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MIA Awards 2013: Future Music Music Hardware of the Year Award

By Future Music
published 14 November 2013

Your shortlist of the year's best gear

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The contenders

The contenders

A few weeks back, we asked you to help us narrow down our long list of 2013's finest hi--tech music hardware products by voting for your favourite gear. Now we can present - in alphabetical order - the final 10 products that have been shortlisted for the Future Music Music Hardware of the Year Award.

The winner will be announced at the forthcoming MIA Awards ceremony that will take place in London on 4 December.

Run in conjunction with the UK's Music Industries Associaton (MIA), this award is designed to celebrate the very best in performance, quality, value for money and retail success. The shortlist recognises the finest products to have come to market since November 2012, but is in alphabetical rather than ranked order. Browse the gallery to see the hardware that made the final list!

Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
DSI Prophet 12
Flagship digital/ analogue synth

DSI Prophet 12

Our verdict

"A deep-yet-intuitive synth that's killer live and in the studio. Inspiring and addictive."

FULL REVIEW: DSI Prophet 12

(Reviewed in Future Music)

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
Elektron Analog Four
Monster analogue synth/sequencer

Elektron Analog Four

Our verdict

"It sounds the biz, with tons of sound shaping and sequencing options. Great for any setup."

FULL REVIEW: Elektron Analog Four

(Reviewed in Future Music)

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
Korg MS-20 Mini
New size, classic synth

Korg MS-20 Mini

Our verdict

"A faithful resurrection of the MS-20, at a crazily good price. Everyone should own one!"

FULL REVIEW: Korg MS-20 Mini

(Reviewed in Future Music)

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
Korg Volca Range
Small synths with huge personalities

Korg Volca Range

Our verdict

"The Volca synth is revolutionary at this price point. Everybody should own one!"

FULL REVIEWS: Korg Volca Keys- Korg Volca Bass - Korg Volca Beats

(Reviewed in Future Music)

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
Native Instruments Maschine mkII
A technicolor dream machine?

Native Instruments Maschine mkII

Our verdict

"A colourful and worthy upgrade to the original Maschine, but not a 'must buy' for existing users."

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Maschine mkII

(Reviewed in Future Music)

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
Nektar Panorama P6
Controller with 61-note keyboard and numerous integration improvements

Nektar Panorama P6

Our verdict

"The P6 features the same four-mode control surface with mixer section, drum pads and transportcontrols as the Panorama P4, but adds an extended 61-note weighted keyboard."

ANNOUNCEMENT: Nektar Panorama P6

(Reviewed in Future Music)

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
Nord Lead 4
Tweaked synth returns

Nord Lead 4

Our verdict

"Gripes aside, the NL4 sounds superb and offers some indispensable new features."

FULL REVIEW: Nord Lead 4

(Reviewed in Future Music)

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
Novation Bass Station II
The iconic synth returns re-vamped

Novation Bass Station II

Our verdict

"They say never go back, but Novation has and we're all the better for it. Cheers!"

FULL REVIEW: Novation Bass Station II

(Reviewed in Future Music)

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
Roland Integra-7 Sound Module
The return of the rack synth

Roland Integra-7 Sound Module

Our verdict

"A sonic chameleon - a cross platform DAW editor/tablet app would complete this killer package."

FULL REVIEW: Roland Integra-7 Sound Module

(Reviewed in Future Music)

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
Yamaha MOXF6 and MOXF8
New keyboards based on MOTIF XF technology

Yamaha MOXF6 and MOXF8

Our verdict

"The MOXFs are based on the AWM2 Tone Generator and feature two sizeable grand piano waveforms. They can also accommodate the Flash Memory Expansion board, which can be used either for original user voices or additional soundsets."

ANNOUNCEMENT: Yamaha MOXF6 and MOXF8

Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
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Future Music
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Future Music is the number one magazine for today's producers. Packed with technique and technology we'll help you make great new music. All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. Every marvellous monthly edition features reliable reviews of the latest and greatest hardware and software technology and techniques, unparalleled advice, in-depth interviews, sensational free samples and so much more to improve the experience and outcome of your music-making.

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