Best Knob MIDI Controllers of 2025

The AKAI Professional LPD8 MIDI Controller is a beat maker essential with 8 RGB-backlit responsive MPC drum pads, 8 assignable Q-Link knobs, 4 programmable preset slots, and a portable design that fits right in alongside your studio equipment. The LPD8 works plug-and-play with Mac or PC with no software driver installation or AC power adapters for operation, and is compatible with all popular applications including GarageBand, Logic, Studio One, Cubase, Ableton Live, ProTools, Reason, FL Studio, Adobe Audition, and more.

The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a 25 key USB MIDI keyboard controller that is ideal for music production, virtual synthesizer control, and beat production. It features 8 backlit drum pads, 8 knobs, and an innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control. Additionally, it has an arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range, and modes. This all-in-one music production starter kit includes MPC Beats, 6 virtual instruments, and 2GB of sound content.

The Vangoa Midi Controller is designed to enhance your music production experience. With 43 backlit buttons, you can easily trigger beats and effects, making it simple to explore your creativity. The 8 diamond-shaped faders, equipped with LED indicators, allow for smooth transitions and adjustments to your tracks, bringing your music to life. Additionally, the 8 assignable knobs give you the freedom to customize your sound, whether you're adjusting EQ settings or adding effects. This portable controller ensures that you can take your music anywhere, making it an essential tool for any musician.

The AKAI APC Key 25 MK2 is a versatile USB MIDI keyboard controller designed for clip launching with Ableton Live Lite. It features a built-in 25-note synthesizer keyboard with dedicated octave buttons for expanding the melodic range. With 40 RGB pads, you can easily launch clips in Ableton Live and receive visual color feedback. The 25 responsive mini keys offer velocity sensitivity for powerful live performances and studio compositions. The controller also includes 8 assignable rotary knobs for controlling volume, pan, effects, and automation. With the 4 directional arrow buttons, you can easily navigate through tracks and scenes to access your loops, samples, and sounds instantly. The APC Key 25 MK2 supports plug-and-play connectivity, making it seamless to integrate into your Mac or PC setup without the need for batteries or power adapters. Additionally, it comes with a comprehensive virtual instrument pack, including a powerful polyphonic analog synth, acoustic piano instrument, and vintage electric piano instrument.

The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini is a 32-key USB MIDI keyboard controller that comes with backlit beat pads, MIDI assignable knobs, buttons, and faders. It is perfect for beat production, clip launching, soundboard triggering, and more. The unit includes Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes, and has an arpeggiator, pitch and modulation wheels, and sustain pedal input. The auto-mapping feature makes it easy to control virtual instruments, effect plugins, and DAW controls, while the software package includes MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Music Tech virtual instruments, and Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs.

The Summina MIDI Pad is a high-performance MIDI controller designed for seamless music production. With its wireless Bluetooth connectivity, you can create music without the hassle of cables, enjoying minimal delay for a smooth experience. The controller integrates easily with popular digital audio workstations, making it user-friendly across various computer systems. Its responsive backlit silicone buttons provide tactile feedback, allowing you to play with precision and confidence. Two sets of 360-degree rotary encoders make it simple to adjust settings, enhancing your creative workflow.

The M-Wave MIDI Controller offers a versatile music creation experience with its wireless capabilities, allowing you to compose music without being tethered to your setup. Its built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 16 hours of use, making it easy to take along to various locations like studios or coffee shops. Designed to integrate seamlessly with popular DAWs, you can enjoy a smooth workflow without complicated setups. The soft backlit buttons and customizable rotary encoders ensure a comfortable and distraction-free environment, letting your creativity flow freely as you fine-tune your music.

The summina MIDI Controller is designed for seamless integration with your devices, whether through Bluetooth or USB. This allows you to connect easily to your digital audio workstation (DAW) and enhance your music production experience. You can customize your workflow with eight 360-degree rotating encoders, enabling you to adjust settings to fit your personal style. It also features 43 assignable keys, eight buttons, and eight knobs, providing you with exceptional control over your music. Furthermore, it is compatible with various electronic instruments, making it a versatile tool for any musician.

The Arturia BeatStep is a versatile MIDI controller and sequencer with USB and CV connectivity. Its 16 pads are pressure- and velocity-sensitive, making it perfect for playing percussion. The 16 encoders adjust pitch, while 16 memories allow instant recall of your patterns. You can run the pad/knob controller and step sequencer simultaneously or switch between them. It comes with Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Intro, and MIDI Control Center software, and can be used as a MIDI Clock master or slave.

The RockJam MIDI Keyboard offers you the freedom of wireless connectivity with Bluetooth, allowing for a tidy setup without cables. Its rechargeable battery means you can create music anywhere, perfect for musicians who are always on the go. With 8 backlit pads that respond to your touch and 8 control knobs, you have the tools to produce music with precision and ease. Additionally, the innovative joystick provides pitch and modulation control, enhancing the expressiveness of your performances. This keyboard is designed to support your creativity wherever you are.