Read more DAW Controllers

DAW Controllers – the physical control centre for your music software DAW Controllers are the physical control centre for your music software, where you control mixing, transport, recording and effects with your hands instead of only with a mouse and keyboard. In the DAW Controllers category at SoundStoreXL, you will find both classic fader-based DAW Controllers, compact control surfaces and MIDI Keyboards with deep DAW integration from, among others, Novation, iCon, Avid, Arturia and Akai. This makes it easy for you to find the DAW Controllers that fits your studio, your workflow and your budget. Whether you produce electronic music, mix bands, make podcasts or work with audio for video, DAW Controllers can give you a faster workflow, more precise control and a far more musical relationship with your DAW. On this page, you can dive into the difference between DAW Controllers, MIDI Controllers and MIDI Keyboards, see what types are available, and get a practical guide to choosing the right solution for your setup. What are DAW Controllers – and how do they differ from MIDI Controllers? DAW Controllers are hardware units designed specifically to control your audio editing software (your DAW) – typically with motorised or manual faders, rotary knobs, transport buttons and often displays that show channel names and parameters. A classic DAW Controllers such as iCon QCon Pro X, iCon Qcon Pro G2 or iCon Platform Nano is built for channel control, mixing and transport, so you can work as if on a small digital mixing desk directly in your software. MIDI Controllers are a broader term that covers everything from pad controllers to pure control surfaces without faders. MIDI Keyboards such as the Novation Launchkey series, Novation FL Key and Arturia MiniLab 3 combine a keyboard with pads, faders and encoders and also function as DAW Controllers because they have dedicated DAW functions. In practice, many of the MIDI Keyboards and pad controllers in this category can therefore be used both as DAW Controllers and as instrument controllers in your production. Who are DAW Controllers relevant for? DAW Controllers are ideal for those who regularly work with music production or audio editing and want a faster, more intuitive workflow. You will benefit especially from DAW Controllers if you: Come from an analogue mixing console and miss physical faders for your digital mix Produce electronic music and want to control clips, scenes, transport and the mixer without constantly looking at the mouse Mix many tracks and automation and need precise, repeatable control of levels and panning Work with audio for film, TV or streaming, where fast navigation and lots of channels are part of everyday life Are a beginner in the home studio, but want to build a more professional and inspiring workspace For a compact home studio, a smaller DAW controller or a DAW-oriented MIDI Keyboards will often be the best choice. For professional users, large control surfaces such as Avid S1 combined with Avid Dock or extensive iCon controllers may be the route to maximum efficiency. Types of DAW Controllers: from compact surfaces to advanced mixers In the DAW controller category at SoundStoreXL, you’ll find several main types that cover different needs and workflows. This makes it easier for you to choose a solution that suits both the space on your desk and your control requirements. Classic DAW Controllers with faders – e.g. iCon QCon Pro X, iCon Qcon Pro G2 and iCon Platform Nano with motorised faders, encoders, transport control and channel displays for traditional mixing Compact control surfaces – such as iCon Platform Nano, Avid Dock and Novation Launch Control XL MK3, focusing on transport, mixing, encoders and flexible layouts in a small form factor MIDI Keyboards with DAW integration – e.g. the Novation Launchkey series, Novation FL Key and Arturia MiniLab 3, which combine a keyboard, pads, faders and knobs for both playing and DAW control Pad-based controllers – such as the Novation Launchpad series and Akai MPD/APC, where the focus is on clip launching, drum playing, loops and live performance in close interaction with your DAW The difference is mainly about how much you want to focus on classic mixing with faders, and how much you want to combine the DAW controller with playable keys and performance. Many choose to pair a dedicated DAW controller mixer with a separate MIDI Keyboards or pad controller for maximum flexibility. Key features of a DAW Controllers When choosing DAW Controllers, there are a number of features worth keeping an eye on. They determine how close and how efficient your integration with the DAW will be, and how well the controller fits your way of working. Faders – number of channels, length and possibly motorised faders for precise, repeatable control over volume and automation Rotary knobs/encoders – for panning, send levels, plug-in parameters and general fine adjustment Transport control – play, stop, record, loop, rewinding/fast forwarding and marker buttons, so you can work without the mouse Pads and buttons – for clip launching, solo/mute, scene start, drum programming and triggering functions Displays – from simple LED meters to large LCD/OLED screens with channel names, values and meters Protocols and integration – support for e.g. Mackie Control, HUI or EUCON for deep DAW integration Connectivity – USB, MIDI In/Out and possibly network connectivity for larger studio setups Controllers such as iCon QCon Pro X and Qcon Pro G2 give you full mixing functionality with motorised faders and large displays, while more compact units such as iCon Platform Nano and Novation Launch Control XL MK3 focus on a smaller footprint and flexible mapping. DAW-oriented keyboards from Novation, Akai and Arturia combine keys with faders, pads