2020 Holiday Gift Guide
Welcome to FutureMusic’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide. Below you’ll find our recommendations for everyone on your gift list (including yourself!). All recommended gear has been vigorously tested my the FutureMusic staff, so you can buy with confidence.
But that’s not all. Since 2020 was one heck of a lousy year, FutureMusic is giving back to our readers. Two lucky subscribers to our online newsletter will be chosen at random to win a Native Instruments Maschine+ and an ASM HydraSynth Desktop. So if you don’t already subscribe, you may want to submit that email address. But that’s not all. Each winner will also get a customized Unison hard case from Analog Cases to ensure your new bits of kit get the protection they deserve. You know we love ya!
ELECTRONIC MUSIC GIFT GUIDE
synthesizer
ASM HydraSynth
You certainly cannot go wrong with either the Ashun Sound Machines keyboard or desktop models, but our staffers are partial to the module for space savings and the ability to rack mount the unit with its savvy recessed connectivity in the back.
ACCESSORY
Analog Cases
Having just reviewed the entire Analog Cases lineup, we can wholeheartedly recommend their excellent cases. Starting at just $39 (less if you jump on their Black Friday Specials), you’ll find everything from stocking stuffers to their awesome Unison and Sustain cases, which we feel are standouts.
AUDIO INTERFACE
Arturia AudioFuse Studio
Arturia’s stellar AudioFuse Studio is a wonderful computer audio interface for anyone who wants to step up the quality of their productions. The versatile and flexible design means the AudioFuse Studio is at home recording bomb tracks or as your podcasting interface with its Bluetooth connectivity.
EFFECTS
Ninja Tune / Erica Synths Zen Delay
Erica Synths teamed with Ninja Tune Recordings to debut a compact, desktop effects processor specifically for electronic music that reflects the stylings of the famed UK label. The unit was designed by Ninja Tune’s co-founder Matt Black – aka Coldcut – and his partner in crime, Ingmar Koch – aka Dr Walker – from the Liquid Sky Collective. From subtle grit, to window-rattling dub delays, the Zen Delay doesn’t disappoint and could possibly be the best desktop effects unit that Erica has released so far.
MIXER
Mackie ProFX16v3
For a mixer that streets under $500, the Mackie ProFX16v3 packs in a lot of value. It’s versatile enough to be used on stage, in the studio and even as a sub mixer for dedicated applications.
EXPERIMENTAL
Eowave Quadrantid Swarm
Eowave, an innovative musical instrument manufacturer from France, debuted the experimental Quadrantid Swarm this year, and we came away quite impressed. This provocative digital polyphonic synthesizer with two analog filters and several fascinating features, which provide hours of endless fun.
PATCHES
Ultimate Patches
So are Ultimate Patches truly ultimate? Any company who states that their product or service is “ultimate” certainly sets a high expectation. We put sound designer, Scott-John Dougan, to the test and found his creations for many of today’s popular synths to be quite inspirational. You will too!
DRUM SYNTH
Vermona DRM mkIII Drum Synth
Currently involved in one of our extensive long-term tests, the Vermona DRM mkIII is arguably the best drum synth available today.
DRUM MACHINE
Native Instruments Maschine+
Native Instruments’ Maschine+ is a standalone Maschine production system that contains an internal 4-Core CPU inside the unit – meaning you don’t need a computer. This is “a big step in Maschine’s evolution,” especially for live performance.
BEST DEAL RIGHT NOW
Behringer TD-3
You can score a Behringer TD-3 – Roland TB-303 Clone for $120 bucks on Amazon.
- 20% Off!
