Behringer X-Touch Mini Universal USB Controller (MIDI Control Surface) $69 – Amazon

Amazon [amazon.com] has Behringer X-Touch Mini Universal USB Controller (MIDI Control Surface) on sale for $99 – $30 = $69. No coupon required. Shipping is free with Prime or on $35+. Represents a 30% savings, and $99 is, in fact, both the list price and typical price. This $69 price is the periodic sale price, which only happens 1-2x per year and last occurred Dec 2023.

Also matched at: Sweetwater [sweetwater.com], Guitar Center​ [guitarcenter.com], Musician’s Friend [musiciansfriend.com], and Adorama​ [adorama.com]

Features:

• Ultra-Compact Universal USB Controller
• Universal Pocket Remote Control for DAWs, Instruments, Effects and Lighting applications
• Features Mackie Control emulation mode for seamless integration with every compatible music production software
• Long-wearing 60-mm master fader
• Dual-Layer mode for quick change between DAW and instrument control
• 8 rotary controls with LED-collars for on-the-fly adjustments of your favorite parameters
• 16 dedicated illuminated buttons (including transport control) for direct access of key functions

For the uninitiated: If you don’t know what a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is, this might not be for you. (Unless, of course, you’re a true SDer who buys now and learns later.) If you’re looking to get into "creator" work which includes audio/video/music production, this gives you physical knobs and buttons which mirror those you see in your software. Takes a little setup, but once it is finally set up, you’ll never go back…

For the experts: The knobs on this device are endless encoders (no min/max stops at extreme left/right), and they have detents (tactile gradations you can feel as you turn the knob; i.e. not smooth sweep). The knobs can also be depressed/clicked, activating a secondary function (most often a "return to normal levels" or "mute toggle" or the like). The knobs also have illuminated collars, which can be set up to show current levels, which is a big differentiator relative to the competitive products. Can be used for DAWs right out of the box, but also can be set up like a much cheaper version of a Loupedeck (which are $250+) for more general macros, assuming you are familiar with scripting languages that can listen for MIDI events, or if you use specialized middleware/drivers. For example, here is a photographer [diyphotography.net] who customized his for use with Adobe Lightroom to edit photos.

For anyone who cares: I personally own a few of these units, as well as competitive units from Akai, Arturia, Loupedeck, etc., which I use for both DAW control and custom macro applications. If you want to get into this world, it is a definite rabbit hole (esp. once you start customizing), and this is by far the the cheapest way in for a high quality unit. Sure, there are "generic" MIDI control surfaces you can find cheaper, but the premium feel of the controls and reliability of the MIDI send codes just isn’t the same. At this price, this is probably the best deal I’ve seen on a similar quality unit, and specifically so for one with endless encoders with detents that have a push-click, which are much more useful for general macro use.

NB: This is my first deal post, so go easy on me. I’ve been a member for a decade, but finally decided to post. Still an L2, so any reps are much appreciated!