2015 Xmas Gift Guide for Musicians & Producers

6. Arturia BeatStep Pro - $249

The original BeatStep from Arturia was a big hit for those wanting to sequence synths and software and you can still pick one up for just $99! With its multiple CV outs and standalone capability, the Beatstep Pro is simply put, an amazing product with 2 sequencers and a drum programmer that is fun to use and really does what it says it will do as a standalone.

7. Les Paul Studio Monitors - from $599

These excellent sounding studio monitors fall into the marmite conundrum in terms of their look. You either love ‘em or hate ‘em. They certainly stand out when compared to other black or white monitors inhabiting 99% of all studios. But, aesthetics aside, we were simply blown away by the build quality, detailed midrange, excellent headroom and low listener fatigue (especially with the 4 inch version).

8. Audient iD14 Audio Interface - $299

This compact and solidly built interface offers excellent audio quality and is made using high-quality components (which you’d expect from a company with the reputation for its pro consoles). There’s also a friendly and flexible software control panel and it is priced appropriately. Oh, and its scroll wheel works nicely with supported DAWs. 

9. Roland Boutique Synths - $299 ea.

These compact sound modules recreate classic renowned analog synths from Roland’s past. But the Ghost of Christmas past and the Ghost of Christmas present are here with the JP-08 (Jupiter-8 emulation), JX-03 (JX3P emulation), and the four-voice JU-06 (JUNO-106 emulation).

We reviewed the JX-03 which we loved very, very much. And we think the gift will be pretty impressed too.

10. Yamaha Reface Synths - MSRP $499 ea.

Don’t choke on the price just yet, the street prices for these 80s inspired reface synths from Yamaha sound really good. We’ve reviewed all four (CS, CP, YC & DX) and I personally have a soft spot for the DX if anyone is thinking of sending me a surprise present… ;-)

11. Blue Bottle Rocket Mic Locker - $1,699

If you really want to impress your recording musician or producer loved one, then you can’t go wrong with the Blue Bottle Rocket Mic Locker. Comprising of 4 swappable capsules, a sturdy shock mount, and an extremely high-quality case, this is one of the gifts that’ll keep on giving.

12. Novation Circuit - $329

Described in our video review as “The most portable thing ever” there’s little not to love about this compact, standalone music making machine. It’s battery powered and features a built-in speaker for on-the-go idea creation. And features excellent synth and drum sounds, is insanely tweakable, and allows you to record patterns and automation. 

Then there’s the clever light-led workflow and Launchpad-style 32 pads. You can connect this mini beast to MIDI gear and experience true computer-free operation. Hugely fun and creative. 

13. Akai Professional MPC Touch - $799

Designed to take the MPC to the next level, the MPC Touch (as its name suggests) feature a gorgeous high-res 7” color display, as well as the expected 16 AKAI velocity-sensitive RGB pads. You’ve got step sequencer input via the pads or the screen, phrase looper, performance controls and over 20GB of sound content!

Oh, and it’s also a 2-in, 2-out audio interface and could easily become the backbone of your production and performance setup.

14. SubPac M2 Tactile Bass System - $399

SubPac M2 offers creators and fans the most immersive personal audio experience to date, allowing them to feel the physical dimension of sound wherever they are, while being quiet to the outside world.

The SubPac M2 combines new proprietary tactile transducers and vibrotactile membranes with an all-new design to create an enhanced vibratory field for optimum efficiency, impact and comfort. A slimmer control box, Bluetooth receiver and high capacity Li-ion rechargeable battery allow the patent-pending M2 to go anywhere with ease. 

Sound interesting? We’re currently reviewing the M2, but as we haven’t finished giving it a full in-depth test I’d like to point you to our review of the SubPac S2. Here’s what we thought of it: https://ask.audio/articles/review-subpac-s2-feel-the-bass-wherever-you-sit

15. Ableton Push 2 - $799 

The original Ableton Push quickly became a much-loved controller/instrument for Ableton Live users. Its successor enhances the fluid, inspiring workflow of Push 1 with a fresh design and build. The integration with the new version of Simpler takes sample manipulation to a new level, the gorgeous display and elegant encoder integration virtually eliminates the need to rely on Live's GUI—or your mouse—when using Session mode. All in all, if your loved one swears by Ableton Live and doesn’t own a Push 1 or 2, then this is the ultimate gift for them.

BONUS: Ask.Audio Academy 1-Year Pass - $120

What’s the good of all this great gear if you don’t know how to use it, or don’t fully understand the techniques involved in good recording, composing, songwriting, arrangement, mixing, mastering… basically music and audio production.

With that in mind, whether you want to learn Ableton, Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools, mixing techniques, NI Maschine, Komplete, audio concepts, synthesis, recording, or anything in-between, then this is probably the best $120 you could spend.… 

There’s 2–3 new video courses released weekly in The Academy, all created by industry professionals and watched by colleges, professional composers, synthesists, sound designers, producers, and those wishing aspiring to greater things.

A one-year pass to The Ask.Audio Academy’s online audio training might be the best gift you can give yourself.