Welcome to FutureMusic’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide. Below you’ll find our recommendations for everyone on your gift list (including yourself!) – All recommendations have been vigorously tested by the FutureMusic staff during the last year, so you can buy with confidence. Plus, we’ve added all the Black Friday Deals we’ve uncovered so far!
2023 GIFT GUIDE FOR ELECTRONIC MUSICIANS
CONTROLLER
Native Instruments Kontrol S-Series MK3
Native Instruments upgraded their Kontrol S-Series MIDI controller keyboards (S49, S61, and S88) to MK3 status recently, and the improvements make working with NI’s excellent virtual instruments an absolute pleasure. The MK3 provides better hardware and software integration, eliminating middleware, significantly improved expressive control, a new one-piece top for a cleaner aesthetic, and a glorious high-resolution screen. The Kontrol S-Series are available in three size options: 49 semi-weighted keys, 61 semi-weighted keys, or 88 fully weighted hammer-action keys. All three models now come with polyphonic aftertouch on a Fatar keybed — the S88 is the first commercial controller to combine polyphonic aftertouch with weighted, hammer-action keys — and the results are impressive.
EFFECTS
Meris MercuryX
The new Meris MercuryX takes the company’s Meris LVX modular delay system and brings it to the world of reverb. Utilizing the famed Mercury7 pedal’s pedigree, the MercuryX expands it “far beyond sci-fi” into a dedicated reverb pedal that’s not for the faint of heart. Angelo Mazzocco, Terry Burton and Jinna Kim again brought the heat, placing the MercuryX on top of the guitar pedal market with the highest quality and most customizable pedal we’ve tested to date. And once you see the build quality and “absolutely stunning” deep blue color, your wallet will magically open.
MONITORS
Presonus Eris Pro 8 Monitors
The Presonus Eris Pro 8 Monitors hit our studio just a few weeks ago and they immediately made an impact with their stacked design that puts the tweeter directly in front of the cone. This design provides a consistent acoustic center for improved phase alignment between the components in near-field studios. In our smaller “bedroom studio” sound lab we found the concept delivered excellent stereo imaging the the symmetrical dispersion patterns and a broader sweet spot for wide sweet spot. While the Eris Pro’s work quite well in more compact studios, they can also be and excellent choice for Dolby Atmos setups.
BEST VALUE
RØDE NT1 5th-Generation Condenser Microphone
How RØDE continuously offers products that users need married to innovative features should be a blueprint to other major manufacturers. Case in point, RØDE’s fifth-generation NT1 condenser microphone. “For 250 bucks, it’s absolutely mind-boggling what RØDE gives you,” kicked off our first reviewer who felt like unboxing the NT1 was “like Christmas morning” with “one gift coming after another.” He isn’t wrong. RØDE not only gives you the microphone, which comes in either silver or black, but also a shock mount, double-sided pop screen, a 6-meter Canare XLR cable, a 3 meter USB-C cable and a dust cover. Why the USB-C cable? The 5th-Gen NT1 is a hybrid microphone. It contains both a XLR and USB-C connection in a “very clever” connector on the bottom of the mic, which the company has patented. This means you can either plug it into a mixer, preamp or sound card via the XLR, or directly into your computer with 192kHz resolution and unclippable 32-bit floating point output. Not enough for you? How about only 4db of A-weighted self-noise. Not convinced? The RØDE NT1 5th-Generation microphone won our Diamond Award — and we never give those out.
INTERFACE
Audient EVO 4
Audient’S EVO series of computer audio interfaces, EVO 4, EVO 8 and EVO 16 are designed to be extremely simple to use, while retaining a high-standard of sound quality. Weighing in at 360g, the EVO 4 is easy to transport and throw into a backpack. And this is where we found the EVO 4 shines. If you’re one who likes to compose music “in the wild,” or want a very compact interface for live laptop sets, the EVO 4 could be your trusty companion. It packs plenty of flexible connectivity that can handle most recording chores into its small frame and punches above its weight in sound quality with 24bit / 96kHz resolution and low noise.
PLUG-IN
FabFilter Pro R2
FabFilter never fails to amaze us and the sequel to their awesome reverb plug-in doesn’t disappoint. Their beautiful interface displays reverbs better than any other plugin, with real, detailed information — not the typical “dancing baloney” that other developers resort to when they just need something to fill space. Dolby Atmos developers will love the new immersive functionality with channel layouts up to 9.1.6. FabFilter also added two new reverbs, Vintage and Plate, and the ability to import your own impulse responses. It’s amazing, and on sale for Black Friday at 25% off.
- 25% Off!
PATCHES
Ultimate Patches
You can’t go wrong with gifting someone Ultimate Patches. Nothing can infuse life into an old synth like some fresh inspiration from Scott-John Dougan. Now available for Behringer’s Pro-800 synth, this expansive collection includes the genres of synthwave, cinematic, classic pop & rock, hip hop, jazz, country, disco, trap, chiptune, modern pop, orchestral, dubstep, vintage & modern house, trance, reggae, retrocade and more. Dig in!
INNOVATOR
Freqport FT-1 Freqtube
Lately, there has been some music industry product manager types ranting and raving on how there is very little innovation going on in certain segments of the trade and how most new products get whittled down to the lowest common denominator. Although, it’s hard to dispute when, yet another, cookie-cutter DJ mixer gets trotted out under the marketing hype of “game changer,” we have to disagree with this premise. When Mikael Dahlgaard from Denmark’s Freqport claimed that their new Freqtube product allowed real vacuum tubes to act as a DAW plug-in, we decided to put the concept to the test. The results were impressive, and so was the low price. Read our Freqport FT-1 Freqtube review to learn more!
