What is the difference between a DAW controller and a MIDI controller?

Introduce DAW and MIDI Controllers

A digital audio workstation (DAW) is a software program designed for recording, editing and producing audio files. Examples of popular DAWs include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools and FL Studio. A DAW allows you to record audio tracks, add effects, edit waveforms, mix tracks and more.

A MIDI controller is a hardware device that is used to control parameters in your DAW or other music software. MIDI controllers connect to your computer via USB and send MIDI data to your DAW which can control elements like transport controls, faders, knobs, keys, pads and more. Popular examples include Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol and Novation Launchpad.

DAW Controller Overview

A DAW controller is a hardware device used to control DAW (digital audio workstation) software and functions. DAW controllers connect to a computer running DAW software via USB or other connectivity options. They provide physical controls like faders, knobs, buttons, and pads to manipulate the DAW software without using a mouse and keyboard. According to Sweetwater’s “Getting Started with DAW Controllers,” DAW controllers enable “control over DAW’s such as Pro Tools or Ableton Live.”

The main purpose of a DAW controller is comprehensive control over the DAW software. DAW controllers allow producers, mixers, and engineers to access tracks, plugins, automation, transport controls, editing tools, and more through dedicated hardware interfaces. This improves workflow efficiency and feel/playability compared to only using a mouse and keyboard. As Musician’s Friend states in their “DAW Software Controller Buying Guide,” DAW controllers provide “hands-on control of recording software mixing consoles, transport, plug-ins and more.”

Common controls on DAW controllers include faders, knobs, buttons, and pads mapped to various DAW parameters and functions. More advanced DAW controllers feature motorized faders, scribble strips or track displays, parameter screens/displays, and deep integration with specific DAWs. The tactile control and visual feedback aim to optimize the user experience working in the DAW. According to eMastered’s “9 Best DAW Controllers,” DAW controllers provide “an intuitive way to control your DAW that increases workflow and productivity.”

MIDI Controller Overview

A MIDI controller is a device that generates and transmits MIDI data to control instruments and plugins. As the MIDI Manufacturers Association states, “A MIDI controller is any hardware or software that generates and transmits MIDI data to MIDI-enabled devices” (https://www.midi.org/articles-old/what-is-midi). MIDI controllers send MIDI messages over USB or a MIDI cable to external devices and software.

The most common types of MIDI controllers are keyboard controllers, pad controllers, and other controllers like pedals or wind controllers. The main purpose of a MIDI controller is to allow for real-time and hands-on control of virtual instruments, effects, and DAW functions. This allows users to capture expressive musical performances and gestures as MIDI data to control software.

Some key features of MIDI controllers include pads, knobs, faders, buttons, keys, and other controls to manipulate parameters. For example, moving a fader could control volume while pressing a pad could trigger drum sounds. The MIDI controller itself does not produce any actual audio, it just transmits the performance information. The receiving software or hardware produces or manipulates the sound based on the MIDI messages.

Integration with DAW

A key difference between DAW controllers and MIDI controllers is how tightly integrated they are with the DAW software. DAW controllers are designed to integrate seamlessly with a specific DAW like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or Pro Tools [1]. The controller faders, knobs, keys, and buttons are mapped to control parameters in the DAW with no extra configuration needed. This tight integration allows for a fluid workflow and tactile control of mixing, editing, and more in the DAW.

MIDI controllers on the other hand are more loosely integrated. They send MIDI data to the DAW, but you have to manually map the controls to parameters in your DAW. The level of integration can vary depending on the MIDI controller – some controllers come with predefined templates for common DAWs while others require mapping everything manually. While it takes more effort to set up, the advantage of MIDI controllers is flexibility – you can use them to control parameters in any DAW or plugin, and customize mappings as needed [2].

Faders, Knobs, and Pads

One of the main differences between DAW controllers and MIDI controllers is their emphasis on different controls like faders, knobs, and pads.

DAW controllers focus more on having motorized faders and rotary knobs to control parameters in the DAW software. This allows for more hands-on control and automation of things like track volumes, panning, EQ, and effects (Source). The faders and knobs are programmable and provide tactile control over mixer functions.

MIDI controllers tend to have more pads, buttons, and keys for triggering sounds and playing instruments. The pads can be used for finger drumming or launching clips in a DAW session. Many MIDI controllers act like an instrument for playing virtual synths and samplers (Source). They focus less on controlling mixer and automation parameters.

So DAW controllers have more faders and knobs while MIDI controllers emphasize pads and keys. This aligns with their different purposes.