and encoders, giving you a lot of functionality in a single unit. DAW Controllers for beginners – how to choose right the first time As a beginner, it can be difficult to figure out which DAW Controllers is best. A good rule of thumb is to start simple and choose a controller that both gets you up and running and can grow with your needs. Consider, among other things: Desk space – if you only have a small desk, a compact controller or a mini keyboard is often the best choice Number of tracks – if you mostly work with only a few tracks, you don’t necessarily need many faders; a smaller DAW Controllers can be perfectly fine Need for keys – if you also want to play melodies and chords, a MIDI Keyboards with DAW integration offers excellent value Ease of use – many of the models in the range are plug-and-play with clear labels and software presets Budget – you can already get capable DAW Controllers and MIDI Keyboards at the affordable end, still delivering serious functionality For the brand-new producer, series such as Novation Launchkey and FL Key, Arturia MiniLab 3, as well as smaller iCon and Akai controllers are a strong starting point. They’re easy to install, come with solid software bundles, and quickly give you the feeling of working with real gear. Advanced DAW Controllers for serious studios For the more demanding studio and the professional user, the range includes DAW Controllers that go significantly further with motorised faders, deep software integration and the ability to scale up as needed. This includes Avid S1 and Avid Dock as well as iCon QCon Pro X and Pro G2. Avid S1 – compact yet powerful DAW Controllers with eight motorised faders, high-resolution displays and the EUCON protocol for deep integration with a wide range of DAWs and video software Avid Dock – control unit with jog wheel, transport controls, touch functions and one motorised focus fader, which especially enhances editing and mixing work together with your tablet iCon QCon Pro X – large DAW Controllers with 8+1 motorised touch faders, encoders, LED metering and an extensive button layout, designed for serious mixing and production iCon Qcon Pro G2 – powerful 8-channel DAW Controllers with motorised faders, 12-segment LED metering, LCD displays and a high degree of customisability These DAW Controllers are ideal for larger music studios, audio post-production and ambitious home studios where you work with many tracks, automation and client deliveries. The controllers can often be expanded with additional units, giving you a higher number of faders and a surface that resembles a professional digital mixer. MIDI Keyboards and pad controllers as DAW Controllers Many users choose to let their MIDI Keyboards be their primary DAW Controllers. In SoundStoreXL’s range you’ll find a selection of models created to deliver close integration with the DAW while also working as playable instruments with keys and pads. Novation Launchkey series – available in multiple sizes, from compact 25- and 37-key keyboards to larger 49-, 61- and 88-key models, all with deep DAW integration, pads, faders, encoders and arpeggiator Novation FL Key – keyboards designed with strong integration for modern software production, complemented by pads and adjustment options Novation Launchpad series – pad controllers such as Launchpad Mini, Launchpad X and similar, ideal for clip launching, finger drumming and performance in the DAW Akai APC series – e.g. Akai APC Mini II and APC Key 25, which combine lots of RGB pads, faders and controls for managing session and mix Arturia MiniLab 3 – compact MIDI Keyboards with keys, pads, knobs and faders in one unit and simple DAW integration for a quick start The advantage of these solutions is that you get both an instrument and DAW Controllers in one unit. This is especially attractive in smaller setups where space and budget are limited, but you still want to be able to both play and control mix, transport and effects directly from the controller. DAW Controllers compatibility and integration A key part of DAW Controllers is how closely they integrate with your software. Most controllers in the range from Novation, iCon, Avid, Akai and Arturia are designed to work with several of the most widely used DAW types on the market through established control protocols. Mackie Control/HUI – used by many manufacturers, including the iCon QCon series and Platform Nano, to achieve broad compatibility with common DAWs EUCON – Avid’s own high-speed protocol, providing deep integration, extensive parameter access and the ability to switch between different software applications on Avid S1 and Avid Dock USB MIDI – the standard connection for most MIDI Keyboards and controllers, allowing simple plug-and-play setup 5-pin MIDI In/Out – on certain controllers such as Novation Launch Control XL MK3, so you can also control external synths, effects and hardware mixers In practice, this means that DAW Controllers can typically be set up to control the mixer, transport, clips, plug-ins and send/return in your preferred DAW. Most units come with presets and guides, so you can quickly get communication between the controller and the software working. On some models, you can also save multiple layouts, so you can switch between different workflows and project types. Setting up DAW Controllers – step by step Setting up DAW Controllers has become significantly easier in recent years. The vast majority of controllers in this category are class compliant or come with drivers and software tools that guide you through the process. A typical setup might look like this: Connect the controller to your computer via USB or network, depending on the model If required, install the manufacturer’s driver and utility Open your DAW and enable the controller in the MIDI/Controller setup settings