Best Control Surfaces Under $1500

With the explosion of DAW-based recording set-ups, engineers worldwide entered an endless era of pointing and clicking. Cue the famous infomercial line: "There's got to be a better way." And there was, enter DAW control surfaces.

Control surfaces resemble the look and feel of an analog console but offer tactile control over your digital domain. As these tools have become a significant part of the modern studio, more manufacturers have begun creating new models. They are available in all sizes, from the single-fader Solid State Logic UF1 and Presonus Faderport USB to the large-format Avid S6.

While control surfaces may seem like an expensive purchase for your space, the reality is that you can find the perfect solution at an affordable price. In this blog, we'll cover the best control surfaces under $1500, featuring gear from Avid, Solid State Logic, Steven Slate Audio, and more. Let's dive in.

Best Control Surfaces Under $1500

Presonus Faderport USB

Price: $199.99

The Presonus Faderport may be the most affordable product on our list of control surfaces under $1500, but don't let that fool you. This control surface can easily work in tandem with your keyboard and mouse, and give you access to 40 key functions from your desktop. The Faderport's Session Navigator allows you to scroll through your timeline, zoom in and zoom, drop markers, and easily play and record in your project. Working your levels and writing automation is extremely easy with the 100 mm touch-sensitive motorized fader.

Spec Check
- Single touch-sensitive motorized fader
- Complete recording-transport controls
- USB 2.0 connectivity
- Compatible with native Studio One support and HUI (Avid Pro Tools) and Mackie Control Emulation (Logic Pro, Cubase / Nuendo, Sonar, and Ableton)
- Footswitch input for hands-free operation

Icon Pro Audio P1 Nano

Price: $359

The Icon Pro Audio P1 Nano is another single-fader DAW control surface, but this model features some expanded controls and customization. The P1 Nano has a touchscreen display that can be customized and control five different layers of commands in your DAW. There are also eight encoder knobs up at the top of the control surface that allows you to take charge of plug-ins in your session. Channel name, control values, metering, and program parameters can all be monitored via the D5 screen just above the encoder knobs.

Spec Check
- Single touch-sensitive motorized fader
- Programmable 4" 16 panel digital touch display
- Eight dual-function encoder knobs
- Six transport buttons, Zoom button, Two Track buttons, Two Bank Buttons, Flip and Master buttons, Six Transport Buttons, Buttons for Mute, Solo, and Record
- Smooth jog wheel shuttle
- USB C Connectivity
- Compatible with Ability, Audition, Ableton Live, Bitwig, Cakewalk, Cubase/Nuendo, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Mixbus 32C, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, REAPER, Reason, Samplitude, Studio One and Tracktion Waveform
- Connect three DAWs at one time
- Footswitch input for hands-free operation

Nektar Panorama CS12

Price: $399.99

The newest release featured on our list is the Nektar Panorama CS12. While Nektar calls the Panorama CS12 a plug-in/channel strip controller (we'll get to these later), it offers more DAW-centric controls than most others with a similar feature set. Specifically, the Panorama CS12 features 26 transport, navigation, and Logic Pro functions.

In fact, Logic Pro is the name of the game with the Panorama CS12, as the controller was made specifically for the DAW. Logic Pro users can write automation, set volumes, and change parameters via the fader or use any of the 12 encoders, four display buttons, or four LED buttons to control plug-ins with pre-mapped parameters.

Spec Check
- Single touch-sensitive motorized fader
- 3.5" TFT Color Display
- Four Display Buttons, Four Channel Strip LED Buttons, 18 Function and Navigation LED Buttons, and 11 LED Buttons for selection of channel strip sections
- Two encoders for Zoom and Tempo, One encoder for Data/Menu, and 13 Potentiometers
- USB Class Compliant - USB A to C Cable
- Specifically created for Logic Pro
- Compatible with any plug-in that presents its parameters for automation in Logic Pro
- Footswitch input for hands-free operation

Solid State Logic UF1

Price: $699

Since the release of the UF8 control surface in 2021, Solid State Logic has crafted a unique lineup of products that work well on their own or when paired together. The UF1 follows in the footsteps of the larger eight-fader UF8 but offers many of the same features in a smaller package. This single-fader tool offers comprehensive channel control over a wide array of DAWs. With a smooth-flowing jog wheel, dedicated transport buttons, five encoder knobs, and so much more, you can easily navigate between channels, make adjustments on the fly, and streamline your workflow.

Spec Check
- Single touch-sensitive motorized fader
- Two displays for visual feedback of DAW track names, parameters, and more
- Transport and Jog Wheel
- Multipurpose large encoder for channel banking, mouse wheel emulation, and more.
- Four Large Screen V-Pots for controlling DAW paramters
- 46 customizable user keys to assign to DAW commands or keyboard shortcuts
- Compatible with Ableton Live, Cubase/Nuendo, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Studio One, LUNA, FL Studio, Pyramix, Mixbus, REAPER, Bitwig and Digital Performer
- Connect three DAWs at one time
- Expandable with Solid State Logic UF8 and UC1 control surfaces
- Footswitch input for hands-free operation

Presonus Faderport 16

Price: $799

Moving from single-fader to multi-fader control surfaces, we start with the Faderport 16. This affordable option from Presonus ports over the same controls and functions featured on the Faderport USB. Enhancing the offering, the Faderport 16 boasts an additional 15 faders, each accompanied by a dedicated digital scribble strip display. These high-resolution screens provide vital information such as channel names, metering, fader positions, and pan settings, ensuring precise control and effortless navigation for users.

