Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
  • Guitars
  • Amps
  • Pedals
  • Drums
  • Synths
  • Software
  • Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Recording
  • Buyer’s guides
  • Live
  • DJ
  • Advice
  • Acoustic
  • Bass
  • About us
  • More
    • Reviews
Magazines
  • Computer Music
  • Electronic Musician
  • Future Music
  • Keyboard Magazine
  • Guitarist (opens in new tab)
  • Guitar Techniques (opens in new tab)
  • Total Guitar (opens in new tab)
  • Bass Player (opens in new tab)
More
  • Best free lo-fi plugins
  • Top EQ plugins
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Free music samples
  • Best free music-making software

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. News

The best new hardware effects units of 2017

By MusicRadar
published 4 December 2017

The year's finest out-of-the-box processors

  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)

Doing all of your processing 'in the box' is fine, but taking your audio out for a trip into the real world can be extremely rewarding. Yep, hardware effects processing is alive and well, as evidenced by the wide range of products that are being released to do it.

We shortlisted our favourite processing boxes of 2017 and asked you to vote for your favourite. Now it's time for the results...

The MusicRadar Best in music tech awards 2017 are brought to you in association with Softube - Tools for the Audio Professional (opens in new tab)

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of 8
Stam Audio SA4000

Stam Audio SA4000

We said: "While the SA4000 may not sound exactly the same as the early SSL units, it comes extremely close. This compressor exhibits all the the characteristics for which the original became popular, including its ability to ‘glue’ a mix together, and at an extremely competitive price." 

Find out more about Stam Audio SA4000

Page 2 of 8
Page 2 of 8
Analogue Solutions Dr Strangelove

Analogue Solutions Dr Strangelove

We said: "A useful tool that combines two decent-sounding processors in one place. However, the addition of extra patch points and a ring mod ‘wet/dry’ control would have upped its flexibility considerably."

Find out more about Analogue Solutions Dr Strangelove

Page 3 of 8
Page 3 of 8
Electro-Harmonix Synth9

Electro-Harmonix Synth9

We said: "Like other ‘9’ series EHX pedals, this is a pretty specialised offering that’s not going to appeal to all and sundry, but it does its job really well and it may be a couple of hundred quid well spent if you find a mixed bag of synth tones appealing, either as a direct feature or as a tickle of interest underlying your guitar tone."

Read Electro-Harmonix Synth9 review

Page 4 of 8
Page 4 of 8
Electro-Harmonix Superego+

Electro-Harmonix Superego+

We said: "The Superego+ does the atmospheric polyphonic glissando pad effect like no other, so if that’s your bag then look no further. This ‘+’ model really ramps up the control and creativity."

Page 5 of 8
Page 5 of 8
Erica Synths Acidbox III

Erica Synths Acidbox III

They say: "Erica Synths' Acidbox III brings you the core of the famous Polivoks VCF in stereo version with unique audio signal overdrive circuit, built-in LFO and envelope follower in a compact, full aluminium case."

Find out more about Erica Synths Acidbox III

Page 6 of 8
Page 6 of 8
Analogue Solutions Mr Hyde

Analogue Solutions Mr Hyde

We said: "An excellent-sounding filter box with some good modulation and useful patching possibilities, but there are other options with more features and flexibility."

Find out more about Analogue Solutions Mr Hyde

Page 7 of 8
Page 7 of 8
Winner: Elektron Analog Drive

Winner: Elektron Analog Drive

We said: "Eight very distinct genres of analogue dirt pedal in one box can never be a bad thing, especially when they sound as good as these.

Read Elektron Analog Drive review

Page 8 of 8
Page 8 of 8
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
MusicRadar
MusicRadar
Social Links Navigation

MusicRadar is the number one website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers...

GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts. TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars. STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the craft of music-making that no other music website can.
  1. Ry Cooder performing
    1
    Ry Cooder's top 3 tips for slide guitar success: "Get you some control"
  2. 2
    Chompi is a super-cute sampler that was inspired by the Casio SK-1 and looks like a kid-friendly OP-1
  3. 3
    Classic interview: Lemmy talks rockabilly and picks his 10 essential songs playlist
  4. 4
    6 drum processing techniques to help you program state-of-the-art beats
  5. 5
    Gary Moore’s DigiTech Bad Monkey listed on Reverb for a cool £10,000
  1. Thom Yorke
    1
    20 Radiohead guitar chords you need to know
  2. 2
    Ry Cooder's top 3 tips for slide guitar success: "Get you some control"
  3. 3
    Chompi is a super-cute sampler that was inspired by the Casio SK-1 and looks like a kid-friendly OP-1
  4. 4
    Classic interview: Lemmy talks rockabilly and picks his 10 essential songs playlist
  5. 5
    Gary Moore’s DigiTech Bad Monkey listed on Reverb for a cool £10,000

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab).

  • About Us (opens in new tab)
  • Terms and conditions (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy policy (opens in new tab)
  • Cookies policy (opens in new tab)
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers (opens in new tab)

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.