Best midi guitar controllers

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Oct 8, 2022

In this article, we've compiled the best midi guitar controllers one can find on the market today. We've analyzed about 55 of midi guitar controllers and selected the 31 top options by GIBRALTAR, AW. Read on to find out what exactly made us pick these ones.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Enhancia Neova MIDI Ring Controller
#TOP 1
Enhancia Neova MIDI Ring Controller
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score
MIDI Controller, Lotkey Portable USB MIDI Keyboard Controller WORLDE 25 Key Music Production Equipment
#TOP 2
MIDI Controller, Lotkey Portable USB MIDI Keyboard Controller WORLDE 25 Key Music Production Equipment
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score
Hughes & Kettner FSM 432 MK III MIDI Footswitch Controller
#TOP 3
Hughes & Kettner FSM 432 MK III MIDI Footswitch Controller
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score

Top 31 Best midi guitar controllers Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Enhancia Neova MIDI Ring Controller

Enhancia

Features

  • 15 meter range
  • 8-hour ring battery life
  • Make your instruments more powerful – Neova MIDI Ring is an accessory compatible with any of your synths or DAWs, designed to add several dimensions of control.
  • Complete MIDI Ring Controller and Hub solution. Everything you need to add expression and creativity to your MIDI instruments.
  • Compact and lightweight – At just 100 x 100 x 20mm, the Hub is easy to place in your workspace. And you won't even notice the Ring at only 5g expression has never been more comfortable.
  • Control sound effects with natural and intuitive hand gestures while keeping your hands on the keys.
  • Proprietary wireless protocol with just 1ms latency – perfect for live performances and studio precision.
  • Control several parameters at the same time – explore the granularity of your hardware and software sounds using our 4 gestures in the most natural way possible. Adding a vibrato in the same way as guitar and string players is now possible using Neova. Each gesture can be assigned independently to the parameter of your choice
  • Natural compatibility with hardware synthesizers
  • 16 loadable presets (customizable via included Dashboard App).
#TOP 2

MIDI Controller, Lotkey Portable USB MIDI Keyboard Controller WORLDE 25 Key Music Production Equipment

LOTKEY

Features

  • 2 touch sensors of dynamic pitch bend and modulation touch strips; Play and record transport control buttons.
  • 16 high quality velocity & pressure sensitive performance pads with RGB backlit, can be assigned easily as pads, MIDI note buttons.
  • 6.35mm standard sustain pedal jack, compatible with switch pedal; you can also connect to your hardware with the standard 3.5mm TRS MIDI Out jack.
  • Powerful and creative Arpeggiator for generating ideas quickly; Fixed Chord mode; Brilliant OLED display for immediate parameter setting.
  • 25 velocity sensitive mini-keys, with 3 velocity curve and 1 constant velocity; 8 Assignable rotary knobs, each can be edited by user.
#TOP 3

Hughes & Kettner FSM 432 MK III MIDI Footswitch Controller

Hughes & Kettner

Features

  • Curved body shape for improved ergonomics
  • Rugged, heavy-duty construction
  • 4 buttons for channel/preset selection; 2 buttons to cycle presets; 1 to set tap tempo
  • Compatible with GrandMeister, SwitchBlade, CoreBlade and TubeMeister amp models
  • Can be used in conjunction with an expression pedal
#TOP 4

Arturia MiniLab MKII Inverted MIDI Controller Black

ARTURIA

Features

  • Looks awesome: cool inverted color scheme
  • Amazing included software: analog lab Lite, Ableton Live Lite, Grand piano model D
  • Includes USB cable and user's manual
  • Intuitive controls: master your DAW, plugins and instruments
  • Expressive keyboard: feels better than other small controllers
#TOP 5

Disaster Area Midi Baby 3

Disaster Area Designs

Features

  • MultiJacks A and B – MIDI output (on tip, ring, or both,) MIDI input & output (input on ring, output on tip,) expression pedal, or dual footswitch.
  • 9V DC – compatible with most pedalboard power supplies, 30mA minimum.
  • MIDI input using Disaster Area MIDI Y-cable, passes through any incoming data. You can also send Baby 3 commands from your MIDI controller to trigger its functions.
  • USB – functions as USB MIDI controller to your DAW or mobile device, or as a USB host to a compatible USB MIDI device (Zoom, Red Panda, Source Audio C4, more.)
  • MIDI output – sends standard MIDI over 5-pin port.
#TOP 6

Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard

Mad Catz

Features

  • Use as MIDI Keyboard Controller when not playing Rock Band (compatible with most MIDI sequencers)
  • Plays Rock Band 3 Keyboard, Guitar* and Bass* parts / Two-octave design with 25 velocity-sensitive keys (*Does not support Guitar/Bass Pro Mode)
  • Use As Midi Keyboard Controller When Not Playing Rock Band (compatible With Most Midi Sequencers)
  • Play real Keyboard parts in the new Rock Band Pro Mode / Versatile layout: Play like a Guitar or on a tabletop
  • Plays Real Keyboard Parts In The Rock Band Pro Mode
  • All-new Keyboard instrument for Rock Band 3
  • Plays Like A Guitar Or On A Tabletop
  • 3 AA Batteries and Keyboard Strap included / Use as MIDI Keyboard Controller when not playing Rock Band (compatible with most MIDI sequencers)
  • Plays Rock Band 3 Keyboard, Guitar & Bass Parts
  • 2-octave Design With 25 Velocity-sensitive Keys
#TOP 7

XSONIC Airstep Smart Multi Controller

XSONIC

Features

  • Send all types of MIDI messages via 5-Pin, USB, Bluetooth
  • Send all types of HID messages via Bluetooth
  • Send up to 8 different messages with one press
  • Send relay actions to tube amps with the footswitch control output
  • 300 hours of wireless freedom between charges
#TOP 8

Source Audio Soleman MIDI Foot Controller

Source

Features

  • Its three modes of control include simple program change, bank mode, and custom sequencing.
  • Users can create custom MIDI messages, manage set lists, assign custom names to preset patches, output continuous controller messages with an expression pedals, and send tap tempo.
  • Take complete control of MIDI hardware rigs, the Neuro Effects System, or recording and performance software with the Soleman MIDI Foot Controller.
#TOP 9

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 10

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 11

Tech 21 Mongoose MIDI 5-Button Foot Controller

tech21

Features

  • Battery-powered 5-button MIDI Foot Controller
#TOP 12

midiplus Midi Controller (SPY)

Midiplus

Features

  • With expression pedal input, switch pedal input, MIDI output/ input, USB interface and 9V power connector. Rotary encoder with PRESS function and 3 bit 7-segment LED display screen.
  • The MIDI output & input interface are compatible with all MIDI devices, and the expression pedal can define the assigned CC value.
  • The expression pedal interface is compatible with most expression pedals and supports pedal calibration, switch pedal interface can be connected to 2 switch pedals to use up and down change sound.
  • Product design metal shell, the bottom with anti-skid pads. Product size: 3.82 x 2.01 x 1.34 (inches)/ product weight: 0.53 (Pound)
  • SPY pedal controllers USB interface can turn the expression pedal and switch pedal into USB signal.
#TOP 13

BOSS Wireless MIDI Expression Pedal (EV-1-WL)

BOSS

Features

  • Control input for up to two BOSS FS-series footswitches
  • Powerful MIDI control pedal with three ways to connect: Bluetooth wireless, USB, and TRS MIDI
  • Use all three outputs at once with independent MIDI CC settings for each
  • Class-compliant USB for plug-and-play operation with music software on macOS and Windows computers
  • Dedicated iOS/Android app for assigning MIDI CC numbers, customizing the response, and more
  • Communicate wirelessly with the BOSS EURUS GS-1, Waza-Air, and any device that supports Bluetooth MIDI
  • Built-in toe switch with on/off indicators on both sides of the pedal
  • TRS MIDI output for controlling MIDI devices with TRS or 5-pin inputs
#TOP 14

