13 best controllers for Ableton Live in 2024
If you use Ableton Live but are looking for a more inspiring, tactile music-making process, an Ableton Live controller is the hands-on solution to your problems. A controller that’s compatible with Ableton Live will personify the DAW’s fundamental aspects, such as faders and knobs, so that you can have better control over your project, plug-ins, and parameters. Step away from the trackpad, give your weary index finger muscles a rest and take your project by the horns with an Ableton Live-optimised controller.
From MIDI keyboards to MPCs and touchpads, these 13 Ableton Live controllers will ensure you’re using every aspect of Ableton’s DAW to the best of its ability.
At a glance:
Ableton Push
Push is the de facto controller for Live. Many pick up the Live/Push combo on day one of their musical mission. Push is available bundled with any of the three versions of Live – Lite, Standard and Pro. The truth is, Push does such a thorough job out of the box, you need a clear reason not to use it. There’s zero setup time and you’re instantly armed to play instruments, launch clips, and use the knobs to tweak instrument and effect parameters.
The new Push , which many are calling Push 3 but is indeed simply called Push, is being heralded by Ableton as their new “timeless” controller. It can be easily upgraded, modded and updated as Ableton Live updates. It features new standalone capability, meaning you can send Live Sets from Ableton to the device, unplug, take it anywhere and send your projects back again. With 250GB storage, it becomes a portable studio, equivalent to carrying a loaded laptop. Max For Live devices can be loaded, and Ableton Packs can be downloaded directly to Push via wi-fi. Additionally, Push features 64 expressive MPE pads with velocity and polyphonic aftertouch for expressive playing, and a built-in audio interface for recording external instruments. It also supports CV and gate signals for modular instruments. From our own experience handling the Push, the controller is well-designed, sturdy, and enjoyable to use, with a detailed display and a large jog wheel for easy navigation.
Features:
- 64 MPE pads with velocity and polyphonic aftertouch
- 8 touch-sensitive rotary knobs
- Live Set Transfer
- 250GB Storage
- Built-in Audio Interface
- CV and Gate Support
- Multi-colour display
- Price:
- Push: £879/$999
- Standalone: £1,699/$1,999
Find out more about the Ableton Push at ableton.com
Novation SL MkIII
This might be the best Live keyboard controller around at the moment, with an onboard eight-track sequencer, semi-weighted keys, aftertouch, and additional visual feedback from on-key RGB LEDs. Throw in faders, pads, CV and an arpeggiator, and it has you covered for most of your Ableton Live needs. However, it’ll also function as a very capable hub for your hardware rig, which is a real bonus. It’s available in 49 and 61 varieties.
We said: “If you are frustrated by how little your stuff gets on, how little your software seems to gel with a large hardware rig, then this could be the one ring to rule it all. And don’t forget the sequencer angle too. SL MkIII is a game-changer for sequencing your hardware and software away from or, indeed with your computer.”
Features:
- 49- or 61-note velocity-sensitive, synth-style, semi-weighted keyboard
- 16 full-colour RGB backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads
- 2 page and 2 scene launch buttons
- 8 continuous rotary knobs
- 8 sliders
- Price: £499/$599
Read the full review of the Novation SL MkIII here.
Check out deals for the Novation SL MkIII at Thomann.
Yaeltex TURN
Yaeltex crafts the most beautiful looking custom MIDI controllers, and the Turn is no exception to their impressive catalogue. The brand says it was made to be a “perfect companion” for the Ableton Push 2, but this beauty is more than capable as a standalone product to be used in conjunction with your Ableton Live DAW. With a background boasting a high resolution image of – you guessed it – the surface of Mars, it has encoders, buttons, faders, potentiometers – the lot.
The Miniblock 2 is a smaller, slightly more affordable version. Or, if you’re looking for something even more high end and unique, head to the Yaeltex Factory site to design your own custom controller online, from the knob layout to the colour way.
Features:
- 32 RGB encoders
- 24 Small RGB buttons
- 16 Long RGB buttons
- 8 faders
- 32 potentiometers
- Price: £1,000/$1,318
Find out more about the Yaeltex TURN at yaeltex.com.
Zerodebug TouchAble Pro
Available on Android and iOS, TouchAble is an easy-to-use control app designed specifically for Live. You can make mixer adjustments, manipulate effects and parameters, launch clips and scenes, write MIDI notes into the piano roll and much more. TouchAble does a stellar job at putting the full functionality of Live right at your fingertips.
We said: “TouchAble Pro is easy to configure, fast to use, and engages with the software like nothing else. Also, it doesn’t exclude the use of hardware controllers alongside it, such as Push or APC40, or whatever else you have. The Device control is outstanding, and the ability to view two modules together is the icing on the cake. It’s not truly tactile, and using a glass surface for a controller isn’t for everybody, but other than that, I have no quibbles about this at all. This app is the reason I have an iPad Pro.”
