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
![t.akustik PET Pendant Absorbers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DVvYCaMkm2Y7xncMUj4P4J-320-80.jpg)
Unable to wall mount acoustic treatment panels? t.akustik's new absorbers might be just the thing for you
By Simon Arblaster published
Ceiling-mounted panels offer an ideal solution if using a wall is out of the question
![Ableton Push 3 standalone mode stress test](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/G6Mx8CuLRxxtv4FxvgiYyM-320-80.jpg)
How many tracks can Ableton Push 3 Standalone actually run?
By Simon Arblaster published
Ableton's latest hardware instrument pushed to the limit
![Eventide H90 Harmonizer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RSyfc9ibDRk4NW2yocjSym-320-80.jpg)
Eventide H90 Harmonizer
By Simon Arblaster published
Is the Eventide H90 just two H9s stuck together? We go on a sonic journey to find out
![Roland SH-4d](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/E9eyWDqefWmXqtjnDURtyT-320-80.jpg)
5 reasons we’re excited about Roland’s SH-4d (plus 3 things we would've done differently)
By Si Truss published
Retro vibes and new school tricks explored
![Teenage Engineering duty bags](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ChgEAPyWcqbAmNSzxBg3qB-320-80.jpg)
Teenage Engineering's new Duty luggage range bears quite the resemblance to those classic Ikea bags
By Simon Arblaster published
Don't worry, the Swedish brand hasn't gone full Balenciaga
![Universal Audio Native plugin bundles](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oRW2bPVfjZuYPdxWXwhiJ7-320-80.jpg)
Universal Audio's native plugins are now available to buy in three new bundles with big savings to be had
By Simon Arblaster published
Save up to $300 on Diamond, Mix and Creative bundles
![Kiviak Instruments WoFi](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4mpJ95xK34DCHRJtNQ229D-320-80.jpg)
It looks like the WoFi sampler / granular synth can emulate classic samplers and could be the most surprising launch of the year
By Simon Arblaster published
Kiviak Instruments has quietly announced something quite exciting
![Casper x Bastl Aikido quad VCA mixer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xRFRipjwmnu2GJoxA3VhmL-320-80.jpg)
The Casper x Bastl Aikido quad VCA mixer aims to bring harmony to your Eurorack system
By Simon Arblaster published
Bastl Instruments and Peter Edwards combine once more for this martial arts-inspired performance module
![Analogue Solutions Fusebox X](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/y2t6tNj4pV6EP56Z5nyWeM-320-80.jpg)
The 10 best new hardware synths of 2022, as decided by you
By Simon Arblaster published
Best of 2022: This year’s synthesizer must-haves
![Erica Synths Perkons](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KBLt7adcbfDKHsUPGhDsF6-320-80.jpg)
The 8 best new drum machines or samplers of 2022, according to your votes
By Simon Arblaster published
More of your favourite beats and pieces
![Empress Effects Zoia Euroburo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KgUktqtogBnQDdaDf69U9f-320-80.jpg)
Your favourite new Eurorack gear of 2022
By Simon Arblaster published
Modular living for synthesists
![Empress Effects Zoia Euroburo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KgUktqtogBnQDdaDf69U9f-320-80.jpg)
MusicRadar's tech gear of the year awards 2022
By MusicRadar published
We asked, you voted, here are your winners
![Chris Buck](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oHYWgs4xPv9byg7prqD7UD-320-80.jpg)
Pedalboard tour: Chris Buck, Cardinal Black
By Rob Laing published
Video Our favourite South Wales guitar hero is no analogue snob; he's got a best-of-both-worlds approach
![Robaux LL8 2](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Wpv6TYJfaCQmb8tFYQB788-320-80.jpg)
Polymetric powers and TR-style sequencing await in the new LL8 2 Eurorack sequencer from Robaux
By Simon Arblaster published
LL8 and SWT16 combine for a new version of this 8-track sequencer module
![What is Cherry Audio dreaming up?](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c9riWYAM3LxesrfqctP3XY-320-80.jpg)
Cherry Audio dreams of electric sheep and teases the replication of a timeless classic
By Simon Arblaster published
You get one guess
![Hands on a fader of a eurorack module](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6SVd82L4wqRWctukF5m5qi-320-80.jpg)
Best Eurorack modules 2025: essential oscillators, filters, utilities, effects and more
By Simon Arblaster last updated
Whether you’re designing your first system or expanding a modular rig, these are the must-have modules right now
![Ableton Live deals at Thomann](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/huEv26TW4EnizGhK9pyaCX-320-80.jpg)
Save big on Ableton Live 11 bundles at Thomann this Black Friday
By Simon Arblaster last updated
Get 26% off Live 11 Suite, Standard and Intro bundles
![Universal Audio UAFX Guitar Amp Emulators](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dcx6RfPPCEKeUmLMVX5W8W-320-80.jpg)
See 3 ways to use the Universal Audio UAFX Dream '65 amp emulator pedal
By Rob Laing published
Video We demo the Fender Deluxe Reverb-based modelling pedal in different scenarios with its boost, spring reverb and vibrato
![Jackson Audio Twin Twelve](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/L8muvJyesdKqgBt8mgdWdd-320-80.jpg)
Jackson Audio's Twin Twelve Silvertone 1484 Preamplifier pedal is an "exact recreation" of the original
By Simon Arblaster published
Silvertone's legendary '60s amp's preamp stage reimagined
![Daredevil Pedals Aces](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wWJXDFzUxbATBsgsUwqZFa-320-80.jpg)
Daredevil Pedals Aces combines vintage warmth and modern bite in this hybrid germanium / silicon amplifier pedal
By Simon Arblaster published
Hand-wired two-stage gain circuitry from Chicago
![Gibson Noel Gallagher 1960 ES-355](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7byD6ECeY73HyNzPo6c7Nb-320-80.jpg)
Noel Gallagher gets not one but two signature models from Epiphone and Gibson with the Riviera and 1960 ES-355
By Simon Arblaster published
"F*ck me, what a guitar!"
![Charvel Jim Root Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR E/M](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HzZ2R8GtSdNLr6tzT6m3W7-320-80.jpg)
Jim Root explains why he chose a Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 for his latest signature model
By Simon Arblaster published
Slipknot man on his early influences as a guitarist
![Antares Auto-Tune Black Friday deals](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jJDrubtrGk7h6RFQc6Kbs8-320-80.jpg)
Antares Black Friday sale: 70% off Auto-Tune Access and much more
By Simon Arblaster last updated
Mutator, Harmony Engine and Auto-Key also reduced at Plugin Boutique
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