People who are a part of the world of music will surely know the role of a midi fader controller. When an individual imagines a recording studio where audio mixing is done and songs are recorded, they jump to the conclusion that it will be an enclosed space with a huge console that resembles a table is placed right at the centre of things and sound engineers and music artists surrounding it to listen to the product they have created. However, this type of setting is not something that can be afforded by everyone and for musicians that work on a budget certainly cannot sustain a living by maintaining a huge studio console at the same time.
This problem however has a solution these days with the emergence of midi fader controllers. They are much more compact and affordable and are an option that is opted for by a lot of musicians or audio mixers. They provide the variation of a standard mixer with the support of DAWs but are more compact and convenient at the same time.
The Function Of A Midi Fader Controller
Midi Fader Controller is not a replacement for a mixing board per se but it certainly something close to it. For people who are devoid of a mixer, it becomes a convenient option to settle for DAW which brings all the functions to your computer screen where you can start doing everything that can be done on a mixer. However, it can become a challenge to rely solely on your mouse to take care of all the mixing.
This is exactly the place where mini fader controllers pitch in. They are endowed with a USB extension in order to plug it in to the computer you are using the DAW on. The midi fader controller gives you control over the DAW which makes it convenient for you to take care of all the functions of the DAW without having to face any inconvenience of using the mouse.
Best Midi fader Controllers To Buy
If you are looking to get a mini fader controller for yourself, then there are mainly three things you need to consider.
- Speed or workflow
This is the foremost thing to consider. You should be going for a mini fader controller that is responsive and fast in its workflow. It can be a chalenge to mix music if that is not the case so make sure that the product you choose has this quality to start with.
- Analog feel
By analog feel, we mean the convenience of maneuvering the controls with ease. You need to go for something that is handy and feels comfortable on your hands. The controls should be fluid in motion which will enable to make you precise adjustments.
- Budget
Take into account your budget and convenience. You should always give more weightage to the above two options as expemsove does not mean better when it comes to mini fader controllers. You can get a much better equipment at a lower rate and a below par equipmemt at expensive prices so do not focus on the proce tag too much when buying but go for something that is affordable to you and feels great as well.
Now let us take a look at some of the best options in the market when it comes to mini fader controllers.
JL Cooper FadermasterPro MIDI Automation Controller
This is the best one when it comes to control. If you are struggling to take over conplete control of your DAW and having to spend a lot of time to attain precision in the process than you should definitely try out JL Cooper FadermasterPro MIDI Automation Controller. All MIDI related tasks are can be excuted in a highly controlled manner with this one. There are 20 programmable banks where you can store all your set ups and access them whenever you are required to do so.
Mackie MCU Pro
This is one of the most widely supported option and is therefore chosen by many as their first choice. One of the highlights of this product is its ability to handle high resolution inputs which makes it easy for sound engineers who like a rich output which has many levels of depth. There are 50 pushbuttons on this thing which makes it easier to have more tactile control of your DAW.
BEHRINGER (XTOUCH)
This one works best both for live application as well as studio environments. It has touch sensitive motorized faders which is as good as it gets for mini fader controllers. It works best for artists that indulge in both studio recordings as well as adjustments in live performances.
PreSonus FaderPort 8
One of the distinguishing factor that differentitaes the PreSonus FaderPort 8 from other mini fader controllers is its look. However, the device is far from being an all show no go type equipment as it also provides incredible speed. You will definitely save a lot of time controlling and mixing your DAW with this one. It has got motorized faders which makes it easy to have precise control and an ability to make minute adjustments.
Akai Professional MIDImix MIDI Control Surface
The unique selling point of the Akai Professional MIDImix MIDI Control Surface is its syncing feature that allows you to start from where you had left off your previous session. The design is simplistic and it is very easy to use both for beginners as well proffesionals. You can stick to this mini fader controller for a long time as it facilitates your progression from relatively basic mixing to advanced manuevering. There are eight line faders and a single master fader in this one. There is a mute control and a solo control for every channel in this device.
These are the best options out there if you are looking for a mini fader controller that provides you with enough control to pull of any type of mixing. Check out the main features we have listed and also the different factors that make them unique. We are sure you will be able to make the best choice for yourself with this information.
