
Behringer
Behringer X-TOUCH-COMPACT Universal USB/MIDI Controller
★★★★★
Nine motorized touch-sensitive faders, 16 LED-ringed encoders, and 39 buttons put hands-on DAW control at your fingertips.
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Overview
Key Features
Demo 9-Fader USB/MIDI Controller
Specifications
Type
Universal USB/MIDI Controller
Faders
9 Touch-Sensitive Motorized (100mm)
Rotary Encoders
16 with LED Collars
Buttons
39 Illuminated
Connectivity
USB
Compatibility
Mackie Control Emulation
Dual-Layer Mode
Yes
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Nine motorized, touch-sensitive 100mm faders provide precise, tactile mix control with automatic recall.
- 16 rotary encoders with LED collar indicators give instant visual feedback on parameter positions.
- Mackie Control emulation ensures broad compatibility across all major DAWs without custom drivers.
- Dual-layer mode doubles the effective control surface, reducing the need for constant bank switching.
- Compact footprint fits on a crowded studio desk alongside a keyboard and mouse.
👎 Cons
- Fader resolution may feel less refined than higher-end control surfaces from brands like Avid or SSL.
- Build quality uses primarily plastic housing, which may feel less robust under heavy daily use.
- Only nine faders means larger sessions still require frequent bank switching despite dual-layer mode.
- Limited documentation and preset customization can make initial setup less intuitive for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the faders motorized?
Yes, all nine 100mm faders are touch-sensitive and motorized, meaning they physically move to match your DAW's mixer positions when you switch banks or recall snapshots.
Is the X-Touch Compact compatible with my DAW?
It supports Mackie Control and HUI emulation, which are recognized by virtually all major DAWs including Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Cubase, and Studio One.
Does the X-Touch Compact connect via USB or MIDI?
It connects via USB for both power and communication. It also functions as a standard MIDI controller if needed.
What does dual-layer mode do?
Dual-layer mode effectively doubles the number of available controls by allowing you to switch between two independent layers of fader and encoder assignments, giving you access to more channels or parameters without additional hardware.
Does the controller come with preconfigured presets?
Yes, it includes preconfigured presets for popular DAWs, so you can start working immediately without extensive manual mapping.