AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best MIDI Footswitches 2026
The top pick is Behringer FCB1010 MIDI Foot Controller Pedal ($109). Hotone Pulze Control gives you the most for the money at $56. Singular Sound Midi Maestro leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 11 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
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All MIDI FootswitchesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Behringer FCB1010 MIDI Foot Controller Pedal
FCB1010 · Behringer
18 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight3.5 kg
If you want one board to control your amp and your MIDI gear, this one is worth a look. It gives you 100 presets you can edit, two expression pedals, and two switch sockets for jobs like changing amp channels. It is a big, heavy board, so it suits a player with a fixed setup or a regular stage rig more than someone who needs to carry it everywhere.
Pros
- Ten banks of ten presets, all freely editable, with presets included for Behringer amps
- Two expression pedals plus a MIDI Merge function for mixing controller and input data
- Each preset sends five MIDI program changes and two MIDI controllers at once
Cons
- Bag for carrying it is sold separately (article no. #490619), not included
- At 3.5 kg and 687 mm wide, it is a fairly large board to move around
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Blackstar Live Logic USB Midi Controller
Live Logic · Blackstar
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1 kg
You get a sturdy metal controller with six switches that can run your recording software or live sequencer over USB. It also has two expression pedal inputs and can work as a USB MIDI interface. This suits you if you want a compact controller for a computer-based setup and you are happy to power it from USB, a battery or a power supply.
Pros
- Compact housing made of robust, sturdy metal
- Six-way switch for controlling DAW, plug-in and live sequencer or sampling software
- Two expression pedal inputs for continuous control
Cons
- Needs a battery, a 9V DC supply or USB power to run
- Weighs 1 kg, so it is not a light pedal to carry around
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Singular Sound Midi Maestro
Midi Maestro GE Controller · Singular Sound
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
You get a MIDI foot controller with six quiet, gold-coloured footswitches, each with its own easy-to-read screen. It can send up to six MIDI commands with one press, and you can set it up with the mobile app. It suits you if you use MIDI-enabled gear and want to control several devices from the floor, since you can daisy chain more units for extra control.
Pros
- Six quiet, gold-coloured footswitches for silent operation
- Each button has a high visibility screen for easy reading
- Sends up to six MIDI commands in a single press
Cons
- Expression and extension pedals use separate 6.3 mm jacks and are not included
72AudioFu
Index↓ 1.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$300 · Aug 17$297 now$297€266 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Hotone Ampero Control 4-Button Bluetooth MIDI Controller
Ampero Control · Hotone
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
You get a compact footswitch that can send up to 16 MIDI messages from each press, with 100 banks to store your settings. It connects by standard MIDI, USB or Bluetooth, and it comes with a mobile app to help you set it up. It suits you if you want to control your effects and other MIDI gear from one small box.
Pros
- Sends up to 16 MIDI messages from one footswitch, or 32 in A/B groups
- Stores 100 banks, with four footswitch settings in each bank
- Supports standard MIDI, USB MIDI and Bluetooth MIDI output
Cons
- Does not support MIDI In or MIDI Thru over Bluetooth, only Out
- Battery operation is not supported, so it needs its power supply to run
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- Weight2.8 kg
The Engl Z12 is a MIDI footswitch with 12 buttons in a metal housing. If you play through an Engl amp, it can get its power from the amp through phantom power, so you may not need extra power gear. It suits you if you want a sturdy, button-heavy controller for an Engl setup.
Pros
- Metal housing for a sturdy build
- 12 buttons for controlling many functions
- Can be powered by phantom power from the Engl amp
Cons
- Needs an external power supply if not used with an Engl amp, and it is not included
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Darkglass Electronics MIDI Footswitch
Midi Footswitch · Darkglass
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This footswitch is built to control Darkglass gear, and it sets up fast with ready-made templates. Its five switches and five LEDs let you change settings with your feet. If you use Darkglass products and want simple control, this one fits well, and you can build deeper custom setups through the Darkglass Suite.
Pros
- Ready-to-use templates set it up quickly for Darkglass products
- Five footswitches and five LEDs give you five controls at your feet
- Sends multiple MIDI messages at the same time, with main and sub-level commands for custom setups
Cons
- The more complex custom MIDI setup requires the Darkglass Suite for configuration
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fishman PRO-TRP-FC1 Triple Play Foot Controller
FC1 Foot Controller · Fishman
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
If you already use a Fishman TriplePlay, this foot controller lets you change programs and turn on sustain with your foot. The large LCD shows which program you are on, and the built-in tuner lets you tune without reaching for another box. It suits players who want hands-free control on stage or in the studio.
