Best Other Controllers for Custom Control 2026

Perfect other controllers for custom-control - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Steven Slate Audio Raven Max Core Station - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Steven Slate Audio Raven Max Core Station

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
Roger Linn Design LinnStrument 128 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Roger Linn Design LinnStrument 128

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
Steven Slate Audio Raven MTi MAX - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Steven Slate Audio Raven MTi MAX

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
Intuitive Instruments Exquis - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Intuitive Instruments Exquis

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
Presonus Atom SQ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Presonus Atom SQ

Custom Control Creative Setup Alternative Control
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Unique setup capabilities
  • • Specialized control solutions available
✗ CONS
  • • May require custom configuration
  • • Limited documentation available

Presonus Atom SQHybrid MIDI Keyboard/Pad Performance and Production ControllerVersatile controller for production and...

4.9/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Vidami Blue 3 in 1 Video Controller - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Vidami Blue 3 in 1 Video Controller

Custom Control Unique Workflows Creative Setup
Key Feature:
• Unique setup capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Specialized control solutions available
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain software integration
  • • Limited documentation available

Vidami Blue 3 in 1 Video Controller3-in-1 Bluetooth Foot PedalFor wirelesshands-free control of music and mediaVideo...

4.4/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Vidami Original Video Foot Controller - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Vidami Original Video Foot Controller

Alternative Control Problem Solving Creative Setup
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Unique setup capabilities
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited compatibility and support
  • • Specialized knowledge needed

Vidami Original Video Foot ControllerUSB Foot PedalFor hands-free control of the most popular music and educational...

5.0/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Playtronica Playtron MIDI Controller - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Playtronica Playtron MIDI Controller

Problem Solving Alternative Control Unique Workflows
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain software integration
  • • Specialized knowledge needed

Playtronica Playtron MIDI ControllerPortable MIDI-ControllerAllows playing on different surfaces such as...

4.8/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Nektar Pacer - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Nektar Pacer

Alternative Control Creative Setup Unique Workflows
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain software integration
  • • May require custom configuration

Nektar PacerMIDI Footswitch ControllerRobust metal housingTrack and transport control with Nektar DAW...

4.6/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Airturn BT500S-4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Airturn BT500S-4

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
Playtronica TouchMe MIDI Controller - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Playtronica TouchMe MIDI Controller

Creative Setup Problem Solving Unique Workflows
Key Feature:
• Creative control applications
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Specialized control solutions available
✗ CONS
  • • Limited compatibility and support
  • • May require custom configuration

Playtronica TouchMe MIDI ControllerPortable MIDI-ControllerAllows playing on different surfaces such as...

4.8/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Airturn Duo 500 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Airturn Duo 500

Problem Solving Creative Setup Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Specialized control solutions available
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain software integration
  • • Specialized knowledge needed

Airturn Duo 500Wireless Bluetooth 5 ControllerWith 2 ATFS-2 Pedals and Pedal BoardCan be used as a page turner for...

4.9/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Airturn Quad 500 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Airturn Quad 500

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
AKAI Professional MPD 218 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

AKAI Professional MPD 218

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
Icon G-Board black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Icon G-Board black

Problem Solving Unique Workflows Custom Control
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • Limited documentation available
  • • Specialized knowledge needed

Icon G-Board blackUSB MIDI controller8 robust metal footswitchesCompact designCompatible with Windows XPVista (32 / 64...

4.6/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10

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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