Are you trying to find ableton controllers among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling ableton controllers on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 15 hours of research and did 95 ableton controllers tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best ableton controllers you can buy today
- Complete Mix Control - Lightweight, compact and robust ultra-portable MIDI mixer / DAW controller seamlessly maps all mixer settings to your DAW with a single push of a button
- Mixdown Essentials - 8 individual line faders and 1 master fader for controlling track volume, virtual instrument parameters, effect settings and more
- Assignable Control - 24 knobs, arranged 3 per channel for controlling EQ, bus sends, virtual instrument parameters, effect settings and more
- Get Hands-On - 16 buttons arranged in 2 banks provide mute, solo and record arm functionality per channel
- Effortless Ableton Live Integration - Instant 1 to 1 mapping with Ableton Live (Ableton Live Lite included)
- Next-Generation Ableton Live Controller - 64 RGB velocity-sensitive pads, 8 assignable touch strips, internal step sequencer, color display for real-time feedback, MIDI I/O, CV/Gate, USB-C bus powered
- 8 Assignable Touch Strips - Shape your sound with vibrato, modulation, pitch-bend and more. Adjust macros, mixer volume, pan, and effects sends as well as writing automation
- Bright 8x8 RGB Pad Matrix - 64 velocity-sensitive pads with poly aftertouch provide visual color feedback. Play notes, chords, trigger drum racks and launch clips in Ableton Live Session View
- Ableton Live Lite Included - An industry-leading DAW for PC & Mac. Capture ideas, live performances, record, mix and loop. APC64 MIDI controller is compatible with Ableton Live 11 onwards
- DAW-less Control - Powerful 8-track 32-step sequencer for real-time sequencing of external synthesizers, drum machines, modular and sampler device performances with or without a computer
- Plug-ins and Effects - APC64 includes VST/AU AIR and Sonivox instrument and insert plug-ins with classic keyboards, synths, reverb, vocal tuning, and timeless effects for creative producing and mixing
- Supercharge Your Sound - Apply additional creative dimensions to MIDI notes using the Probability, Velocity, and Mutate functions for further production and performance experimentation
- Instant Connectivity - 8x 1/8" CV/Gate outs for external modular devices, 1x 1/8" MIDI in and 2x 1/8" MIDI outs for keyboards and desktop synths, USB-C plug-and-play bus powered. Lightweight and portable
- Total Control - Ableton Live USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with built-in 25-note synthesizer keyboard and dedicated octave up and down buttons to increase the keyboard to the full melodic range
- Ableton Live Lite Included - An industry-leading DAW for PC & Mac. Capture ideas, live performances, record, mix and unleash your creativity. APC Key 25 MK2 is pre-mapped for 1-to-1 integration with Ableton 11.2.7 onwards
- Bright 5x8 RGB Pad Matrix - 40 RGB pads for launching clips in Ableton Live providing visual color feedback. Trigger everything from Loops, Vocals, and melodic samples for instant creativity
- 25 Responsive Mini Keys - 2 Octaves of velocity-sensitive keys for powerful live performance and studio composition using software plugins. Play chords, basslines, synth leads and other studio equipment
- 8 Assignable Rotary Knobs - Dial in volume or pan, insert sends for effects, and automation for all track types using the 360 knob controls. Use Device mode for direct control of your Ableton macros
- 4 Directional Arrow Buttons - Move around large groups of clips. Go left and right to scroll through tracks or up and down to scroll through scenes to access your loops, samples, and sounds instantly
- Instant Connectivity - APC Key 25 MK2 is powered over USB and supports plug-and-play connectivity, for seamless integration from the studio to the stage for Mac and PC, no batteries or power adapters needed
- DAW Integration - Comprehensive virtual instrument pack including Hybrid 3 - powerful polyphonic analog synth, Mini Grand - acoustic piano instrument, and Velvet — vintage electric piano instrument
- English (Publication Language)
- Novation Launch Control XL USB MIDI controller for Ableton Live with assignable controls
- Stay focused on your music: 24 pots, each with 300-degree motion, line up seamlessly with Ableton Live’s mixer. Eight 60mm faders give control over your levels, and 16 multicolored pads give you immediate track focus and mixer control.
- Customize your workflow: Create your own layouts with 16 assignable buttons and assign any parameters within Ableton to pots/faders. You can customize pots with your own colors, and switch between your mappings and Live's built-in functionality.
- Control just about anything: Plug Launch Control XL into Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase or ProTools and start controlling essential DAW functions. With Launch Control XL’s standalone capabilities, you can also take control of any of your hardware.
