Best midi controllers for cubase

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Sep 15, 2022

Online shopping can be a daunting task to perform, especially if you've never had the product before. Luckily, there're ultimate reviews like this one that can help save you hours on the research. The www.playersbenchmusic.com specialists have carefully selected the top 38 midi controllers for cubase out there. Below you'll find our detailed reviews of the top-rated options from Midiplus, RockJam, Aquila.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Nektar Panorama P4 49-key MIDI Controller Keyboard With Nektar NP-1 Foot Switch
#TOP 1
Nektar Panorama P4 49-key MIDI Controller Keyboard With Nektar NP-1 Foot Switch
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AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller
#TOP 2
AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller
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AKAI Professional MPK225
#TOP 3
AKAI Professional MPK225
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Top 38 Best midi controllers for cubase Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Nektar Panorama P4 49-key MIDI Controller Keyboard With Nektar NP-1 Foot Switch

Nektar

Features

  • Complete channel strip control is built into the Nektar Panorama P4. Whether controlling a channel strip within Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro, Reason, Main Stage, or Reaper, the Panorama P4 covers it all.
  • The Nektar NP-1 and NP-2 universal foot switch pedals are solid, rugged and ideal for both studio and stage.Rubber gripping keep them in place during performances and polarity switching ensures they work with any keyboard or electronic product, requiring a foot switch.
  • Take control of the vast collection of virtual instruments within Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro, Reason, Main Stage, and Reaper with the Nektar Panorama P6. The 49-key keyboard lets you play synths like a pro, and the 12 pads give you command of percussion patches, loops, and more.
  • Save with this bundle- Package Includes: Nektar Panorama P4 49-key MIDI Controller Keyboard With Nektar NP-1 Foot Switch
  • The Nektar Panorama P4 was designed to be the ultimate controller. Utilizing a custom communication protocol, the Panorama P4 gives you deeply integrated control of Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro, Reason, Main Stage, and Reaper.
#TOP 2

AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller

Akai Professional

Features

  • Improved Navigation - Instantly navigate the Channel Rack, Browser, Tool Bar and Playlist windows; dedicated controls to browse audio and project files with clear feedback from the OLED display
  • Maximum Tweak-Ability - 4 banks of assignable Touch-Capacitive MIDI knobs / encoders for controlling Mixer, Channel and custom User-Assignable mappings
  • FL Studio Music Production Essential- Dedicated USB MIDI hardware controller for the FL Studio DAW platform with seamless plug-and-play connectivity
  • Workflow Revolution - 64 velocity-sensitive RGB Pads for creation of patterns in the step sequencer and recording notes / synth parts on a pad-based MIDI keyboard controller in Performance mode
  • Beat Production Simplified – Transform Fire into a beat maker essential with a MPC Style 16-pad layout in Drum Mode
#TOP 3

AKAI Professional MPK225

Akai Professional

Features

  • Pro Keyboard Performance - 25 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive full-size keys and a premium piano-style keybed for unprecedented response and natural feel
  • Beat Making Essentials - 8 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 32 pads - the perfect solution for triggering samples, loops, one-shots, melodics and more
  • Your Studio Centerpiece - Take command of your peripheral MIDI equipment courtesy of an onboard USB-MIDI interface with 5-pin MIDI input & output
  • The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the finest features and essential production tools from the Akai Professional MPC Series
  • Assignable Control - 12 assignable Q-Link controls including 8 control knobs and 4 backlit buttons engineered for hassle-free DAW / virtual Instrument mapping
  • Comprehensive Production Software Package for Mac and PC included - Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech & Xpand!2 (downloads)
  • Core MPC Tools - MPC mainstay controls included - MPC Note Repeat, arpeggiator, MPC Full Level, Tap Tempo and Time Division
#TOP 4