Spec Check
- 16 touch-sensitive motorized fader
- 16 high-definition Scribble Strip displays
- Recording transport, session, channel, and automation controls
- Session Navigator controls via Track Scrolling, Marker Navigation, Timeline Scrolling, and more
- USB 2.0 connectivity
- Compatible with native Studio One support and HUI (Avid Pro Tools 12 and Higher) and Mackie Control Emulation (Logic, Cubase/Nuendo, Sonar, and Ableton)
- Footswitch input for hands-free operation

Icon Pro Audio V1-M

Price: $1099

The V1-M is Icon Pro Audio's flagship control surface and features nine touch-sensitive motorized faders. Monitoring for these faders is split between 1.14" screens located in the middle of the V1-M and a beautiful LED meter bridge at the top of the control surface. Much of the DAW functionality centers around the large 7", 24-panel digital touch screen on the right side of the V1-M. With the ability to switch between three different DAWs and five different layers of commands, this touch screen enables you to choose between up to 120 displayable and actionable functions.

Spec Check
- Nine touch-sensitive motorized fader
-7" 24-panel digital touch screen with drag and drop mapping in real-time
- Smooth Action Jog Wheel
- Eight dual-function encoder knobs
- Buttons for Read,Write, Touch, Latch, Trim, as well as channel controls including Mute, Solo, Record
- Six Transport buttons for Play, Stop, Record, Fast Forward and Loop
- Two Bank Buttons for shifting channels and Master/Assign button for switching from Master fader to a pre-designated track
- USB C Connectivity
- Compatible with Ability, Audition, Ableton Live, Bitwig, Cakewalk, Cubase/Nuendo, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Mixbus 32C, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Luna, Reaper, Reason, Samplitude, Studio One and Tracktion Waveform
- Connect three DAWs at one time
- Footswitch input for hands-free operation

Avid Pro Tools | Dock

Price: $1195

It seems like only yesterday that Avid announced the Pro Tools | Dock, but it's actually been around for almost eight years. The control surface remains as fresh and viable as it did upon release, thanks to our favorite S6 features being brought to a smaller format. The Pro Tools | Dock makes traversing up to 96 tracks straightforward with simple navigation tools and tweakable parameters via eight soft knobs and a plethora of soft keys. Paired with Avid Control, you can use the control surface with any number of tablets, including macOS and Windows.

Spec Check
- Single touch-sensitive motorized fader
- Eight push-top channel control encoders and one monitor control encoder
- Jog wheel with full transport control section
- 32 hardware buttons for various mode selection functions, two programmable touch strips, and 16 programmable soft keys
- Features space for compatible tablets for use with Avid Control app
- USB 2.0 connectivity
- Expandible with Avid S1
- Compatible with Pro Tools Intro, Pro Tools Artist, Pro Tools Studio, Pro Tools Ultimate, Media Composer, Media Composer | Ultimate, Media Composer | Enterprise, Avid XMON EUCON, Logic Pro, DAD DADman, Harrison Mixbus, MOTU Digital Performer, Magix, Merging Technologies Ovation and Pyramix, Cubase/Nuendo, Trinnov Audio D-MON, Ableton Live, REAPER, Reason
- Footswitch input for hands-free operation

Solid State Logic UF8

Price: $1299.99

We briefly discussed the Solid State Logic UF8 in the UF1 entry on this list, but here it is in its full glory! With eight touch-sensitive motorized faders, eight endless rotary encoders, and eight color displays, the UF8 puts loads of power at your fingertips. Beyond those controls, the unit features 43 assignable keys and a large multi-purpose encoder that can perform mouse-like scrolls. One of the most unique features of the UF8 is its expandability. If you're just getting started, one UF8 may do the trick, but you can easily pair the control surface with the UF1, UC1 plug-in controller, and other UF8s to design your dream set-up. In total, you can chain together four UF8s to create a 32-channel control surface.

Spec Check
- Eight touch-sensitive motorized fader
- Eight endless rotary encoders for seamlessly jumping through parameters
- Eight color displays
- Intelligent Channel encoder to emulate mouse scroll and control any plug-in parameter where hovering is involved
- 43 assignable backlit user keys
- Compatible with Ableton Live, Cubase/Nuendo, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Studio One, LUNA, Pyramix, Mixbus, REAPER, Bitwig and Digital Performer
- Connect three DAWs at one time
- USB C Connectivity
- Expandable with Solid State Logic UF1 and UC1 control surfaces. You can connect together four UF8s
- Footswitch input for hands-free operation

Steven Slate Audio RAVEN MTi MAX

Price: $1299

And now for a control surface of a different variety. Leave it to Steven Slate to take the idea of a DAW controller and develop something unique. The touchscreen technology of the RAVEN does just that, letting you put your hands on the digital worksurface and control your DAW and plug-ins in real-time. Steven Slate Audio's latest version of this control surface is the RAVEN MTi MAX, which has increased the unit's screen resolution to 2K/4K. This change allows up to 32 faders to be on screen at one time without affecting image quality. It also delivers unique features like instant zoom and Fine Mode for making minor adjustments quickly.

