Digital audio workstation controllers have become a must-have tool for any modern producer. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, having a controller that allows you to control and manipulate your audio workstation with precision is essential. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which is the best fit for your needs. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 digital audio workstation controllers, complete with their prices, key differentiators, and key features.

1. Akai Professional MPK249 – $249.99. Key differentiator: 49 semi-weighted, full-size keys with aftertouch. Key features: 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads, 8 assignable knobs, 8 assignable faders, 4 Banks of control for a total of 64 assignable controls, and a 4-way joystick for pitch and modulation control.

2. Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 – $149.99. Key differentiator: 25 mini-keys with velocity-sensitive pads. Key features: 16 RGB-illuminated pads, 8 knobs, dedicated track-select and navigation buttons, and a 4-way joystick for pitch and modulation control.

3. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 – $799.99. Key differentiator: 88 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch. Key features: 16 RGB-illuminated pads, 8 knobs, 8 faders, 4 Banks of control for a total of 64 assignable controls, and a 4-way joystick for pitch and modulation control.

4. Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII – $799.99. Key differentiator: 88 full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys. Key features: 16 RGB-illuminated pads, 8 knobs, 8 faders, 4 Banks of control for a total of 64 assignable controls, and a 4-way joystick for pitch and modulation control.

5. M-Audio Oxygen Pro 88 – $499.99. Key differentiator: 88 full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys. Key features: 16 RGB-illuminated pads, 8 knobs, 8 faders, 4 Banks of control for a total of 64 assignable controls, and a 4-way joystick for pitch and modulation control.

6. Akai Professional MPK88 – $499.99. Key differentiator: 88 semi-weighted, full-size keys with aftertouch. Key features: 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads, 8 assignable knobs, 8 assignable faders, 4 Banks of control for a total of 64 assignable controls, and a 4-way joystick for pitch and modulation control.

7. Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 – $299.99. Key differentiator: 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch. Key features: 16 RGB-illuminated pads, 8 knobs, dedicated track-select and navigation buttons, and a 4-way joystick for pitch and modulation control.

8. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 – $199.99. Key differentiator: 25 mini-keys with velocity-sensitive pads. Key features: 16 RGB-illuminated pads, 8 knobs, 8 faders, 4 Banks of control for a total of 64 assignable controls, and a 4-way joystick for pitch and modulation control.

When it comes to choosing the best digital audio workstation controller, it ultimately boils down to your budget and your needs. If you’re a professional looking for a controller with full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 or Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII are great choices. If you’re a hobbyist or beginner who’s on a budget, the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 or Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 are both excellent options.

Overall, no matter what your budget or needs are, there’s a digital audio workstation controller on this list that will work for you. We hope this list has helped you narrow down your search and find the perfect controller for your needs.