Nektar Impact LX25+

Nektar

Features

  • 8 Hyper-Sensitive backlit pads
  • Mac, PC and iOS compatible
  • Premium midi controller with 25 expressive synth-action keys, on-board pitch bend and modulation wheels for performances
  • Software instruments automatically mapped to controls
  • Includes Bitwig 8-Track DAW
#TOP 5

Novation Launch Control XL MkII

Novation

Features

  • 24 rotary pots with 300 degree motion. 24 multi-colour indicator LEDs - one for each pot. Eight 60mm Faders. 16 assignable multi-colour backlit buttons. Additional 8 assignable backlit buttons.
  • Create Your Own Layouts - Fully customisable with the included software editor.Plug Straight In - Bus powered and no drivers needed.16 Multi-color Buttons - 16 multi-color buttons for immediate Track Focus and key mixer controls.Get Started Immediately - Make music out of the box with included Ableton Live Lite software and Loopmasters sample collection
  • HUI compatibility for mixer control in DAWs including Cubase, Logic Pro and Pro Tools. HUI is not supported in Pro Tools First. Note: Due to the implementation of HUI in Pro Tools the LC XL pan controls will not always line up with their centre positions. Power Requirements: . USB bus powered, including iPad. Novation now offers a 3-Year Warranty on this and all other Novation products.
  • We recommend that you update to the latest version as previous versions of Ableton Live do not include the Launch Control integration. Launch Control will also work as a standard MIDI controller.
  • Assign buttons, knobs and faders to any parameters within Ableton Live to make your own layouts; customize knobs with your own colors; switch between your own mappings and Live's functionality
#TOP 6

Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 Drum Controller

Native Instruments

Features

  • Integrated hardware/software system includes sampler, arranger, mixer, FX, and more
  • Includes 25 GB KOMPLETE 11 SELECT library featuring 25 pro-quality studio and creative FX
  • Touch sensitive knobs for parameter tweaking. System requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 or macOS 10.12 (latest update), Intel Core i5, 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended),Windows 7, 8, or 10 (latest Service Pack, 32/64-bit), Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU, 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
  • Pro-grade, 96 kHz / 24-bit audio interface with 2 x 1/4” TRS line outputs, 2 x 1/4” TRS line inputs, 1/4” dynamic mic input, stereo headphone output, 1 x MIDI In, 1 x MIDI out; 1 x Footswitch
  • Smart Strip for strumming notes, pitch bending sounds, performing with FX, and more. Compatible with all major DAWs (including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, GarageBand, FL Studio, Avid Pro Tools, PreSonus Studio One, and more) as a VST, Audio Units, or AAX 32 and AAX 64 plug-in with full multi-core support
#TOP 7

M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3

M-Audio

Features

  • Total Control - Volume fader, transport and directional buttons for easy control of your software, plus ergonomically-designed pitch and modulation wheels, Octave up and down buttons and sustain pedal input for expressive performances
  • Ultimate Expression - 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys provide a natural feel that captures every subtle nuance of your performance
  • Your Studio Centrepiece - Compact design fits any desk, studio or stage setup perfectly and advanced functionality customizes your controls for your recording software
  • Premium Software suite included - MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Velvet, XPand 2, Mini Grand, and Touch Loops
  • Immediate Creativity - Easy plug-and-play connection to your Mac or PC—no drivers or power supply required; compatible with iOS devices via the Apple to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately)
#TOP 8

Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] — Portable 25-Key

Novation

Features

  • Play chords with one finger - Lay down chords for your track quick with fixed chord mode. Play a chord with one finger by assigning a fixed shape to the keys and it’ll transpose as you move up and down the keyboard.
  • Get hands on with Ableton Live - Have a seamless music making experience with Ableton Live and your Launchkey Mini. Have all the tools at your disposal with deep and intuitive Ableton Live control — including device macro control, track select, record, capture MIDI, clip and scene launch, stop/mute/solo, volume, pans and sends.
  • Get creative easily with arpeggiator - Easy to use but deeply controllable, Launchkey Mini’s creative arpeggiator allows you to change rhythm, beat, pattern, octave, gate and more to add a whole range of diversity to your ideas and melodies.
  • DAW Integration - In addition to Apple Logic and Ableton Live, Launchkey Mini also has excellent integrations with Reason, as well as any HUI compatible DAW, such as Cubase, Pro Tools, and more.
  • Finest-tech at your fingertips - The Launchkey Mini might be small in size but it’s packed with features. The 25-key device has 16 velocity-sensitive RGB, eight rotary controls, pitch and mod touch strips, and sustain input. Our finest mini keymech to date is also included.
  • Launchkey Mini goes anywhere with you - Send apps and program changes to your hardware synths with MIDI Out, or add keys to your Groovebox directly over MIDI. Launchkey Mini’s lightweight and compact design means it goes anywhere you do. The hardware is bus-powered which is great for travelling and jamming on the go.
#TOP 9

PreSonus Faderport USB Production Controller

PreSonus

Features

  • Innovative Session Navigator section makes mixing and controlling DAWs quick and easy.
  • Connects via USB 2.0 for easy connectivity.
  • Provides a single touch-sensitive, 100 mm long-throw, motorized fader for writing fades and automation in real-time.
  • Equipped with 24 buttons covering 40 different functions such as transport controls, channel record-enable, enable/disable looping, automation behavior selection, and more. Also contains user-definable function buttons.
  • Comes with over $1000 worth of recording software including Studio One Artist (for which it has seamless & native support), Ableton Live Lite, and Studio Magic plug-in suite.
  • Also compatible with almost all recording software for Mac, Windows, and iPad including Logic Pro X, Cubase, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools via Mackie Control Universal and Mackie HUI emulation.
  • Footswitch jack included for hands-free punch in/out during recording (footswitch not included).
  • Large 360-degree push-button encoder allows you to edit and mix with greater efficiency and speed.
  • Bypass all plug-ins on one channel or bypass all plug-ins on all channels (not available in all DAWs).
  • Channel control, solo or mute channels, clear all solos or mutes; all at the touch of a button.
#TOP 10

Behringer MIDI Foot Controller FCB1010

Behringer

Features

  • 10 Banks Of Presets
  • MIDI Foot Controller with 2 Expression Pedals
  • 2 Relay-controlled Programmable Switch Jacks
#TOP 11

Korg nanoKONTROL2 Slim-Line USB Control Surface

Korg

Features

  • New track select and marker advance parameters
  • Low-profile, multi-function control surface
  • Supports numerous software titles including major DAW programs
#TOP 12

AKAI Professional MPD218

Akai Professional

Features

  • iOS Connectivity Covered - Control your iOS apps and open up a world of pad control capability using the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
  • The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the finest features and essential production tools from the Akai Professional MPC Series
  • Assignable Control - 18 fully assignable 360-Degree potentiometers accessible via three banks for controlling DAW, virtual effect and virtual instrument parameters
  • Expandable Banks - Easily accessible dedicated controls for three pad banks provides a total of 48 assignable pads
  • Feature Packed - MPC note repeat and full level controls for immersive expressive performances
  • Beat Production, Anywhere - Ultra-portable, feature-packed and USB powered pad controller with 16 thick fat MPC pads for triggering drums, melodic samples, effects and more
  • Comprehensive Software Suite Included - Ableton Live Lite, Drum Synth 500 by AIR Music Tech
#TOP 13

Nektar Impact LX88+

Nektar

Features

  • High quality MIDI controller keyboard designed for performers and producers wanting tactile instrument control. 88 semi-weighted full-size synth-action velocity-sensitive keys, 8 back-lit hyper-sensitive drum pads, 9 faders, 8 knobs, 6 transport buttons, pitch bend, modulation + octave & transpose buttons + sustain pedal socket.
  • Mac, PC and iOS Compatible
  • Includes Bigwig Studio 8-track DAW + sound content package
  • Nektar DAW integration for most popular DAWs with Mixer and Instrument modes
  • Comprehensive MIDI functionailty. Compatible with all MIDI music software applications
#TOP 14

Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 Keyboard MIDI Controller Includes Analog Lab software

ARTURIA

Features

  • A powerful MIDI keyboard controller built around Arturia's Analog Lab and V Collection instruments
  • Other hands-on controls include 10 encoders, 9 sliders, a 6-button transport section, and 4 command switches
  • Perform with 8 pads, Chord Play mode, and a sustain pedal input for added expression
  • Compatible with all major Digital Audio Workstation: Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, Bitwig, Cubase, Ableton Live, Digital Performer, Studio One
  • Play effortlessly on a highly responsive 61-note keybed with separate modulation and pitch wheels
#TOP 15

M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 – 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads

M-Audio

Features

  • Every Tool You Need – Effortless auto-mapping for DAW controls & plugin parameters; Smart Chord & Smart Scale modes; Arpeggiator; pitch & modulation wheels; sustain pedal input; 5-pin MIDI Output
  • Total Command of Your Music Production - 8 assignable knobs & buttons and 9 assignable faders for tactile MIDI control of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAW controls and more
  • MIDI Keyboard Essentials - 61 velocity-sensitive, semi weighted keys with aftertouch and assignable zones for playing virtual sampler instruments and virtual synthesizer plugins
  • Follow the included download card to visit the M-Audio website and obtain all supplied software and firmware updates
  • Beat Maker Mainstays - 16 RGB backlit MIDI assignable velocity sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat for beat production, clip launching, soundboard triggering and more
  • Complete software production package Included - MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech and Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs
#TOP 16

Sasuori Mini Ultra-Portable 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller 8 RGB Backlit Trigger Pads

Sasuori

Features

  • USB 2.0 Plug and Play, no need of driver installation; USB bus powered and no additional power cable needed.
  • 25 assignable velocity-sensitive keys to controller; 8 RGB backlit trigger pads with 2 groups to switch.
  • 8 MIDI control groups: 8 assignable control knobs plus 8 assignable control sliders.
  • With Octave down & Octave up buttons, and pitchbend & modulation touch strip; With 6.35mm sustain pedal jack.
  • Compatible with Win 8 / Win 7 / Win XP / Win Vista ; and compatible with most mainstream music software like Cubase, FLStudio, Logic, Live, etc.
#TOP 17

PreSonus ATOM Production & Performance Midi Pad Controller

PreSonus

Features

  • Includes MVP Loops content custom-curated for ATOM.
  • Set looping points, navigate the timeline, zoom in/out on the timeline or events, and edit/quantize MIDI events.
  • Compatible with most music production and performance software via USB.
  • Produce, play virtual instruments, and trigger samples and loops with unsurpassed expressiveness and flexibility.
  • Trigger loops and effects and play virtual instruments with 16 full-size velocity- and pressure-sensitive, RGB LED pads (and 8 assignable pad banks).
  • Tight integration with included Studio One Artist and Ableton Live (live 10 Lite included) music production software gets your mind off the screen and back on the beat.
  • Equipped with 20 assignable buttons and 4 endless rotary encoders.
  • Comes with over $1000 of computer recording software plug-ins – Studio Magic Plug-In Suite.
  • MIDI "keyboard" mode, Note Repeat mode, and Full Velocity mode (application dependent).
  • Selectable pad velocity curves and pressure thresholds customize the pads' response for maximum expression.
#TOP 18

QCon Pro G2 8-channel universal DAW control surface

Icon Pro Audio

Features

  • Large backlit LCD to display channel name, control values etc. For each channel
  • Presets and overlays for Cubase/Nuendo, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, studio One, digital performer, FL studio, amplitude, Reaper, Bitwig, Reason, Sonar, and Audition
  • Universal DAW control surface with Mackie control and HUI
  • Illuminated buttons for each channel including rec-enable, solo, mute, select and monitor
  • 9 touch-sensitive motorized faders
  • Includes free recording software, such as Harrison 32C Vocal Intensity Processor, a “greatest hits” collection of features from Harrison’s analog console heritage, Harrison AVA plugins and Mixbus32C workstation; Tracktion DAW Essentials, a collection of 16 contemporary FX plugins for use with any DAW; Dotec Audio plugins for streaming, podcasting, recording and mixing; and Bitwig Studio 8-Track, the trim and effective digital audio workstation to start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro, all available via download upon purchase and registration
#TOP 19

