of charge from the Korg website) you can customize four scenes that address the pads and X-Y pad can be stored within NanoPad to suit your control needs. That means you actually have access to 48 notes/chords, 60 MIDI controllers, or any combination of the two types of data at any given time. Also, select one of three velocity curves or a fixed velocity to tailor the NanoPad to your touch.