Select the relevant control protocol (e.g. Mackie Control, HUI or EUCON), if your DAW allows it Test transport buttons, faders and encoders to make sure everything responds as expected On many newer DAW controllers, you can then customise the mapping so the controls match your favourite functions exactly. Novation, Avid, iCon, Arturia and Akai often provide software tools where you can create custom layouts, save them, and quickly recall them when switching between project types or DAWs. Common errors and troubleshooting with DAW controllers If your DAW Controllers doesn’t behave as you expect, there are a handful of typical causes worth checking first. By going through these points, you can often solve the problem in just a few minutes. No connection – check the USB cable, any hubs, and whether the controller is receiving power Incorrect or missing driver – check the manufacturer’s website or the included software for the latest version Controller not enabled in the DAW – make sure the device is selected in the DAW’s MIDI and controller settings Incorrect control protocol – verify that your DAW is set to the protocol the controller uses (Mackie Control, HUI, EUCON, etc.) Missing firmware update – some DAW controllers require updated firmware for full functionality If there are still issues after you’ve gone through these points, it’s a good idea to check the included manual or the manufacturer’s support section. At SoundStoreXL, you also get Danish support, so you can get help making your DAW Controllers work perfectly with the rest of your setup. DAW controllers and other studio gear in your setup DAW Controllers work best as part of an overall studio solution where an audio interface, studio monitors, headphones and possibly hardware effects work together. Several of the products in this category are designed specifically to be part of larger systems and can control both software and external hardware. Avid MBOX Studio – a powerful USB audio interface that can act as the hub of your studio with many inputs and outputs, real-time effects and integration with modern music software Control of external devices – controllers such as Novation Launch Control XL MK3, iCon Platform Nano and others with 5-pin MIDI output can be used to control external synths and effects Combining multiple controllers – Avid S1 can, for example, be linked with multiple S1 units and Avid Dock to create a larger, fully integrated control surface When planning your setup, it can be helpful to think in roles: DAW Controllers for mixing and transport, MIDI Keyboards for playable parts, and an audio interface for handling audio in and out of the computer. This way, you ensure each unit does exactly what it’s best at – and that the entire chain supports your workflow. FAQ – frequently asked questions about DAW controllers Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about DAW controllers, making it easier to choose the right solution for your studio. What is a DAW Controllers? A DAW Controllers is a physical control surface for your audio editing software, giving you faders, buttons, pads and displays to control mixing, transport, recording and plug-ins. Unlike a traditional mixing console, a DAW Controllers does not pass audio through itself, but controls your software via digital control signals. This way you can mix and navigate far more intuitively than with mouse and keyboard alone. Which DAW Controllers is best for beginners? For beginners, it is often an advantage to choose a compact and user-friendly controller that is both easy to understand and flexible. MIDI Keyboards with DAW integration such as the Novation Launchkey series, Novation FL Key or Arturia MiniLab 3 are strong options, because you get keys, pads and basic DAW control in one unit. Smaller DAW Controllers and pad controllers from, for example, Akai, Novation or iCon can also be a good choice if the focus is on mixing and clip launching. Does a DAW Controllers work with my music software? Most DAW Controllers in the range are designed to work with modern types of DAW via standardised control protocols. This means the chance of compatibility is high, regardless of which DAW you use. Before buying, it is worth checking the product description for information about supported protocols and system requirements, so you can be sure that controller and software work together. Do I need motorised faders on my DAW Controllers? Motorised faders are especially beneficial if you work a lot with mixing and automation. The faders automatically follow your project status, jump to the correct positions when you switch banks or presets, and make it easier both to write and to fine-tune automation. If you mainly need basic control and work with fewer tracks, a DAW Controllers with manual faders or without faders may be sufficient and more budget-friendly. Buy your DAW Controllers at SoundStoreXL When you buy your DAW Controllers at SoundStoreXL, you get access to a wide selection of control surfaces, MIDI Keyboards and pad controllers from established manufacturers such as Novation, iCon, Avid, Arturia and Akai. Whether you are looking for a compact controller for the desktop, a full DAW Controllers mixer with motorised faders, or an all-in-one MIDI Keyboard with deep DAW integration, you will find solutions that match both your ambitions and your budget. As a Danish retailer, SoundStoreXL focuses on serious advice and a range selected for real studios – from the first home studio to the professional production environment. You can advantageously combine your DAW Controllers with products from related categories such as MIDI Keyboards, MIDI Controllers and audio interfaces to build a complete and flexible setup that will last for many years. Buy your DAW Controllers at SoundStoreXL – a 100% Danish retailer.

