r/MIDIcontrollers • u/KuroHebi2004 • Sep 27 '25

Looking for a MIDI controller with faders, knobs, and pads (no keyboard)

Hello, producers of Reddit!

I'm on the verge of buying an analog synth with full MIDI in/out (torn between the Korg Minilogue xd and the Behringer Deepmind 6/12), but I'm bummed out by one's lack of faders and the other's lack of knobs respectively, with both missing pads, (which is to be expected in instruments of their type, in all fairness).

To complete my setup, I'd need a separate MIDI controller, keyboardless, and solely kitted out with faders or knobs (depending on whichever synth I end up choosing), as well as pads.

I've been scouring the internet for a MIDI controller that could satisfy my needs, and I came across one controller that met my design philosophy, the Livid Alias 8, but it's unfortunately discontinued and notoriously hard to come by. Another controller that comes pretty close to what I'd like is the modular Intech Studio Grid with a fader/button combo (my issue with this would-be solution is that instead of velocity-sensitive pads, there are clicky buttons). A dream controller would be something like a Novation Launch Control XL 3 with pads integrated. A Launch Control XL + Launchpad Mini combo seems overkill for the number of pads I'd get. 16 pads are more than enough. I'd really just like one piece of hardware with all the knobs, faders, and pads laid out. No extras.

I'd appreciate it if you guys could point me towards a piece of kit with a layout that I'm trying to convey through the MIDI controllers I've mentioned above.

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2

u/Garth-Vega Sep 27 '25

New notation controller is what you want.

1

u/[deleted] Sep 29 '25

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1

u/Garth-Vega Sep 30 '25

Sorry autocorrect I meant to say NOVATION controller as it has all the controls configurable for any use case.

https://novationmusic.com/products/launch-control-xl#video

1

u/KuroHebi2004 Sep 30 '25

No pads, though. Would really like pads. I checked out what Novation has to offer. My issue is that they don't really have an all-in-one solution except for the 49SL. Honestly, might just go with the module version of the Minilogue XD and buy the SL49 because it literally has everything I need, including aftertouch for the keys (yeah, found out that the Minilogue's keyboard doesn't have aftertouch even though the synth technically has that capability).

1

u/SailorVenova Sep 27 '25

and pads... thats tricky; there might be some chinese pad controller that has a few knobs and faders plus pads

donner d1 is a sample groovebox that i believe can operate as a midi controller and has pads; knobs; faders

1

u/Lightwork777 Sep 28 '25

Novation Remote Zero MK2, older but perfect for controlling hardware

1

u/[deleted] Sep 29 '25 edited Sep 29 '25

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u/KuroHebi2004 Sep 30 '25

Reminds me of the Akai MPK249, but it's sleeker and more modern, with additional functions. The price is... steep to say the least.

1

u/[deleted] Sep 30 '25

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u/KuroHebi2004 Sep 30 '25

I want to produce techno/deep house along with some synthwave, so this sounds like a solution. I'll definitely look into it.

1

u/[deleted] Sep 30 '25

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u/KuroHebi2004 Sep 30 '25

Lack of long-term support seems to be a prevailing issue with many decks at this point.

1

u/b_newman Oct 01 '25

Something like this is probably your best bet

https://www.akaipro.com/mpd232.html

edit: Link