Gear of the Year 2022 - Studio & DJ

Our specialists work night and day to get the latest Studio & DJ gear online and, since the year is already coming to a close, it’s time to ask them what they thought were the juiciest bits of kit released in the past twelve months. Below, we’ve compiled an inspiring top-10 list. Simply follow the links to visit our webshop for more info, prices, availability, product photos, videos and more.

AMS Neve 88M USB 3.0 Audio Interface

Ben

“The 88M USB 3.0 audio interface sets you up with unmistakable Neve sound, meaning anything you can capture will be given an analogue edge that sounds warmer than a clean preamp without any colouration. It all comes down to personal preference, but a lot of (old-school) engineers and musicians love it!”

Lewitt LCT 1040 Studio Microphone

“The Lewitt LCT 1040 large-diaphragm condenser microphone offers a lot of options. Select one of the four built-in voicings and steplessly dial in the balance between the FET and valve circuit. Everything can even be controlled from a comfy chair in the control room thanks to the included remote.”

Stefan

KRK GOAUX4 Studio Monitors

Stefan

“Demand dependable monitoring while recording on-location? The GOAUX4 compact studio monitors from the famed KRK are made for on-the-fly music production. They feature analogue RCA and jack inputs as well as a USB port and come complete with an ever-practical bag.”

RØDE RØDECaster Pro II

“Picking up where the popular original RØDECaster left off, the RØDECaster Pro II comes freshly loaded with effects by Aphex, an acclaimed developer of accurate simulations of vintage effects units, as well as standard jingles and the option to load in your own samples.”

Ben

ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe Synthesizer

Maarten

“Let’s get right to the point: the ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe is an absolute stunner of a synth. It’s been equipped with a progressive keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch and satisfying aftertouch travel. Also, backed up by hundreds of wavetables (with wavescan), FM, sync, pulse-width and more, the internal sound engine is extremely flexible.”

Strymon Big Sky Plug-In

“Since it’s one of the most-loved reverb effects, countless guitarists have already planted a Strymon Big Sky Reverb on their pedalboard. Now it’s available in the form of a Big Sky software plug-in that not only sounds just as good as the pedal, but allows you to load as many instances in your DAW software as you would like.”

Ben

Roland JD-08 Boutique Synthesizer

Maarten

“The Roland JD-08 Boutique is a compact incarnation of the JD-800 – a unique and imposing synthesizer from the early ‘90s. From dreamy soundscapes to screaming leads, this crowd-pleaser of a synth can do it all, is easy to control and comes at a sharp price.”

Denon DJ SC LIVE 4 Standalone DJ Controller

“The most attainable 4-channel/4-deck standalone DJ controller on the market right now, and the first model ever to offer native support for Amazon Music, the hot-and-fresh Denon DJ SC LIVE 4 serves up pro-grade features at a beginner-friendly price.”

Eelco

Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 DJ Controller

Eelco

“While Pioneer DJ have stopped producing DDJ-400s, there’s no need to fret. In the form of the DDJ-FLX4, Pioneer DJ drop the perfect alternative for fledgling deejays. Whether you want to learn to mix on your smartphone, MacBook or Windows system using either rekordbox or Serato DJ software, this powerhouse of a DJ controller supports it all.”

The Next Beat by Tiësto DJ Controller

“The best answer to the question: “Which DJ controller should I get my kid?” is The Next Beat by Tiësto. For not all that much cash, it gives you a straight-up yet fully-fledged DJ controller that even grants access to real masterclasses taught by the godfather of EDM himself, DJ Tiësto.”

Eelco