Best Digital Audio Workstation Controllers in 2022

Last update: December 26, 2022

Can a USB port be used for audio output?

Yes, a USB port can be used for audio output. Many computers and laptops have audio output capabilities through their USB ports. This is because USB is a very versatile interface that can carry both audio and data signals. In order to output audio through a USB port, you will need to have an audio output device that is compatible with USB, such as a USB sound card or a USB speaker system.

Can I use MIDI controller without computer?

Yes, you can use a MIDI controller without a computer. All you need is a MIDI interface, which you can connect to your controller and then to your instrument.

Do I need a DAC or just an amp?

If you have a digital audio player, you may be wondering if you need a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The answer depends on a few factors. First, check to see if your digital audio player has a built-in DAC. Many of the newer models do. If it does, then you don't need an external DAC. Second, consider the quality of your digital audio player's DAC. If it's a lower-quality DAC, then an external DAC can improve the sound quality. Third, think about the quality of your

Do I need a DAW controller?

No, you don't need a DAW controller, but they can be helpful. DAW controllers give you physical control over your software, which can be helpful if you're working with a lot of different tracks or plugins. They also tend to have a lot of knobs and buttons, which can be helpful for making changes on the fly.


Softube Console 1 MKII Review:


This small gadget has so far served as the missing piece for me. I've only recently started recording music again, so the transition from using knobs and faders to recording everything "in the box" has been challenging. Although recording on a laptop gives me freedom and convenience, the old school man in me really wants to touch a few knobs here and there. This device gives me relief from that itch and also has some pretty fantastic sound capabilities. Having the console 1 is like to having a console modeler in the studio thanks to the various software/console solutions available from Softube. I can now switch between consoles on different projects and even combine features from other consoles on the same project, as opposed to being bound to a single enormous, cumbersome mixing console that always sounds the same. Very adaptable and simple to use.



JBL NPATCH BLK Nano Patch+ Compact 2-Channel Passive Volume Controller Review:


Because I believed the headphone out signals were inverted, I came here to leave a three-star review. However, after doing so, I found that I was actually a complete moron and had two places in my studio wired incorrectly. JBL gets five stars for my error, in my opinion.Actually, the credit should go to SM-Pro (the original manufacturer/label). Before one of the switches on the first one I purchased under that brand began to wear out, it served me well for perhaps six years of almost daily use. Even though I don't usually support businesses like JBL that invest much in marketing, I was pleased to purchase a second unit for $150. Both of my devices have excellent sound quality. fantastic design For the price, I believe they perform admirably. I never observed any inconsistent signal strength across the dial. The outside parts have a premium feel to them. Never bothered to look inside, but this thing weighs a lot. It is both dead simple and effective. And you have a rack? Fantastic.I am aware that their expansion models are comparable, but I hope the designer would forgo the fancy extras and simply include a third or fourth output in the same form factor. The switch might be modified to a double-pole toggle switch to save money as mix engineers don't need all the monitors on at once. Or perhaps there would be no cost savings at all. Who knows? My day would be made, and I would definitely buy one to use on more monitors. I believe many others would. The only alternatives we have are subpar active monitor selections or expensive boutique units. Dumb.Anyhow, these are fantastic.



Mackie Audio Interface, 3x2 (BIG KNOB STUDIO) Review:


Life Story Upcoming:I switched up my old M Audio BX8 speakers for the brand-new Adam Audio T5Vs because they were starting to seem a touch dated. Both those incredible Adam ribbon tweeters and something that required less work space were something I wanted. Once I had them, having a bottom end was immediately missing. I ultimately decided to maintain the BX8s mainly to support the lows. My old Steinberg UR44 interface couldn't output to two sets of monitors, which was an issue! Then I discovered the Mackie Big Knob Studio, which is proving to be a high-quality piece of equipment despite its ridiculous moniker. It fulfills all of my requirements for a monitor controller. My one wish is for the wheel to turn with more resistance. It is readily bumped and moves extremely freely.How well the signal travels through whatever is between your audio source and your monitors, in my opinion, is most crucial. I can tell you that this is flowing through a signal without adding noise thanks to the clarity of my Adam monitors.I'm glad to have this in my studio overall.