DAW Controllers → Avid, iCon & Novation

DAW Controllers – the physical control centre for your music software

DAW Controllers are the physical control centre for your music software, where you control mixing, transport, recording and effects with your hands instead of only with a mouse and keyboard. In the DAW Controllers category at SoundStoreXL, you will find both classic fader-based DAW Controllers, compact control surfaces and MIDI Keyboards with deep DAW integration from, among others, Novation, iCon, Avid, Arturia and Akai. This makes it easy for you to find the DAW Controllers that fits your studio, your workflow and your budget.

Whether you produce electronic music, mix bands, make podcasts or work with audio for video, DAW Controllers can give you a faster workflow, more precise control and a far more musical relationship with your DAW. On this page, you can dive into the difference between DAW Controllers, MIDI Controllers and MIDI Keyboards, see what types are available, and get a practical guide to choosing the right solution for your setup.

What are DAW Controllers – and how do they differ from MIDI Controllers?

DAW Controllers are hardware units designed specifically to control your audio editing software (your DAW) – typically with motorised or manual faders, rotary knobs, transport buttons and often displays that show channel names and parameters. A classic DAW Controllers such as iCon QCon Pro X, iCon Qcon Pro G2 or iCon Platform Nano is built for channel control, mixing and transport, so you can work as if on a small digital mixing desk directly in your software.

MIDI Controllers are a broader term that covers everything from pad controllers to pure control surfaces without faders. MIDI Keyboards such as the Novation Launchkey series, Novation FL Key and Arturia MiniLab 3 combine a keyboard with pads, faders and encoders and also function as DAW Controllers because they have dedicated DAW functions. In practice, many of the MIDI Keyboards and pad controllers in this category can therefore be used both as DAW Controllers and as instrument controllers in your production.

Who are DAW Controllers relevant for?

