Best DAW Controllers for Intermediate 2026

Perfect daw controllers for intermediate - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $2,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For DAW Control For Mixing For Automation For Professional Workflow For Studio Efficiency

BRANDS: Elgato SSL Behringer DJ Techtools Intech Studio Softube

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black ISO Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black ISO Bundle

by Native Instruments

Studio Efficiency DAW Control Automation

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Enhanced productivity
• Hands-on DAW control

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• Learning curve for complex controllers

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black ISO Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black*Groove...

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 579882

$571

Buy at Thomann View Details

Asparion D700F - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Asparion D700F

by Asparion

Professional Workflow Automation Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Professional mixing surface feel

✗ CONS

• Learning curve for complex controllers
• Software updates affect functionality

Asparion D700FDAW ControllerExtension for D700 FT (Art. #573455#) - cannot be used independentlyUniversally applicable...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 573457

$1,264

Buy at Thomann View Details

Nektar Panorama CS12 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Nektar Panorama CS12

by Nektar

Automation Studio Efficiency DAW Control

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Enhanced productivity
• Automation and transport control

✗ CONS

• DAW-specific compatibility issues
• Expensive professional models

Nektar Panorama CS12DAW Channel Strip ControllerSuitable for Logic ProCubase and NuendoHigh-resolution 100 mm motorised...

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 586253

$402

Buy at Thomann View Details

AKAI Professional APC64 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

AKAI Professional APC64

by AKAI Professional

DAW Control Mixing Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• Desktop space requirements

AKAI Professional APC64Ableton ControllerWith sequencer and touch strips64 Velocity and pressure sensitive RGB pads8x8...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 574852

$307

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elgato Stream Deck+ XLR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Elgato Stream Deck+ XLR

by Elgato

Automation Studio Efficiency Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Hands-on DAW control
• Professional mixing surface feel

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• Expensive professional models

Elgato Stream Deck+ XLRUSB 2 Controller and Sudio Interface8 Customisable LCD buttonsLCD touch bar 108 x 14 mm and 4x...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 599257

$362

Buy at Thomann View Details

Asparion D700FT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Asparion D700FT

by Asparion

Automation Mixing Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Hands-on DAW control
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• Software updates affect functionality

Asparion D700FTDAW ControllerUniversal user interface for all common recording programmesControl of transport...

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 573455

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Icon V1-M

by Icon

Professional Workflow Mixing Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Improved mixing workflow

✓ PROS

• Enhanced productivity
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• DAW-specific compatibility issues

Icon V1-MUSB DAW Controller9 Touch-sensitive motorised faders with 12-bit resolution7" OLED touchscreen with 24...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 579412

$1,154

Buy at Thomann View Details

Softube Console 1 Fader Mk III - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Softube Console 1 Fader Mk III

by Softube

Automation Professional Workflow Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Improved mixing workflow

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Hands-on DAW control

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• Expensive professional models

Softube Console 1 Fader Mk IIIDAW ControllerHybrid hardware controller with software console emulationIdeal addition to...

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595125

$1,165

Buy at Thomann View Details

Softube Console 1 Mk 2 Case Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Softube Console 1 Mk 2 Case Bundle

by Softube

DAW Control Mixing Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Enhanced productivity

✗ CONS

• DAW-specific compatibility issues
• Desktop space requirements

Softube Console 1 Mk 2 Case Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Softube Console 1 Mk 2*Hardware controller incl....

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 541659

$362

Buy at Thomann View Details

SSL UF8 Decksaver Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

SSL UF8 Decksaver Bundle

by SSL

Studio Efficiency Automation Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Improved mixing workflow
• Hands-on DAW control

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• Expensive professional models

SSL UF8 Decksaver Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, SSL UF8*USB DAW Controller*8 Touch-sensitive 100 mm motorized...

⭐ 4.4/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 575198

$1,304

Buy at Thomann View Details

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Icon V1-X

by Icon

Professional Workflow Mixing Automation

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Hands-on DAW control
• Enhanced productivity

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• DAW-specific compatibility issues

Icon V1-XExpanderSuitable for Icon V1-MExpands Icon V1-M (Art. #579412#) by 8 additional channelsUp to 7 V1-X can be...

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 579413

$917

Buy at Thomann View Details

Intech Studio TEK2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Intech Studio TEK2

by Intech Studio

Studio Efficiency Professional Workflow Mixing

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Hands-on DAW control

✗ CONS

• DAW-specific compatibility issues
• Software updates affect functionality

Intech Studio TEK2USB MIDI ControllerCompact parameter controllerPotentiometer: Two endless jog dials with configurable...

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 598721

$248

Buy at Thomann View Details

SSL UF8 UC1 Control Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.4/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

SSL UF8 UC1 Control Bundle

by SSL

Mixing Professional Workflow DAW Control

Key Feature:

• Improved mixing workflow

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• Desktop space requirements

SSL UF8 UC1 Control Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, SSL UF8*USB DAW Controller*8 Touch-sensitive 100 mm motorized...

⭐ 4.4/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 522677

$1,946

Buy at Thomann View Details

SSL UF1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

SSL UF1

by SSL

Mixing Automation Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Professional mixing surface feel
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• DAW-specific compatibility issues

SSL UF1USB DAW controllersTransport buttons and weighted jog/scrub wheelTouch-sensitive 100 mm motorized fader4 + 1...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 567897

$669

Buy at Thomann View Details

AKAI Professional APC Key 25 MK2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

AKAI Professional APC Key 25 MK2

by AKAI Professional

Automation Mixing Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Professional mixing surface feel
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• DAW-specific compatibility issues
• Learning curve for complex controllers

AKAI Professional APC Key 25 MK2Ableton Live Controller Keyboard25 Velocity-sensitive mini keysOctave select and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 555311

$96

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best DAW Controllers

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 daw controllers 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.

Best DAW Controllers for Intermediate 2026

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black ISO Bundle

Asparion D700F

Nektar Panorama CS12

AKAI Professional APC64

Elgato Stream Deck+ XLR

Asparion D700FT

Icon V1-M

Softube Console 1 Fader Mk III

Softube Console 1 Mk 2 Case Bundle

SSL UF8 Decksaver Bundle

Icon V1-X

Intech Studio TEK2

SSL UF8 UC1 Control Bundle

SSL UF1

AKAI Professional APC Key 25 MK2

How to Choose the Best DAW Controllers

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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