10 Best Daw Control Surface of 2025

Tested and Reviewed: Top 10 Daw Control Surface deals with expert ratings from 8.1 to a perfect 10

May 2025 Edition

Editor's Choice

9.7

Behringer

Behringer X-TOUCH Universal Control Surface with 9 Touch-Sensitive Motor Faders, LCD Scribble Strips and Ethernet/USB/MIDI Interface

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Editor's bottom line:

“This daw control surface is the best one we tested. In terms of quality, brand and price, we couldn't ask for more.”

Main Highlights

Universal DAW Remote Control for Studio and Live applications
Supports HUI and Mackie Control protocols for seamless integration with every compatible music production software
9 fully automated and touch-sensitive 100 mm motorized faders
8 dynamic LCD Scribble Strips for instant overview of track names and parameters
Ethernet interface for RTP (Real-Time Protocol) MIDI and future BEHRINGER X32 remote control

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Picked by 184 people today

9.5

ICON

QCon Pro G2 8-channel universal DAW control surface with Mackie Control and HUI

Main Highlights

Universal DAW control surface with Mackie control and HUI
9 touch-sensitive motorized faders
Presets and overlays for Cubase/Nuendo, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, studio One, digital performer, FL studio, amplitude, Reaper, Bitwig, Reason, Sonar, and Audition
Large backlit LCD to display channel name, control values etc. For each channel
Illuminated buttons for each channel including rec-enable, solo, mute, select and monitor
Includes free recording software, such as Harrison 32C Vocal Intensity Processor, a greatest hits collection of features from Harrisons analog console heritage, Harrison AVA plugins and Mixbus32C workstation; Tracktion DAW Essentials, a collection of 16 contemporary FX plugins for use with any DAW; Dotec Audio plugins for streaming, podcasting, recording and mixing; and Bitwig Studio 8-Track, the trim and effective digital audio workstation to start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro, all available via download upon purchase and registration

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9.5

PreSonus

PreSonus FaderPort 16 16-channel Mix Production Controller

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Main Highlights

Mix with precision via 16 100 mm touch-sensitive motorized faders and 89 buttons covering 104 different functions, all in a compact chassis that easily sits on any desk.
Features 16 high-definition Scribble Strip displays so you can identify channels at a glance.
Contains complete recording-transport controls, general session controls, marker navigation controls, channel controls, and automation controls.
Innovative Session Navigator provides quick control over Track and Timeline Scrolling, Zooming, Master fader control, and much more.
Faders also have alternative modes to control plug-ins, bus sends, and pan position.
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 and Windows, including Logic Pro X, Cubase, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools via Mackie Control Universal and Mackie HUI emulation.
Native MIDI control map for advanced users to create customized macros
Footswitch jack included for hands-free punch in/out during recording (footswitch not included).
Connects via USB 2.0 for easy connectivity.

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9.2

Korg

Korg nanoKONTROL2 Slim-Line USB Control Surface, Black

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Main Highlights

Low-profile, multi-function control surface
New track select and marker advance parameters
Supports numerous software titles including major DAW programs

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9.0

Akai Professional

AKAI Professional MIDImix - USB MIDI Controller Mixer with Assignable Faders & Master Fader, 24 Knobs and 16 Buttons, 1 to 1 Mapping With Ableton Live

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Main Highlights

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)

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Best Value

8.8

Save 22%

iCON

Icon Pro Audio P1-Nano Compact DAW Control Surface Bundle with D5 Display

22% Off

Main Highlights

PREMIUM DAW CONTROL: Elevate your music production with the iCON Pro Audio P1 Nano, a compact USB C-MIDI control surface that puts powerful DAW control at your fingertips.
CUSTOMIZABLE TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: The P1 Nano features a 4-inch touchscreen display with 5 color-coded layers, offering up to 80 displayable and actionable functions that you can easily organize in real-time to match your workflow.
MULTI-DAW COMPATIBILITY: Seamlessly integrate with popular DAWs including Bitwig, Cubase/Nuendo, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools. Connect to and control up to three DAWs simultaneously, enhancing your creative experience.
PRECISION CONTROL: Enjoy a touch-sensitive motorized fader with 12-bit resolution, 8 dual-function encoder knobs, illuminated automation command buttons, and a smooth-action jog wheel for precise control over your projects.
DURABLE & VERSATILE: Built with superior quality and a robust metal casing, the P1 Nano is compact and portable while supporting Mackie Control and HUI protocols. It's compatible with both MacOS and Windows systems and offers firmware upgrades via USB C.
ENHANCED WORKFLOW: From channel control to transport buttons, dedicated flip and master buttons, illuminated zoom and focus functions, the P1 Nano is designed to streamline your workflow and make your music production more efficient.
INCLUDED D5 DISPLAY: Expand your control capabilities further with the included D5 display unit, providing additional visual feedback and control options.
USER-FRIENDLY SOFTWARE: Download the iMapTM software from the product page for easy configuration and customization of your control surface.
FOOTSWITCH COMPATIBILITY: The P1 Nano also supports footswitch pedals with User A & User B 1/4 inch inputs, adding even more versatility to your setup.
POWERFUL AND COMPACT: Weighing just 1.97 pounds and measuring 8.38 x 7.1 x 2.36 inches, the P1 Nano is a compact yet powerful tool for enhancing your music production workflow.

