The return of analog inspired manufacturers to recreate the groove of legendary drum machines through stations like the Roland TR-8 sampler version. On the other hand, the dominance of Ableton Live in electronic music pushes makers to design interactive grid controllers like the in-house product Push 2 or the APC40 mkII from Akai while Native Instruments and Novation continue with Maschine MK3 and Circuit their original approach to beatmaking.
At Akai The model, based on five years of user feedback, fits within a range that also includes the APC Mini and APC Key 25. Smaller than the first version, the APC mkII is USB powered and the colors of its 40 pads reflect the clips of the current Live session and track status. From top to bottom, each channel has an encoder to manage pan and send, the clip series with a Stop per track, a navigation button, the track activation buttons rec/solo and the Return A/B effects. On the right, there is a master topped by scene launch buttons and the Stop All while the transport section is located at the top right of the unit.
Pros
- 5×8 reactive RGB grid color-coded
- Full and intuitive Ableton Live control
- Compact and self-powered, ideal for live
Cons
- Strongly tied to the Ableton ecosystem, less flexible with other DAWs
The sampler version of the TR-8 comes from the AIRA range by Roland, designed to recreate its iconic vintage drum machines using ACB modeling technology. It features an extensive sound collection drawn from the TR libraries (808/909/707/727/606), enhanced with memory that allows importing your own mono/stereo samples from an SD card. You can then manipulate the samples in real time just like the internal sounds, adjusting decay, tuning, or the assignable CTRL on each channel using the rotary controls. The TR-8S has two EXT inputs and six assignable outputs.
Pros
- Faithful ACB models of TR-808, 909, 707…
- Sample and hybrid kit import
- Instrument parametric effects + individual outputs
Cons
- Rich interface but with a learning curve for beginners
The latest development of the station launched by Native Instruments in 1999, the Maschine MK3 now features a 2x2 24-bit/96 kHz interface, two high-resolution color LCD screens and a horizontal smart strip like Maschine Jam that allows many real-time controls such as slides or taps. The eight touch-sensitive encoders and the large stepped encoder/push serve for navigation, selection and editing. On the sound side, Maschine MK3 includes 8 GB of samples, one shots, loops, instruments, patterns, drum kits accompanied by the Komplete 11 Select software suite with its 25 GB including Massive, Prism, Scarbee and their libraries.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with pads and high-resolution screens
- Included software: Maschine + Komplete Select
- Smooth sampling with built-in audio interface
Cons
- Requires adaptation time for complete beginners
The Novation Circuit Tracks is a modern groovebox designed for fast, mobile, and inspired music creation. With two polyphonic synth tracks, four sample-based drum tracks, and two dedicated MIDI tracks, it caters to both beatmakers and live performers. Thanks to the [v1.1.5] update, you now get up to 196 seconds of samples, expandable via MicroSD card to carry up to 32 full packs.
Complete connectivity (MIDI In/Out/Thru, audio In/Out, headphone, sync), built-in effects (reverb, delay, sidechain, master compressor), RGB pads, rechargeable battery (4h autonomy): everything is there to compose, mix, and perform wherever you are. Compact, powerful, and intuitive, it’s designed to fit into any hybrid setup, studio or stage.
Pros
- Two synth tracks + four sample tracks for versatile and expressive sequencing.
- Rechargeable battery and expandable memory via MicroSD: real creative freedom, in the studio or on the go.
- Two MIDI tracks, built-in effects, and plenty of connections to fit all kinds of setups.
Cons
- No screen, which limits parameter visualization and requires working by ear or via computer for some functions.
The MPC Live III from Akai Professional is a standalone music production station designed for modern producers. A true powerhouse, it combines a 7-inch color touchscreen, 16 velocity-, pressure-, and X/Y-position-sensitive MPCe backlit pads, built-in mic and speakers, rechargeable battery (3 to 4 h autonomy), and ultra-complete connectivity (CV/Gate, MIDI, USB-C, SD, audio). Its MPC3 OS, powered by an 8-core processor and 8 GB RAM, includes a 16-step sequencer, Clip Matrix, up to 32 plugin instances, and 16 audio tracks.
It also controls an entire studio thanks to Multi-MIDI, CV/Gate outputs, and Ableton Control, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as a bonus. Super Timestretch, stem separation, Pro Reverb, and EQ: everything is there to compose, mix, and perform without ever leaving your machine. The MPC Live III is the nomadic heart of any pro setup.
Pros
- Fully standalone operation with battery, mic, and built-in speakers: total freedom to create anywhere.
- 7-inch touchscreen, 3D-detecting MPCe pads, Clip Matrix, and touch strip: an interface designed for fast, pro workflow.
- Complete connectivity (CV/Gate, MIDI, USB-C, SD, RCA…) to control your entire hardware setup.
Cons
- A high price, which is mainly justified when it becomes the central machine of your setup.
How to choose your MIDI controller well
Look for versatility
Some MIDI controllers that focus on controlling a particular DAW are "ready to use" like PreSonus’s FaderPort with Studio One or Push with Ableton Live. They often offer a number of varied "Templates" allowing you to choose the configuration that fits each DAW. There are also pad MIDI controllers capable of assigning software functions to a selection of buttons. This way, the program "learns" the different MIDI controller commands.
Define your usage needs
Control surfaces mainly have three types of use. First, they can manage virtual commands of a DAW environment: opening menus, triggering phrases, transport control, tempo, etc. Second, they provide physical controls to manage a virtual mix including console channels, volumes, effects, control room… And finally, they offer pads, like Akai MPC, designed to be played live with fingers to trigger samples.
Choose based on the software bundle provided
If you’re starting from scratch, it can be interesting to begin music production with a complete set containing the MIDI controller paired with MIDI/audio recording software and a sound generator. This so-called "bundle" is regularly offered by brands with products provided as codes giving access to software downloads that include "lite" versions of DAWs like Propellerhead Reason, Ableton Live, or PreSonus Studio One, sample packs, or temporary access to platforms like Splice Sounds.