Features:
- Available on Android & iOS
- Split-screen
- Extensive MIDI mapping
- Waveform view
- Automation drawing
- Full control of Live’s devices
- Price: £28
Read the full review of the Zerodebug TouchAble Pro here.
Download the Zerodebug TouchAble Pro at zerodebug.com.
Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3
The latest incarnation of Novation’s Launchpad range, which debuted in 2009, the Pro Mk3 works brilliantly with clips and instruments in Live, but also as a standalone controller for other MIDI gear. However, it’s primarily a Live controller at heart – and a sturdy, mobile one at that. Its four-track sequencer happily lets you record and tap in MIDI notes into Live, with note-length adjustments for individual steps in a sequence of up to 32.
We said: “If you’re on a budget, this is a good option, especially as it includes a copy of Ableton Live 10 Intro. The real kicker comes in the form of its increased connectivity and sequencer. If you want to send MIDI notes and control messages to synths or drum machines, or VJ software, and you like the idea of a feature-loaded step sequencer, this is ideal for you.”
Features:
- 64 Touch- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads
- 4-Track sequencer with 32 steps
- Chord mode
- Dynamic note and scale modes
- 8 user-defined modes with Components Editor
- Price: £290/$349
Read the full review of the Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 here.
Check out deals for the Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 at Thomann.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
This compact, affordable, nifty controller from Novation can instantly make your track-tinkering more enjoyable. The Launchkey Mini takes up minimal real estate on your desk, being only 13 inches wide, and is built with 16 RGB, velocity-sensitive pads to take control of your session, drum racks, mixer and more.
It also includes a set of knobs, touch-sensitive mod wheels and some transport controls for tweaking your instruments and effects. The Arp and Fixed Chord modes are great fun, too, providing plenty of options to turn boring parts into intriguing textures.
We said: “Use Live a lot but limited in space? Use Live out and about? If the answer is ‘yes’ to either of these then ‘need’ could well be a word you could use because Launchkey Mini certainly delivers a great control experience for either scenario. We found that after a short time with the (online) manual, we were scooting around Live with aplomb, accessing functions and parameters without having to access our damn computer mouse.”
Features:
- 16 Velocity-sensitive RGB pads
- 8 rotary controllers
- Touch-sensitive strips for pitch and modulation
- Arpeggiator
- Fixed Chord Mode – One Finger Chord Automatic
- Buttons for recording, playback, stop / solo / mute and octave switching
- Price: £99/$109.99
Read the full review of the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 here.
Check out deals for the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 at Thomann.
PreSonus Atom SQ
Atom SQ offers deep integration with both Studio One and Ableton Live, which is ideal for those wielding a double-DAW setup. It offers a pleasing amount of MIDI features like an arpeggiator, scale mode, and different layouts for the 32 pads. You can set the velocity-sensitive pads to represent a keyboard spanning three octaves; a trigger for sampling devices like Drum Rack; as transport controls for Live and much more. When playing an instrument with the pads, you can also deploy aftertouch for further expressivity.
The controller lets you navigate your Live projects with ease using arrow controls, endless rotary encoders and a context-sensitive display for keeping track of your instruments and channels.
We said: “The Atom SQ’s integration with Studio One and Ableton Live is so tight that it makes us wish every company could model itself after PreSonus in this regard. While there are cheaper alternatives out there, you’d have difficulty finding any that match the deep functionality of the Atom.”
Features:
- 32 velocity-sensitive pads
- Arrow controls
- Context-sensitive screen displays
- Hybrid MIDI keyboard/pad performance
- 8 rotary encoders
- Price: £250/$249.95
Read the full review of the Presonus Atom SQ here.
Check out deals for the Presonus Atom SQ at Thomann.
Akai Pro APC64
Akai touts its APC64 as a ‘next-generation Ableton Live controller’, and it’s hard to disagree. With its vibrant 8×8 pad grid, the unit doesn’t look dissimilar to the Push — but it has a few tricks of its own up its sleeve.
The APC64 touts an impressive eight touch strips, all fully assignable to give you hands-on control of devices and parameters within Live. Using these, it’s easier than ever to add expression and depth to your music, whether you’re controlling effects in Live, adjusting macros, or writing automation.
Each button has been meticulously mapped so you can focus on creating music, with a handy encoder for navigating sessions without your mouse. And if you fancy going beyond the DAW, you can even use the APC64 as a standalone 32-step sequencer thanks to 3 MIDI ports and 8 CV/Gate outputs.