DAW Controllers are ideal for those who regularly work with music production or audio editing and want a faster, more intuitive workflow. You will benefit especially from DAW Controllers if you:

Come from an analogue mixing console and miss physical faders for your digital mix
Produce electronic music and want to control clips, scenes, transport and the mixer without constantly looking at the mouse
Mix many tracks and automation and need precise, repeatable control of levels and panning
Work with audio for film, TV or streaming, where fast navigation and lots of channels are part of everyday life
Are a beginner in the home studio, but want to build a more professional and inspiring workspace

For a compact home studio, a smaller DAW controller or a DAW-oriented MIDI Keyboards will often be the best choice. For professional users, large control surfaces such as Avid S1 combined with Avid Dock or extensive iCon controllers may be the route to maximum efficiency.

Types of DAW Controllers: from compact surfaces to advanced mixers

In the DAW controller category at SoundStoreXL, you’ll find several main types that cover different needs and workflows. This makes it easier for you to choose a solution that suits both the space on your desk and your control requirements.

Classic DAW Controllers with faders – e.g. iCon QCon Pro X, iCon Qcon Pro G2 and iCon Platform Nano with motorised faders, encoders, transport control and channel displays for traditional mixing
Compact control surfaces – such as iCon Platform Nano, Avid Dock and Novation Launch Control XL MK3, focusing on transport, mixing, encoders and flexible layouts in a small form factor
MIDI Keyboards with DAW integration – e.g. the Novation Launchkey series, Novation FL Key and Arturia MiniLab 3, which combine a keyboard, pads, faders and knobs for both playing and DAW control
Pad-based controllers – such as the Novation Launchpad series and Akai MPD/APC, where the focus is on clip launching, drum playing, loops and live performance in close interaction with your DAW

The difference is mainly about how much you want to focus on classic mixing with faders, and how much you want to combine the DAW controller with playable keys and performance. Many choose to pair a dedicated DAW controller mixer with a separate MIDI Keyboards or pad controller for maximum flexibility.

Key features of a DAW Controllers

When choosing DAW Controllers, there are a number of features worth keeping an eye on. They determine how close and how efficient your integration with the DAW will be, and how well the controller fits your way of working.

Faders – number of channels, length and possibly motorised faders for precise, repeatable control over volume and automation
Rotary knobs/encoders – for panning, send levels, plug-in parameters and general fine adjustment
Transport control – play, stop, record, loop, rewinding/fast forwarding and marker buttons, so you can work without the mouse
Pads and buttons – for clip launching, solo/mute, scene start, drum programming and triggering functions
Displays – from simple LED meters to large LCD/OLED screens with channel names, values and meters
Protocols and integration – support for e.g. Mackie Control, HUI or EUCON for deep DAW integration
Connectivity – USB, MIDI In/Out and possibly network connectivity for larger studio setups

Controllers such as iCon QCon Pro X and Qcon Pro G2 give you full mixing functionality with motorised faders and large displays, while more compact units such as iCon Platform Nano and Novation Launch Control XL MK3 focus on a smaller footprint and flexible mapping. DAW-oriented keyboards from Novation, Akai and Arturia combine keys with faders, pads and encoders, giving you a lot of functionality in a single unit.

DAW Controllers for beginners – how to choose right the first time

As a beginner, it can be difficult to figure out which DAW Controllers is best. A good rule of thumb is to start simple and choose a controller that both gets you up and running and can grow with your needs. Consider, among other things:

Desk space – if you only have a small desk, a compact controller or a mini keyboard is often the best choice
Number of tracks – if you mostly work with only a few tracks, you don’t necessarily need many faders; a smaller DAW Controllers can be perfectly fine
Need for keys – if you also want to play melodies and chords, a MIDI Keyboards with DAW integration offers excellent value
Ease of use – many of the models in the range are plug-and-play with clear labels and software presets
Budget – you can already get capable DAW Controllers and MIDI Keyboards at the affordable end, still delivering serious functionality

For the brand-new producer, series such as Novation Launchkey and FL Key, Arturia MiniLab 3, as well as smaller iCon and Akai controllers are a strong starting point. They’re easy to install, come with solid software bundles, and quickly give you the feeling of working with real gear.

Advanced DAW Controllers for serious studios

For the more demanding studio and the professional user, the range includes DAW Controllers that go significantly further with motorised faders, deep software integration and the ability to scale up as needed. This includes Avid S1 and Avid Dock as well as iCon QCon Pro X and Pro G2.