- Get started immediately: Start making music quickly with included Ableton Live Lite software and FAST Balancer, the AI-powered EQ plugin.
![Novation Launchpad Mini [MK3] — Portable MIDI 64-Pad, USB Grid Controller for Ableton Live and Logic Pro Performances](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Qyi2af+jL.jpg "The 8 Best ableton controllers of %currentyear% 59")
- Seamless performances made easy - 64 vibrant RGB pads give you a perfect reflection of your Ableton Live session, making it easier than ever to see your clips. Know exactly which clips you are triggering for a seamless performance.
- The perfect companion for Ableton Live - Quickly launch your clips and scenes at the press of a button with our exceptional Ableton Live Integration. Stop, Solo, and Mute controls make it easier and more tactile to control your performances right from your Launchpad Mini, no mouse needed.
- Full of customisation for your needs - Novation Components is a tool to help you customise your Launchpad Mini. With three Custom Modes, edit mappings and control anything MIDI easily.
- Anytime. Anywhere. The portable device - Small and light, Launchpad Mini’s slim, lightweight design means it’ll fit into any setup, so that you have the control you need at all times. The bus-powered hardware is perfect for when you’re travelling around and need to save important space for your other items.
- Get started easily - It’s never been easier to get started. Download all the software you want with step-by-step video guides to get you set up and making music in minutes through Novation's interactive on boarding.
- Shape your sound with MPE-enabled pads
- Plug your gear into Push’s built-in audio interface
- USB-C Connectivity to Ableton Live Software on Mac and PC
- CV and Gate signals to control and sequence your modular setup and other external synths
- Shape your sound with MPE-enabled pads
- Intel 11th Gen Core i3-1115G4 processor with 8GB of RAM
- Built-in lithium battery with up to 2.5 hours play time
- Built-in 256GB SSD hard drive
- CV and Gate signals to control and sequence your modular setup and other external synths
- Plug your gear into Push’s built-in audio interface
- USB-C Connectivity to Ableton Live Software on Mac and PC
- Tight integration with included Studio One Artist and Ableton Live (live 10 Lite included) music production software gets your mind off the screen and back on the beat.
- Produce, play virtual instruments, and trigger samples and loops with unsurpassed expressiveness and flexibility.
- Trigger loops and effects and play virtual instruments with 16 full-size velocity- and pressure-sensitive, RGB LED pads (and 8 assignable pad banks).
- Comes with over $1000 of computer recording software plug-ins – Studio Magic Plug-In Suite.
- Selectable pad velocity curves and pressure thresholds customize the pads' response for maximum expression.
- Equipped with 20 assignable buttons and 4 endless rotary encoders.
- MIDI "keyboard" mode, Note Repeat mode, and Full Velocity mode (application dependent).
- Includes MVP Loops content custom-curated for ATOM.
- Compatible with most music production and performance software via USB.
- Set looping points, navigate the timeline, zoom in/out on the timeline or events, and edit/quantize MIDI events.
- Provides a single touch-sensitive, 100 mm long-throw, motorized fader for writing fades and automation in real-time.
- Large 360-degree push-button encoder allows you to edit and mix with greater efficiency and speed.
- Equipped with 24 buttons covering 40 different functions such as transport controls, channel record-enable, enable/disable looping, automation behavior selection, and more. Also contains user-definable function buttons.
- Innovative Session Navigator section makes mixing and controlling DAWs quick and easy.
- Comes with over $1000 worth of recording software including Studio One Artist (for which it has seamless & native support), Ableton Live Lite, and Studio Magic plug-in suite.
- Also compatible with almost all recording software for Mac, Windows, and iPad including Logic Pro X, Cubase, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools via Mackie Control Universal and Mackie HUI emulation.
- Channel control, solo or mute channels, clear all solos or mutes; all at the touch of a button.
- Connects via USB 2.0 for easy connectivity.
- Bypass all plug-ins on one channel or bypass all plug-ins on all channels (not available in all DAWs).
- Footswitch jack included for hands-free punch in/out during recording (footswitch not included).
![Novation Launchkey 25 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller - Seamless Ableton Live Integration. Chord Mode, Scale Mode, and Arpeggiator — for Music Production](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Wl7Rjzz3L.jpg "The 8 Best ableton controllers of %currentyear% 69")
- Designed for Live — Get hands on with Ableton Live – An unrivalled integration to Ableton Live with your Launchkey gives you a seamless music making experience. Have all the tools at your disposal with deep and intuitive Ableton Live control — including device macro control, track select, record, capture MIDI, clip and scene launch, stop/mute/solo, volume, pans and sends. Never lose an idea with Capture MIDI – One touch access to Ableton Live’s Capture MIDI ensures you will never lose an idea without taking you from the creative experience.
