Introduction
In 2009, Computer Music Journal published the article,
My Search for
the Perfect MIDI Controller.
1 Though my musical style
has remained largely the same in the intervening years, much has changed
in the world of computing devices and MIDI controllers. As trends in
controllers have developed and morphed, so have the specific
"requirements" I enumerate below.
Today I would change the original article's title to "My Search for the
Perfect
Portable MIDI
Control Surface." (Devices
without
keyboard have had increasing appeal to me.) Much of the original
material, however, remains relevant to this day; I suggest it be
referenced as context for both my compositional "personality", and for
these recommendations.
Here is the update.
I. My Current Requirements/Preferences
Portability and Compactness
I continue to be interested in others performing my compositions in a
wide variety of settings. So it is incumbent on me not to require
potential performers to be "roadies." A more minimalist approach is more
considerate (and encouraging?) to the performer, and more adaptable to
space/setup limitations. It is also consistent with the trend away from
desktops and toward laptops (not to mention hand-held devices). Along
with the cost factor discussed below, this requirement is the guiding
principle behind most of the others.
Cost Less than 100$US (new or used)
As devices have proliferated and become smaller, prices have come down,
and more used items are available in the marketplace. Most of the
control surfaces I've purchased have been through eBay.com (and nearly
all, used). I have rarely been disappointed by an eBay purchase. I do
not wish to burden a prospective performer with a major equipment
purchase just to present a piece of mine. Csound is free, and most
musicians already have a laptop - not a large supply of additional cash.
USB
USB is now ubiquitous as a means of connecting digital devices. Laptop
computers no longer include MIDI inputs (5-pin DIN jacks). Most
importantly, USB class-compliant control surfaces, like portable
devices, do not require an AC power source.
2 USB also
facilitates portability and compactness. Though wireless connectivity,
including Bluetooth, is now available in some MIDI controllers, the
extra complication (as well as battery power and expense) does not
represent additional value to me.
Control Surface Yes - Keyboard No
MIDI keyboards are bulky and accident-prone; buttons are not. Keyboards,
when not a practical necessity, are a liability. Keyboards also make
MIDI controllers more expensive. (See my Note on Keys, Buttons and Pads
below.) For that matter, there are no compact (25-key) keyboards that
include 8-9 sliders.
3
On-Line or Downloadable Editor
More recent control surfaces are not programmable internally; they
require editor software. It is often necessary to program the controller
to meet the requirements of a particular composition (though I always
include in my .csd's a way to accommodate a variety of built-in
controller "presets"). As I do not work with DAW's, rather, directly
with Csound, a MIDI Learn function is of no help to me. Note: For Linux
users, lack of on-board programmability may prove a problem, as editors
are not usually available for Linux (for Windows, yes; for Mac,
usually). In such a case, the user has several options: 1) a general
patch editor for Linux may be available
4; 2) an older
("legacy") control surface may be needed
5; 3) it may be
possible, in your .csd, to adapt to the controller and note numbers
hardcoded into the device; for example, see the Note on the Akai APCmini
below.
6 In the list that follows, I specifically indicate
when either the surface can be internally edited, and/or a specific
editor (on-line or downloadable) is available for Linux.
My personal controller editing needs are not great: I want to specify
CC's (Continuous Controllers) for the faders, and MIDI note numbers for
any buttons. Ability to specify a group channel number for the controls
is welcome, but a default channel 1 is satisfactory. (Channel numbers
for individual controls is a luxury that other Csounders might
appreciate. Some editors offer this option, others not.)
A Note on why I find an editor highly desireable:
I would like my compositions to be readily performable on as many
different control surfaces (including my own considerable collection) as
possible. Unfortunately, there is little to no common ground as to
controller (CC) numbering of either sliders/knobs or MIDI note
buttons/pads. (The only consistency I have found is that both CC's and
notes are numbered consecutively.) It is helpful if control devices and
.csd's can share common default values, and otherwise incorporate
flexibility. On the .csd side, I routinely include orchestra macros
(user-editable) that specify channel number (default = 1), initial
controller number (default = 20) and first MIDI note number (default =
either 48 or 60, to facilitate possible keyboard involvement). Using an
editor to set control surfaces to these same default values means that
any further customization is minimal. As a result I am assured that: 1)
a wide variety of surfaces can perform my works without modifying my
.csd's, and 2) that my .csd's can be readily edited to adapt to the
default settings of unedited (or uneditable) control surfaces.