JBL Professional Switch Box (MPATCH2) Review:


Because I believed the headphone out signals were inverted, I came here to leave a three-star review. However, after doing so, I found that I was actually a complete moron and had two places in my studio wired incorrectly. JBL gets five stars for my error, in my opinion.Actually, the credit should go to SM-Pro (the original manufacturer/label). Before one of the switches on the first one I purchased under that brand began to wear out, it served me well for perhaps six years of almost daily use. Even though I don't usually support businesses like JBL that invest much in marketing, I was pleased to purchase a second unit for $150. Both of my devices have excellent sound quality. fantastic design For the price, I believe they perform admirably. I never observed any inconsistent signal strength across the dial. The outside parts have a premium feel to them. Never bothered to look inside, but this thing weighs a lot. It is both dead simple and effective. And you have a rack? Fantastic.I am aware that their expansion models are comparable, but I hope the designer would forgo the fancy extras and simply include a third or fourth output in the same form factor. The switch might be modified to a double-pole toggle switch to save money as mix engineers don't need all the monitors on at once. Or perhaps there would be no cost savings at all. Who knows? My day would be made, and I would definitely buy one to use on more monitors. I believe many others would. The only alternatives we have are subpar active monitor selections or expensive boutique units. Dumb.Anyhow, these are fantastic.



Akai Professional APC Mini | Compact USB Bus-Powered 64-Button Clip Launcher / MIDI Controller For Ableton Live Review:


I've been using the original APC40 mk1 for over a year, and it was almost $300 after tax at my neighborhood music shop. On my workstation, this new gadget only occupies roughly a third of the space of the APC40 while offering 90% of the capabilities. The ancient APC40 is now seldom ever used.The modern style complements my setup beautifully, and the backlights for the pads are significantly brighter and more complete than those of the APC40 mk1. You may just plug into any USB port without a power wire. The faders feel solid and slide with decent resistance. They are also indented, which is helpful if you need to keep this APC Mini mobile. Simply place it in the bag that contains your laptop. The $99 APC Mini's 8x8 grid is larger than the 8x5 grid on the $399 APC40 MkII, and the pads feel wonderful and are a fair size. Why Akai didn't upgrade the grid on the new APC40 is beyond me.Don't worry if you're concerned that the shift button will be an inconvenience or interfere with your ability to think creatively. As with the APC20, using this new controller to navigate Ableton becomes second nature. In addition, its small size makes it much easier to handle, even with one hand, while pressing the Shift button to fly about Ableton Live. I frequently use the APC Mini to control Live while playing guitar, and the compact size is extremely helpful for making quick changes while performing.There are a few minor shortcomings when compared to the APC40, but for only one-fourth of the cost of the brand-new APC40 MkII (at the time this review was written), there is no cause for complaint. Only Live 9.1.3 is compatible with the APC Mini; anything older leaves you completely helpless. When switching between volume and device control, you must keep in mind where the faders were (the same issue was with the APC20). However, it's good to note that until you adjust the fader quite a bit in Ableton, the device's volume level won't change when you go back from controlling a device. Additionally, unlike the new multi-colored grid on the Mk II, it only has three colors, just like the earlier APCs. The fact that the arrow keys only move along one track is another disadvantage. However, if the Ableton faithful wait a few months to purchase this device, custom scripts will be available for the APC Mini and APC Key 25 just like they are for the original APC40 and APC20. Additionally, the pads lack velocity sensitivity, but no APC has that feature.I have all the capabilities I require when I combine the APC Mini and the Korg NanoKontrol2.



Akai Professional APC40MKII | USB-Powered Full-Featured Ableton Live Performance MIDI Controller Review:


The top Ableton Live controller is now available. Everything is in its proper place, the controls feel good, and the crucial launch grid is present. With this controller, you can simultaneously control your instruments and manage your live performance. The world is yours once you add a keyboard.I particularly appreciate how well-made the components are; the buttons have a pleasant feel to them and respond to pressure consistently. The faders are accurate, have nice damping, and a respectable amount of throw. With this piece of equipment, you may be a proficient DJ because the crossfader moves smoothly and easily.Unquestionably, the APC40MKII is to blame for a new wave of innovation in Live. Having a controller that physically resembles the program GUI and integrates as well as this one does is incredibly helpful. I've only had it a few days, but I've already used it to make a dozen great grooves.



