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The 10 best controllers and sequencers of 2015

By Future Music
published 7 December 2015

Future Music's Gear of the Year Reader Poll results are in

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10. M-Audio Code series

10. M-Audio Code series

The ballot box has been closed and all the votes counted in Future Music’s Gear of the Year Reader Poll 2015.

We can finally reveal the best controllers and sequencers of 2015, as voted for by you.

Our verdict

“If you're looking for an in-depth controller for the studio or for the stage, Code is a keyboard controller happy to bask in the limelight.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: M-Audio Code series

BUY: M-Audio Code series currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

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Page 1 of 11
9. Native Instruments Traktor S5

9. Native Instruments Traktor S5

Our verdict

“Another solid Stems controller from NI, but we miss the flexibility of the S8 and D2.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Traktor S5

BUY: Native Instruments Traktor S5 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

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Page 2 of 11
8. Akai MPC Touch

8. Akai MPC Touch

What they say

“Our newest addition to the legendary MPC series re-writes the rules with an intuitive controller featuring multi-touch functionality, creating a truly immersive production experience.”

Find out more: Akai website

BUY: Akai MPC Touch currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

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Page 3 of 11
7. Korg SQ-1

7. Korg SQ-1

Our verdict

“Plenty of functionality in a compact, cheap and portable battery-powered package.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg SQ-1

BUY: Korg SQ-1 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

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Page 4 of 11
6. Roger Linn Design LinnStrument

6. Roger Linn Design LinnStrument

Our verdict

“LinnStrument feels like a proper instrument and really helps to bring sounds to life.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roger Linn Design LinnStrument

BUY: Roger Linn Design LinnStrument currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

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Page 5 of 11
5. Akai Advance

5. Akai Advance

Our verdict

“The Advance controllers elegantly remove the disconnect between your controller and DAW.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Akai Advance

BUY: Akai Advance currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

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Page 6 of 11
4. Novation Launchpad Pro

4. Novation Launchpad Pro

Our verdict

“Flexible and intuitive – the Pro is one of the most creative and inspiring controllers we've tried.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Novation Launchpad Pro

BUY: Novation Launchpad Pro currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

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Page 7 of 11
3. ROLI Seaboard Rise

3. ROLI Seaboard Rise

Our verdict

“A giant leap forward for keyboard- kind, the Rise is an innovative product which oozes quality.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: ROLI Seaboard Rise

BUY: ROLI Seaboard Rise currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

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Page 8 of 11
2. Arturia Beatstep Pro

2. Arturia Beatstep Pro

Our verdict

“An awesome update to an innovative but so-so sequencer/controller results in one of the year's most desirable bits of kit!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Arturia Beatstep Pro

BUY: Arturia Beatstep Pro currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

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Page 9 of 11
1. Ableton Push 2

1. Ableton Push 2

What they say

“Push is an instrument that puts everything you need to make music in one place – at your fingertips.

“It’s a powerful, expressive instrument that gives you hands-on control of an unlimited palette of sounds, without needing to look at a computer.”

FULL REVIEW: Ableton Push 2

BUY: Ableton Push 2 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

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Page 10 of 11
Want to know more?

Want to know more?

Read more about your favourite producers, DJs and gear every month in Future Music magazine, available in all good newsagents and in print and digital from myfavouritemagazines.

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Page 11 of 11
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Future Music
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Future Music is the number one magazine for today's producers. Packed with technique and technology we'll help you make great new music. All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. Every marvellous monthly edition features reliable reviews of the latest and greatest hardware and software technology and techniques, unparalleled advice, in-depth interviews, sensational free samples and so much more to improve the experience and outcome of your music-making.

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