2007 Technology Top 10

2007 Technology Top 10

18 December, 2007 | 2.54PM

• Written by: francispreve
• Filed under: Music News: guide to synthesis

As 2007 comes to a close, it’s time for our first annual Technology Top 10 countdown.

Ranging from must-have software upgrades to hardware synths to online information resources, there’s something for everyone in this year-end roundup of noteworthy achievements.

If you’re in the market for a studio upgrade or just shopping around for last minute gift ideas, here are the tech toys that rocked our world this year.

10. Monome

Whether you order a custom model or build the darn thing yourself, the Monome is one of the coolest MIDI control devices we’ve seen in a very long time – and that’s why we’re kicking off the countdown with it.

Its resemblance to Yamaha’s buzz worthy Tenori-on is undeniable, but unlike the Tenori-on, it’s available outside the UK right now, as long as you’re willing to wait a bit for the hand-built process.

What’s more, it is extremely customizable, so you can use it to command your musical weapon-of-choice.

MSRP: Varies, depending on configuration.

09. Create Digital Music

Sure, it may seem a little odd to promote another music technology blog on our blog, but the simple fact is that Peter Kirn of Create Digital Music covers experimental musical tools like no other.

Whether it’s open source freeware, do-it-yourself hardware projects (like the Monome), or exotic tweezer-head minutia, Peter’s got the über-geeky stuff covered.

And we love him for that.

Visit the website for Create Digital Music.

08. M-Audio IE Series

On the go DJs and laptop producers need top notch audio monitors, and while ubiquitous headphones like Sony MDRs may rock the classic look like a pair of vintage shelltoes, they’re not quite as precise as what’s coming from M-Audio’s partnership with industry leader, Ultimate Ears.

Coming in four flavors ranging from the entry-level IE-10s to the flawless three-driver (!) IE-40s, M-Audio’s tiny in-ear monitors are making big noise within the audio community.

The only caveat is that, as with all headphones, responsible volumes are crucial to protecting your hearing.

Visit Keyboard magazine for a full review.

MSRP: $129.95-$499.95 USD

07. Arturia Jupiter-8V

When it comes to vintage synths, there are some undeniable classics.

Roland’s Jupiter-8 is one of them.

While its character wasn’t quite as aggro as a Prophet or Moog, it dominated the sound of early 1980s synth-pop like no other — think Duran Duran and Howard Jones and you’ve got the general idea.

Arturia’s interpretation is about as close as you can get to a real Jupiter without hitting eBay, and that’s saying something.

Need more info? Check the full review.

MSRP: $249 USD

06. M-Audio MicroTrack II

It takes a lot to get on this list twice, but M-Audio’s broad spectrum of tools almost makes its second appearance inevitable.

For over a year, I’ve been using the MicroTrack for everything from stereo field sampling of found sounds to capturing DJ sets off the club mixer.

2007’s introduction of the MicroTrack II makes a good thing even better.

If you’re in the market for a means to record your sets, the MicroTrack is a device worth checking out.

Just be sure to budget for a big ol’ Compact Flash card.

MSRP: $399.95 USD

05. Bleep Labs Thingamagoop

Sometimes real analog synths don’t require a keyboard and can be played by anyone, regardless of their musical background.

Sometimes real analog synths can be bought – brand new – for a hundred bucks.

Sometimes real analog synths create utterly fresh and unique sounds.

Sometimes they’re cute too.

Meet the Thingamagoop.

It’s all that.

Really.

MSRP: $100 USD

04. Propellerhead Reason 4

Every manufacturer has to deal with endless suggestions and recommendations from their users.

Not every manufacturer listens.

The release of Reason 4 proves that Propellerhead is truly paying attention to their customers.

The sequencer is completely redesigned.

They’ve finally added an arpeggiator.

Customizable groove templates make it possible for almost anyone to get funky.

And then there’s Thor (pictured above), a modular monster synth that can recreate the sound of both analog and digital legends.

MSRP: $499.00 USD

03. Apple Logic Studio

We would be utterly remiss if we didn’t include Apple’s astounding Logic Studio.

Incorporating everything from a full-featured sequencer, an expansive suite of software instruments, a 40GB sample library and killer mastering software, this software bundle actually redefines the meaning of the word “value”.

But only if you own a Mac, which is why it’s priced so aggressively.

MSRP: $499.00 USD

For the full report, check out Beatportal’s review of Logic Studio.

02. Ableton Live 7 / Ableton Suite

The fact that I’m one of the principal sound designers for Ableton may elicit the cry of “bias”, but I’m not alone in the following assessment:

Ableton Live is arguably the most influential piece of software in the world of electronica and club music today.

Whether you rely on it for production, like Beatport mainstays Deadmau5, Chris Lake and Trentemoller — or use it to perform world-class DJ sets like Beatport mainstays Gabriel & Dresden and Sasha — there is no denying that Live redefines what’s possible with music software.

Naturally, the releases of Live 7 and Ableton Suite have upped the value of this product by another order of magnitude.

Beatportal’s sneak preview of Ableton Live 7 outlines the details.

Live 7 MSRP: $499.00 USD / $119.00 upgrade

Ableton Suite MSRP: $799.00 USD / $339.00 upgrade

01. Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08

Only one 2007 product could bump Ableton down to number 02., and that’s the surprise release of a fully analog synth designed by a living legend.

Dave Smith’s new Prophet combines true analog warmth with modular-grade versatility in a gorgeous package that sports over 50 real knobs.

The synthesis engine consists of an 8-voice, dual-oscillator fully analog signal path with modern amenities like four tempo-synced LFOs, four assignable step-sequencers, three DADSR envelopes and FM modulation on the filter.

Is it any wonder that artists like Above & Beyond are snapping them up in droves?

Back to the future indeed.

MSRP: $2199 USD

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