MIDI Keyboard Controller 32-Key

Donner

Features

  • EXCELLENT MOBILE DEVICES COMPATIBILITY-Just plug and play with Mac or PC with using the USB-MIDI output without any software driver installation. In addition, you can connect it to music editor apps on your smartphone for easy music composing
  • WHAT YOU GET-A midi keyboard, a type-c cable, a manual and attentive service
  • VISUAL ASSISTANCE WITH 'BREATHING LIGHT' -Pitch bend + modulation provide a rich and expressive timbre. The breathing light effect on the wheel will give you an amazing visual experience to enhance your energy in the process of creation
  • CLEAN DESIGN KEYS WITH A VELOCITY-SENSITIVE KEYS-Sometimes you just need more! Our N-32 MIDI keyboard offers you more keys for your convenience. Equipped with 32 scaled-down velocity-sensitive keys, the N-32 is your perfect partner to create your masterpieces
  • CAPTURING YOUR CREATIVE MUSICAL IDEAS ANYWHERE ON THE GO-Write music on the road with ease. Now you can always take the compact and lightweight N-32 MIDI keyboard anywhere you go
  • SIMPLE LAYOUT AND USER-FRIENDLY FUNCTIONING KEYS-The N-32 has an easy-to-learn layout for the advanced beginners. Besides the 4 user programmable banks, it comes with many functions such as, chord arpeggiator, octave, pitch shifter, sequencer and sustain pedal to assist musicians with limited music theory backgrounds
#TOP 15

Keith McMillen Instruments QuNexus RED

Keith McMillen Instruments

Features

  • Control multiple devices at once with 3-Track Step Sequencer and Arpeggiator
  • 25 Silicone Keys each with LED and Polyphonic velocity/pressure/position
  • USB MIDI interface with separate ports for Control Surface, MIDI Expander port, and CV I/O
  • New smoothe RED ABS-PolyCarbonate finish
  • Optional CV Cable Kit and MIDI Expanders available for purchase separately
  • 2 CV Inputs, Gate out, and 3 CV Outputs, with routing matrix
  • Includes KMI K-701C 5-pin DIN MIDI Out Cable
#TOP 16

Nektar Pacer - USB MIDI Footswitch Controller

Nektar

Features

  • Comprehensive MIDI functionailty. Compatible with all MIDI music software applications
  • Hands free control of your DAW's transport and navigation functions - great if you can't easily sit behind the computer desk when recording (eg. when playing a guitar, etc. )
  • Includes Bigwig Studio 8-track DAW + sound content package
  • Powerful MIDI Footswitch Controller and DAW Controller in one device - perfect for recording and for live performance
  • Mac and PC compatible
#TOP 17

PlayStation 3 Rock Band 3 MIDI PRO

Mad Catz

Features

  • Easily connects MIDI-compatible Drums, Keyboards and the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar to console
  • Versatile clip for attaching to an instrument, waistband or use on tabletop
  • Full-featured action buttons and D-Pad for in-game navigation with Fixed 9.8ft (3m) USB cable
  • Velocity sensitivity adjustment for Drums
  • Overdrive activation button and MIDI indicator LED
#TOP 18

Alesis Vortex Wireless 2

Alesis

Features

  • World-class production software package included - MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite, plus DB-33, Mini Grand, Hybrid 3, Loom, Vacuum Pro, and Xpand!2 by AIR Music Tech and TimewARP 2600 by Way Out Ware
  • Get Creative - Eight RGB backlit velocity-sensitive trigger pads enable you to create beats or trigger clips and eight back-lit faders control volume or any other assignable virtual instrument parameters
  • Express Yourself - Embedded MIDI-assignable tilt sensor performance control with on/off button and Thumb-controlled volume slider and reversible pitch-bend wheel
  • Connectivity Covered - Included USB receiver creates a wireless connection to any Mac or PC with a USB host port. Standard guitar strap pegs on neck and body
  • Command the Stage - 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch for compact size with complete melodic range
#TOP 19

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 20

Vangoa Worlde Tuna Mini MIDI Keyboard Controller Bundle Guitar Dealy Pedal

Vangoa

Features

  • [Analog Delay Pedal]: Vangoa delay pedal adopts analog whole circuit vintage delay, ensuring a smooth and warm analog delay tone
  • [Portable Beat Maker Machine] Compact Worlde Tunamini midi keyboard introduces infinite controllability to your inspiration. Plug and play capability with USB-powered ensured real-time rhythm feedback for bedroom/home studio producers, YouTubers, vloggers, and DJs, easily taking your musical ideas from concept to final performance
#TOP 21

