Best Controller Modules Under $200 2026
Affordable controller modules under $200 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
4.7/5
(34 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Befaco Joystick
by
Befaco
Live Modular
Modular Control
Automation
Key Feature:
• Multiple control voltage outputs
✓ PROS
- • Manual control over modular parameters
- • Multiple control voltage outputs
✗ CONS
- • Limited to control functions only
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
Befaco JoystickEurorack ModuleInput / output for X and Y axis with range and offset controlEach axis can work as a...
⭐
4.7/5
(34 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 466971
$158
#2
⭐
4.9/5
(40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Soundmachines LP1 Lightplane
System Integration
Studio Control
Performance
Key Feature:
• Multiple control voltage outputs
✓ PROS
- • Multiple control voltage outputs
- • Often includes switches and buttons
✗ CONS
- • May be redundant with external controllers
- • Can be expensive for simple functionality
Soundmachines LP1 LightplaneEurorack ModuleThree-Dimensional Touch Controller for CV and gate signalsCV outputs for X...
⭐
4.9/5
(40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 578427
$120
#3
⭐
4.8/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Doepfer A-173-1/2
by
Doepfer
Studio Control
Live Modular
System Integration
Key Feature:
• Often includes switches and buttons
✓ PROS
- • Manual control over modular parameters
- • Great for system integration
✗ CONS
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
- • May be redundant with external controllers
Doepfer A-173-1/2Micro KeyboardModule combination outputs the manually generated 1V / octave control voltage and up to...
⭐
4.8/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 435478
$197
#4
⭐
4.7/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Doepfer A-174-4 3D Joystick
by
Doepfer
Modular Control
Automation
System Integration
Key Feature:
• Multiple control voltage outputs
✓ PROS
- • Often includes switches and buttons
- • Multiple control voltage outputs
✗ CONS
- • Limited to control functions only
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
Doepfer A-174-4 3D JoystickEurorack moduleJoystick with X-/Y-axisRotation function (Z-axis) and gate buttonY- and...
⭐
4.7/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 507176
$186
#5
⭐
4.6/5
(49 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
ADDAC 304 Manual Gates
by
ADDAC
Performance
Live Modular
Modular Control
Key Feature:
• Multiple control voltage outputs
✓ PROS
- • Often includes switches and buttons
- • Multiple control voltage outputs
✗ CONS
- • Limited to control functions only
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
ADDAC 304 Manual GatesEurorack Module8 Buttons for manual generation of gate signals (+5 V)4 of the 8 channels have...
⭐
4.6/5
(49 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 491125
$105
#6
⭐
4.9/5
(3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
ADDAC 306 VC Transitions
by
ADDAC
Modular Control
Live Modular
Studio Control
Key Feature:
• Multiple control voltage outputs
✓ PROS
- • Great for system integration
- • Essential for live modular performance
✗ CONS
- • May be redundant with external controllers
- • Can be expensive for simple functionality
ADDAC 306 VC TransitionsEurorack Module5-Channel CV source & patch controllerVoltage range per channel definable...
⭐
4.9/5
(3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 491093
$153
#7
⭐
4.9/5
(40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
ADDAC 305 Manual Latches
by
ADDAC
Studio Control
Live Modular
Automation
Key Feature:
• Manual control over modular parameters
✓ PROS
- • Essential for live modular performance
- • Multiple control voltage outputs
✗ CONS
- • Requires patching for every use
- • May be redundant with external controllers
ADDAC 305 Manual LatchesEurorack Module8 Illuminated switches for manual generation of a fixed voltage (+5 V)4 of the 8...
⭐
4.9/5
(40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 491123
$120
#8
⭐
4.8/5
(40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
ADDAC 307 Heart Sensing
by
ADDAC
System Integration
Automation
Performance
Key Feature:
• Often includes switches and buttons
✓ PROS
- • Essential for live modular performance
- • Manual control over modular parameters
✗ CONS
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
- • May be redundant with external controllers
ADDAC 307 Heart SensingEurorack ModuleGenerates a gate signal and an AD envelope from the user's heartbeatControls...
⭐
4.8/5
(40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 491101
$196
#9
⭐
5.0/5
(27 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Bela.io Gliss
by
Bela.io
Live Modular
Studio Control
Performance
Key Feature:
• Often includes switches and buttons
✓ PROS
- • Often includes switches and buttons
- • Great for system integration
✗ CONS
- • Limited to control functions only
- • Can be expensive for simple functionality
Bela.io GlissEurorack ModuleCapacitive touch controllerGeneration of control voltages for position and pressureTouch...
⭐
5.0/5
(27 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 571514
$171
#10
⭐
4.8/5
(27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
ADDAC 308 Light To CV
by
ADDAC
Automation
Performance
Modular Control
Key Feature:
• Often includes switches and buttons
✓ PROS
- • Often includes switches and buttons
- • Manual control over modular parameters
✗ CONS
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
- • May be redundant with external controllers
ADDAC 308 Light To CVEurorack ModuleConverts the signal of an external light sensor (LDR) into control...
⭐
4.8/5
(27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 512430
$164
#11
⭐
5.0/5
(38 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Bela.io Gliss 1U
by
Bela.io
Live Modular
Automation
Modular Control
Key Feature:
• Often includes switches and buttons
✓ PROS
- • Often includes switches and buttons
- • Manual control over modular parameters
✗ CONS
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
- • Requires patching for every use
Bela.io Gliss 1UCapacitive Touch ControllerGeneration of control voltages for position and pressureKeyboard mode with 5...
⭐
5.0/5
(38 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 602239
$160
#12
⭐
5.0/5
(5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Make Noise PRSS PNT
by
Make Noise
Automation
Modular Control
System Integration
Key Feature:
• Essential for live modular performance
✓ PROS
- • Great for system integration
- • Manual control over modular parameters
✗ CONS
- • Limited to control functions only
- • May be redundant with external controllers
Make Noise PRSS PNTEurorack ModuleCompact touch controllerGenerates two CV and two gate signals when the touch plate is...
⭐
5.0/5
(5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 590898
$109
#13
⭐
4.8/5
(25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Doepfer A-178 Theremin
by
Doepfer
Studio Control
System Integration
Performance
Key Feature:
• Manual control over modular parameters
✓ PROS
- • Manual control over modular parameters
- • Essential for live modular performance
✗ CONS
- • May be redundant with external controllers
- • Requires patching for every use
Doepfer A-178 ThereminTheremin ModuleProduces variable control voltage when hand is moved around the antennaRange...
⭐
4.8/5
(25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 192268
$109
#14
⭐
4.7/5
(42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Doepfer A-178 Theremin Vintage Edition
by
Doepfer
Modular Control
Live Modular
Studio Control
Key Feature:
• Essential for live modular performance
✓ PROS
- • Manual control over modular parameters
- • Often includes switches and buttons
✗ CONS
- • Limited to control functions only
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
Doepfer A-178 Theremin Vintage EditionTheremin ModuleGenerates variable control voltage by bringing the hand closer to...
⭐
4.7/5
(42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 541009
$120
#15
⭐
4.7/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Doepfer A-174-2
by
Doepfer
System Integration
Live Modular
Studio Control
Key Feature:
• Multiple control voltage outputs
✓ PROS
- • Multiple control voltage outputs
- • Often includes switches and buttons
✗ CONS
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
- • Limited to control functions only
Doepfer A-174-2ModuleWith two modulation wheelsThe factory setting is a spring loaded wheel on the left side with...
⭐
4.7/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 253212
$108
How to Choose the Best Controller Modules
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced controller modules typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
