
Simon Arblaster
I take care of the reviews on MusicRadar and Future Music magazine, though can sometimes be spotted in front of a camera talking little sense in the presence of real musicians. For the past 30 years, I have been unable to decide on which instrument to master, so haven't bothered. Currently, a lover of all things high-gain in the guitar stakes and never one to resist churning out sub-standard funky breaks, the likes of which you'll never hear.
Latest articles by Simon Arblaster

Cyber Monday Andertons deals 2024: Last chance to grab a deal
By Daryl Robertson last updated
You've not got long to bag yourself a bargain on guitars, pedals, and amps in the Andertons sale

Black Friday microphone deals 2024: Black Friday is over, and these are the best microphone savings that are still live
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Your place for all the microphone deals from Shure, Rode, AKG, Blue Microphones and more - whether you're a musician or a podcaster

Picture this: you’ve got $/£200 to spend on synths. Now I think I’ve found the best deals for you this Cyber Monday
By Simon Arblaster published
Save big on some last-minute guilt-fee shopping on gear

I absolutely love this Cyber Monday deal on the Yamaha Seqtrak, it’s giving Teenage Engineering features on Behringer money vibes
By Simon Arblaster published
Ever wanted an OP-Z but just couldn't afford one? Then PMT has got you covered, but not for long

If, like me, you buy your own presents, these Reon Driftbox synths have come down so much in price that they could be the ideal Christmas gift for that synth-lover in your life
By Simon Arblaster published
They're such good value, but hurry as stocks won’t last

This Behringer synth deal is so good I’m going to buy one myself
By Simon Arblaster published
It’s such an obscenely low price that the MS-1 could be this year’s impulse buy

Now might be the best time to buy the Arturia Astrolab because you'll get V Collection X for absolutely free
By Simon Arblaster published
Have your cake and eat it. In-the-box and DAW-less jamming can be yours all at once

These are the best Korg synth deals at Sweetwater this Black Friday
By Simon Arblaster published
Prices slashed on the Modwave II, Minilogue XD, KingKorg Neo, Volcas and more

I’m terrible at finishing tracks but Oeksound soothe2 has always been one of my go-to tools for polishing a mix and now it is $70 off at Sweetwater
By Simon Arblaster published
Now’s the perfect time to upgrade to one of the best plugins for clarifying problematic recordings

"This might be the most affordable guitar from Strandberg, but you wouldn’t notice": Strandberg Boden Essential review
By Simon Arblaster published
Want to get into the headless game but are wary of spending big? Strandberg just might have the gateway drug for you

The history of Korg in 21 synths: Inside Korg's new London museum
By Si Truss published
Take a trip through of Korg's most influential synths with our video tour of the new Korg Gallery exhibition

“The beauty of Anti is that it is way more than just a 5150 emulation”: Universal Audio Anti 1992 High Gain Amp pedal
By Simon Arblaster published
Universal Audio finally gets into the high-gain game – and about time

AlphaTheta brings its A-game with the new all-in-one XDJ-AZ controller
By Simon Arblaster published
The outgoing XZ controller makes way for improved compatibility and much more

Alpha Theta releases new DDJ-GRV6 controller
By Simon Arblaster published
Remixing just got a whole lot easier with the new Groove Circuit and Stems FX controls

AlphaTheta launches new ultra-low-latency headphones for DJs
By Simon Arblaster published
Can these ultra-low-latency, over-ear monitors replace your trusty old cans?

“A bastion of ingenuity. It’s noisy and expensive, but so much fun”: Gamechanger Audio Motor Synth II review
By Simon Arblaster published
The world’s first electro-mechanical synth has evolved. We see how the Mk II compares...

“A handy, rugged form-factor for an interface that can turn its hand to different types of content creation”: Lewitt Connect 2 review
By Simon Arblaster published
Can this multifaceted audio interface cover all the bases? We get connected

“The Nanobox range gets a sampler and a powerful one at that”: 1010music Nanobox Tangerine review
By Simon Arblaster published
This latest Nanobox could be pushing for the title of world’s smallest sampler. We ask if it needs to be that small…

"It's the face-melting clarity that these pickups deliver which will keep you coming back for more Bay Area thrash antics, time and time again": Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG
By Simon Arblaster published
A sub $/£400 Explorer-a-like with active EMGs?! Yes, please.

"It does the job of improving vocal recordings in sub-optimal acoustic spaces": t.akustik PET Vocal Booth
By Simon Arblaster published
Need a vocal booth that you move about and pack away easily, without the need for any tools? t.akustik has got you covered

“A veritable playground of vintage synthesis and exploration”: Analogue Solutions Ample review
By Simon Arblaster published
Is Ample more than just a greatest hits package from the AS back catalogue? We reach for the pins

“A worthy Windows-based machine for the power-hungry power user on the go”: ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X OLED review
By Simon Arblaster published
Looking for a high-end Windows-based laptop to handle all your music and video needs? We go PC

"An extra screen is always handy for music production but unfortunately it’s at the detriment of comfort here": ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED review
By Simon Arblaster published
Is this dual-screen laptop a travelling producer’s salvation? We log in
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