Best Miscellaneous Controllers 2026

The Beatstep is a clever little device—a compact MIDI pad controller with a built-in sequencer and CV/Gate outputs. It's perfect for electronic musicians, beatmakers, and anyone wanting to experiment with analog synthesis without a huge investment. It’s a solid starting point for learning sequencing, though more advanced users will likely outgrow it.

The iRig BlueBoard is a neat little solution for guitarists and keyboard players wanting wireless MIDI control on the go. It's especially handy for triggering loops, changing presets, or controlling effects within your DAW or iOS music apps – a real boon for mobile performers or those wanting a streamlined studio setup.

The iRig BlueTurn is a clever little device for musicians wanting wireless page turning or control within their iOS or Android apps. It's especially useful for DAW users, live performers, or anyone needing hands-free navigation in music creation software – just be aware of the Windows limitation.

• Weight0.6 kg

The Airturn Tap is a clever little gadget for drummers and percussionists who need more than just a simple page turner. It's fantastic for triggering samples, loops, or even controlling lighting rigs, and the build quality feels surprisingly premium for the price. Just be aware of the limitations in button count if you’re doing really intricate MIDI work.

• Weight0.74 kg

The Airturn Quad 500 is a seriously handy tool for performers who rely on digital sheet music or need remote control functionality. It's exceptionally well-built and the wireless Bluetooth connection is rock-solid, making it a great solution for teleprompters, live looping, or controlling software during recording. Perfect for keyboardists, composers, or anyone who wants hands-free operation.

• Size27"

The Raven Max Core Station is a serious commitment to a streamlined, tactile workflow. It's designed for producers and engineers who want a dedicated, visually clean, and highly customizable control center – think of it as a premium command post for your studio. This setup really shines for those who live in a digital audio world and crave physical, responsive controls.

• Weight0.31 kg

This is a great choice for players who need extra expression and a wide range without taking up much space. The seven octaves and polyphonic aftertouch make it perfect for complex electronic music. It works well as a central hub for your gear thanks to the USB-C host connection. Just remember you'll need your own software to make it sing.

• Weight0.6 kg

This little pad is great for drummers who need flexible control without a big kit. It sends detailed MIDI signals like pitch bend and aftertouch, making it useful for triggering samples or playing along. While it lacks an expander cable in the box, the included software lets you save unlimited custom setups. It fits easily in a bag and works well as a compact practice tool or live controller.

• Weight0.59 kg

This pedal feels like a solid, portable workhorse for live setups. The ten pressure-sensitive pads let you map complex gestures to MIDI notes or control commands, while the extra CV outputs let you trigger synths easily. Since it needs a wall USB outlet, bring your own power if you're touring. It fits right into a rack without taking up much space, making it great for guitarists who want hands-on control over their sounds.