Khanka Hard Travel Case Replacement

khanka

Features

  • Made of high-quality EVA material, shockproof, dustproof and waterproof, protect your Donner DMK 25 MIDI Keyboard Controller from impact and splash
  • The hard shell can ensure your Donner DMK 25 MIDI Keyboard Controller is safe and convenient, with light weight. The classic zipper design makes it easy to open and close.
  • If there is a quality problem with the case, we provide a 100% money-back guarantee. This is a completely risk-free purchase, click the orange button to order immediately! (Note: Only case is sold, device and accessories are not included)
  • Donner DMK 25 MIDI Keyboard Controller can be loaded into the hard shell,The soft internal structure ensures the protection of Donner DMK 25 MIDI Keyboard Controller
  • Fashionable appearance design,The case specially designed for Donner DMK 25 MIDI Keyboard Controller fits perfectly
#TOP 22

Logidy UMI3 MIDI over USB Foot Controller

Logidy

Features

  • Durable Steel Case
  • Software Configuration Panel
  • USB Powered
  • MIDI Class compliant, No driver Needed
  • Expression Pedal Input
#TOP 23

Fishman TriplePlay Bridge Wireless MIDI Pickup (TriplePlayPUd1)

Fishman

Features

  • Demo TriplePlay
  • Wless MIDI Guit PU
  • Bridge
#TOP 24

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 25

MeloAudio MIDI Commander Guitar Floor Multi-Effects Portable USB MIDI Foot Controller Foot Switches

MeloAudio

Features

  • Two Custom Modes for Specified PC or CC Commands. Support up to 40 hours playing by using two AAA batteries
  • Compatible Devices: iPhone, iPad, iPod, Macbook, Andriod, Windows, AXE FX, VAMP Pro, MARSHALL AMP, Eventide H9, GT PRO, Timeline, H&K AMP, Keyboard, Eleven Rack, KPA, POD 2.0/XT. Note: Latest ‘SCENE MODE’ firmware for AXE FX3 users: This SCENE mode is well fitted for most effect host machine which has different scene or called snapshot selection under current preset. Unlock the update firmwares in official website (manual page)
  • 2 expression pedal jacks for Valume and Wah control together. 8 Host presets including JamUP, Bias Fx,Bias,Guitar Rig,MainStage,Ampkit,Revalver,AmpliTube,POD Farm,Mobile POD,Overloud TH etc
  • USB MIDI controller/ Stand alone MIDI controller.10 foot switches with easy-to-use Host Matching configuration
  • On-board charging function for rechargeable batteries. Package including:1*MIDI Controller ;1*MIDI Cable ;1*USB-B Cable ;1*Guitar Pick.
#TOP 26

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 27

SoftStep 2 USB MIDI Foot Controller

Keith McMillen Instruments

Features

  • Compatible with any DAW, music software or 5-pin MIDI hardware MIDI expander sold separately)
  • Send up to 6 messages per Key - Note, CC, pitch bend, Program change, MMC, or OSC
  • 10 pressure and directionally sensitive pads are fully customizable
  • Usb powered, Mac OS, Windows, iOS
  • Constructed from rugged elastomeric and Graphite composites with a carbon fiber backing. It's beer proof!
#TOP 28