Novation 49SL MkIII, 49-Key Midi Controller

Novation

Features

  • Internal 8 track pattern based sequencer
  • The perfect controller for Ableton Live music-making software
  • Easily integrate hardware with your DAW
  • Bring MIDI hardware and CV/Gate synths together
  • 1 routable clock for the whole system. Novation now offers a 3-Year Warranty on this and all other Novation products.
#TOP 20

Akai Professional MPK25 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Akai Professional

Features

  • 25 full-size, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch deliver amazing performance note after note
  • Plug-and-play USB connection for Mac and PC; no driver installation required. Perfect for Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper, Digital Performer, Ableton, etc
  • 12 genuine MPC pads for legendary percussion programming capability
  • Eight Q-Link knobs for controlling virtually any MIDI-assignable parameters in software
  • 25-key, 12-pad, 12-knob USB MIDI keyboard controller delivers groove-infused command over computer-based digital audio workstations, sequencers, and more
  • Built-in arpeggiator provides melodic inspiration and versatile patterns for modern music production
  • MMC/MIDI transport controls keep you in command of your DAW without having to touch the computer mouse
#TOP 21

Nektar Panorama T4 - USB MIDI Controller Keyboard

Nektar

Features

  • Includes Bigwig Studio 8-track DAW + sound content package
  • Comprehensive MIDI functionailty. Compatible with all MIDI music software applications
  • Premium quality MIDI controller keyboard with power DAW integration and Nektarine plugin control . 49 semi-weighted full-size velocity-sensitive keys + 8 back-lit hyper-sensitive drum pads, 9 faders, 8 knobs, hi-res display, pitch bend, modulation + octave & transpose buttons + sustain & expression pedal sockets + MIDI 5-pin Out.
  • Nektar DAW integration for most popular DAWs + MCU Support + Nektarine PlugIn Control for Instruments and Effects
  • Mac and PC compatible
#TOP 22

Korg Midi Controller (NANOKONST)

Korg

Features

  • USB and wireless for more music production freedom.
  • Refined and stylish design
  • A compact physical MIDI controller that’s ideal for mobile or desktop uses.
  • Please Note: Kindly refer the User Manual before use.
#TOP 23

Orba by Artiphon | Portable synth

Artiphon

Features

  • Play through the built-in speaker or use the ⅛” jack to connect headphones or amplifiers
  • Make music anywhere with Orba by Artiphon, a handheld synth, looper, and MIDI controller
  • Use Tilt, Shake, Bump, and other gestures to play the touch-sensitive pads and control Orba with the way you move
  • Loop Drum, Bass, Chord, and Lead parts to create songs on the fly
  • Pair wirelessly to the Orba App to customize your instrument and save your creations
#TOP 24

