Last year was an interesting one for electronic music gear.
In 2014, manufacturers went beyond the tried-and-true keyboard MIDI controller – adding features like Bluetooth wireless connectivity, new form factors and better multi-platform support. We’d like to see consistent support for legacy DIN MIDI connectors – but maybe that will come in 2015!
In our second lookback at the Best of 2014, we take a look the 10 best new MIDI controllers of 2014.
MIDI Controllers:
- Positive Grid Bluetooth MIDI Foot Controllers w iOS Support
- Keith McMillen Instruments “Beer-proof!” SoftStep 2
- M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro – Drum Pad Control & Hardware Step Sequencing
- Livid Guitar Wing Brings MIDI Control To Guitars
- MIDI Sprout Experimental ‘Plant Sonification’ Controller
- Akai EWI 5000 Wireless Electronic Wind Instrument
- The Hornberg Research HB1 Breath Station
- Novation Launch Control XL
- iRig Pads MIDI Controller For iOS, Mac & Windows
- Roger Linn LinnStrument
What’s your pick for the best MIDI controller of 2014? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!
OT but my favorite bit of midi-related kit this year was the Midihub++ (I think it was actually introduced before 2014, but I just learned about it last year.) It is the only stable way I’ve found to properly sync a lot of my older 90s-era digital gear (in particular, the MS2K and roland MC units.. they never played nice until now.)
https://www.tindie.com/products/hotchk155/midihub-6-way-midi-thru-and-metronome-module/
Linnnnnnnnnnnnnsrtrumpet
Thomann has the Trigger Finger Pro at 199euro right now, (it was 249 a few days ago and b-stock was 229), Ive ordered one as it seems unbeatable at that price, dont even want/need the bundled software. only fault is no midi input(for my keyboard) but I can live with that
Seems like iPad controlling apps could be here and I’d add Touchable 3. Also, Arturia Beatstep?
I have the Linnstrument. It is…freaking awesome. Just magnificent. Everything I ever hoped for in a controller.
I agree. I’m overwhelmed by it’s playability…it feels like an INSTRUMENT in the face of so many plastic “controllers.”
I’m a happy – if also slightly overwhelmed – Linnstrument owner, too. I cannot lie: this thing is a real instrument, and it’s taking me awhile to learn it. But it is also simply fucking awesome. I remember the first time I got to the point where I was just jammin’ on it, and I couldn’t help myself, I just started laughing at how fun and cool it is.
Thanks for the compliment! May I quote you on my new “LinnStrument Testimonials” page? If so, could you let me know at [email protected]? And may I use your real name? (if so, what is your real name?)
Thanks,
Roger
I have one too. What a profoundly well designed instrument — so much fun!
SHOVE on lemur
It’s a great idea, but was MIDI Sprout the plant controller ever built and shipped?
Zaquencer!
No love for the “Komplete Kontrol S series of keyboards from industry giant Native Instruments?”
A new type of MIDI controller, Baton laser interface I think it’s revolutionary (France)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNhHR0OjLFs
I love this, I got one after seeing it here and I think it is absolutely amazing
https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2014/08/05/usb-midi-breath-bite-controller-adds-expression-to-virtual-instrument-performances/
Sadly, 12 months later, the Positive Grid BT-4 still belongs in the vaporware category.
I’ve been delaying the purchase of a foot controller while waiting for the Positive Grid BT pedal to come out to use with their Jamup app. Since summer 2013 they’ve been claiming it was only a month or two away. (It is now deep in winter/January 2015 and their website is still promising “Fall 2014″…)
I give up.
I just ordered a Line 6 pedal with amp modeling… Would have preferred the Jamup but suspect the BT pedal is vaporware