As a former 707 owner, I think it might be more compelling as a centerpiece mixer/brain/FX unit/sequencer than as a sound module.
3 Likes
100% agree. I probably over emphasized its sound design bcz I was surprised it has that too, but its mainly the sequencer/composer for me.
I forgot to mention track resampling, wave scanning and a lot of the sequencing goodness though. Not a lot of unchecked boxes.
1 Like
This year has been the most gear purchases for me, I’ve never purchased much in the past and always had a fairly lean set up or completely itb.
It’s been very educational and I don’t consider any of my purchases misses as I learnt a lot, none of them were bad, just not right for me right now.
I’ve ended up with 2 hardware devices tho as I like simplicity and in name of being prolific in 2025.
I won’t be changing my set up at all for the next year so look forward to getting into what I have deeply.
Hits
Digitakt II - instantly great device. overbridge means I can move things to and from Live with ease.
Octatrack MKII - I really love this device. Learnt lots through learning it this year. I sold it after trying the DTII as I don’t need 2 samplers.
Digitone II - great piece and can coax very nice sounds, though I’m on the fence about whether It will stay with me, not due to any fault of it 's own, just out of my preference for keeping my set up simple.
Analog Heat MKII - great idea, certainly liked the sounds I got from it, sold tho as I didn’t find it essential.
Dynaudio BM5A MKIII - I wanted something bigger and less fatiguing than the Genelec 8020s I had, these monitors are great.
Neumann NDH30 - got these as a Christmas gift to myself, very good first impressions and will definitely be a staple for years to come, my last AKG lasted 9 years so I hope the same of these.
Tascam DR05x - a gift from my partner, will be used to feed the DTII field recordings.
Michigan Synth Works Xena - Ambika remake, very nice sound, I didn’t keep it tho as it felt like too many options with the other pieces I had at the time.
Korg NTS-3 - really cool device, similarly I just didn’t care for it enough over my plugins to keep it, tho I can see it being amazing in other set ups.
Mackie micro 1202 - I looked out for one for ages, it’s such a nice little mixer but I quickly found all the cables a mess and have ended up with not enough gear to warrant having it so it’s going as well.
Ableton Live 12 Suite Upgrade - the center piece of my music making, loads to explore and love the quality of life upgrades.
In the post is an Analog Heat +FX which is going to pair with the DTII. So after all the above I’ve landed on Ableton, DTII and +FX. I imagine the +FX will be on the hit list and staying as it’s very much my kind of thing.
It’s been really cool to try out the above devices, learn the octatrack etc but I am really looking forward to keeping things static and to focus on projects more than purchases. It takes a lot off mental space and time buying/selling/learning things so NGNY is a welcome exercise.
6 Likes
Hits:
UDO Super Gemini - I simply don’t need another poly keyboard synth now. It’s perfect. I still kind of want a 3rd Wave again, but the digital waves on the Gemini are keeping me busy and I don’t find myself needing other synths. It’s also perfect to sit and play for fun.
Digitone II - Pretty much perfect Elektron thing. 
I loved the Digitakt II, but I’m more a synth than sample person, and I don’t have the bandwidth currently for multiple boxes really.
No misses. Loved all the gear I’ve had my hands on this year. I’m also happy with my simple yet elegant setup now so I really don’t have any desire to get more gear like I used to. I may dabble with some small things or build some modular stuff though.
7 Likes
Quick for-the-record addendum to my list - will have to give these a proper review later:
Undecided: Ableton Move
Have only had it for a couple of weeks. It’s supposed to be a sketch pad and I’d say it does that job well. Three song embryos made so far that all pass to the next phase which is an Ableton Live import.
Haven’t arrived: Digitone II
I’m extremely biased but I think I’ll end up loving it just like I love the Syntakt. Time will tell. Ordered before Christmas but it got stuck in shipping and probably won’t arrive until next year.
