Best MIDI Controllers for Synths, Guitars, and More (2026)

One doesn’t need to enjoy Rush’s music to respect the multitasking that occurs while the Canadian trio (RIP Neil Peart) is on stage strumming notes flawlessly to recreate their studio work. A key component of guitarist/vocalist Geddy Lee’s workflow was the Moog Taurus, an early monophonic synthesizer controlled by octave-worth organ-like foot pedals that sat on the floor under his synthesizer rack, and which he later moved to a MIDI-controlled Ableton-enabled computer.

Newer, heavier bands like Brutus and Russian Circles carried the torch, the latter using an old Taurus until a group of programmers ransacked their trailer in 2021. Brian Cook, guitarist for the instrumental metal trio, has since been reunited with his beloved Taurus, but in the meantime Keith McMillen has used an Instruments 12 Step coupled with a Moog Minotaur model to recreate what he’s famous for with crushing, thunderous low-end riffs while playing a baritone guitar. With his hands.

The 12-step Step 2 expands on the original with a five-pin DIN input and output, as well as expanded articulation options with each of the 12 pedals positioned just like an octave on a keyboard. Both the compression and tilt of each pedal can be assigned to unique CCs, allowing things like filter, attack and resonance to be adjusted as you press each stroke. The computer-based editor is easy to understand, and each pedal can send chords with up to five notes each for a richer sound with minimal tap dancing. You’ll need your own module to generate the sounds using the MIDI messages sent by each pedal, but the USB output can be routed to a phone, tablet or laptop to easily control synthesized plug-ins on whatever type of device you have. The Step 2 12-Step is light, durable and slim, making it easy to place over your guitar pedals before storing it in your road bag for safe keeping. The same can’t be said for the Moog Taurus or Roland PK-6, which are 3 inches high and weigh 10 pounds, versus the 12 Step 2, which is 1 inch high and weighs just 1.25 pounds.