Best MIDI Controller for Guitar (our top pick)
Nektar Pacer MIDI Controller
For such a high level of functionality, the Nektar Pacer keeps a surprisingly low price tag compared to its contemporaries like the Voodoo Lab Ground Control and Rocktron MIDI Raider. There's a learning curve to be expected, but it's the best-value MIDI foot controller on the market.
You might think of this as a much simpler version of our MIDI pairing article where we highlighted the foot controllers we liked, but also talked a lot about how to use them and set them up. On this page, we're just highlighting the products, for those of you who want a simpler and more straightforward recommendation about which controllers to buy, or which are the most ideal for guitar rigs.
4 Best MIDI foot controllers we picked out
MIDI | Name | Rate | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nektar Pacer MIDI Foot Controller | 90.3 | |
 | Behringer FCB1010 | 88.5 | |
 | Singular Sound MIDI Maestro | 88.3 | |
 | Voodoo Lab Ground Control | 92.4 |
1. Nektar Pacer MIDI Controller
Best Overall Value
BEST FOR: Guitar pedals, MIDI amps, multiple MIDI devices.
FUNCTIONALITY
96
CONTROL
94
EASE OF USE
79
COST/VALUE
92
- Great price point compared to other MIDI controllers
- TONS of programming options
- Works smoothly with most DAWs
- Can easily interface with most MIDI-capable effects units
- Programming effects can sometimes be off by a number
- A pretty significant learning curve if you don't have a strong familiarity with MIDI controllers and devices
I got to review the Nektar Pacer when it first came out, and I was really impressed for the functionality and sophistication of the design. It's capable of handling multiple MIDI pedals or effects processors, and feels similar to the design of the Behringer FCB1010, albeit a little stronger. Given the Pacer's capabilities, the price point is fantastic value, and will save you a ton of money off the Ground Control Pro (that thing is really expensive).
2. Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro
Highest Rated
BEST FOR: Live performing, recording, pretty much everything.
FUNCTIONALITY
95
CONTROL
92
EASE OF USE
83
COST/VALUE
88
- Tons of functionality
- Control entire rigs
- Control multiple units
- Control amp modeling
- Expensive
- A bit of a learning curve
While there's certainly a learning curve to be considered, the Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro is one of the single most complete and high-functioning MIDI foot controllers on the market. It's also quite popular with professional musicians and guitar techs. It can control MIDI-compatible rack effects, pedals, amps, and channel switch.
3. Behringer FCB1010 MIDI Foot Controller
Best value foot controller
BEST FOR: Budgets, playing live, simple setups.
FUNCTIONALITY
83
CONTROL
88
EASE OF USE
90
COST/VALUE
93
- Great price point
- Built-in expression
- 10 preset banks
- Great for small rigs and simple setups
- Not as high-functioning as the Voodoo lab controller
The Behringer FCB1010 has some notable advantages over the Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro, particularly for those of us who might have felt the Ground Control was too much pedal for what we were trying to do. In terms of functionality, the FCB1010 is still a capable option, but is much more affordable and - by many accounts - easier to use.
For prospective buyers, the FCB1010's most attractive feature will almost certainly be the price tag, as it's one of the most budget friendly MIDI foot controllers on the market. It also includes two expression pedals built into the unit itself, both of which can be assigned the same way you would assign an external expression pedal in the Ground Control.
4. Rocktron MIDI Mate
Best MIDI controller for small, simple rigs
BEST FOR: Single MIDI devices and budgets.
FUNCTIONALITY
82
CONTROL
84
EASE OF USE
92
COST/VALUE
85
- Great price point
- Simple setup with an easy learning curve
- INSTANT and BANK mode give you all the functionality you need
- Great for small rigs and simple setups
- None for the price
The MIDI Mate from Rocktron is the younger and much smaller cousin of the Rocktron MIDI Raider, which we'll cover next. We like the Mate because it's extremely basic and easy to use.
You've got six presets and six channels through MIDI presets, and in INSTANT mode you can cycle through 100 presets with only two buttons. In bank mode you can cycle through 128 presets in groups of 10, great for songs and curations of settings. For smaller rigs, especially when you're controlling just one MIDI device, it's about all you need. So far, the MIDI mate is the second most affordable option on this list.
Conclusion
MIDI controllers are the single best way to apply a canvas of control over your entire rig. They're designed to centralize all of your effects and make everything you use most often accessible from the same spot. If you own rack effects processors, they're the most ideal and common way to control those units from your pedalboard without having to make changes by hand. Before deciding on a MIDI foot controller, we would recommend taking an inventory of the following:
- Number of MIDI devices you want to control
- Number of presets within each devices that you want to use on a regular basis
For example, you might have a rack effects processor that you typically use for seven different sounds and a MIDI delay pedal with three different sounds. With all of that information on paper, you can buy a MIDI foot controller that's most ideal for a rig of that size and context.
If you have questions about the products listed here, or about the MIDI setup process, feel free to get in touch via the comments section below.
More MIDI Articles and Roundups
Written by Guitar Chalk on MIDI & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on MIDI & Reviews
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Be sure to check out DataLooper as well! It’s new on the market, but is super lightweight, all aluminum and features 12 completely programmable buttons and RGB LEDs, 28 presets, 2 expression pedal jacks and MIDI In/Out.
Check it out at http://www.datalooperpedal.com
Hey, thanks Vince. This looks great. Saw your email as well. Will certainly check it out further!