The Best MIDI Controllers for Synths, Recording, and More

Whether you’re a modular synth nerd or the bassist of a troglodyte doom metal band, the chances that you’ve encountered a device that utilizes MIDI are nearly 100 percent at this point. The communication protocol is more than 40 years old, yet it’s hardly changed since head honchos from Roland, Oberheim, and Sequential Circuits collaborated on a universal language that musical instruments can use to talk to one another. MIDI devices come in all shapes and sizes, and I’ve tested dozens in my decade-long pursuit for a setup that’s intuitive, robust, and easy on my aching back. My outlook for this entire setup may require reappraisal once the upcoming MIDI 2.0 protocol gets off the ground, but until then here’s a list of my most beloved MIDI gear that I work with on a daily basis.