BEHRINGER (XTOUCH) Review:


I bought this so I could have a physical interface for my Behringer XR18 mixer. It excels at doing that.PROS: The XR18 mixer's virtual controls have a great interface. I initially thought it would be difficult to understand, but in the end, it was actually quite simple to create a work flow in my thoughts.CONS: For a product that costs close to $500, some of the quality seems questionable. The fader motors appear to be quite subpar. When you move them manually, they make a loud noise and feel "scratchy." The "scrub" function also has a cheap-feeling, however I don't use a lot of DAW capabilities, so I don't have much use for it.I would definitely suggest the XTouch as a physical interface if you use an XR18 mixer.



Behringer DAW Controller (XTOUCHONE) Review:


The concept behind this gadget is excellent: a small control surface to supplement your DAW's keyboard and mouse navigation. It's not a fully featured mix control surface because it only includes one channel control (volume slider pan knob), but rather it's better for fine-tuning one channel at a time.I utilize Reaper and it. It was simple enough to get it working with the default configuration.The slider for adjusting the volume of a certain channel is definitely a feature I like. Better than attempting to adjust the volume using the mouse. Actually, that's why I purchased it.Although I would prefer transport buttons with more pronounced sizes/shapes, I really appreciate the physical transport button capability. They are only tiny square buttons arranged among other tiny square buttons on a pallet.Although not "made like a tank," the build quality is surprisingly good for a business that hasn't historically been known for producing high-quality goods. I consider the build quality to be adequate for the price.I thought the jog dial could be useful for playing back my tracks or songs, but I don't really like how it feels. That, in my opinion, has the cheapest feeling of all the components of this device.There is still room for growth even if I feel this is the best option when compared to the competition of similarly featured products (that's why I got it, right?) Larger, more rounded transport buttons and a jog dial with greater feel would be significant upgrades. However, if they had raised the price by an additional $100, I might possibly have given anything like this some thought.I believe this is practical and worth the cost for someone just experimenting with a DAW in a tiny home recording studio. If you work in the music industry professionally, there are definitely products that can suit your needs with more functionality and better quality.


Do I need a DAW to make music?

No, you don't need a DAW to make music. You can use any number of tools to create music, including a simple text editor.

Do I really need a DAC?

If you’re using your computer as a source for music, the answer is probably yes. The digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is the critical link between your computer and your music system, and it can have a profound effect on sound quality. Think of the DAC as the bridge between the digital world of 1s and 0s and the analog world of music. Your computer’s music files are digital, but your amplifier and speakers are analog. The DAC converts the digital signal into an analog signal that can be amplified and played through your speakers

Do MIDI controllers work with any DAW?

MIDI controllers are devices that are used to control MIDI-compatible software or hardware. There are many different types of MIDI controllers, but they all generally serve the same purpose: to provide an easy way to control MIDI parameters. MIDI controllers can be used to control a wide variety of parameters, including note values, velocity, pitch, modulation, and more. MIDI controllers typically have a variety of different input methods, including knobs, faders, pads, and buttons. Some MIDI controllers also have built-in displays, which can be used to view information about the

How do I choose a MIDI controller?

When choosing a MIDI controller, the first thing you need to decide is what type of controller you need. The two main types of MIDI controllers are keyboard controllers and pad controllers. If you're a producer who mainly uses software instruments, then a keyboard controller is a good choice. If you're a DJ or live performer, then a pad controller might be a better option. The next thing to consider is the number of keys or pads you need. If you only need a few keys or pads, then a smaller controller will be fine. If you need a lot of keys or pads

How do I get started with DAW?

To get started with a DAW, you will need a computer with a sound card and audio interface, and appropriate software. Once you have these, you can begin recording and editing your audio.

Is a MIDI controller worth it?

If you're serious about making music, a MIDI controller is worth the investment. With a MIDI controller, you can take your music production to the next level by adding virtual instruments, controlling effects and parameters, and even sequencing your music.