- Create and play with feeling – Velocity-sensitive keyboard and 16 velocity-sensitive pads enable expressive and dynamic performance at your fingertips. Capture your playing in Ableton Live precisely as you intended.
- Play chords with one finger – Lay down chords for your track quick with three chord modes — fixed, scale, and user. Play a chord with one finger by assigning a fixed shape to the keys and it’ll transpose as you move up and down the keyboard.
- Get melodies moving with arpeggiator – Easy to use but deeply controllable, Launchkey Mini’s creative arpeggiator allows you to change rhythm, beat, pattern, octave, gate and more to add a whole range of diversity to your ideas and melodies.
- Never hit a wrong note – Scale modes transpose keys and pads to notes in the se-lected scale, so that you can focus on being creative and remove music theory frus-tration.
- DAW Integration – In addition to Apple Logic and Ableton Live, Launchkey also has excellent integrations with Reason, as well as any HUI compatible DAW, such as Cubase, Pro Tools, and more.
![Novation Launchkey 88 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/218XftBYyYL.jpg "The 8 Best ableton controllers of %currentyear% 71")
- Premium full size keybed- 88 premium semi-weighted keys and 16 velocity-sensitive pads allow you to play with feeling.
- Seamless DAW Integration- Deep integration across all leading DAWs with immediate access to all the controls you need
- Powerful arpeggiator with Strum Mode- Take your music to new melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic places and unlock more creative ideas
- Creative Scale and Chord Modes-Three chord modes (fixed, scale and user) let you trigger chords with one finger
- Play anything-Use Custom Modes and the MIDI output to take control of your favourite synths and hardware
- Stage and studio-worthy MIDI pad controller with metal non-slip chassis designed in partnership with Ableton
- 40 premium illuminated pad triggers and 16 LED rotary encoders that provide realtime control and feedback of musical activity
- Exclusive bi-directional communication between the APC40 and Ableton Live
- Comes with Ableton Live Akai Professional APC Edition, compatible with all versions of Ableton Live
- No mapping required, USB plug-and-play operation with Ableton on Mac or PC
- Customizable controls that adapt to your workflow, perform and create without limits
- MK2 version of Novation's compact USB grid controller designed for Ableton Live; 64 multi-colored backlit pads
- Software for Mac and PC, including Ableton Live Lite
- Integrates with your iPad via a Camera Connection Kit or Lightning -to-USB camera adapter (sold separately)
- Compact, lightweight and USB bus-powered
- Launchpad Arcade is an interactive demo that you can use with or without your Launchpad Mini for immediate playability, right out of the box. NOTE: Refer the User Manual before use. Novation now offers a 3-Year Warranty on this and all other Novation products.
- Music Production And Beat Maker Essential - Usb Powered Midi Controller With 25 Mini Midi Keyboard Velocity-Sensitive Keys For Studio Production, Virtual Synthesizer Control And Beat Production
- Total Control Of Your Production - Innovative 4-Way Thumbstick For Dynamic Pitch And Modulation Control, Plus A Built-In Arpeggiator With Adjustable Resolution, Range And Modes
- The Mpc Experience - 8 Backlit Velocity-Sensitive Mpc-Style Midi Beat Pads With Note Repeat & Full Level For Programming Drums, Triggering Samples And Controlling Virtual Synthesizer / Daw Controls
- Complete Command Of Your Virtual Instruments And Fx - 8 360-Degree Knobs Assign To All Your Music Studio Plugins For Mixing, Tweaking Synth Controls And More
- 1500+ Sounds and Everything You Need for Pro Production – Complete Music Production Starter Kit including MPC Beats, 3 Virtual Instruments and 2GB of sound content
- Customize your MPK Mini MK3 - Download the Editor and learn how to manually map the knobs and joystick, adjust the keyboard and arpeggiator, store your own programs, and more
- Get a Full Month of Splice - Unlock the ultimate sample library, now included with your purchase of any MPK or MPC. Register your product and redeem 30 days of access to Splice Creator plan
- Bundle Includes: Novation Launch Control XL MIDI USB Ableton Live Controller with HUI Integration,Novation Launchpad and Launch Control XL Case and 3.0 4 Port USB Hub
- Focus on your Music Production: Spend less time peering at your screen by using hands-on controls that integrate seamlessly with Ableton Live. The 24 knobs are arranged in three rows, which align perfectly with Ableton Live’s mixer. They also have multi-colored LEDs that illuminate to distinguish between sends, EQs or any other device. Eight rugged 60mm faders offer high-precision control over your levels, while 16 multi-color pads offer immediate track focus and mixer control