Features:
- 64 velocity-sensitive RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch
- 8 assignable touch strips
- Dedicated transport controls
- Seamless Ableton Live integration
- Smart screen and encoder for real-time feedback
- 3 x ⅛” MIDI ports for integrating external hardware
- 8 x CV/Gate outputs and standalone 32-step sequencer
- Price: £250
Find out more about the Akai Pro APC64 at akaipro.com.
Arturia Keystep Pro
Definitely one of the most attractive controllers in this guide with its white finish, colourfully labelled track sections and bright pastel backlit buttons, the Arturia Keystep Pro, released back in April 2020, injects inspiration into your Ableton Live setup. A compact and sturdy controller, the Keystep Pro offers a ton of creative sequencing tools and is perfect for fans of modular and hardware synths.
We said: “As a hub, it should integrate splendidly with your DAW, computer-based plug-ins, other CV-based equipment, and even good old MIDI modules. Arturia has all the bases covered. The standout feature for us, though, is simply the speed at which the KeyStep Pro allows you to get hooked up and get going.”
Features:
- 37 mini keys with touch response & aftertouch
- 4-track step sequencer, 16 step buttons
- 24-part polyrhythm drum sequencer
- Melody sequencer with real-time recording, step recording and step editing (pitch, velocity, gate length and time shift)
- Performance friendly sequencer
- Price: £350/$460
Read the full review of the Arturia Keystep Pro here.
Check out deals for the Arturia Keystep Pro at Thomann.
Ableton Move
Designed to capture musical inspiration wherever it strikes, Ableton’s new Move device is primarily a groovebox but with seamless DAW integration.
Equipped with a 4-track system, Move lets you assign each track as one of three existing Live instruments (Drift, Wavetable, and Drum Sampler) and the Move-exclusive Melodic Sampler. Rhythms and melodies can be quickly programmed using the step sequencer, and over 1,500 onboard samples provide a diverse palette of sounds.
Designed for portability, Move features a built-in speaker and microphone, while the battery provides up to four hours of use on a single charge. And once you’re ready to expand your ideas, Wi-Fi connectivity enables easy transfer of sets to Ableton Live, providing a smooth transition from initial inspiration to finished production. Check out our review for the full lowdown.
Features:
- 4-track system with flexible track assignments
- Built-in step sequencer
- Over 1,500 samples and presets
- Integrated speaker and microphone
- Up to four hours of battery life
- Wi-Fi connectivity for transferring sets to Ableton Live
- Price: £399 / $449
Read our Cover story of the Ableton Move here.
Find out more about the Ableton Move at ableton.com.
Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4
This compact, affordable, nifty controller from Novation can instantly make your track-tinkering more enjoyable. The Launchkey Mini takes up minimal real estate on your desk — the 25-key model is just 13 inches wide while the 37-key is around 19 inches.
Both are built with 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads (now with polyphonic aftertouch as of the MK4) to take control of your session, drum racks, mixer, and more. Also included are eight continuous encoders, touch strips for pitch bend and modulation, and handy transport controls to keep you in the zone. The Arp and Chord modes are great fun, too, providing plenty of options to turn boring parts into intriguing textures.
In our review, we said: “The Launchkey Mini is the perfect companion for anyone performing or producing on the move. At the same time, it has many of the features of its larger siblings and is attractively priced. It’s also well-suited to use in a studio, particularly a smaller one, being so unobtrusive it can sit next to or above a computer keyboard without needing extra stands yet providing keys, pads, encoders and DAW control.”
Features:
- 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch
- 8 continuous encoders controllers
- Touch-sensitive strips for pitch and modulation
- Arpeggiator
- Chord Mode – Chord Map / Fixed Chord / User Chord
- Buttons for recording, playback, stop / solo / mute and octave switching
- Price: £99 / $109.99
Read the full review of the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 here.
Find out more about the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 at novationmusic.com
OSC/Pilot
Developed by Deadmau5, OSC/Pilot is a customisable control surface application that lets you create personalised interfaces for audio and visual software, including DAWs like Ableton Live.
With its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, you can combine various widgets, such as faders, dials, X/Y pads, and buttons, to design control surfaces tailored precisely to individual workflows. Your imagination is the limit here — so if you’ve ever wanted an entirely bespoke solution, this could be the way forward.
Optimised for touchscreen devices, OSC/Pilot works with touch-enabled Windows computers or via the companion app for iPadOS. And with multi-touch support, performers can interact with several controls simultaneously. Check out our full OSC/Pilot review for more details.
Features:
- Drag-and-drop interface for controller creation
- Multi-touch support
- Customisable widgets including faders, dials, X/Y pads, and buttons
- Compatibility with OSC and MIDI protocols
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and iPad devices
- Price: £41
Read the full review of the OSC/Pilot here.