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8.6

iCON

Icon Pro Audio P1-X DAW Control Expander Bundle with D4 Display

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Main Highlights

UNLOCK UNPARALLELED CONTROL: Enhance your music production setup with the iCON Pro Audio P1-X Extender, designed to seamlessly expand the capabilities of the P1-M MIDI DAW controller.
PRECISION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: Eight touch-sensitive motorized faders with 12-bit resolution and eight dual-function encoder knobs provide you with precise control over your digital audio workstation, ensuring a superior music production experience.
CUSTOMIZED CONTROL SURFACE: Craft a personalized control surface tailored to your preferences and requirements with illuminated mute, solo, select, and record buttons, as well as the option to add the D4 OLED display for essential channel information.
UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: The P1-X supports Universal Mackie Control and HUI protocols, offering seamless integration with a wide range of popular music production software, making it a versatile choice for any DAW user.
ROBUST AND RELIABLE: Built with superior quality and a durable metal casing, the P1-X is not only hard-wearing but also features USB C high-speed connectivity, firmware upgrades via USB C, and a Cortex-M7 @500 MHz ARM chip for superb reliability.
EASY SETUP: Designed exclusively for use with the iCON Pro Audio P1-M DAW Control Surface, the P1-X Extender connects effortlessly, requiring minimal setup.
EXPAND YOUR CONTROL OPTIONS: The P1-X Extender adds extra faders, rotary encoders, and buttons to your setup, giving you more control over your music production process.
ENHANCED TOUCHSCREEN NAVIGATION: With a high-resolution touchscreen, the P1-X offers intuitive navigation and control, making it a valuable addition to your studio setup.
WIDE SOFTWARE SUPPORT: Compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and more, the P1-X ensures flexibility and versatility in your music production workflow.
LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: Compact and easy to transport, the P1-X Extender adds convenience to your studio setup without compromising on functionality.

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8.3

iCON

iCON Pro Audio P1-M DAW Control Surface with Motorized Faders

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Main Highlights

PREMIUM DAW CONTROL: Elevate your music production with the iCON Pro Audio P1-M Professional USB-MIDI Control Surface, designed to streamline your workflow and enhance productivity.
ULTIMATE CONTROL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: This powerful device features 8 touch-sensitive motorized faders with 12-bit resolution, providing precise control over your DAW functions.
CUSTOMIZABLE TOUCHSCREEN: The 4-inch, 16-panel digital touchscreen display allows for easy customization of up to 80 displayable and actionable functions via 'drag and drop' in the iMAPTM software.
DAW INTEGRATION MADE EASY: Connect up to 3 DAWs simultaneously using the DAW select buttons, and enjoy seamless integration with leading DAW software including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and more.
DURABLE AND VERSATILE: Built with durability in mind, the P1-M features a robust metal casing, smooth-action jog wheel, illuminated buttons, and supports Universal Mackie Control and HUI protocols.
EXPANDABLE OPTIONS: Expand your control capabilities with the optional P1-X extender unit (8 channels per P1-X) and add the optional D-4T display unit for enhanced channel information.
PLUG-AND-PLAY COMPATIBILITY: Enjoy hassle-free setup with class-compliant compatibility for Mac, Windows, and more, and stay up to date with firmware upgrades via USB C connection and iMapTM software.
ENHANCE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS: The iCON Pro Audio P1-M DAW controller is designed to expedite your project completion, making it a must-have tool for audio professionals and music producers.
ACCESSORY OPTIONS AVAILABLE: Consider adding the optional D4 display unit for the P1-X to further enhance your control and workflow.
Illuminated Zoom button with 2 directional keys (Left/Right & Up/Down) used in combination with the jog wheel

