It can play software instruments, program drums, control your digital audio workstation (DAW) transport, automate plugin parameters while mixing, and more. They are most commonly keyboards, but can also be guitars, a drum machine with pads, or a wearable ring! Even fruit can be wired to a computer processor to become a MIDI controller.Ī MIDI controller is the Swiss Army knife of your studio. Quite simply: if a device’s primary or secondary function is to send MIDI data to another piece of hardware or software, that device can be considered a MIDI controller. MIDI controllers come in all different styles and sizes. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned producer, figuring out how to buy a MIDI controller that’s right for you can be an overwhelming task.īefore we get into our guide, let’s touch on what a MIDI controller is.

MIDI controllers are one of the first purchases in any home studio.