Expressive E Touché MIDI/CV/USB Control Surface

Expressive

Features

  • VERSATILE INTENSITY - Change the intensity of your sound depending on the soft or hard pressure of your touch. Pressing, sliding, or drumming your fingers along the Touché will influence the flow and rhythm of your sound.
  • TOUCH PRECISION - The Touché’s mahogany wood skin reacts to the smallest vibrations and pressure applied to it. Feel and create music in one of the most sensitive and intuitive ways: with your fingers.
  • MULTI-CONNECTIVITY - With USB, a MIDI input, output, and 4 CV ports all built into it, the Touché connects both to your computer as well as directly to your favorite synthesizers.
  • LARGE LIBRARY INCLUDED - The Touché SE comes with more than 250 professionally designed software instrument sounds that are fully mapped and ready to play. Also included are >250 presets for popular third party soft synths and >250 presets for hardware synths.
  • LIÉ SOFTWARE - Customize the Touché to perform the exact sounds, presets, and plug-ins you want through Lié, its companion software, which will act as a host/shell for VST instruments exclusively. Save up to 24 different MIDI/CV configurations onto the Touché. Lié is available as a standalone app & as a VST2/AU plug-in only. It is compatible w/ macOS 10.11 and more, Windows 10, 64bit. Lié supports Ableton Live 9+, Logic Pro X, Cubase 6+, Studio One 4, Bitwig Studio 2+ & more.
#TOP 25

AKAI Professional MIDImix

Akai Professional

Features

  • Mixdown Essentials - 8 individual line faders and 1 master fader for controlling track volume, virtual instrument parameters, effect settings and more
  • Assignable Control - 24 knobs, arranged 3 per channel for controlling EQ, bus sends, virtual instrument parameters, effect settings and more
  • Complete Mix Control - Lightweight, compact and robust ultra-portable MIDI mixer / DAW controller seamlessly maps all mixer settings to your DAW with a single push of a button
  • Get Hands-On - 16 buttons arranged in 2 banks provide mute, solo and record arm functionality per channel
  • Effortless Ableton Live Integration - Instant 1 to 1 mapping with Ableton Live (Ableton Live Lite included)
#TOP 26

Donner MIDI Keyboard Controller

Donner

Features

  • Synth-action keysPremium MIDI controller with 25 expressive synth-action keys.8 Hyper-Sensitive backlit pads make drum beats. USB bus powered - no additional power cable needed.
  • 4 Program PresetsFour programmable memory banks for instant recall of personal control preferences.This MIDI controller offers 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable Sliders interface with your music software.
  • Ultra-thin Design and PortabilityUSB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for beat maker, studio production, virtual synthesizer control. You could imagine traveling anywhere with 25-key midi keyboard and being able to make music.
  • TRANSPORT & NAVIGATIONWorks with all music production equipment. Navigate your projects: The 6 dedicated transport buttons are always within reach and mapped to control Cycle, Rewind, Forward, Stop, Play and Record.
  • AIR-Touch: Touch BarOctave Up and Down Touch Bar let you access the full MIDI keyboard range and Pitch and modulation deliver expressive, creative control. Assignable Touch Bar, can be assigned to send Control Change message (hereinafter called the ‘CC’) or Pitch Bend Change message (hereinafter called the ‘Pitch’).
#TOP 27

PreSonus FaderPort Classic USB DAW Controller

PreSonus

Features

  • Dual-servo drive belt motor design for fast, precise operation
  • Touch-sensitive 100mm long throw motorized fader
  • Full transport control including track solo and track arm
  • Greatly increases efficiency and enjoyment of "in-the-box" mixing
  • Compatible with virtually all Mac and Windows recording software
#TOP 28

Nektar Panorama P1 - USB MIDI Controller Module

Nektar

Features

  • Deep DAW integration for Cubase, Logic, Studio One, Bitwig Studio, Nuendo, Mainstage, Reason and Reaper.
  • Nektar's most advanced MIDI Controller. The P1 'module' is arguably the most powerful controller solution available for customers already owning a keyboard.
  • Mac and PC compatible
  • Includes PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW
  • Comprehensive MIDI functionailty. Compatible with all MIDI music software applications
#TOP 29

AKM320 MIDI Keyboard Controller

Midiplus

Features

  • -Dimension: 460 x 125 x 30 (mm) / 18.1 x 4.9 x 1.2 (inches).-Weight: 0.72 kg / 1.6 pounds.
  • -Volume Slider. -Sustain pedal input. -USB interface. -Power supply: USB.
  • -Model: AKM320. -Keyboard: 32 keys / velocity sensitive / mini key.
  • Included Cubase LE Download Access Code.
  • -Pitch and Modulation wheels. -Octave Buttons (Up & Down); Transpose Buttons (Up & Down).
#TOP 30

