The Avid S3 is a popular digital audio workstation control surface that offers a range of features for music producers, sound designers, and audio engineers. It provides a sleek design, intuitive control layout, and the ability to customize workflows to enhance productivity. However, as with any hardware product, there are several alternative options available in the market that offer similar or even better features than the Avid S3. In this article, we will explore the 10 best Avid S3 alternatives and competitors in 2024.

1. PreSonus FaderPort 16

The PreSonus FaderPort 16 is a professional control surface that offers a range of features for music producers and engineers. It provides motorized faders, a customizable touch screen display, and the ability to control up to 16 channels simultaneously. The FaderPort 16 also features tight integration with popular DAWs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, and Studio One, making it a compelling alternative to the Avid S3 for musicians and audio engineers.

2. SSL Nucleus2

The SSL Nucleus2 is a high-end control surface that offers a range of features for professional music producers and audio engineers. It provides motorized faders, a customizable touch screen display, and the ability to control up to 16 channels simultaneously. The Nucleus2 also features SSL's signature analog sound quality and tight integration with popular DAWs, making it a strong competitor to the Avid S3 for high-end audio production.

Reading more:

3. Behringer X-Touch

The Behringer X-Touch is a budget-friendly control surface that offers a range of features for music producers and audio engineers. It provides motorized faders, a customizable touch screen display, and the ability to control up to 16 channels simultaneously. The X-Touch also features tight integration with popular DAWs, making it a compelling alternative to the Avid S3 for those on a budget.

4. Mackie Control Universal Pro

The Mackie Control Universal Pro is a professional control surface that offers a range of features for music producers and engineers. It provides motorized faders, a customizable touch screen display, and the ability to control up to 16 channels simultaneously. The Universal Pro also features tight integration with popular DAWs, making it a strong competitor to the Avid S3 for professional audio production.

5. Icon Pro Audio Platform M+

The Icon Pro Audio Platform M+ is a sleek control surface that offers a range of features for music producers and engineers. It provides motorized faders, a customizable touch screen display, and the ability to control up to 16 channels simultaneously. The Platform M+ also features tight integration with popular DAWs, making it a viable alternative to the Avid S3 for those looking for a compact and powerful control surface.

6. TASCAM DM-3200

The TASCAM DM-3200 is a high-end control surface that offers a range of features for professional music producers and audio engineers. It provides motorized faders, a customizable touch screen display, and the ability to control up to 48 channels simultaneously. The DM-3200 also features tight integration with popular DAWs, making it a strong competitor to the Avid S3 for high-end audio production.

Reading more:

7. Solid State Logic UF8

The Solid State Logic UF8 is a premium control surface that offers a range of features for professional music producers and audio engineers. It provides motorized faders, a customizable touch screen display, and the ability to control up to 48 channels simultaneously. The UF8 also features SSL's signature analog sound quality and tight integration with popular DAWs, making it a compelling alternative to the Avid S3 for high-end audio production.

8. Allen & Heath SQ-7

The Allen & Heath SQ-7 is a versatile control surface that offers a range of features for music producers and engineers. It provides motorized faders, a customizable touch screen display, and the ability to control up to 48 channels simultaneously. The SQ-7 also features advanced mixing capabilities, including EQ and compression, making it a strong competitor to the Avid S3 for live sound and studio mixing.

9. PreSonus StudioLive 64S

The PreSonus StudioLive 64S is a powerful control surface that offers a range of features for professional music producers and audio engineers. It provides motorized faders, a customizable touch screen display, and the ability to control up to 64 channels simultaneously. The StudioLive 64S also features advanced mixing capabilities, including EQ and compression, making it a compelling alternative to the Avid S3 for high-end audio production.

10. Yamaha Nuage

The Yamaha Nuage is a premium control surface that offers a range of features for professional music producers and audio engineers. It provides motorized faders, a customizable touch screen display, and the ability to control up to 128 channels simultaneously. The Nuage also features advanced mixing capabilities, including EQ and compression, and tight integration with Yamaha's digital audio workstations, making it a strong competitor to the Avid S3 for high-end audio production.

Reading more:

In conclusion, while the Avid S3 is a powerful control surface for digital audio workstations, there are several alternative options available in 2024 that offer similar or even better features. When selecting a control surface, consider factors such as motorized faders, touch screen displays, customizable workflows, and integration with popular DAWs. The above list provides a range of alternatives to help music producers, sound designers, and audio engineers find the best control surface to enhance their workflows in 2024 and beyond.