7
8-9 Long-Throw Sliders - 8-9 Buttons Optional but Desireable
As control surfaces become ever more compact, the number of sliders
available is reduced, and their length (important for precision
settings) shortened. To my knowledge there is no controller meeting my
other criteria that includes more than 9 sliders. None incorporate 100mm
sliders (frequent on older, larger, pre-USB units); relatively few have
60mm. (The norm is 45mm, and 30mm is common.) For the time being, I must
be content with 8-9 45-60mm faders, perhaps paired with a row of 8-9
buttons. (When I need more than 9 faders, as is often the case, I
generally revert to one of my pre-USB, AC-powered favorites - a Doepfer
Pocket Fader, with 16 60mm sliders in a compact metal case. [Of course
I'll need my two accessories as well: the MIDI-to-USB Interface and USB
5V-to12V Step Up Converter Cables.] Too bad the Pocket Fader was never
made in a USB version; and good luck finding the Fader on the used
market for < 100$US!)
Ergonomics
An intuitive, user-friendly interface is important to a performer. The
interface itself should not prove a barrier, causing a performer to shy
away from approaching a work. Rather, the "instrument" should enhance
and facilitate. Ergonomics includes a wide range of factors: simplicity,
clear/clean design/layout, sliders with the right amount of resistance
and smoothness, feet that do not slip or wobble, knobs that are easily
grasped, levels that are clearly indicated both on slider caps and
alongside, and caps that are secure. Colors should allow levels and
labels to be clearly visible/readable (black is a poor choice of color,
especially for knobs and sliders, when not vibrantly contrasted). As my
compositions largely require slow, smooth and precise movement of
sliders, all aspects of slider ergonomics are crucial. (A particular
bugaboo of mine is fader controls marked in dB.)
Less Is Better
Simplicity is a virtue. Simple devices are more trouble-free, more
intuitive, user-friendly and less costly. (The MC-8 is an excellent
example of simplicity, and the main reason why it heads my list.) Of
course, solid construction and high-quality parts are also a necessity.
Comments on varied quality of construction are included in the
recommendations below.
A Note on sliders, knobs, encoders and touch strips:
Sliders and rotary
knobs are functionally equivalent, but
sliders are more ergonomic in a number of ways. They are more easily and
precisely set, their levels are more readily perceived and compared, and
multiple sliders can be moved simultaneously and synchronously.
Encoders
are much less functional than knobs, as they lack a physical/visible
beginning and end point. Since their settings are not absolute, it is
difficult to know what values they represent; indeed there is no level
"pointer." (Csound coding is more complex as well.)
Touch strips
do not work at all for me. It is difficult to set them when and where
you want, and they are inherently less precise. In addition, it is
impossible to return to the same setting with any assurance of success.
Touch strips sound like a good idea; in reality, they are a poor choice
for anything but course control. ("Strips" on digital devices are a
somewhat different matter, being both more user-friendly and having
higher resolution. Nonetheless, I much prefer analog controls.) So my
definite preference is physical sliders.
A Note on keys, buttons and pads:
I often need some kind of trigger for an event. I normally require only
a momentary trigger, not velocity data. Buttons are both small and
efficient, and their most ergonomic placement is one-to-one directly
above or below sliders. (This is, happily, a frequently found
positioning.) Pads are unnecessarily large, and less dependable than
keys for both triggering and sensitivity. If velocity sensitivity is
required, I would use keys over pads regardless of other factors
(including ergonomics). My conclusion: buttons are best - and if needed,
keys are preferable to pads.
II. My Choices - in approximate order of preference
The Top Choice for Simplicity
Nakedboards MC-8 (
http://www.nakedboards.org/mc8.html)
For anyone looking for a basic 8-slider control surface, the MC-8 is the
perfect solution. It is the essence of simplicity; 8 60mm faders and a
USB jack in the strongest plastic box I've ever seen. Ergonomics are
also ideal; the one element missing - level indicators adjoining the
sliders - is possibly an advantage, as the user can add whatever
indications he/she might want on the white plastic. Slider action is
superb. Perhaps most unique is the super-simple Online Settings GUI that
lets you set the control number for each slider, as well as the overall
channel number. Running in a browser, this GUI is
cross-platform
and currently requires Chrome, Opera, or Vivaldi (at least in Windows 7
through 10, 64-bit).
8 No editor (or additional software) is
needed. I only regret that there isn't an MC-16 version; and one isn't
planned. (One possibility, of course, is to place two MC-8's side by
side, and use the -Ma flag.) This is an outstanding unit.
A recent (late 2018) upgrade of the MC-8 includes a MIDI out, via a 3.5mm mini-jack. (These newer units can be recognized by this jack, located next to the USB port on back. Note that power still needs to be furnished through the USB port.) More important for me is the concurrent introduction of the ability to specify the
channel as well as the CC number for each slider. (Earlier MC-8 sliders all defaulted to channel one.) Consequently, there is now an additional Online Settings GUI entitled "MIDI Settings for MC-8 with MIDI-port" which incorporates this feature. (Incidentally, Nakedboard's companion MC-24, which has knobs instead of sliders, has undergone an identical upgrade.)