Spec Check
- 27" high-resolution touchscreen
- Up to 32 virtual faders on screen at a time
- Add your favorite chains with a button or gesture and tweek plug-in on screen like an analog console
- Draw your volume automation
- Automate tasks with Batch Commander by building your own commands for each DAW
- USB 2.0 connectivity
- Compatible with other RAVEN MTi MAXs and the MTi2
- Compatible with Pro Tools 12-2023, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live 9 - 11, Cubase Pro 10, Nuendo 10, Studio One v4 - v6, Digital Performer, and LUNA

Avid S1

Price: $1495

Rounding out our list of the best control surfaces under $1500 is the Avid S1. This streamlined and elegant device delivers unmatched speed, provides detailed visual feedback, and seamlessly integrates with Pro Tools and many other DAWS, such as Logic Pro, Cubase/Nuendo, Adobe Premiere, etc. The S1 features eight motorized faders, alongside a bevy of touch-sensitive knobs and customizable keys for muting and soloing tracks, editing plug-ins, routing signals, and so much more. Avid has smartly made the S1 expandable with the Pro Tools | Dock and other S1 units. In total, four S1s can be combined together to create a 32-channel mixing rig.

Spec Check
- Eight touch-sensitive motorized faders
- Eight high-resolution displays
- Eight push-top rotary encoders
- Jog wheel with full transport control section
- Features space for compatible tablets for use with Avid Control app
- USB 2.0 connectivity
- Expandible with Avid Dock and Control. Up to four S1 control surfaces can be paired together
- Compatible with Pro Tools Intro, Pro Tools Artist, Pro Tools Studio, Pro Tools Ultimate, Media Composer, Media Composer | Ultimate, Media Composer | Enterprise, Avid XMON EUCON, Logic Pro, DAD DADman, Harrison Mixbus, MOTU Digital Performer, Magix, Merging Technologies Ovation and Pyramix, Cubase/Nuendo, Trinnov Audio D-MON, Ableton Live, REAPER, Reason
- Footswitch input for hands-free operation

Plug-In Controllers Under $1500

Surprise! You didn't think we wouldn't mention plug-in controllers, did you? If you're unfamiliar, plug-in controllers can be used to control brand-specific software (and sometimes third-party software when allowed), similarly to how a control surface handles a DAW. Check out some of our favorite plug-in controllers under $1500.

Solid State Logic UC1

Price: $799.99

The Solid State Logic UC1 is an extremely impressive design, featuring four distinct sections. The leftmost portion of the unit handles Channel Strip Filters and EQ Controls, while the far right side covers Channel Strip Dynamics & Solo, Cut, and Fine Controls. In the middle of the UC1, you'll see the familiar site of the SSL Bus Compressor, which will give you tactile control over the accompanying plug-in. At the bottom, there is a Central Control Panel. While the UC1 comes with a package of SSL software, the brand recently made it possible to use the controller with third-party plug-ins via SSL 360°.

Spec Check
- Four distinct sections, including Channel Strip Filters & EQ Controls, Channel Strip Dynamics & Solo, Cut, and Fine Controls, Bus Compressor 2 Controls and Meter, and Central Control Panel
- Channel Strip Input Metering and Trim Control and Channel Strip Output Metering and Trim Control sections
- USB C connectivity
- Free SSL 360° software allows for use with most third-party plug-ins
- Switch between three different DAWS
- Compatible with Digital Performer, Bitwig, LUNA, REAPER, Studio One, Cubase / Nuendo, and some features in Logic Pro and Pro Tools

Softube Console 1 Channel MKIII

Price: $899

Softube has also made its Console 1 Channel MK III very intuitive, with easily labeled sections and controls for specific types of plug-ins. The plug-in controller features Tape/Preamp, Filters, Shape, EQ, Compressor, and Drive/Character sections. Engineers can monitor their tweaks on two high-resolution screens that show EQ and compressor curves, VU meter, and other track information.

Spec Check
- Six distinct sections, including Tape/Preamp, Filters, Shape, EQ, Compressor, Drive/Character
- DAW Control Section with Volume, Pan, Solo/Mute, Sends, and Track Select
- 27 touch-sensitive potentiometers
- Dual USB-C Ports
- Compatible with Bitwig, LUNA, Logic Pro, Studio One, Ableton Live, Cubase, FL Studio, Reaper, MAGIX Sampllitude Pro X7

If you’re interested in purchasing any of DAW control surfaces or plug-in controllers mentioned in this blog, we can help! Contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.