Christmas Gift Ideas
– Musicians, sound technicians and other audio professionals –
With the holidays approaching, we wanted to suggest some perfect gift ideas for your loved ones who practice audio related practices.
All prices are expressed in CAD ($), sometimes estimated from USD, at the exchange rate in effect at the time of writing.
Click on the category you are interested in to reach its content directly
Microphones
Presonus PD-70
Zoom H4n | H6
Ideal for field recording, sound effects, interviews. Or as a recorder for “Dj sets” allowing to capture the audio coming out of the mixer as well as the sound of the room with the crowd and to possibly make an editing between the different sources afterwards.
Price: 309 $ (H4n) | 499 $ (H6)
SOFTWARE
Our favorite DAW updates
Presonus Studio One Pro 5
For its ease of use and powerful features for production as well as for mixing and mastering.
More info: Studio One Pro 5
Price: Starting at 199.99 $ for previous version owners
Ableton Live 11 Suite
One of the most intuitive DAW available on the market, especially regarding live production and performance.
More info: Live 11 Suite
Price: Starting at 231 $ for previous version owners
Our top picks for virtual instrument plugins collection:
Arturia V Collection 7
To add those vintage synths sounds to your productions.
More info: V Collection 7
Price: 645 $ (Estimated at current exchange rate from USD price)
Spitfire Albion One
One of the best libraries to bring a more orchestral sound to your productions,.
More info: Albion One
Price: 580 $
Xfer Serum
Unlock access to an infinite number of sounds with this soft synth whose reputation is well established. Also available in rent-to-own via Splice.
More info: Serum
Price: 241 $
Our top picks for audio effect plugins collection:
Plugin Alliance
Among the big leaders in emulation of analog gear offering some of the best processing tools available on the market. Bundle sub available that will grant you a cashback coupon in addition, equivalent to your yearly investment!
More info: Plugin Alliance
Price: Starting at 12.90 $ / month
Slate Digital
Among the big leaders in emulation of analog gear offering some of the best processing tools available on the market.
*Requires iLok dongle
More info: Slate Digital – All Access Pass
Price: 12.90 $ / month
FabFilter
Among the big leaders in audio plugins offering -some of- the best processing tools available on the market for surgical/transparent processing, such as the famous Pro-Q.
More info: Fabfilter
Price: Starting at 165$
AUDIO INTERFACES
SPEAKERS
Adam T8V
The new Adam TV serie makes their famous near-field monitors available at a lower price tag.
More info: T8V
Price (pair) : 820 $
Focal Shape 65
One of the best options for audiophiles, mix technicians … at this price tag.
More info: Shape 65
Price (pair) : 2600 $
Quested S8R
Serious about mixing and mastering ? This is where you should aim at least.
More info: S8R
Price (pair) : 4262 $
Presonus Sceptres S8
Serious about mixing and mastering ? This is where you should aim at least.
More info: S8
Price (pair) : 1760 $
As a reminder, this kind of monitors cannot be fully appreciated without a room of proper dimensions and acoustically treated.
HEADPHONES
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohms)
Closed back headphones, Perfect for recording & mixing technicians.
More info: DT 770 Pro
Price : 235 $
Sennheiser HD-25
Perfect for Djs/Producers or set technicians.
Resistant and modular (possibility to replace the different parts if needed).
More info: HD-25
Price : 189.95$
Sennheiser HD-600
SYNTHS
Korg Minilogue xd
The ideal first poly analog synth packed with cool features for an entry-level price tag (for poly analog synths).
More info: Minilogue xd
Price : 899.99 $
Arturia Microfreak
A creative gem with amazing features while keeping a small desktop footprint & affordable price tag.
More info: Microfreak
Price : 419.99 $
Behringer TD-3
Novation Bass Station II
Analog monosynth based on the classic Bass Station but with extended features making it even angrier and more versatile.
More info: Bass Station II
Price : 599 $
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