UR-RT
Price: UR-RT2: £343 | UR-RT4: £558 (retail)
Steinberg, known for its music software, also makes an excellent range of audio interfaces. The latest of these has been designed in collaboration with Rupert Neve. Featuring Yamaha preamps and Rupert Neve transformers, these interfaces offer high-end studio-quality sound in a small package.
Compatible with all DAWs and also works with iOS.
RD-808
Price: TBC
Behringer has announced a clone of the famous Roland 808 drum machine. Whatever your feelings about clones of equipment, the opportunity for students to use a legendary drum machine for under $400 is definitely worth considering.
Keystation MK3
Price: 61-key: $169 (£129) | 49-key: $99 (£75) | 32-key: $49 (£37)
Found in most computer music suites across the country, the M-Audio Keystation range of controller keyboards has had an update. Alongside the 49-key and 61-key there is a new 32-key mini-keyboard model to complement the range. All feature a great range of included software to get you started.
Cypher 2
Price: (retail) – £159
Developed between FXpansion and ROLI, Cypher 2 is a sound design instrument that is designed to complement the ROLI instruments, but can be used with any controller. The plugin has been described as a labour of love by the manufacturers; it features a range of oscillators, filters and effects.
DrumBrute Impact
Price: (retail) €279 (£248)
MT covered Arturia's original DrumBrute in the new products section when it was launched – and it was amazing. Arturia has now unveiled the Impact – a cut-down analogue drum machine. Still very much equipped for fast beat-making and easy for students to understand.
