Are expressive MIDI controllers getting more affordable?

There’s been a trend for more expressive MIDI controllers for a few years now. We’re talking about devices that respond not only to velocity, but also (typically) to pressure and to up/down and left/ right finger movements. Obviously, this is next-gen technology we’re talking about here and, as such, it’s come at a next-gen price, with the flagship versions of the likes of ROLI’s Seaboard and Roger Linn’s LinnStrument costing thousands rather than hundreds of pounds.

There are signs, however, that expressive controllers are getting a little cheaper, if still not what you’d call affordable. ROLI’s smaller Seaboard Rise 25 and 49 can be had for around £649 and £999 respectively, and Roger Linn recently announced a scaled-down LinnStrument 128, which is available for $999.

On a slightly different but still expressive tip, ROLI also now have their Lightpad Block (£170), a compact, square, pressure-sensitive Bluetooth controller that works with iOS. It’s far more limited in scope than the Seaboard and definitely has a consumer rather than pro feel, but it may turn out to have more serious applications.

One very affordable option if you’re looking for expressive control on a budget is Keith McMillen’s K-board, another compact device that comes with 25 ‘key pads’ that respond to velocity, pressure and tilting movements. This is a slightly cutdown version of McMillen’s QuNexus, and can be had for around £80. It might not replace your existing MIDI keyboard, but it could be a good option if you want something that’s portable and will give you a different kind of playing experience from time to time.