FAMILY FUN
Bird Buddy
This Smart Bird Feeder has a built-in, high-resolution AI camera to capture close-ups of all the birds that visit the device. Even better, it’s solar powered, so you don’t have to worry about changing batteries in the middle of winter. A gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Bird Buddy
- Black Friday Deal 25% Off!
CROWD PLEASER
Quad Lock
The Quad Lock mobile phone ecosystem has been tested for years by our staffers who employ the system on their motorcycles, scooters, bicycles and desks. The modular approach allows you to securely attach your cell phone in a wide variety of scenarios, and customize it precisely for your needs. Start with a case, wireless phone charger, car adapter, desk adapter, and if you plan to ride with your phone, the vibration dampener is a must — and then build from there…
MIC PRE
Black Lion Audio Auteur DT
The single-channel Auteur DT mic pre marries a high-speed front end and a transformer-coupled output stage and can pump up to 60dB of gain, which is enough to juice even the most power-hungry ribbon microphones. This handsome unit with its black aluminum chassis and wood side panels, features a 1/4″ Hi-Z Direct Input for guitarists on the front and a XLR input on the rear. For home studio owners who are looking for an economical methodology to capture acoustic instruments and vocals, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better choice. Intrigued? Read our Black Lion Audio Auteur DT review.
IF YOU CAN FIND ONE
Behringer Edge
Rant all you want about Behringer — OK, we’ll wait…
Finished?
Great. The Behringer Edge is based on the Moog DFAM, but is decidedly different in a number of ways. First and foremost, it’s easier to use, if you’re not familiar with semi-modular synthesis. It doesn’t have Moog’s creamy oscillators or filters, but that’s actually not a bad thing because the Edge can squelch, crack and grumble in its own magical ways. Thinking of it solely as a drum synth is discounting its potential for Techno, Industrial…and other genres musicians have yet to discover. Buy it!
BEST DEAL RIGHT NOW
JBL Go 3
Like to irrate those around you with your bad taste in music? Then the JBL Go 3 is your dream come true! Small, and if you get the black colorway, hard to spot, the Go 3 is the first step in your 5-hour Annoyathon Special. It defies its small size by delivering surprisingly rich audio and punchy bass. The Go 3 is IP67 waterproof / dustproof rated, so you can dish out your special blend of torture on lift lines this winter.
- 41% Off!
BOOK
Revolution History Of Turntable Design
Interest in turntables and records is enjoying a renaissance as analog aficionados and new converts find their enduring style and alluring sound addictive. Gideon Schwartz’s Revolution showcases the fascinating history of turntables and vinyl technology from the 1950s to today’s latest models. This book includes 300 illustrations of turntables, from affordable to high-end, and everything in between…
RECORDER
Zoom F3
This micro powerhouse can be utilized in many ways to record high-quality 32 bit floating audio. Use it as a field recorder, a redundant audio recorder/interface with your video camera, a portable podcast recorder and more. Now on sale for only $275 beans!
- 21% Off!
UTILITIES
OWC Thunderbolt Dock Gen2
The first generation of OWC’s Thunderbolt Dock won a Power Award five years ago, so when it came time to update their “Swiss Army Knife” of Apple laptop docks, they had to exceed expectations. The recently released Generation Two model met the challenge by not only upgrading the connectivity to the latest specs, but also reduced the size and adding a tasteful illuminated logo. We’ve been testing the latest model and haven’t come across an issue yet.
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
FabFilter
25% discount on all plug-ins and bundles until November 27, 2023. A no-brainer!
» FabFilter
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
Waves
This Black Friday, Nov 24, we are releasing a brand new plugin and we are giving away 10,000 licenses for free! Plus, score six plug-ins for only $99.
» Waves
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
Native Instruments
Get 50% off any version of Komplete 14; plus get up to 66% off Komplete 14 when you buy a new Kontrol S-Series MK3 S49 or S61 keyboard.
» Native Instruments
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
Cableguys
ShaperBox 3 Bundle – including the new ReverbShaper – now at their lowest price of the year.
» Cableguys
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
Mixed In Key
Use coupon code “BLACKFRIDAY23” and get up to 50% off Mixed In Key 10, Platinum Notes 10, Pilot Plugins, Captain Plugins and more…
» Mixed In Key
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
Baby Audio
Baby is currently offering their best deals of the year on all plug-ins and bundles. The Industry Pro Bundle, including all 10 Baby Audio plug-ins, for just $189 ($790 value). But wait… Subscribers to Baby’s email list get even more. Subscribe to their list and get an extra 10% off our sale with the code BAFAM.
» Baby Audio
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
Soundtoys
50% off Soundtoys 5! Plus, SuperPlate brings the unique tonal character of five classic electromechanical plate reverbs into your studio for $49 $149
» Soundtoys
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
Pioneer DJ
DJM-S5 scratch-style 2-channel controller normally $839, now $599. PLX-1000 direct drive turntable originally retailing for $739 now at a discounted price of $599. The HDJ-CX lightweight on-ear DJ headphones have been discounted from $149 to $99.
» Pioneer DJ
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
Plugin Alliance
Choose up to three fan-favorites from Plugin Alliance for $29.99 each through November 28, 2023. Plus, Vocal Collection – five tools for vocals, including the bx_crispytuner for $99.99; bx_SSL Collection – three proven bx_console SSL models and the bx_townhouse Buss Compressor for $129.99; Mastering Collection – five mastering classics, like the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A, and the bx_clipper for $189.99.
» Plugin Alliance
