Behringer X-Touch Compact DAW-controller

Behringer X-Touch Compact — A Hands-on Desktop DAW Controller

The Behringer X-Touch Compact DAW controller delivers hands-on control over mixing sessions, virtual instruments, and lighting setups from one compact desktop unit. Nine 100 mm touch-sensitive motorised faders mirror DAW automation in real time, sixteen LED-collar rotary encoders expose plug-in parameters, and thirty-nine illuminated buttons cover transport, pans, sends, and play commands. Built-in Mackie Control emulation recognises most music production software the moment a USB cable is plugged in, with no driver installation required for Mac or PC hosts.

What Sets This DAW Controller Apart

Dual-Layer Mode expands the surface from nine to sixteen channels via two programmable layer banks without adding desk space. A powered two-port USB hub on the rear lets a keyboard, mouse, or second controller chain off the same upstream cable, while dedicated footswitch and expression-pedal inputs add hands-free transport for tracking sessions and live use.

Surface Layout, Connectivity, and Dimensions

Even with its slim chassis, this controller delivers the motorised feedback that cheaper static units in this category lack.

• Faders: 9 touch-sensitive, 100 mm motorised — mirror DAW automation and channel levels live
• Encoders: 16 rotary with LED collars — visible parameter position plus assignable push function
• Buttons: 39 illuminated — covers transport, mute, solo, record-arm, and channel select
• Two USB ports plus 5-pin MIDI I/O keep cable runs tidy and let you pair the unit with a Mac or PC, then cascade additional X-Touch hardware from one upstream cable
• Dimensions and Weight: 100 × 391 × 301 mm, 3.7 kg — drops into a backpack or a matching Thon case

A Match for Home Studios, Project Studios, and Compact Live Rigs

Built for home producers, project studio engineers, and live performers, this unit offers motorised fader control well below flagship Mackie Control Universal pricing. The X-Touch Compact drops into Logic Pro X, Cubase, Reaper, and Studio One via the Mackie Control protocol, sets itself up automatically on most DAWs at connect, and combines USB hub, MIDI, and footswitch connectivity in a single desktop box. Studios planning to scale up can cascade it with the full-size X-Touch or an X-Touch Extender to grow channel count over time.

Built on Behringer's Budget-Friendly Mission

Behringer was founded in Germany by Uli Behringer to put professional audio gear within reach of modest budgets, starting with the Studio Exciter F. Acquiring Midas, Klark Teknik, and TC Electronic expanded the engineering expertise behind the product roadmap, and the X-Touch family carries that legacy with flagship-style control surface features at home-studio pricing. The Compact debuted in August 2015 at a launch price well below the Mackie Control Universal.