Computer Audio Control Surfaces

Using Control Surfaces & MIDI Fader Controllers

Control surfaces are an effective way to interact with your software programs to conveniently produce music. They come with physical MIDI faders, buttons, knobs, and sliders for easy hands-on operation, as well as flashing lights to give you better understanding of your equipment during the music-making process.

Why Use DAW Control Surfaces?

One of the most important benefits of control surfaces and other MIDI performance and wind controllers is better ergonomics. When using a keyboard and mouse for music production, you'll find yourself sitting with a poor posture for long hours, and wasting movement. The superior ergonomics of control surfaces will keep you comfortable and efficient. 

DAW control surfaces also allow you to adjust multiple faders simultaneously. This saves you the time of having to make vocal fader adjustments and then going back to the beginning of the song to make instrument tweaks. Control surfaces also eliminate the visual aspects of music production, to help you concentrate more on the quality of music rather than the way waveforms and level meters look on the screen. If you're a DJ, you can make use of the scribble strips on MIDI control surfaces that display names, parameter values, and other vital information of your tracks.

What to Look for in a Control Surface

Consider the connectivity protocol of MIDI fader controllers. For instance, USB/MIDI keyboard controllers are not only compatible with USB and MIDI connections, but may also come with Bluetooth, FireWire, and Ethernet connectivity. This connectivity enhances the attachment of more control surface functions.

You may also want to consider touch-sensitive and motorized faders to enhance your workflow. For example, drum pad controllers have touchpads that allow you to quickly add effects to the beats.

Browse B&H Photo and Video's wide selection of control surfaces to find the right device for your music production.