Five Other Top Contenders
1)
Livid Alias 8 (
http://lividinstruments.com/products/alias8/)
- used only
The Livid Alias 8 is "built like a tank" with the highest quality
components. It sports a wide array of controls in a small footprint, yet
its ergonomics are faultless. My only criticism is that 8 of its 9
sliders are 30mm (the other is 60mm). It also includes 2 rows of buttons
(nicely oversized) below, and 2 rows of additional knobs above the
faders. (I would gladly sacrifice a row of buttons and/or knobs for 60mm
sliders.) There is an extensive Livid Online Editor for the Alias 8,
which can also be downloaded.
9 Linux users will be glad to
know that the editor is intended for all major platforms.
NOTE: I do
not recommend the
Livid Base or
Base II (
http://lividinstruments.com/products/base/).
These have touch strips instead of sliders.
2)
Novation Launch Control XL (
https://us.novationmusic.com/launch/launch-control-xl)
Novation's Launch Control XL is also well-built, and has excellent
ergonomics and layout. Its front panel has good clean contrast and level
markings; it should function well in a low-light context. The
outstanding feature is 8
60mm sliders. (I do wish, however, that
slider levels were not scaled in dB.) The XL is marketed (and is set up)
as a dedicated Ableton Live controller, but its Windows/Mac editor
allows it to be programmed for any purpose. (The unit accommodates 8
user presets.) Two rows of large buttons are below the faders, and three
rows of knobs above. Like the Livid's knobs (and unlike those below),
these knobs are useful and user-friendly. One unique feature is a
complete non-skid surface on the bottom of the unit. Considering its
longer-throw sliders, this unit also has a modest footprint.
3)
Evolution UC33(e) (
http://www.evolution-uk.com/products/evo_uc33e.htm)
- used only
By far the heftiest of all these controllers, the UC33e is one of only
two holdovers from my previous list. Its most outstanding characteristic
is its 9 60mm sliders in a single row. Its excellent Enigma editor
10
works on all 3 major platforms, and the UC33(e) can be programmed
on-board as well. (Note that only the 33
e works with the Enigma
editor, so be sure to select this model. This is the major non-cosmetic
difference between the 33 and the 33e.) Both methods allow for the
widest range of programming of any of these units. 14 buttons are also
programmable, though they are bunched to one side and not especially
intuitively arranged. Above the row of sliders are three rows of 8 knobs
each - a number equalling those of the Launch Control XL. The 33e's
faders and knobs have good level markings, while the 33's are notably
lacking. Construction is sturdy and components of high quality. A
venerable, flexible and formidable competitor that is likely to be
around for some time to come.
4)
Korg nanoKontrol Studio (
http://www.korg.com/us/products/computergear/nanokontrol_studio/)
The nanoKontrol Studio is perhaps the most compact of these leading
contenders while also being one of the most ergonomic. (One could wish
that the compact nanoKontrol described below were as user-friendly.)
This is all the more noteworthy because it sports 8
45mm sliders
in addition to a row of 8 knobs and 4 rows of 8 buttons - all arranged
neatly above the sliders. The Korg Kontrol Editor is quite good, though
it does not approach the comprehensive scope of Enigma. The unit is drab
in appearance, with only black and shades of gray. It is unique in that
it offers Bluetooth connectivity in addition to USB. Construction is
sturdy; I only wish that fader levels were not indicated in dB.
5)
Akai MIDIMIX (
http://www.akaipro.com/products/ableton-controllers/midimix)
The Akai MIDIMIX is solidly built with a clean layout. Above 9 30mm
sliders lie two rows of 8 small buttons, surmounted by 3 rows of 8
knobs. The shallow slider caps and the small knobs make the unit less
bulky, but more difficult to operate. In my opinion, slider caps and
knobs need at least 10mm in height to be ergonomic. Control surfaces
listed above observe these criteria; the MIDIMIX (and for the most part
the units below) do not. Although the caps and knobs sport clear level
indicators, there are no such markings alongside the sliders. (Since the
chassis is entirely black, this is a problem.) The unit accommodates
only a single preset, which can be changed via the editor (which can in
turn save various presets to .midimix files).
A Note about the Akai APCmini (http://www.akaipro.com/products/pad-controllers/apc-mini):
The APCmini is built on the same black chassis as the MIDIMIX, and
retails for the same (99$US). It has the identical 9 30mm sliders, but
instead of knobs, comes with 8 rows of large buttons above the faders.
Otherwise, its main difference is that it is designed
uniquely
for Ableton Live. As a result, it comes with no editor (and cannot be
programmed onboard). These factors alone generally rule it out for
Csound use, unless one can work with the default setup. (Note: this is
always an option for Linux.) It turns out that its MIDI mapping is quite
straightforward: channel 1 for everything, the 9 faders CC's 48 through
56, the buttons notes 0-63 (bottom to top).
