Review: PreSonus Atom Midi Controller
If you’ve been on the hunt for a MIDI pad controller that packs a punch without emptying your wallet, you might want to turn your attention to the PreSonus Atom. This little beast might just be the secret weapon you need in your home studio. Let’s dive into what makes the Atom a noteworthy contender in the realm of beat production.
Design and Build
First off, the Atom is pretty slick with its compact and robust design. It’s small enough to fit in most backpacks, making it an excellent pick for producers on the move. The chassis feels solid—PreSonus didn’t skimp on build quality here. With its neon blue and black colour scheme, it looks futuristic and is sure to stand out on your desk.
Features and Functionality
The Atom comes loaded with 16 velocity-sensitive pads that are both responsive and satisfying to tap. These pads light up, providing valuable visual feedback that’s especially handy in dimly lit environments. One of the standout features is the tight integration with PreSonus Studio One. If you’re a Studio One user, you’ll appreciate how seamlessly Atom slips into your workflow, offering functionalities like transport controls directly from the controller.
In addition to the pads, you have four rotary knobs that can be assigned to any parameter you wish to tweak, making it incredibly versatile whether you’re mixing, tweaking synths, or adjusting your DAW. There’s also a neat feature where you can set up different pad banks for more extensive control—ideal for live performances or managing large projects.
Performance
Performance-wise, the Atom is a little powerhouse. The pads are exceptionally responsive, great for finger drumming or launching clips. There’s hardly any noticeable latency, so you can expect a fluid performance, which is crucial whether you’re just jamming out ideas or performing live.
For beginners, Atom makes it easy to get going with its straightforward layout and minimal learning curve. However, even seasoned pros will find the depth they need, thanks to its customizable controls and integration features.
Software Integration
Integration is another area where the Atom shines, particularly with Studio One. It also plays nicely with other DAWs like Ableton Live, though it’s clear that it was designed with Studio One in mind. The included software bundle is nothing to scoff at either, giving you a great starting point to make music right out of the box.
Value for Money
Considering everything it offers, the Atom provides fantastic value for its price point. It’s affordable enough for beginners but packed with enough features to satisfy more demanding users.
Verdict
All in all, the PreSonus Atom is a formidable MIDI pad controller that offers great performance, excellent integration with Studio One, and a host of features that make music production more intuitive and fun. Whether you’re a newbie looking to make your first beats or a seasoned producer seeking a portable solution to sketch out ideas on the fly, the Atom is definitely worth considering.
So, if you’re looking to spice up your production setup without breaking the bank, the PreSonus Atom might just be your ticket to that next level of creativity. Give it a whirl and let those beats flow!
Features
16 full-size, velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads
8 assignable pad banks
Note Repeat mode and Full Velocity mode
4 programmable rotary encoders
20 assignable buttons
Normally bundled with Software