Automation Control

DAW controllers excel at controlling automation in a DAW. With dedicated faders, knobs, and buttons, DAW controllers allow for hands-on control and editing of parameters like volume, panning, EQ, and more (Source). This tactile feedback can speed up workflow tremendously compared to only using a mouse and keyboard. For example, touching a fader and moving it in real-time to adjust volume is much faster than having to locate the control on screen in the DAW. DAW controllers with motorized or touch sensitive faders even allow for visual feedback by moving the fader to match the automation value.

Some advanced DAW controllers like the Avid S6 allow for multiple layers of assignable controls, providing access to a huge number of parameters very quickly (Source). The hands-on nature of DAW controllers gives producers and mixers a much more direct connection to their work.

Playability

A key difference between MIDI controllers and DAW controllers is playability. MIDI controllers are optimized for playing virtual instruments and controlling external MIDI gear. The keyboard mechanisms and keybeds on MIDI controllers allow for more expressive playing techniques like aftertouch and velocity sensitivity. This high level of playability makes MIDI controllers ideal for performing and capturing expressive musical parts in real-time.

As this article points out, MIDI controllers with good keybeds and controls allow you to play virtual instruments with dynamics and expression, just like you would play an acoustic piano or synth. The tactile experience of playing a MIDI keyboard can inspire new musical ideas and performances.

In contrast, DAW controllers are not focused on playability. The pads and faders are designed for clip launching, mixing, and DAW control rather than playing instruments. While some DAW controllers may have mini keyboards, they lack the full size, touch sensitivity, and robustness required for expressive instrumental performance.

So for producers who want to play and record expressive instrumental parts, a MIDI controller with good playability is recommended over a DAW controller. The hands-on experience creates a more organic, inspiring process than drawing in notes with a mouse.

Audio Control

DAW controllers provide much finer-grained control over audio mixing than MIDI controllers. With a DAW controller, you can control multiple tracks of audio using motorized faders and knobs. This tactile control makes it easier to set track levels, adjust EQs, control sends/returns, and blend audio than relying on only a mouse and keyboard.

Many DAW controllers include transport controls like play, record, stop, etc. This allows quick access to transport functions while mixing. Some DAW controllers even feature audio-specific controls like mute, solo, and automation modes per channel. All of this adds up to a dedicated hardware interface optimized specifically for hands-on audio mixing.

In contrast, most MIDI controllers lack the simultaneous multichannel control and audio-centric workflows of a dedicated DAW controller. While MIDI controllers can be mapped to some audio parameters in a DAW, they lack the specialized controls and tactile multichannel mixing capabilities that make DAW controllers excel for audio mixing.

According to this Sweetwater article, DAW controllers like the Avid S6 provide “the tactile control you need for advanced mix moves.” So for pro audio mixing, a specialized DAW controller often provides quicker workflow and better hands-on control than a generic MIDI controller.

MIDI Out

One of the key differences between a MIDI controller and a DAW controller is that a MIDI controller is capable of sending MIDI data out to external devices, while a DAW controller is not. MIDI controllers have MIDI ports (usually USB and 5-pin DIN) that allow them to send MIDI note, control change, and other message data to external synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, and other MIDI-capable gear. This allows you to use a MIDI controller to not only control parameters within your DAW, but also to control and play external hardware instruments. DAW controllers lack these MIDI output ports, so they are limited to only controlling parameters within your DAW software itself.

The presence of MIDI out ports is what gives MIDI controllers their name and a large part of their usefulness for studio and live performance workflows. Their ability to control both software instruments within a DAW as well as external hardware instruments is what makes them such versatile tools. So if you need to control hardware synths and gear along with your DAW software, you’ll want to look for an actual MIDI controller rather than a DAW-only control surface.

Price Points

Overall, DAW controllers tend to be more expensive than MIDI controllers. As stated in this Sweetwater buying guide, DAW controllers are designed for “hands-on control of a DAW’s mixing functions,” which requires more advanced features like motorized faders, encoders, and displays. This specialized hardware drives up the cost.

For example, an advanced DAW controller like the Avid S3 with 16 motorized faders costs around $5,000. Comparatively, a standard MIDI keyboard controller with some knobs and pads like the Nektar Impact LX49+ is only around $200. While MIDI controllers offer more flexibility and compatibility with various software, they lack the tight integration and tactile control of a dedicated DAW controller. Ultimately, producers need to weigh cost versus functionality when choosing between a MIDI or DAW controller.