8 Likes
GREAT choice. Mine is being shipped as I type…
Sorry if this post it’s a little bit off topic but this is one of the best threads that I’ve ever seen here. There’s a lot real user reviews that are very very useful. Thanks everyone for posting here
42 Likes
53 on Friday. Feel good (except for breaking a tooth on some crispy bacon on Christmas Day). I’ve probably got more passion and drive to do this than I did in my 20s. It’s the modern equivalent of the old man tinkering in his shed. My grandfather was into old vintage radio/wirelesses and had numerous ones in his scullery, so maybe I got it from him. 
I could live another 40 years or another 2. Just got to crack on and enjoy it whilst you can!
13 Likes
Great thread!
Hits
Korg NTS-1 mkII — The tempo-synced effects were the main reason I bought this; I’d been using third-party BPM delays on my original NTS-1 that often crashed. As a monosynth, the NTS-1 also makes a great sound module for my Kaossilator Pro: I can use my trackpad technique with a whole new set of sounds.
MIDIPlus PianoEngine — A sparkly, red USB power bank with a built-in General MIDI synth! It sports both USB and TRS-MIDI inputs, and the USB port works as a host, so you can connect two controllers at once while powering the USB one. The thin, plinky sounds layer nicely with richer synths like my Micromonsta 2. Unlike the original MiniEngine (which I also play frequently), the PianoEngine has an aux input, so it’s even easier to integrate into a mobile setup. And the manufacturer’s description is a lovely bonus:
The fashionable velvet red fog appearance makes your eyes bright. The stable technology and quality support your sound source output work and provide a new experience for various musicians.
“Stable technology” is optimistic; the PianoEngine initially booted up with the text reversed. I had to update the firmware with a bizarre two-headed USB-A cable and some Morse code voodoo on the buttons. But it’s great value for the 90 bucks I paid.
Moffenzeef Shtick — At just $25 shipped, this pinky-size randosynth made my eyes bright right away. There’s a USB plug for power at one end, an audio jack at the other, and a single button in between. Plug it in and it plays a unique, sustaining sound. Press the button and it plays another. I added an S-trig converter so I could trigger new sounds from a sync pulse, and then I embedded it in this Japanese monster toy. Details in issue 14 of Waveform magazine, coming January 2025.
Potential Hits (thinking positively)
Maywa Denki Otamatone — I like instruments with faces. This little guy had been on my secret wishlist for years when a family member surprised us both by buying me one for my birthday. I doubt I’ll have the patience to develop the necessary ribbon-tapping technique, but I’m looking forward to hacking in an input so I can play other synths through its flapping rubbery mouth.
Korg Kaossilator Pro+ — The original KO Pro is my first pick for jam sessions; I’ve had mine since reviewing it for Electronic Musician back in 2010. This year, I bought a used Plus model as a backup and to check out the bonus sounds. The drums are certainly way better, and there’s a handful of cool new (to me) leads and basses. Unfortunately, this unit quickly developed a stuck note on the touchpad. I’m hoping I can fix it. If not, that’ll be an even better reason to learn my This.Is.Noise MIDI Blaster controller. This video clip shows an initial test with the inventor at Knobcon. Happy new year to all.
9 Likes
Today is the last day of the year. I bought more devices than usual this year, some of which I returned. Time for a final summary.
Hits
- Digitakt 2 (a dream that unexpectedly came true)
- Ableton Move (a no brainer, but it is currently boxed waiting for better MIDI)
- Seqtrak (first a love-hate relationship, now more love … still hoping for an update here too, maybe at NAMM?)