MIDIPLUS AKM320 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Midiplus

Features

  • Pitch, modulation, octave, transpose function
  • Sustain interface (Not include sustain pedal)
  • 32 mini-keys velocity sensitive keyboard
  • Plug and play with Windows, Mac devices
  • USB B-type to connect computer (include USB cable)
#TOP 31

Btuty Portable Mini USB 9 Slim-Line Control MIDI Controller Keyboard Controller

Btuty

Features

  • Comes with editor software.
  • 4 programmable memory banks.
  • 9 MIDI control groups: 9 knobs + 9 sliders + 9 buttons.
  • Plug and Play USB 2.0 cable, no need of driver installation.
  • 6 transport buttons: Rew, Play, FF, Loop, Stop, Rec.
#TOP 32

Fishman TriplePlay Wireless MIDI Pickup

Fishman

Features

  • Software Bundle - Mac/PC
  • Wireless USB Receiver
  • Wireless Transmitter
  • Wireless MIDI Guitar Pickup System f Electric Guitar with Hexaphonic Pickup
#TOP 33

AKM322 32-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller

Midiplus

Features

  • Dew transport controls (Play, stop, Rec, scene up/down, play/ stop clips, overdub, set marker, marker left/right, cycle, tap, metronome) on board arpeggiator with multiple modes and internal/external MIDI clock
  • Chord feature: easily play the most common chords in this versatile Mode Scale Mode: Choose from four different scales and always hit the right key. Shift button for second layer control and choose between two performance scenes fully USB powered controller requires no external power source
  • AKM322 is made up of 32 velocity-sensitive keys, 1 endless encoder, 3 rotary knobs and 11 function Buttons with LED back lit. The internal arpeggiator can build sequences with flexible possibilities
  • The chord Mode can punch out different combinations of keys. The scale Mode helps you hit the right key every time by playing the correct tones matched to the chosen Scale
  • Come with Cubase LE Download Access Code (DAC card)
#TOP 34

Icon i-Controls - Potable 9-Fader MIDI Controller

Icon Pro Audio

Features

  • Class-compliant with macOS Big Sur (M1 and Intel Compatible), Windows 10, and Windows 8/7 (32 & 64-bit)
  • Recall up to 4 scenes for instant control of various applications
  • Slim and compact mixing controller with 9 faders, 9 encoders, and 18 buttons, and an x/Y joystick
  • Includes free recording software, such as Harrison 32C Vocal Intensity Processor, a “greatest hits” collection of features from Harrison’s analog console heritage, Harrison AVA plugins and Mixbus32C workstation; Tracktion DAW Essentials, a collection of 16 contemporary FX plugins for use with any DAW; Dotec Audio plugins for streaming, podcasting, recording and mixing; and Bitwig Studio 8-Track, the trim and effective digital audio workstation to start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro, all available via download upon purchase and registration
  • Includes imap software for quick and easy MIDI Mapping
  • Presets built-in for Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, amplitude, Logic Pro, and able ton Live
#TOP 35

Icon iKey - Portable 25-key MIDI Controller

Icon Pro Audio

Features

  • Class-compliant with Windows XP, Vista (32-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit), Windows 8 (32-bit & 64-bit) and OS X (10.4 and higher)
  • Includes iMap software for quick and easy MIDI mapping
  • Presets built-in for Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, Amplitude, Logic Pro, and Able ton Live
  • Slim two-octave (25-note) keyboard controller
  • Touch strips for pitch bend and modulation
#TOP 36

