AudioFu

Best Other Controllers 2025

Top-rated other controllers 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Custom Control For Specialty Applications For Unique Workflows For Creative Setup For Alternative Control For Problem Solving
BRANDS: Airturn
Hornberg Research hb1 Midi Breath Station - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Hornberg Research hb1 Midi Breath Station

by Hornberg Research
Unique Workflows Problem Solving Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
  • • Creative control applications
✗ CONS
  • • May require custom configuration
  • • Limited documentation available

Hornberg Research hb1 Midi Breath StationBreath ControllerBreath to MIDI and breath to USB MIDI standalone controller12...

⭐ 4.9/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 345491
$978
Buy at Thomann View Details
Roger Linn Design LinnStrument - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Roger Linn Design LinnStrument

by Roger Linn Design
Custom Control Problem Solving Unique Workflows
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Alternative interface options
  • • Creative control applications
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized knowledge needed
  • • Limited compatibility and support

Roger Linn Design LinnStrumentMulti-touch Performance Controller with USB / MIDI ConnectorIntegrated illuminated...

⭐ 4.9/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 360492
$1,759
Buy at Thomann View Details
Steven Slate Audio Raven MTi MAX - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Steven Slate Audio Raven MTi MAX

by Steven Slate Audio
Problem Solving Creative Setup Custom Control
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • Limited documentation available
  • • Uncertain software integration

Steven Slate Audio Raven MTi MAXMulti-Touch DAW and Software Controller27" Touchscreen with dedicated Raven 4.0...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 584863
$1,528
Buy at Thomann View Details
Embodme Erae 2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Embodme Erae 2

by Embodme
Specialty Applications Alternative Control Unique Workflows
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Unique setup capabilities
  • • Creative control applications
✗ CONS
  • • May require custom configuration
  • • Limited documentation available

Embodme Erae 2Combined Polyphonic MIDI CV Controller and LooperStandalone-capableflexible controller and live looper...

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 621056
$1,044
Buy at Thomann View Details
Steven Slate Audio Raven Max Core Station - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Steven Slate Audio Raven Max Core Station

by Steven Slate Audio
Specialty Applications Problem Solving Alternative Control
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Unique setup capabilities
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited compatibility and support
  • • Specialized knowledge needed

Steven Slate Audio Raven Max Core Station*Bundle offer comprising*, Steven Slate Audio Raven Core Station*Production...

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 602797
$4,619
Buy at Thomann View Details
Roger Linn Design LinnStrument 128 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Roger Linn Design LinnStrument 128

by Roger Linn Design
Unique Workflows Alternative Control Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Unique setup capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized knowledge needed
  • • May require custom configuration

Roger Linn Design LinnStrument 128Multi-touch Performance Controller with USB/MIDI Connection128 Sensor pads: 16 X 84...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 402396
$1,286
Buy at Thomann View Details
Arturia Beatstep Pro - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Arturia Beatstep Pro

by Arturia
Creative Setup Problem Solving Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • May require custom configuration
  • • Specialized knowledge needed

Arturia Beatstep ProMIDI Controller and Step SequencerCompatible with devices using MIDICV/Gate or DIN Sync...

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 357506
$272
Buy at Thomann View Details
Intuitive Instruments Exquis - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Intuitive Instruments Exquis

by Intuitive Instruments
Creative Setup Unique Workflows Problem Solving
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Specialized control solutions available
✗ CONS
  • • Limited documentation available
  • • Uncertain software integration

Intuitive Instruments ExquisMulti-Touch MPE ControllerIlluminated 61-key hexagonal keyboardEach key processes velocity...

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585051
$318
Buy at Thomann View Details
Nektar Panorama P1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Nektar Panorama P1

by Nektar
Specialty Applications Problem Solving Creative Setup
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Unique setup capabilities
  • • Creative control applications
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized knowledge needed
  • • May require custom configuration

Nektar Panorama P1USB Controller9 Faders: 45 mm16 Continuous rotary knobs8 LED buttons11 Transport buttons22 Navigation...

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 307804
$285
Buy at Thomann View Details
AKAI Professional MPD 218 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

AKAI Professional MPD 218

by AKAI Professional
Unique Workflows Creative Setup Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Creative control applications
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain software integration
  • • Limited compatibility and support

AKAI Professional MPD 218USB controller16 Touch and pressure-sensitive MPC pads with 3 banks6 Assignable 360 degree...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 368332
$90
Buy at Thomann View Details
Airturn Quad 500 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Airturn Quad 500

by Airturn
Custom Control Creative Setup Alternative Control
Key Feature:
• Creative control applications
✓ PROS
  • • Unique setup capabilities
  • • Specialized control solutions available
✗ CONS
  • • Limited documentation available
  • • Specialized knowledge needed

Airturn Quad 500Wireless Bluetooth 5 ControllerWith 4 ATFS-2 pedals and pedal boardCan be used as a page turner to turn...

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 541316
$153
Buy at Thomann View Details
Pageflip Butterfly - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Pageflip Butterfly

by Pageflip
Creative Setup Unique Workflows Problem Solving
Key Feature:
• Creative control applications
✓ PROS
  • • Specialized control solutions available
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain software integration
  • • Specialized knowledge needed

Pageflip ButterflyBluetooth PedalEnables convenient and delay-free turning of digital content such as sheet...

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 400276
$120
Buy at Thomann View Details
AKAI Professional LPD8 MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

AKAI Professional LPD8 MKII

by AKAI Professional
Unique Workflows Custom Control Alternative Control
Key Feature:
• Specialized control solutions available
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain software integration
  • • Limited documentation available

AKAI Professional LPD8 MKIILaptop Pad Controller8 Velocity-sensitive MPC pads with RGB backlighting8 Assignable knobs...

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 552527
$53
Buy at Thomann View Details
Airturn BT500S-4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Airturn BT500S-4

by Airturn
Specialty Applications Alternative Control Custom Control
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Specialized control solutions available
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • May require custom configuration
  • • Limited compatibility and support

Airturn BT500S-4Wireless MIDI controllerpage turnermedia and light controller with Bluetooth 5 in footswitch form.Sends...

⭐ 4.5/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 541303
$127
Buy at Thomann View Details
Pageflip Firefly - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Pageflip Firefly

by Pageflip
Alternative Control Creative Setup Problem Solving
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Alternative interface options
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited compatibility and support
  • • May require custom configuration

Pageflip FireflyBluetooth USB PedalEnables convenient and delay-free turning of digital content such as sheet...

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 333692
$140
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Other 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 other 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.

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