Midi Controller, lotmusic Worlde TUNA PANDA MINI 25 Keys Portable USB Midi Keyboard

lotmusic

Features

  • Drive free and Hot-plug supported---MIDI Keyboard Controller adaptable to USB 2.0 interface(FULL SPEED). Supports Multiple Systems, compatible with Windows 7 and more, Mac and iOS.
  • Pretty Portable---1.9lb, 16.1 x8.3x2.2 inch is convenient for taking anywhere you go for inspiration. Everything needed for MIDI Keyboard Controller creating is all included in the compact size, USB powered, easily plug&play.
  • Settings Self-Defined----Pitch & Modulation Touch Strip sensing precisely, adjust smoothly. Up to 8 assignable control sliders and 8 anti-slip 360 degrees rotate knobs for different settings, MIDI Keyboard Controller ensures limitless music control, give you more freedom.
  • Velocity Sensitive---25 MIDI Controller keys and 8 backlit trigger pads with 3 velocity curve and one constant velocity to meet requirements, respond precisely. Easy to shift the range +/- 4 octaves for richer perform. Pedal connectable, livening your creation up to be more touching.
  • All you get: 1x MIDI Controller, 1x USB Cable and 1x Instruction. Please note the MIDI keyboard itself cannot produce sound, it needs to be connected to a computer or an external sound source to produce sound.
#TOP 29

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 30

Fishman TriplePlay Connect Bridge Guitar MIDI Controller

Fishman

Features

  • MIDI Guitar Pickup System f Acoustic Guitar Electric Guitar - iOS
#TOP 31

Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro MIDI Foot Controller

Voodoo Lab

Features

  • Bright, stage-friendly alphanumeric display
  • Use volume/expression pedals for real-time control of your sound via MIDI continuous controller messages
  • Controls up to 4 GCX Guitar Audio Switchers
  • 8 assignable instant access switches
  • Simultaneous control of up to 8 MIDI devices

The Buyer's Guide to the Top midi guitar controllers - What You Need to Know

Do guitar pedals work with keyboards?

Fortunately, guitars, guitar pedals, keyboards and synthesizers all have 1/4″ jacks. Therefore, a simple patch cable can be used to physically connect a keyboard or synthesizer to a guitar pedal.

What happened to Keytars?

Today the keytar world is alive and well-stocked, with new ones in production by most major manufacturers, including Korg's updates to its RK-100S, the Roland AX line, Alesis' Vortex Keytar Controller, and Behringer's strap peg–equipped MS-101, its clone of the SH-101.

Is the keytar hard to play?

Keytar is not an overly difficult instrument to learn, and with some practice, you can be playing your favorite songs in no time. The keytar is essentially a keyboard that is worn like a guitar, making it ideal for those who want to add a little extra flair to their performances.

What is the point of a keytar?

Keytars allow players a greater range of movement onstage, compared to conventional keyboards, which are placed on stationary stands or which are part of heavy, floor-mounted structures. The instrument has a musical keyboard for triggering musical notes and sounds.

How do I make my guitar sound like a piano?

The quick answer is that to truly make your guitar sound like a piano, you can either buy a Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer with a GK-3 pickup, a Fishman TriplePlay Wireless MIDI Guitar Controller, or even an Electro-Harmonix Key 9 Electric Piano Machine Pedal.

Should I buy MIDI keyboard or guitar?

MIDI keyboard - It's a great instrument and is most suitable for people who want to compose and produce music. MIDI keyboard can be used in programming different types of virtual instruments like drums and bass guitar on your computer, so if you want to go for producing side of music then MIDI keyboard is the choice !

What does a guitar synthesizer do?

By blending the regular electric guitar tone with synthesized sounds, a guitarist can create a hybrid timbre. The guitar synth also enables a guitarist with limited or no keyboard-playing skills to provide MIDI input into digital notation programs such as Sibelius, Finale or MuseScore.

Can I plug my guitar directly into my computer?

To connect your electric guitar to a computer, you need to use an audio interface that will safely process your guitar's signal into something your computer can use. If your computer has audio input jacks, you cannot directly plug your electric guitar into it and you must use an audio interface.

Can MIDI pickups work for every guitar?

The signal from the MIDI pickup is not as strong as the signal from a magnetic pickup and so it can be difficult to get the right tone. Plus, it can be more expensive of a normal electric guitar's pickup, and sometimes it can not fit into all type of guitars.

Editor's Notes

In total, our editors spent 71 hours on the research before they come up with the selection of the 31 best midi guitar controllers out there. We've read 1845 reviews, on 12 different trusted resources and made this compilation of the customers' favorites. These products got the average rating of 270, and, we've also considered the price range: on average, the selected midi guitar controllers are available at $5588.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

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.