Midi Controllers
Depending on what your workflow a midi controller and/or control surface may be desired. A midi controller allows you to be more tactile if you are working with virtual instruments and midi. If you know how to play a piano these can even be a great help to create music. They can also be very useful in your production if you do not like to program midi in your given digital audio workstation like myself.
A lot of Midi controllers look like a keyboard they come in varying sizes from 25 keys all the way up to 61 keys. Some will even have weighted keys to simulate a real piano. For those of you that play piano and like that feel defiantly get the weighted keys as it will feel more natural.
There are also non keyboard midi controllers like midi pads which allow you to drum on them like Alesis Control Pad USB/MIDI Percussion Pad Controller
. There is also a guitar midi controller which I at least think is really really cool. Check out the YouTube video below to see what I am talking about.
What is the difference between a midi controller and real instruments?
The main difference between a midi device and an instrument is that the midi device only sends a midi signal out of it which tells the virtual instrument to play, while an actual keyboard has the ability to create a sound.
Here are a few popular Midi controllers 2-3 keyboards 25-49-61 If you want to learn piano get a something bigger than a 25 key controller as a normal piano is 88 keys so an 49 or 61 keys would be recommended. Once again these are only a starting points. Find what works best for you and forget the rest.
3. Akai Midi Keyboard Controller
Midi Troll Tip
For fun some time ask your local audio shop for a midi to 1/4 adapter or cable and watch the trolling start. Just like midi controls a midi cable only sends a midi signal out which is not audible. This defeats the purpose of needing an 1/4 adapter since it only sends sound. If the person in the store catches on to those you may have a knowledgeable person to do future business with.
Control Surfaces
Control surfaces are yet another way to get tactile while writing mixing and recording music. One way to think of a control surface is like a big mouse. They allow you to control different parts of your digital audio workstation without using your mouse or keyboard.
They come in all shapes, sizes and prices. For example, one of the biggest control surfaces I have used is a D-Control with an extra set of 16 faders or a Euphonix System 5. One of the smallest is Frontier Design Group ALPHA-TRACK USB Control Surface 
which is what I currently have in my home studio.
Why consider a control surface?
Motorized Faders and Rotary Knobs
Control Surfaces generally have motorized faders allowing you to mix more efficiently and , have rotary knobs to pan audio. If you are a tactile person like I am they you will like being able to touch something instead of using a mouse to make an adjustment. Having faders to make adjustments can be much quicker and easier than adjusting with a mouse as well.
LED Display and Control of Plugins
Control Surfaces normally have the ability to control audio plugins of your favorite software on the screen without having to use a mouse. They can also show key information about the plug in as you make adjustments such as frequencies on an equalization plugin.
Play, Stop, and Record Buttons in one location
Control Surfaces normally have a play, stop, and record button right on the surface allows for greater control of your software.They are also generally less expensive than analog desks which also makes them appealing to smaller studios or B rooms in a studio along with home studios.
Once again it really comes down to your work flow. I know audio engineers that love control surfaces and those that like to use a mouse and keyboard. During my time at Blackbird Studios I saw a lot of engineers using a command 8 and an analog desk like an API legacy plus. I also saw engineers using just their mouse and keyboards so it is really your call.
Check out this video if you want to see a little more about control surfaces.
If you are considering a control surface here are a few of the more popular control surfaces for home studios
Command 8 This is the one that I talked about seeing a lot of people using at Blackbird.
Behringer BCF2000 B-Control USB/MIDI Controller with 8 Motorized Faders
For under $300 you can get 8 faders and a control surface. Pretty sweet starting point.
PreSonus FaderPort USB Automation Controller
A single Fader control surface for under $150 much like the one I use. If you are wanting the best portability and space
Korg nanoKONTROL2 Slim-Line USB Control Surface, Black If you are looking for an ultra small control surface with 8 faders for under $100 this is your guy. You can’t go wrong at this price point for a basic control surface with 8 faders.
There are other options like a Digi 002 and 003 along with a project mix by Avid. I am sure I have missed others as well.
Feel free to leave a comment about your favorite midi controller or control surface. If there are any must have control surfaces let me know and we will get them on here
Until next time
Jamie