Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
  • Guitars
  • Amps
  • Pedals
  • Drums
  • Synths
  • Software
  • Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Recording
  • Buyer’s guides
  • Live
  • DJ
  • Advice
  • Acoustic
  • Bass
  • About us
  • More
    • Reviews
Magazines
  • Computer Music
  • Electronic Musician
  • Future Music
  • Keyboard Magazine
  • Guitarist (opens in new tab)
  • Guitar Techniques (opens in new tab)
  • Total Guitar (opens in new tab)
  • Bass Player (opens in new tab)
More
  • Lennon on Eleanor Rigby
  • Jimmy Page demos classic Led Zep gear
  • Classic rock riffs for beginners
  • Omnichord @ 70
  • SampleRadar: 163 tape loops samples

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Computer Music

The hottest new MIDI controllers and audio interfaces of NAMM 2015

By Ben Rogerson
( Computer Music, Future Music )
published 28 January 2015

Pads, keys, mixers and more for studio and stage

  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
New ways to get hands-on

New ways to get hands-on

NAMM 2015: Hardware synths might be big business again, but most studios (and many live setups) still feature a computer at their core.

As such, a MIDI controller (or two) and an audio interface remain must-buys. You might think that you're pretty much set in that department but, as ever, there are plenty of manufacturers out there who are seeking to tempt you with new and improved models.

Here are some of the NAMM 2015 controllers and interfaces that we're most looking forward to getting our hands on this year.

Page 1 of 12
Page 1 of 12
Novation Launchpad Pro
£276/$300

Novation Launchpad Pro

Having helped to popularise the concept of the pad-based Ableton Live controller with the original Launchpad, Novation is seeking to take things to the next level with the Pro version.

RGB LED feedback velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads are part of the deal now, and this certainly feels like a more 'deluxe' model than its predecessor, with a particular emphasis on performance.

Whether it can be a serious (yet more affordable) rival to Ableton's own Push controller remains to be seen.

Read our full Novation Launchpad Pro review

BUY: Novation Launchpad Pro currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 2 of 12
Page 2 of 12
Akai Advance series
From £299/$400

Akai Advance series

Akai is attempting to unify your plugin collection with its new Advance series. This comes with a software 'shell' (the Virtual Instrument Player, into which your plugins are loaded) which, in turn, integrates with the keyboard.

The concept is similar to that explored by Native Instruments with its Komplete Kontrol S-Series - the theoretical difference here is that all third-party plugins are covered.

First impressions are favourable: we were able to stack up to eight third-party plugins and control each's parameters using the controller's eight rotaries without even looking up at the monitor, and there wasn't a CPU glitch in sight.

Find out more about Akai Advance series

BUY: Akai Advance series currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 3 of 12
Page 3 of 12
Arturia BeatStep Pro
£229/$299

Arturia BeatStep Pro

Its standalone step sequencing potential has been grabbing the headlines, but it shouldn't be forgotten that Arturia's souped-up BeatStep is a MIDI controller, too.

As such, this could be a useful, multi-purpose device if you're running a hybrid setup and want something that can play a role both in your studio and on stage.

Find out more about Arturia BeatStep Pro

BUY: Arturia BeatStep Pro currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 4 of 12
Page 4 of 12
M-Audio Code Series
From £150/$249

M-Audio Code Series

M-Audio's name is synonymous with MIDI controller keyboards, so it comes as no great surprise to discover that it has a new range of them on the way.

With its Mondrian-esque design, the new Code Series is certainly striking and, as is often the case, there are 25-, 49- and 61-note models.

We get the feeling that you'll either love or hate the Code Series' look, but these keyboards certainly appear to offer plenty of bang for your buck.

Find out more about M-Audio Code Series

BUY: M-Audio Code Series currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 5 of 12
Page 5 of 12
Roland Aira MX-1
£555/$599

Roland Aira MX-1

Primarily designed as a mixing hub for your Aira devices and other gear, the MX-1 can also serve as an interface and control surface for your DAW.

It's worth reiterating that it's not a step sequencer (though the built-in effects can be sequenced) but, like Arturia's BeatStep, we reckon the MX-1 will find fans among musicians who want something that can help them out both in the studio and on stage.

Find out more about Roland Aira MX-1

BUY: Roland Aira MX-1 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 6 of 12
Page 6 of 12
Keith McMillen K-Mix
$499

Keith McMillen K-Mix

Another product that has multiple uses, the K-Mix can serve as a USB audio interface with µPre preamps, a programmable mixer with flexible routing options and per-channel DSP, and a DAW control surface.

This being a Keith McMillen product, it probably won't surprise you to learn that the faders and rotaries are of the touch variety - in fact, we're told that the K-Mix has no moving parts whatsoever. This should aid durability, but we'll find out what kind of impact that has on tactility when the K-Mix is released in the Spring.

Find out more about Keith McMillen K-Mix

BUY: Keith McMillen K-Mix currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 7 of 12
Page 7 of 12
Nektar Impact LX88
£220/$320

Nektar Impact LX88

Downsized studio gear might be all the rage but, for some of us, an 88-note keyboard controller with faders, buttons, knobs and pads is a great thing to have about the place.

That's what you get with Nektar's Impact LX88, which also promises auto-mapping of controls to your DAW. It might not be super-sexy, but this could be a great keyboard players' controller.

Find out more about Nektar Impact LX88

BUY: Nektar Impact LX88 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 8 of 12
Page 8 of 12
Arturia AudioFuse
$599

Arturia AudioFuse

Perhaps the most heavily-trailed audio interface in history, Arturia's AudioFuse certainly packs a serious amount of I/O into its compact case.

