Best Control Surface for Logic Pro X

Best Control Surface for Logic Pro X Reviewed

Mastery of DAW or Digital audio workstation is one of the best skills that a musician can learn to help grow their career, and one the best DAW is the Logic Pro X if you have a Mac system. Using the Logic Pro X as a beginner is easy.

Using Logic Pro X using the keyboard and mouse is standard, but anyone who is using this DAW for professional-grade production tends to look for more precise control, and we are going to list down the best control surface for Logic Pro X.

The Behringer X-Touch is a Universal DAW Remote Control for studio and live applications offering 9 motorized touch-sensitive faders, it also has 8 dynamic LCD Scribble Strips so you always have an idea on what is connected to each channel, and with the LCD Scribble Strip feature, the X-touch eliminates the need for the usual marker and tape method that audio engineers always do.

The X-touch also has 8 rotary controls that can easily adjust whatever you set it to be, you can use it to change audio volumes, panning, and even use it as equalizer dials. With the X-Touch there are 92 dedicated buttons and most of them are illuminated so you can exactly see what is happening.

The X-touch also has a Jog Wheel to conveniently scroll through the tracks of the audio. The X-Touch includes HUI, and Mackie Control to ensure support on Logic Pro X and other DAW.

The X-Touch offers 2 dedicated Footswitch connectors for doing custom control like play, pause, record, and so much more. 2 USB connectors let you connect other controllers if you ever use more than just this controller.

With a bit of a heavier weight of 9.41 pounds and with its feature of auto voltage switching, you can still travel with this controller wherever you want. With goof features and support, the Behringer X-Touch is the Best Control Surface for Professionals using Logic Pro X.

Pros
  • LCD Scribble strips allow for easy information access
  • 9 motorized touch-sensitive faders make easy and fast adjustments
  • 8 rotary controls to adjust parameters all day long
  • Footswitch and Expression pedal support
  • Functionality with all its features are impressive
Cons
  • The weight is much heavier than other controllers
  • Too bulky in size
  • Only has a wired connection to the computer

The Korg nanoKontrol Studio is a MIDI controller made for mobile, PC, and Mac use. The nanoKontrol can work with any DAW that supports a MIDI controller but it is best used on Logic Pro X.

The nanoKontrol has 8 faders for all your level adjustment needs, 8 rotary dials that you can map to adjust anything you set it to be, each channel has a dedicated mute, solo, rec, and select buttons on top of the rotary dials. On the master control section, you have a Jog wheel for easy timeline navigation, and 13 dedicated buttons like play, pause, record, stop, forward and reverse.

In terms of connectivity the nanoKontrol has 2 options, whether to connect via Bluetooth and via a USB Cable. When you buy the Korg nanoKontrol, each nanoKontrol comes with discount codes for a bunch of Audio Editing Software.

One advantage that many musicians like with the Korg nanoKontrol is the ability to store 5 programmable scene layouts instead of 2 for most controllers, this gives you more flexibility on using your controller.

Now the nanoKontrol is a lightweight and compact controller, one sacrifice that took is the cheap and hollow plastic feel that it gives, making it a bit scary to use because you can never be certain on how much beating this controller can take.

In power options, you have the option to use this device with just 2 AAA batteries. If you’re a beginner this controller will help you learn more and more. Functionality wise, this controller is the best compact and lightweight control surface that you can use for Logic Pro X.

Pros
  • The nanoKontrol is compact and lightweight controller so in terms of portability you bring it everywhere
  • The Bluetooth connectivity option promotes a cleaner setup
  • The option to have it battery powered is another point for portability
  • Audio Editing Software discounts
Cons
  • Cheap Hollow plastic feel
  • Since this doesn’t have motorized faders, it limits DAW automation

The Akai MIDIMix is a compact, lightweight, controller that tone chasers will love. The MIDIMix offers 8 faders and 1 master fader. It has 24 programmable rotary dials, configured to have 3 dials for each channel, each channel also has dedicated mute and Rec arm buttons. This controller has several cons coming straight out of the box.

This controller doesn’t have transport controls like a play/pause button, and even a Jog wheel or buttons are missing in this controller. But the main advantage of the Akai MIDIMix is its capability to fine-tune using the 24 programmable rotary dials, you can program the dials for Equalizer control and having 3 dials per channel, makes this controller a marvelous controller for tone chasers.

The Akai MIDIMix is operated using a USB port offering instant response with minimal to none delay. So you can also use this for live recording applications. The build quality is firm and solid despite the lightweight package it has.

One immediate disadvantage that the Akai MIDIMix has, is that the MIDIMisx is specifically designed for Ableton, so in terms of support, the MIDIMix lights doesn’t respond properly to Logic Pro’s interface, but a little software tweak is all it takes to fix this problem. With its great 24 rotary dials, proper faders, those features make this controller the best control surface for Tone Chaser musicians using Logic Pro X.

Pros
  • Lightweight and portable, yet still has a great build quality
  • With 24 programmable rotary dials, this controller is mainly suited for Tone Chasers
  • The MIDIMix is a “Blank slate ” controller which extends flexibility and makes it creative oriented
Cons
  • Lights doesn’t light up in Logic Pro X which is fixable with some software tweaking
  • Doesn’t have transport control like, Jog wheel and play/ pause buttons

To Sum it Up

Choosing the right controller depends on what you need it to be, do you need an all-around controller on your studio? The Behringer X-Tone does that well.

The Korg nanoKontrol and Akai MIDIMix both rise in terms of portability, both can go with your laptop, just keep in mind if you are going to need precise tone control, which the Akai MIDIMix does well, or perhaps a versatile controller with proper transport controls then the Korg nanoKontrol is more suitable for you.

Although all controllers do well on Logic Pro X, balance out the Pros and Cons for what you need. And until then, we hope that this list helped you make your decision to pick the best control surface for Logic Pro X.


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One response to “Best Control Surface for Logic Pro X”

  1. gary earl Avatar
    gary earl

    Hi, you mention ‘best’, but these seem like the ‘affordable’ options. no mention of the mackie controller that was developed with emagic software developer, or the avid or icon. I know all of these are double the price, but I’m a full time pro and want the best, not the most affordable. just curious if you have experience with any of the three I mentioned? I had an original emagic controller that just died (yes i know, i’m old. that was from the 90s.). avid has one similar to mackie controller too that looks pretty slick. anyway, THANKS for putting this research out there and apologize if I sound rude.

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