MusicRadar

Novation's Nocturn was the bargain of 2008.

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Broadly speaking, 2008's great music technology products fell into one of two categories.

On the one hand, there were the hardware and software releases that took an existing idea and improved on it – usually in the area of usability or quality (sometimes both) – but on the other, we also saw pieces of gear that were genuinely innovative.

Listed below are ten of the very best products to appear on MusicRadar this year – a hearty slap on the back to everyone involved in their development.

Best control surface

Novation Nocturn £69

With the Nocturn, Novation proved that it's possible to produce a groundbreaking product that isn't prohibitively expensive. The device is powered by the latest version of the company's Automap technology: controller assignments are made automatically and then displayed in semi-transparent on-screen interface. It's a brilliant concept, and one that works just as well in action as it does on paper. Bargain of the year, without question.

Best controller keyboard

Akai MPK49 £299

Far more than just a 4-octave keyboard, the MPK49 is stuffed with control features. A set of MPC-style pads catches the eye (these have Note Repeat functionality), and there's also a bank of eight knobs, faders and switches. You'll even find an arpeggiator onboard, so if you're looking for a playable keyboard that does it all, your search is over.

Best software synth

Spectrasonics Omnisphere £299

The Omnisphere hype machine was cranked up the moment the product was announced in January at the 2008 Winter NAMM show, but we had to wait until September to find out if it was worthy of such a big build-up. As it turned out, Spectrasonics delivered on its promises: powered by the company's new STEAM engine, this instrument produces sounds of the type you won't find anywhere else.

Best DJing app

Native Instruments Traktor Pro £170

By the end of 2008, Traktor was starting to look just a little cumbersome, but the recent 'Pro' update has pulled it right back on track. Featuring a streamlined interface – everything now feels like it's where you want it to be – and new effects and mixer sections, this is a terrific solution for anyone who wants to start mixing in software. In fact, it's the best DJ-specific app there is.