- Create your Own Control Layouts: Assign your buttons, knobs, and faders to any parameters within Ableton to make your own layouts. You can even customize knobs with your own colors, and effortlessly switch between your own mappings and software's built-in functionality. Crafting the perfect mix has never been easier
- Enhance your Live Performance: Experience an unprecedented level of freedom when playing live, by combining with a Launchpad to control Ableton’s session view. Trigger clips, play drum racks, and control your mixer, effects and instruments all at the same time. You can even combine multiple units for some serious modular mayhem
- Easily Carry it Around: Tough, slim, and designed for gigging, you can slip Launch Control XL into your backpack and put it through the most demanding live situations. It’s also fully USB bus powered, so you can plug in and play without even needing a power supply
- Robinson, Keith (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 456 Pages - 02/05/2014 (Publication Date) - Routledge (Publisher)
- Play, Perform, Produce - Standalone music production / DJ performance system featuring 7" full color capacitive multitouch display and 8x8 clip launch matrix with RGB LEDs
- The Ins and Outs - Record audio with (2) XLR / ¼-inch combo inputs with phantom power, switchable to line/instrument level; route your audio to two stereo ¼-inch outputs and the headphone output
- Hook up all your Studio Equipment - 4 configurable CV/Gate outputs and MIDI In / Out / Thru with MIDI multi capability seamlessly integrates with your studio and live performance setup
- Performance Powerhouse - Remix, mash-Up, DJ and produce with 6 Track types, a linear song arraigner, 8 synthesizer engines for complete audio / MIDI / CV performance capability
- Import All Your Media - 16GB of on-board storage, full-Size SD card Slot & 2 USB 3.0 slots for thumb drives or MIDI controllers, and User-expandable 2.5" SATA drive connector (SSD or HDD)
- English (Publication Language)
- Physical Card great for gifts, mailing or other phsyical needs
- THE ULTIMATE SEQUENCING POWERHOUSE: BeatStep Pro is a controller and a sequencer that provides nearly endless possibilities! It features 3 modes of operation - 2 melodic Step Sequencers and a 16-track Drum Sequencer - and all the controls you need - Transport, Tran LNK/PRST, SWING & Randomizer, Display, Sync Mode, Sequence control, Project/Control mode, 16 sensitive knobs, 16 Step buttons, 16 pressure sensitive pads.
- MASTER YOUR PERFORMANCES: Make your MIDI devices and VST instruments do exactly what you want them to! BeatStep Pro brings together the most sought-after performance effects available: a looper with a touch strip, a randomizer, swing settings and a slew of hands-on controls that will make your performances the stuff of legend. In addition, Control mode lets you trigger clips in your favorite DAW, play sounds from an external device or make magic with your plug-in of choice.
- EASY TO USE: Setup is a breeze with color-coded connections on the back panel that help you know what to plug where. And the color of the backlit Step buttons will always match the current sequencer, so you’ll always know which sequence is being edited.
- ALL THE CONNECTIONS YOU NEED: With BeatStep Pro you can connect to virtually any musical device within reach: computers, virtual instruments, modular synths, drum machines… It includes CV/GATE outputs (1 volt per octave CV, 10 volt gates), 8 drum gate outputs, a Clock sync with multiple standards, a MIDI In/Out with supplied MIDI adaptors and a USB class compliant.
- CREATIVE SOFTWARE INCLUDED: BeatStep Pro comes with all the creative software you need to get your musical ideas flowing and start exploring right out the box. Make great-sounding tracks in full (Ableton Live Lite), get hundreds of pro-grade synth and key sounds (Analog Lab Intro) and easily edit your MIDI setups and sequences (MIDI Control Center).
How to choose a good ableton controllers
Does the idea of finding a fantastic ableton controllers make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in ableton controllers. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top ableton controllers products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top ableton controllers on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top ableton controllers brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top ableton controllers based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the ableton controllers were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good ableton controllers, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your ableton controllers.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting ableton controllers for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our ableton controllers. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what ableton controllers should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on ableton controllers.