Pros
- Large LCD display shows the program name and number
- Three programmable foot-switches for program up, down and hold (sustain)
- Integrated tuner built into the foot controller
Cons
- Described as a footswitch for the Fishman TriplePlay, so it suits that system best
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$300 now$300€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get a compact MIDI footswitch with a built-in battery that charges over USB. It can run wireless or wired, and it can plug straight into an Ampero II Stage or other MIDI-capable gear. It suits you if you want to control your rig with your feet and prefer to set it up with simple presets or your own custom settings in the app.
Pros
- Wireless and wired MIDI output (Type A) gives you two ways to connect
- Connects directly to Ampero II Stage or other MIDI-capable devices via host and client mode
- Up to 16 MIDI commands per footswitch, or 32 in the A/B group
Cons
- Battery life tops out at 12 hours, so you will need to recharge it over USB
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If you own an Engl amp, you can use this foot controller without an extra power adapter by plugging it into the amp's stereo jack. It has six buttons and two banks, so you can switch between two sets of settings with your feet. Keep in mind that MIDI mode needs a separate power supply and a MIDI cable, and neither comes in the box.
Pros
- Metal housing gives the controller a sturdy build
- Six buttons give you direct control over MIDI commands
- Bank A/B lets you switch between two sets of settings
Cons
- MIDI mode needs an optional power supply that is not included
- The MIDI cable is not included, so you must buy one yourself
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$210 now$210€188 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
If you play through a Diezel Herbert, the Columbus is built for you. It gives you ten rugged foot switches for changing programs and two more for stepping through banks, with a large blue-backlit display you can read easily. It also works as a plain MIDI board if you add the right cable, but it will not work with ENGL amps.
Pros
- Ten rugged foot switches for quick program changes
- Two dedicated switches for stepping bank up and down
- Large blue-backlit LED display for easy reading
Cons
- Works as a normal MIDI board only with a separate MIDI cable, sold as an option
- Does not work with ENGL amps
All 11 MIDI footswitches
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
MIDI Footswitches by the numbers
Measured across all 11 models we track, not a sample.
Median $200 — half of all MIDI footswitches here cost less.
How to choose the best MIDI footswitches
Switch Type
There's a big difference between a simple latching button and a full-travel, moment-ary switch. Momentary switches give you more control and feel more responsive, especially for things like tap tempo or expression control. Latching switches are fine for simple scene changes, but can feel clunky.
MIDI Implementation
Not all MIDI is created equal. Some switches only support basic MIDI CC messages, while others offer advanced features like SysEx editing for custom mapping. Think about what your gear actually needs - a simple Kemper profile change is different than re-routing a complex Fractal Axe-Fx setup.
Build Quality
Cheap plastic switches will feel flimsy and are prone to failure, especially with gigging. Look for metal enclosures, durable switches, and solid construction - this is something you'll be stomping on repeatedly.
Number of Switches/LEDs
Consider your needs. Do you need a few basic presets, or a sprawling matrix of effects? More switches means more options, but also more complexity. Make sure the LED backlighting is bright enough to see on a dark stage - dim LEDs are a real pain.
Connectivity
Most use standard 5-pin MIDI, but USB connectivity for firmware updates or MIDI routing is a nice bonus. Also, consider power options - some require external power, while others can be powered from the host device, which simplifies your pedalboard cabling.
Buying guide
So, you're tired of wrestling with endless amp model and effect changes mid-song? A good MIDI footswitch can be a total game-changer, especially if you're playing complex rigs or recording layered tones. It's not just about convenience, it's about keeping the momentum going when you're locked into a groove. Let's break down what to look for in a MIDI footswitch that won't leave you wanting more.
Don't fall for the 'more is better' trap. A cheap switch with a ton of buttons won't save a poorly designed MIDI setup. Focus on build quality and responsiveness first.
Paying a bit more for a well-built, reliable switch with the features you actually need is worth it in the long run - a failed switch mid-gig is a huge headache. Understand your gear's MIDI capabilities before you drop serious cash.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 11 MIDI footswitches from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between latching and momentary switches?
Latching switches stay engaged until pressed again. Momentary switches only activate while you're pressing them - crucial for things like tap tempo or dynamic control. Think of a door bell - that's momentary.
Can I use a MIDI footswitch with any MIDI gear?
Generally, yes, but compatibility depends on the specific MIDI messages supported. Check your gear's manual to see what MIDI CC numbers or SysEx messages it uses.
What is SysEx, and do I need it?
SysEx (System Exclusive) is a more complex MIDI protocol allowing for custom data transmission. You only need it if you're deep into customizing your gear's parameters.
Can I program my own MIDI mappings?
Most decent MIDI footswitches allow you to assign MIDI CC numbers or SysEx messages to each switch, giving you a lot of flexibility.
Are there any MIDI footswitches that can act as a MIDI interface?
Some models do double duty, acting as both a footswitch and a simple MIDI interface, allowing you to connect your guitar to a computer or other MIDI devices.