Avid S1 – compact yet powerful DAW Controllers with eight motorised faders, high-resolution displays and the EUCON protocol for deep integration with a wide range of DAWs and video software
Avid Dock – control unit with jog wheel, transport controls, touch functions and one motorised focus fader, which especially enhances editing and mixing work together with your tablet
iCon QCon Pro X – large DAW Controllers with 8+1 motorised touch faders, encoders, LED metering and an extensive button layout, designed for serious mixing and production
iCon Qcon Pro G2 – powerful 8-channel DAW Controllers with motorised faders, 12-segment LED metering, LCD displays and a high degree of customisability

These DAW Controllers are ideal for larger music studios, audio post-production and ambitious home studios where you work with many tracks, automation and client deliveries. The controllers can often be expanded with additional units, giving you a higher number of faders and a surface that resembles a professional digital mixer.

MIDI Keyboards and pad controllers as DAW Controllers

Many users choose to let their MIDI Keyboards be their primary DAW Controllers. In SoundStoreXL’s range you’ll find a selection of models created to deliver close integration with the DAW while also working as playable instruments with keys and pads.

Novation Launchkey series – available in multiple sizes, from compact 25- and 37-key keyboards to larger 49-, 61- and 88-key models, all with deep DAW integration, pads, faders, encoders and arpeggiator
Novation FL Key – keyboards designed with strong integration for modern software production, complemented by pads and adjustment options
Novation Launchpad series – pad controllers such as Launchpad Mini, Launchpad X and similar, ideal for clip launching, finger drumming and performance in the DAW
Akai APC series – e.g. Akai APC Mini II and APC Key 25, which combine lots of RGB pads, faders and controls for managing session and mix
Arturia MiniLab 3 – compact MIDI Keyboards with keys, pads, knobs and faders in one unit and simple DAW integration for a quick start

The advantage of these solutions is that you get both an instrument and DAW Controllers in one unit. This is especially attractive in smaller setups where space and budget are limited, but you still want to be able to both play and control mix, transport and effects directly from the controller.

DAW Controllers compatibility and integration

A key part of DAW Controllers is how closely they integrate with your software. Most controllers in the range from Novation, iCon, Avid, Akai and Arturia are designed to work with several of the most widely used DAW types on the market through established control protocols.

Mackie Control/HUI – used by many manufacturers, including the iCon QCon series and Platform Nano, to achieve broad compatibility with common DAWs
EUCON – Avid’s own high-speed protocol, providing deep integration, extensive parameter access and the ability to switch between different software applications on Avid S1 and Avid Dock
USB MIDI – the standard connection for most MIDI Keyboards and controllers, allowing simple plug-and-play setup
5-pin MIDI In/Out – on certain controllers such as Novation Launch Control XL MK3, so you can also control external synths, effects and hardware mixers

In practice, this means that DAW Controllers can typically be set up to control the mixer, transport, clips, plug-ins and send/return in your preferred DAW. Most units come with presets and guides, so you can quickly get communication between the controller and the software working. On some models, you can also save multiple layouts, so you can switch between different workflows and project types.

Setting up DAW Controllers – step by step

Setting up DAW Controllers has become significantly easier in recent years. The vast majority of controllers in this category are class compliant or come with drivers and software tools that guide you through the process. A typical setup might look like this:

Connect the controller to your computer via USB or network, depending on the model
If required, install the manufacturer’s driver and utility
Open your DAW and enable the controller in the MIDI/Controller setup settings
Select the relevant control protocol (e.g. Mackie Control, HUI or EUCON), if your DAW allows it
Test transport buttons, faders and encoders to make sure everything responds as expected

On many newer DAW controllers, you can then customise the mapping so the controls match your favourite functions exactly. Novation, Avid, iCon, Arturia and Akai often provide software tools where you can create custom layouts, save them, and quickly recall them when switching between project types or DAWs.

Common errors and troubleshooting with DAW controllers

If your DAW Controllers doesn’t behave as you expect, there are a handful of typical causes worth checking first. By going through these points, you can often solve the problem in just a few minutes.