AKAI Professional EWI USB

Akai Professional

Features

  • Effortless Setup - Seamless plug-and-play USB connectivity to Mac or PC
  • Next Generation Performance - Professional electronic wind instrument with authentic feel, layout and response coupled with multiple fingering modes for brass players or reed players
  • Unlimited Performance Potential - Expand your sound palate using EWI USB as a full-featured MIDI controller via any computer based plugin designed to receive MIDI data.
  • Ultimate Control - Ultra-responsive sensors detect breath intensity and mouthpiece pressure for unprecedented control of pitch, tone and volume
  • Natural Response - Touch sensitive keys and octave roller for rapid, responsive playing that captures every subtlety and nuance of your performance
  • Superior Sound - Includes custom Aria Player software (Mac & PC) containing premium wind instrument sounds expertly recorded and programmed by Garritan
#TOP 37

Icon iKeyboard 3 - 25-key MIDI controller incl Cubase LE

Icon Pro Audio

Features

  • Full size, semi-weighted keys with realistic piano action and selectable velocity curves
  • Class-compliant with Windows XP, Vista (32-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit), Windows 8 (32-bit & 64-bit) and OS X (10.4 and higher)
  • Presets built-in for Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, Amplitude, Logic Pro, and Able ton Live
  • Includes iMap software for quick and easy MIDI mapping
  • 25-note keyboard controller with single-channel DAW controller
#TOP 38

Icon i-Stage - Portable Button-Matrix MIDI Controller

Icon Pro Audio

Features

  • Class-compliant with Windows XP, Vista (32-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit), Windows 8 (32-bit & 64-bit) and OS X (10.4 and higher)
  • 48 velocity-sensitive buttons backlit with dual color red/blue LEDs
  • Presets built-in for Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, Amplitude, Logic Pro, and Able ton Live
  • Includes iMap software for quick and easy MIDI mapping
  • 4 control modes: DJ, Effect, DAW, Drummer

Essential Things to Keep in Mind When Searching for the Best midi controllers for cubase

How much should I spend on a MIDI controller?

You can pay less than $100 for a basic and decent-sized keyboard, or upwards of $1,800 for a full-sized keyboard that mimics a real piano. Things that generally affect the price of a MIDI controller are the number of keys, the type of keys, materials used, and extra features for live and performance use.

What is the difference between MIDI keyboard and MIDI controller?

MIDI Keyboards are excellent for practicing and performing. They are very easy to connect up, and they typically come with headphones outputs if you want to practice your music silently. MIDI controllers, on the other hand, are great for making drum loops or beats and triggering one-shot sounds.

Which DAW is used by Ed Sheeran?

Ed Sheeran uses Ableton Live as his DAW to host this plugin.

How do I get more instruments on Cubase?

Procedure
  1. On the Devices menu, select VST Instruments.
  2. Right-click on an empty area of the VST Instruments window.
  3. From the context menu, select one of the following: Add Track Instrument. Add Rack Instrument.
  4. From the instrument selector, select an instrument. Click Add Track if you chose to add a track instrument.

What DAW does Justin Bieber use?

Firstly, Bieber is running Logic Pro 9 on his Macbook. This is actually not the most up-to-date version of the DAW, that would be Logic Pro X. However, Logic X packages all audio tracks in a project into a single file, making them tough to extract for later use.

What is the main disadvantage of using MIDI?

Disadvantages of MIDI over digital audio: – Because MIDI data does not represent the sound but musical instruments, playback will be accurate only if the MIDI playback (instrument) is identical to the device used in the production. – Higher cost and requires skill to edit. – Cannot emulate voice, other effects.

How do I learn MIDI in Cubase?

Select the parameter to which you want to assign a MIDI controller. Below the list, click the MIDI Learn button to the right of the MIDI assignment pop-up menu. Use the knob or fader on your MIDI device that you want to assign to the selected Note Expression parameter. This control is now automatically assigned.

Editor's Notes

In total, our testing team spent 62 hours on the research prior to come up with the compilation of the 38 best midi controllers for cubase on the market. We've read 883 reviews, on 25 different trusted resources and made this compilation of the customers' favorites. These products have the average rating of 322, and, we've also analyzed the price range: on average, the selected midi controllers for cubase are available at $7798.

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Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.