Simon Arblaster
I take care of the reviews on MusicRadar and Future Music magazine, though can sometimes be spotted in front of a camera talking little sense in the presence of real musicians. For the past 30 years, I have been unable to decide on which instrument to master, so haven't bothered. Currently, a lover of all things high-gain in the guitar stakes and never one to resist churning out sub-standard funky breaks, the likes of which you'll never hear.
Latest articles by Simon Arblaster
Best audio interface 2024: For home recording, podcasting, and streaming - tested by experts
By Matt McCracken last updated
Our tried and tested pick of USB and Thunderbolt interfaces for Mac and PC across every budget, plus full reviews, in-depth testing, and buying advice
Black Friday Andertons deals 2024: Everything you need to know ahead of the biggest sale of the year
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Save big on Fender guitars, Focusrite audio interfaces, Roland electronic drum kits, and so much more
Thomann Black Friday deals 2024: Get the lowdown on how to make the most of this year's discounts from the German retail giant
By Chris Barnes last updated
Just like previous years, we're expecting massive deals on music gear and software. This is where you'll find all the latest info and pre-Black Friday savings
Black Friday plugin deals 2024: Everything you need to know including shopping advice, early deals, and more
By Matt McCracken last updated
Get ahead of the game with my top tips on how to get the most out of your plugin deals shopping
AlphaTheta brings its A-game with the new all-in-one XDJ-AZ controller
By Simon Arblaster published
The outgoing XZ controller makes way for improved compatibility and much more
Alpha Theta releases new DDJ-GRV6 controller
By Simon Arblaster published
Remixing just got a whole lot easier with the new Groove Circuit and Stems FX controls
AlphaTheta launches new ultra-low-latency headphones for DJs
By Simon Arblaster published
Can these ultra-low-latency, over-ear monitors replace your trusty old cans?
“A bastion of ingenuity. It’s noisy and expensive, but so much fun”: Gamechanger Audio Motor Synth II review
By Simon Arblaster published
The world’s first electro-mechanical synth has evolved. We see how the Mk II compares...
“A handy, rugged form-factor for an interface that can turn its hand to different types of content creation”: Lewitt Connect 2 review
By Simon Arblaster published
Can this multifaceted audio interface cover all the bases? We get connected
Best laptop for music production 2024: portable computers for musicians, producers and DJs
By Simon Arblaster last updated
Our experts have rounded up and tested the finest options from Apple, Acer, Dell and more to help you make music whenever and wherever you like
“The Nanobox range gets a sampler and a powerful one at that”: 1010music Nanobox Tangerine review
By Simon Arblaster published
This latest Nanobox could be pushing for the title of world’s smallest sampler. We ask if it needs to be that small…
"It's the face-melting clarity that these pickups deliver which will keep you coming back for more Bay Area thrash antics, time and time again": Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG
By Simon Arblaster published
A sub $/£400 Explorer-a-like with active EMGs?! Yes, please.
"It does the job of improving vocal recordings in sub-optimal acoustic spaces": t.akustik PET Vocal Booth
By Simon Arblaster published
Need a vocal booth that you move about and pack away easily, without the need for any tools? t.akustik has got you covered
“A veritable playground of vintage synthesis and exploration”: Analogue Solutions Ample review
By Simon Arblaster published
Is Ample more than just a greatest hits package from the AS back catalogue? We reach for the pins
“A worthy Windows-based machine for the power-hungry power user on the go”: ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X OLED review
By Simon Arblaster published
Looking for a high-end Windows-based laptop to handle all your music and video needs? We go PC
"An extra screen is always handy for music production but unfortunately it’s at the detriment of comfort here": ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED review
By Simon Arblaster published
Is this dual-screen laptop a travelling producer’s salvation? We log in
NAMM 2024 live report: rolling news from the world's biggest music-making gear show - as it happened
By MusicRadar last updated
All the hot new guitars, synths, drums and other products as they're announced
NAMM 2024: The Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 exists, we've seen it and it's coming in March
By Rob Laing last updated
Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the Pelham Blue?
1010music Nanobox Razzmatazz review
By Simon Arblaster published
The Nanobox range gains a drum machine, but is it too small for making beats? We reach for our reading glasses
Teenage Engineering TP-7 review
By Simon Arblaster published
TE’s ever-growing Field Kit now adds a tactile recorder, but can it stand the rigours of the road?
Expressive E Osmose review
By Simon Arblaster published
Is the long-awaited MPE synth from Haken Audio and Expressive E your studio’s future centrepiece?
Cyber Monday Andertons deals 2023: Here are the deals that are still live
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Cyber Monday is over, but you can still bag some bargain gear at Andertons
Cyber Monday plugin deals 2023: Explore our pick of software deals that are still live
By Chris Barnes last updated
Cyber Monday is over, but you can still shop huge deals from Waves, IK Multimedia, Plugin Boutique and loads more
It's been a while since I first reviewed the Focal Listen Pros and they're still some of my favourite studio headphones, this deal at Sweetwater is making me consider buying another pair
By Simon Arblaster last updated
Get a cracking deal on these great all-rounders for the studio this Cyber Monday – hurry, there are only 4 days left!
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