Top 10 best music gear so far in 2023

2023 is proving to be an exciting year for musicians. From cutting-edge tech to beloved classics, the world of music gear is buzzing with options. In this blog, we'll walk you through the top 10 pieces of gear that have caught our attention this year.

P.s. We at Soundbrenner are doing a massive giveaway (worth US $2500) with all the gear mentioned below! You can sign up for it here. (The giveaway ends on the 14th of Nov, 2023 at 11:59 PM PST)

1. Soundbrenner's Core Steel

Soundbrenner Core Steel is a vibrating metronome that offers a revolutionary way to enhance your practice/gig sessions. Instead of the usual audio clicks, it allows you to feel the rhythm with vibrations seven times stronger than the average smartphone. The user-friendly app lets you easily customize rhythmic elements such as BPM, time signature, and accents.

Whether you strap it to your wrist, arm, or ankle, the versatility of this metronome ensures that you physically feel each beat. Additional features like precision tuning, dB meters, and smart notifications make this metronome the ultimate music gear for every musician.

2. Genki Wave Ring

Ever dreamed of having a musical instrument at your fingertips? Literally? 

Then the Genki Wave Ring is for you. 

This wearable MIDI controller is motion-controlled, has six unique gestures, and is Eurorack compatible. You can control various functions with just a press of a button, making your music production practice more fluid. 

And the best part? 

It's also perfect for live performances, letting you control your music seamlessly with the flick of a finger.

3. Minuendo Lossless Earplugs

Minuendo uses membrane technology that mimics nature and behaves like a second eardrum. For earplugs with attenuation, the attenuation is normally fixed. Minuendo lossless earplugs’ uniqueness comes with its built-in attenuators, which allow you to easily switch the attenuation.

This technology is completely passive, which makes Minuendo earplugs very convenient and practical to use. The level of attenuation ranges from 7dB to 25dB, so you can easily switch between more or less sound depending on your situation.

Key features:

• Adjustable attenuation from 7-25dB
• Variable passive Hi-Fi filter
• Sleek design for everyday wear
• Comfortable for long durations of use
• Includes 11 sets of ear tips for you to fit your perfect fit

4. Smartphone Studio Microphone

Compatible with any device, the Smartphone Studio Mic is everything you need to record music from your home. Get studio quality recording (up to 24-bit/9kHz), compatibility with iOS, Android, macOS and Windows, and built-in gain control and direct monitoring. It's also completely powered by your device, so no charging is required at all! Its ease of use makes it one of the best music gear for any musician out there!

5. STOMP Bluetooth Page Turner Pedal (Limited edition)

As tablets become more popular for reading sheet music, consider amping up that convenience with a STOMP Bluetooth page-turner. With this foot-switch, keep your hands free to play your instrument, instead of stressing out about the 0.5 seconds you have to turn the page. You can also program this pedal to control your DAW or trigger backing tracks. A perfect gift for any gigging musician.

• Enjoying this article? Check out our 10 best gifts for guitarists

6. Roadie 3 Tuner

For guitarists who want a tuner, string winder, and metronome all in one - the Roadie 3 tuner has your back. It comes with a variety of built-in alternate tunings, is compact and wireless, and is pretty simple to use!

This next-generation automatic tuner will help you find your sound fast with both quicker rotation, and enhanced accuracy so you'll never play out of tune again.

7. TouchMe

TouchMe allows you to connect to objects in the same way as Playtron. However, this is a sensory device as it is set to react differently to the touch. Meaning, that when the area of touch and intensity changes, the sound changes too, causing the pitch to go higher or lower!

Why we love it

• Overall great sequencer
• Perfect amount of keys
• Combine with other MIDI controllers or instruments to create complex arrangements and performances. 
• Explore the theremin-like sound generation potential of the TouchMe device to create dynamic and expressive music. 
• Interact with other people in a musical creative environment.
• Very portable (can be connected to your computer, tablet, or smartphone via Bluetooth for a wireless setup)

8. Playtron

The Playtron MIDI Controller offers a unique way to create your custom MIDI controller. It can connect up to 16 objects with alligator clips. This allows you to use it with several mobile apps, online synthesizers, or your favorite DAW.

From fruits to plants, and even toys, the possibilities are endless. Connect the clips from objects capable of conducting electricity to Playtron, and assign a different MIDI note (C1 to D#2 by default) to each object. Then, you can start playing and creating your unique sounds!

Why we love it

• A unique way to make music, and you could add a very interesting/interactive aspect to your performance
• Very affordable price for the several versatile features
• Combine with other MIDI controllers or instruments to create complex arrangements and performances. 
• Very portable (can be connected to your computer, tablet, or smartphone via Bluetooth for a wireless setup)

9. Aeros gold edition

The Aeros Gold Edition is a musician's dream loop pedal. It offers a wealth of features, including a multi-track loop pedal with a mute switch and digital mixing, full of innovative features for importing your own backing tracks. With six stereo tracks, built-in Wi-Fi, and the ability to control your loops with hand gestures, it opens up a world of creative possibilities.

The automatic song transitions, customizable effects, and compatibility with MIDI and other devices make this pedal a powerful tool for creating complex, layered compositions and bringing your musical ideas to life.

10. Flamma FS08

The Flamma FS08 is a versatile and compact multi-effects unit that's perfect for guitarists looking to expand their sonic horizons. It offers precise polyphonic octave effects without any distorted signal, ensuring your sound stays crystal clear.

With 7 preset slots for saving the different effect parameters, you can easily switch between your favourite settings and experiment with various tones. Its intuitive interface and easy-to-use controls make it a valuable addition to any guitarist's arsenal, whether you're recording in the studio or performing on stage.

In 2023, the music gear landscape is as alive as it will ever be with innovation and creative possibilities. From the Soundbrenner Core Steel to the Genki Wave Ring and Playtron MIDI Controller, this year's offerings cater to musicians of all kinds.

Whether you're practicing, recording, or performing, 2023's music gear has something for everyone. It's a harmonious blend of tradition and cutting-edge tech, ensuring that musicians find the perfect tools to bring their musical dreams to life. Happy playing!

If you're interested in signing up for our massive giveaway (worth US $2500) with all the gear mentioned above! You can sign up for it here. (The giveaway ends on the 14th of Nov, 2023 at 11:59 PM PST)