- Launchkey Mini MK4 (also a lot of crying from me at the beginning, but now one of my most important tools to find new ideas)
Returned
- OP-Z (not because it’s bad, but to see if it’s worth saving up for the OP-XY)
- Nanokey Fold (more about here)
- JD-08 (because my MM2 just fits better as a sidecar for DT2 or Move, even if it can’t do those cheesy PCM sounds I love so much)
Expectations for 2025
- OP-XY (time to save up a bit and wait and see if it proves itself)
- Something new from Elektron that combines polyphonic synthesis with sampling (probably more a wish than a real expectation)
4 Likes
This has been my first foray into hardware being all ITB previously. I am most definitely guilty of GAS however I am starting to see what I will use the most and have learned loads already. Also made my first sale, letting go of things is hard…
Hits
Digitakt II
Having previously playing with Elektron boxes briefly I was never sold on the workflow and was put off by the limitations of MKI however wanted something I could sequence and jam with anywhere with knobs on. When DTII was released I took the plunge. All of my reservations for MKI seemed to have been addressed and I would know say this is my favourite purchase of the year. This is a keeper.
MC707
My first gear purchase this year and I can honestly say that I love it. Yes it requires menu diving at times however once I realised that the knob assign can be used to tweak multiple parameters physically on the unit I realised that this will probably be a keeper. I got this second hand at a good price and still have lots to learn about how to use it.
Motu Ultralite MK5
Huge upgrade in sound quality and input outputs on my previous interface. Cue mix sucks but the unit itself was worth the investment for me.
Audio Technica R70x Headphones
The lightest headphones I have ever used. Can wear these all day without ear fatigue or them becoming uncomfortable. Sound is relatively flat with good detail. These were a recommendation by an audio engineer and I am glad I listened.
Behringer Grind
So much fun and great value for money. Like the flexibility this offers especially for a happy accidents perspectives with the modulation options across machines.
Behringer TD3 MO
Always wanted one, got a good deal on a new one so GAS got the better of me and I hit buy.
Behringer JT4000 micro
Bought for the nostalgia and sound. So far I have been using it to noodle and sample some classic sounds for use on the DTII
Oxi-one
This is probably my favourite purchase for fun and inspiration. Sold my Beatstep pro and upgraded to this during the October sales. Got a great deal purchasing direct which allowed me to buy the split and the unit for less money than standard prices in the UK.
Rack cupboard unit
Probably the most underrated purchase was a rack. Having been given some rack mounted synths previously that have lived in a bag in the wardrobe they are now hooked up and ready to start sampling. One for 2025.
Patchbay and rack mixer unit (Behringer)
My biggest limitation to getting on with my gear has been the lengthy set up and take down process. So purchasing a patchbay and mixer has given me the flexibility to sum hardware that lacks usb audio and also get going quickly by moving a few wires around. Wish I’d bought one first although I have never spent so much money on cables and snakes!
Novation Launchkey 49 MK4
Best midi keyboard purchase yet. Previously owned the 37key MK 3 but never got on with it and purchased a Launchpad pro shortly afterwards which was my main midi control device until now. MK4 is a big upgrade and has great integration with ableton.
On the fence
SSL UF8 control surface
Got an exceptional deal on a used unit which I couldn’t say no to. Wanted this to allow me to be more hands on controlling ableton and plugins in the box. I love the unit unfortunately I purchased a launchkey 49 MK4 which so far has superseded the need for this unit. I should probably sell it… but parting with it is proving to be challenging.
Various midi thru & summing units
This is probably more to do with my lack of understanding on how best to set midi up. Keen to be able to control my gear via the oxi one and my keyboard but still having teething problems.
Misses
TR-8S
Bought this to accompany the MC707 for drums instead of using the internal sample library. My first play was oodles of fun however I have barely used it since and although I like the hands on controls the sequencer is a little frustrating at times especially now I have the DTII. I am not sure if I will keep this. Possible first sale of 2025?
Sold
Beatstep pro
Replaced with oxi one, huge upgrade.
Launchkey 37 MK3
Practically brand new as I didn’t get on with it and it’s lived in its box pretty much since purchase. Gone to a better home.
2025 and beyond
Well it has started already, ordered a few things to start the new year with which I think will see me as done for the foreseeable future whilst I try and learn how to use and integrate what I have together more deeply.