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8.1

iCON

iCON Pro Audio V1-X Extender for V1-M DAW Control Surface with Motorized Faders

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Main Highlights

ENHANCE YOUR DAW CONTROL: Expand the capabilities of your iCON Pro Audio V1-M MIDI DAW controller with the V1-X DAW Control Extender, adding up to 64 channels to your setup for comprehensive control.
PRECISE FADER CONTROL: Enjoy 8 touch-sensitive motorized channel faders with 12-bit resolution, ensuring precise and responsive adjustments for your audio projects.
INTUITIVE CONTROL INTERFACE: The V1-X features 8 dual-function encoder knobs, OLED displays for channel information, and illuminated buttons for Mute, Solo, Select, and Record functions, making DAW control a breeze.
VISUAL FEEDBACK: Benefit from an attractive LED meter bridge for accurate level monitoring and a secondary 1.1-inch TFT display for additional information when supported by your DAW.
SEAMLESS DAW INTEGRATION: This extender supports Universal Mackie Control and HUI protocols, offering seamless integration with popular music production software such as Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic Pro, and more.
USB C CONNECTIVITY: With high-speed USB C connectivity and firmware upgrade capabilities via USB C and iMapTM software, you'll experience reliable and future-proof performance.
ROBUST BUILD QUALITY: Designed for durability, the V1-X features a sturdy metal casing and a Kensington lock port for security, ensuring it can withstand the demands of your studio environment.
TRUSTED PERFORMANCE: Powered by a Cortex-M7 @500 MHz ARM chip, the V1-X offers superior reliability and performance for your music production needs.
SUPPORTS A WIDE RANGE OF DAWs: Compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live, FL Studio, Studio One, and many more, making it versatile for different workflow preferences.
EASY SETUP WITH iMapTM: Download the iMapTM software from our product page to simplify the configuration process and get started quickly.

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8.1

iCON

iCON Pro Audio V1-M USB MIDI DAW Control Surface with Motorized Faders

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Main Highlights

PREMIUM DAW CONTROLLER: Elevate your digital audio production with the V1-M, a feature-packed DAW controller designed for efficiency and creativity.
UNPARALLELED CONTROL: The V1-M offers 8 touch-sensitive motorized faders with 12-bit resolution, expandable to an incredible 64 channels with the V1-X DAW Control Expanders.
INTUITIVE TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Enjoy a large, customizable 7-inch touchscreen with 5 color-coded layers, allowing you to access up to 120 DAW functions easily and tailor your workflow in real-time.
SEAMLESS DAW INTEGRATION: This controller seamlessly integrates with popular DAWs like Bitwig, Cubase/Nuendo, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools, and can connect to three DAWs simultaneously.
REAL-TIME FEEDBACK: Stay in control with the OLED display, meter bridge, and lower TFT displays providing real-time feedback on levels, pan positions, and more, all independent of your computer monitor.
DURABLE AND VERSATILE: Built to last, the V1-M features high-quality components, illuminated function buttons, transport controls, and a precise jog wheel for fast navigation.
WIDE SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with major music production software, including Ability, Audition, FL Studio, Studio One, and more, ensuring a flexible and versatile setup.
PLUG-AND-PLAY: Simply connect via USB-C to your Mac (10.15 or above) or Windows (10 or above) computer for hassle-free operation.
SUPERIOR BUILD: With a robust metal casing and Kensington lock port, the V1-M offers superior build quality for professional studios.
ENHANCE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS: Take command of your DAW and expedite your project workflow with the V1-M DAW controller.

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Our Best Overall Choice

Best Choice

9.7

Behringer

Behringer X-TOUCH Universal Control Surface with 9 Touch-Sensitive Motor Faders, LCD Scribble Strips and Ethernet/USB/MIDI Interface

Free Shipping

Editor's bottom line:

“This is the best one we tested. In terms of quality, brand and price, we couldn't ask for more.”

Main Highlights

Universal DAW Remote Control for Studio and Live applications
Supports HUI and Mackie Control protocols for seamless integration with every compatible music production software
9 fully automated and touch-sensitive 100 mm motorized faders
8 dynamic LCD Scribble Strips for instant overview of track names and parameters
Ethernet interface for RTP (Real-Time Protocol) MIDI and future BEHRINGER X32 remote control

Show Price