The Best Studio Gear of 2023: The Top Of The Pots
The biggest studio gear releases this year
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We take a look at some of the most exciting gear releases this year, here’s the best studio gear of 2023. From monitors to signal processors, we’ve selected some truly outstanding music production equipment.
In today’s modern studio environment, the clear trend toward making high-end professional gear more accessible and affordable is evident almost everywhere you look.
Best Studio Gear of 2023
This process is reassuring, because it shows that manufacturers are paying attention to the demands of the home user. In years past, you simply had to outlay the same investment as a pro studio whereas now you can find easier ways to get the same results.
Let’s check out some of the most interesting and innovative releases this year:
SSL UF1
The SSL UF1 is a compact DAW controller with a couple of roles to play in your studio. For those who are already using 360 and the other SSL controllers in the range, it’s a centrepiece to complete the set.
On the other hand, if you’ve yet to venture into the world of professional DAW controllers, the UF1 instantly transforms your home studio. With transport controls, a high-res motorized fader, and a platform for taking control of your plug-ins with 2 LED screens.
Of course, the UF1 is compatible with all major DAW systems but it can also run multiple applications at once. This allows you to use it in the simplest or the most complex workflows.
- More from SSL
Neumann KH 120 II
Turning your humble home studio into a more professional listening environment has always been a contentious discussion, and never without the mention of egg boxes. However, Neumann has been in this game for quite some time, and the KH 120 II is the latest version of the compact studio monitor.
More powerful than ever, with more advanced DSP than before, the KH 120 II is comprised of a 5.25-inch (145 W) woofer and a 1-inch tweeter (100 W) delivering a frequency range of 44 – 21,000 Hz (+/- 3 dB) with a maximum SPL of 116.8 dB.
In addition, you can also use the KH 120 II with the Automatic Monitor Alignment system with the optional MA 1 measurement mic and the Neumann Control iPad app.
- More from Neumann
Elektron Analog Heat +FX
The Analog Heat +FX combines a colourful distortion section with eight different character settings and a versatile digital section. This allows you to add varying amounts of flavour to drums, synths, vocals, or even your entire mix.
In addition, you have a multimode filter with seven different filter types and a 2-band analogue EQ for shaping sounds. Meanwhile, the Analog Heat +FX offers modulation in the form of a flexible envelope/envelope follower and two assignable LFOs.
On the digital side, effects include chorus, reverb, delay, and more. What’s more the Analog Heat +FX also functions as an audio interface and you can sync it with your DAW via Elektron Overbridge.
- More from Elektron
DOCtron IMC-500
The DOCtron IMC-500 is Martin Stimming’s Instant Mastering Chain in a new studio-friendly 500-series format. This wonderbox-turned-module combines compression, EQ, and saturation in a very effective way.
Built from some of Stimming’s favourite toys, the IMC uses API-style bus compression, Trident-style EQ, and the saturation stage uses Lundahl transformers for added character and bite.
Each processing section can be dialed way back or bypassed, and you have the option of feed-forward or feed-back compression. Overall, the IMC-500 is one of the most versatile modules currently available.
- More from DOCtron
Rupert Neve Designs Newton Channel
The RND Newton Channel makes a high-end recording channel strip more affordable than ever before. By combining a precise preamp with 72 dB of gain, a simple but effective EQ section, a VCA compressor, and the renowned RND Silk circuit.
With the option to rearrange the signal path or bypass the EQ and compressor, the Newton Channel becomes an extremely versatile recording tool. What’s more, the stereo link feature allows you to combine two Newton’s into a powerful bus processor.
No matter what style of music you make, the Newton is an exciting prospect that can take your sound to the next level, bringing the Neve sound into modern music production.
- More from Rupert Neve Designs
More about the Best Studio Gear of 2023:
- All about Studio Gear
- The Best of 2023
*Note: This article contains affiliate links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
- Front panel.: SSL
- The new Neumann KH 120 II: Neumann
- Analog Heat +FX: Elektron
- DOCtron IMC-500: DOCtron
- Front and rear panels.: Rupert Neve Designs
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