11 This mapping is
certainly
possible to work with. Nevertheless, I would greatly
prefer the MIDIMIX, with its editor and additional knobs (the 16 MIDIMIX
buttons are more than sufficient for my needs).
An Inexpensive Ultra-Compact Controller and Its Three Siblings
Any of the control surfaces that follow could be your choice if
compactness and price are paramount. (Each could fit in a deep pocket,
with little risk of damage.) They do not lack in features either. Their
main drawbacks are poor ergonomics and the fact that they mostly have
30mm sliders. Construction is satisfactory, but not outstanding. All are
readily available on the used (and even new) market for 50$US or so, and
have both Windows and Mac editors (with adequate programmability).
1)
Korg nanoKontrol (
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/korg-nanokontrol-midi-controller)
- used only
The Korg nanoKontrol is probably the best of these; it was the first to
appear and is widely available. (It too made my original list of
recommendations.) Korg also has a nanoKontrol2, which has more buttons,
but 8 rather than 9 sliders and knobs. I recommend the original
nanoKontrol with 9 faders. Both models are available in either black or
white; take white, or you'll never see the slider and knob level
settings. (On white, you can use an extra-fine black Sharpie to make
visible level markers if you like; with black, you are stuck.) The
nanoKontrol is the most compact of the group, is solidly built, and has
user-friendly, smooth faders. The unit's only drawback is that its
layout is not very ergonomic, especially in that its twin buttons are
stacked
between sliders, rather than directly above or below.
(Two buttons are associated with each fader.) Its editor is the same
good Korg Kontrol Editor of the nanoKontrol Studio above. The Korg
nanoKontrol is clearly the inspiration, even the model, for the devices
that follow.
2)
Icon i-Controls (
http://iconproaudio.com/product/icontrols/)
I am tempted to rate the Icon i-Controls above the nanoKontrol, as it
has 9
45mm sliders unlike these other ultra-compacts. While
twice as heavy, and notably larger than the nanoKontrol, the unit is
well-built, and more ergonomic than the Korg, partly due to its size (it
would only fit in a
very deep pocket). The buttons are larger,
and slider caps easier to grasp and elevated (out of the way of the
buttons). Otherwise, layout and features closely parallel the
nanoKontrol. Slider movement is as smooth as the Korg. The i-Controls'
editor is also comparable, except that it lacks important Copy/Paste
functions, as well as upload-from-controller capability. Unfortunately,
both its sliders and row of 9 knobs lack on-panel level guides. The unit
is available in either black or white; again, take white if available,
so you can add whatever level markings you need. (The Icon includes a
useless mini-joystick which can function only as a basic on-screen
pointer, and is easily broken.) Note: much of the marketing material for
this unit describes the rotary knobs as "encoders", which they are not -
an advantage in the present context.
3)
Worlde (ammoon) Easycontrol.9 (
https://www.amazon.com/ammoon-EasyControl-9-Portable-Slim-Line-Controller/dp/B01DKQZFSC)
The Worlde Easycontrol.9, though modestly bulkier than the nanoKontrol,
has a more ergonomic layout. It's the only ultra-compact with a row of 9
buttons neatly below the sliders. Level markings on slider caps (black
on black) are difficult to read, and knobs have no level pointers at
all! (But note that the 9 knobs above the sliders
are rotary
knobs, not encoders.) Slider movement is overly stiff.
The
Pyle Mini USB Controller Board (
https://www.pyleusa.com/midi-audio-controller-usb-digital-sound-mixing-interface.html)
is identical to the above, but is priced 10-20$US higher.
4)
Samson Graphite MFB (
http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/usb-midi/controllers/graphite-mf8/)
The Samson Graphite MFB is also a bit larger than the nanoKontrol. It
has only 8 sliders, while adding a (programmable) crossfader. Levels on
knobs and caps are well marked, but the layout here is even more
congested than the Korg. Also, slider action is stiff, like the
Easycontrol.
III. A Final Word
There are a number of control surfaces out there in the "excellent to
workable" range, that reasonably meet the above criteria - and at
economical prices. I have found all of them, at one time or another,
available on eBay for under 100$US (often used). As for me, I'll
continue my search for the "perfect" MIDI control surface - the elusive
"16 long-throw sliders, possibly with associated buttons" - compact USB
edition.
Footnotes
1 http://csoundjournal.com/issue10/MIDI_Controller.htmlMy 2009 article (written in late 2008) contains an error: the Korg
nanoKontrol's editor is referred to as the Enigma. It is not; it is the
Korg Kontrol Editor. (The Enigma is the excellent editor for a number of
Evolution and M-audio controllers.)