No connection – check the USB cable, any hubs, and whether the controller is receiving power
Incorrect or missing driver – check the manufacturer’s website or the included software for the latest version
Controller not enabled in the DAW – make sure the device is selected in the DAW’s MIDI and controller settings
Incorrect control protocol – verify that your DAW is set to the protocol the controller uses (Mackie Control, HUI, EUCON, etc.)
Missing firmware update – some DAW controllers require updated firmware for full functionality

If there are still issues after you’ve gone through these points, it’s a good idea to check the included manual or the manufacturer’s support section. At SoundStoreXL, you also get Danish support, so you can get help making your DAW Controllers work perfectly with the rest of your setup.

DAW controllers and other studio gear in your setup

DAW Controllers work best as part of an overall studio solution where an audio interface, studio monitors, headphones and possibly hardware effects work together. Several of the products in this category are designed specifically to be part of larger systems and can control both software and external hardware.

Avid MBOX Studio – a powerful USB audio interface that can act as the hub of your studio with many inputs and outputs, real-time effects and integration with modern music software
Control of external devices – controllers such as Novation Launch Control XL MK3, iCon Platform Nano and others with 5-pin MIDI output can be used to control external synths and effects
Combining multiple controllers – Avid S1 can, for example, be linked with multiple S1 units and Avid Dock to create a larger, fully integrated control surface

When planning your setup, it can be helpful to think in roles: DAW Controllers for mixing and transport, MIDI Keyboards for playable parts, and an audio interface for handling audio in and out of the computer. This way, you ensure each unit does exactly what it’s best at – and that the entire chain supports your workflow.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about DAW controllers

Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about DAW controllers, making it easier to choose the right solution for your studio.

What is a DAW Controllers?

A DAW Controllers is a physical control surface for your audio editing software, giving you faders, buttons, pads and displays to control mixing, transport, recording and plug-ins. Unlike a traditional mixing console, a DAW Controllers does not pass audio through itself, but controls your software via digital control signals. This way you can mix and navigate far more intuitively than with mouse and keyboard alone.

Which DAW Controllers is best for beginners?

For beginners, it is often an advantage to choose a compact and user-friendly controller that is both easy to understand and flexible. MIDI Keyboards with DAW integration such as the Novation Launchkey series, Novation FL Key or Arturia MiniLab 3 are strong options, because you get keys, pads and basic DAW control in one unit. Smaller DAW Controllers and pad controllers from, for example, Akai, Novation or iCon can also be a good choice if the focus is on mixing and clip launching.

Does a DAW Controllers work with my music software?

Most DAW Controllers in the range are designed to work with modern types of DAW via standardised control protocols. This means the chance of compatibility is high, regardless of which DAW you use. Before buying, it is worth checking the product description for information about supported protocols and system requirements, so you can be sure that controller and software work together.

Do I need motorised faders on my DAW Controllers?

Motorised faders are especially beneficial if you work a lot with mixing and automation. The faders automatically follow your project status, jump to the correct positions when you switch banks or presets, and make it easier both to write and to fine-tune automation. If you mainly need basic control and work with fewer tracks, a DAW Controllers with manual faders or without faders may be sufficient and more budget-friendly.

Buy your DAW Controllers at SoundStoreXL

When you buy your DAW Controllers at SoundStoreXL, you get access to a wide selection of control surfaces, MIDI Keyboards and pad controllers from established manufacturers such as Novation, iCon, Avid, Arturia and Akai. Whether you are looking for a compact controller for the desktop, a full DAW Controllers mixer with motorised faders, or an all-in-one MIDI Keyboard with deep DAW integration, you will find solutions that match both your ambitions and your budget.

As a Danish retailer, SoundStoreXL focuses on serious advice and a range selected for real studios – from the first home studio to the professional production environment. You can advantageously combine your DAW Controllers with products from related categories such as MIDI Keyboards, MIDI Controllers and audio interfaces to build a complete and flexible setup that will last for many years. Buy your DAW Controllers at SoundStoreXL – a 100% Danish retailer.