Find the right gear for you.
Native Instruments Kontakt 6 NI has steadily built Kontakt into an awesome powerhouse of a sampler and its latest iteration is one of the most powerful sample-based instruments that’s ever existed. Its flexible sampling stage is linked to an equally flexible synthesis stage and incorporates powerful DSP abilities and great-sounding effects. Price £359 Steinberg HALion […]
Yamaha DX7 / DX7-II / TX802 A good example of an original DX7 will set you back around £350, but you should aim for the Mk II model as it has a larger screen, better buttons, better build strength and updated 16-bit circuitry giving cleaner sound quality. The rackmount TX802 also has these MkII updates. […]
Elektron Model:Samples The first in Elektron’s more affordable ‘Model’ series (well, it’s probably going to be a series), Model:Samples is an accessible machine that shouldn’t be dismissed. Even though it’s a sample playback-only device, which could be considered limiting, it has a very user-friendly array of interactive controls and also has a decent MIDI spec. […]
Roland TR-8 The first in the Japanese instrument maker’s Aira series, the TR-8 is a digital-hardware reimagining of the classic 80s drum machine with all the punch and joy of the original, plus some extra effects. We called it a “great sounding and great looking drum machine” in our 2014 review. Steve Aoki says: “It’s […]
Omnitronic TRM-202MK3 At just £389, the TRM-202 is by far our cheapest selection; German brand Omnitronic is best known for budget products rather than high-end audiophile kit. The sound of the TRM is certainly a step below any of the more expensive options and the build quality is also lower (although aftermarket wood kits are […]
Moog One Moog is a legend of analogue synth design and some of its original models are amongst the most sought after instruments around. The Moog One is a full-sized 61-key polyphonic analogue synth that packs years of Moog pedigree and expertise alongside modern features to create an achingly desirable synth. Retails for £6,000 (8-voice)/£7,800 […]
Technics SL-1000R Nine years ago, Technics – once a major player in the hi-fi game and manufacturers of what is undoubtedly the definitive DJ deck – ceased production of all turntables. This proved to be a relatively short hiatus, however, and evidence that the company is taking its comeback seriously comes in the form of […]
HTC VIVE And VIVE Pro Contact VIVE The HTC VIVE is widely regarded as the ‘Rolls-Royce’ of VR systems. It’s also the most expensive, weighing in at around £500 for the VIVE and £800 for the VIVE Pro. The involvement of Valve is very beneficial, too – its Steam gaming platform is immensely popular with […]
Given that Superbooth is organised by the kind folks at SchneidersLaden, a famous modular synth store in Berlin, it would be remiss of us not to give a special shoutout to some of our favourite Eurorack modules. Here’s the round-up: Future Sound Systems / Mute Makrow & Stumm The Future Sound Systems Makrow and Stumm […]
There are many reasons to opt for a software synthesizer over a hardware one. Software, especially in 2019, can faithfully emulate iconic models, offer brave new sounds, and even present fresh ways to synthesise audio – all at prices that are typically far lower than their real-world counterparts. From legendary models to complex modular setups […]