Korg MultiPoly
Big GAS but big sound and I fully expect this to be my main synth for a long time. Hopeful I enjoy it and don’t regret the purchase
B Model 15
Loved the sound had to have one to take on bass and dirty lead duties.
B Pro One
A classic reproduction that again I had to have. Great price over Xmas
B JT Mini
Looking forward to playing with this and seeing what I can get out of it.
Writing this has been rather cathartic and also makes me realise how quickly I have gone down the GAS rabbit hole. Overall I am happy with my purchases, I am having fun being more hands on but will need to let go of a few things next year most likely. Oh and I will most definitely need to avoid the temptation of eurorack in the future.
4 Likes
Hadn’t thought about it this way yet, but you’re absolutely right. Probably more useful than the usual honeymoon glow (combined with haters or GAS people who don’t even own it) we give in dedicated hardware threads.
8 Likes
Hit: Embodme Erae 2
provisional as only a month in, but so far, its what Id hoped for from the mk1 and a lot more
initial Miss -> now Hit : Eagan Matrix Module.
the Erae 2 has turned this into a hit, after initial disappointment - partly not surprising, as I partly bought in expectation of the E2.
Miss/on the fence : 4ms Meta Module.
I knew this would be a risk due to processing power and workflow, and has proven to be.
but cannot deny, 4ms efforts to continually improve it, and I still see opportunities.
Im waiting for firmware 2.0 - when that arrives, perhaps it’ll enable the dev plans I have for it - but for now, unfortunately, an expensive module thats not used much 
1 Like
Hits:
-
Moog Grandmother - I traded my first synth, Minilogue xd, towards this and haven’t had a single regret. Easy to use, hard to make it sound bad.
-
Digitakt/Digitone OG - Everyone wanting the updates made the originals very cheap, a no brainer for me as someone new to Elektron.
-
Behringer ARP 2600 - Borrowed this from a friend for a few weeks and had such a blast with it. I want to buy one so bad but I don’t have the space for it at the moment
Misses:
-
Yamaha Reface DX - I bought this impulsively during the summer due to a sale. The midi breakout cable and workflow leave a lot to be desired. These days I found a use by it being my battery powered portable synth with a speaker for when I want to practice scales while watching TV or something. If not for that, I would have sold this by now.
-
Korg Drumlogue - I wanted to love this device but I just didn’t. I got the Digitakt around the same time though and there was absolutely no competition there. The Digitakt blew it away and I stopped using it, sold it recently.
-
Behringer Model D - I got this from a friend for cheap, but I should have avoided it. It had too much overlap with the Grandma so I sold it. Great device though, just not for me.
Desires in 2025:
- Analog or VA polysynth. I don’t currently have anything polyphonic with keys aside from the Reface DX. I’ve been eyeing up either the TEO-5, UB-Xa, Prophet Rev2, or honestly doubling down on the Moog semi modular and getting a Matriarch since I love my Granny so much.
6 Likes
Hits:
DTII
DNII
Syntakt
Ableton Move
Oxi One
Zoom Livetrak L-6
Polyend Play +
Push 3 Controller version
Misses:
Yamaha Seqtrak
Orba 2
5 Likes
End of the year purchase : Minifreak Stellar.
I can already say it’s a hit. I’ve been waiting for a discounted price to purchase it. 21% off is a steal for this Synth. Oh, and it looks awesome.
10 Likes
Might I ask where?
3 Likes
Moog Audio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
2 Likes
Hits
I’ve had lots of gear in and out of my home studio this year, most of it good, so I’m just going to focus on the few things that I keep coming back to again and again:
- Best Synth: Arturia Polybrute12
- Best Drum Machine: Perkons HD-01
3 Likes
Just looked at my Reverb account and realized that I bought way too much stuff this year, but not nearly as much as some of you! The only thing I really feel strongly about is the Move which is a big hit to me.
3 Likes