There are also numerous control features and - most excitingly of all - a two-tone leather topper that sits on the AudioFuse when you're not using it. Stylish.

Find out more about Arturia AudioFuse

BUY: Arturia AudioFuse currently available from:
UK: DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 9 of 12
Page 9 of 12
M-Audio Deltabolt 1212
£300/$500

M-Audio Deltabolt 1212

M-Audio is getting into the Thunderbolt game with the Deltabolt, a 12-channel audio interface that the company claims makes the most of its super-fast connection.

32-bit/192kHz operation and enhanced sound quality are claims made on the Deltabolt's behalf - we'll find out whether or not they stack up when the interface is released in the third quarter of 2015

Find out more about M-Audio Deltabolt 1212

BUY: M-Audio Deltabolt 1212 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music | DV247

Page 10 of 12
Page 10 of 12
Focsurite Clarett range
From £400/$500

Focsurite Clarett range

Also 'going Thunderbolt' is Focusrite, which is boasting sub-1ms latency levels on its new Clarett range of audio interfaces.

This includes the Clarett 2Pre (10-in/4-out), 4Pre (18-in/8-out), 8Pre (18-in/20-out) and the heavyweight 8Pre X (26-in/28-out). All models offer ADAT expansion to add eight more input channels, 24-bit/192kHz performance, detailed metering and MIDI connectivity.

Find out more about Focusrite Clarett range

BUY: Focsurite Clarett range currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 11 of 12
Page 11 of 12
Roland Super UA
£575

Roland Super UA

Supporting both 1-bit DSD and 32-bit PCM playback, Super UA is Roland's new "audiophile-grade" audio interface.

Offering 4-in/4-out operation on XLR and 1/4-inch jacks, it promises low-latency performance and sports a multi-function knob with an LED surround.

The main unit is accompanied by an I/O module; this can be detached and left in your studio when you hit the road, leaving you with just a portable 2-in/2-out interface.

Find out more about Roland Super UA

BUY: Roland Super UA currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 12 of 12
Page 12 of 12
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Ben Rogerson
Ben Rogerson
Social Links Navigation

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it. 

More about tech
Chompi sampler

The Chompi sampler has munched through its funding target and raised a whopping $1 million on Kickstarter

james holden

James Holden: "I got really bored of making music. But the moment I discovered modular and Live and Max/MSP, it all opened up again"

Latest
Millenium MPS-1000 in white and natural finishes

Millenium expands its MPS-1000 full-shell electronic drum kit with a new configuration and two new finish options

See more latest ►
Most Popular
Was Paul McCartney the "best drummer in The Beatles"?* Listen to the fab 4 tracks he played on, and the isolated drum parts, and decide for yourself

By Will Groves30 March 2023

Jackson and Anthrax’s Scott Ian join forces for a signature X Series King V that pays tribute to Dimebag Darrell

By Jonathan Horsley30 March 2023

This is Wikipedia’s new audio logo, which is designed to be ‘The Sound of All Human Knowledge’

By Ben Rogerson30 March 2023

Marshall has been sold to Swedish speaker company Zound, ending over 60 years of family ownership

By Jonathan Horsley30 March 2023

Soundtracking secrets: How to get started writing music to picture

By Andy Price30 March 2023

Spectrasonics’ Keyscape 1.5 includes a Double Felt Grand piano, and existing users get this “#1 most requested sound” for free

By Ben Rogerson30 March 2023

Best hardware vocal compressors 2023: analogue studio hardware to suit all budgets and styles

By Simon Truss30 March 2023

Gear Expo 2023 is coming - tune in on 28 April

By Gear Expo 202130 March 2023

Hear the oldest guitar effects pedal demo ever from 1962

By Rob Laing30 March 2023

A drummer has recorded 75 new versions of the Amen break for you to use in your music

By Ben Rogerson30 March 2023

DW announces Alex Gonzalez ICON snare drum

By Stuart Williams29 March 2023

  1. Sweetwater deals
    1
    Spring is here, and Sweetwater's deals are warming up
  2. 2
    A faulty mixing console meant that Prince’s The Ballad of Dorothy Parker was recorded ‘wrong’, but he used it anyway
  3. 3
    John Lennon on completing Eleanor Rigby's lyrics for Paul McCartney: "It's his first verse, and the rest of the verses are basically mine"
  4. 4
    How to use the '3 reverb approach' to nail reverb in almost any mixing scenario
  5. 5
    An audio engineer shows you "how the pros mix vocals" and get that ‘glued-in’ sound
  1. The microphone brand enlisted engineer Darrell Thorp and drummer Joey Waronker for a fly-on-the-wall video session
    1
    Take a deep dive into drum recording at Foo Fighters’ Studio 606 courtesy of Lauten Audio's in-depth video
  2. 2
    A faulty mixing console meant that Prince’s The Ballad of Dorothy Parker was recorded ‘wrong’, but he used it anyway
  3. 3
    Thom Yorke on his 'executive producer' role for Clark's new album Sus Dog: "I ended up being a kind of backseat driver"
  4. 4
    An audio engineer shows you "how the pros mix vocals" and get that ‘glued-in’ sound
  5. 5
    Hear the oldest guitar effects pedal demo ever from 1962

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab).

  • About Us (opens in new tab)
  • Contact Future's experts (opens in new tab)
  • Terms and conditions (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy policy (opens in new tab)
  • Cookies policy (opens in new tab)
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers (opens in new tab)

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.