MusicTech Awards 2022: The best hardware, software and innovations in music technology

How many of these products made your shortlists?

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Music makers have been treated to some stellar products in the music technology space in 2022. From staggeringly affordable software tools to novel grooveboxes and premium synthesizers, there’s been plenty to feed our Gear Acquisition Syndrome this year.

Of course, some products have stood above the rest. Whether it’s thanks to their luscious sound capabilities, their gorgeous aesthetics, or simply their ability to get producers debating about whether or not it lives up to the brand’s promise.

We’re celebrating the most important gear of 2022. This year’s MusicTech Awards comprises six major awards for all types of music equipment – check the nominees below and tune in for the winner’s announcement on 21 November.

Product Of The Year Winner: Oberheim OB-X8

Oberheim OB-X8

Our most prestigious award goes to the influential product that has left MusicTech and the wider community in awe – the Oberheim OB-X8. This synthesizer is poised to be a piece of kit that will be revered for years to come and is simply a beautiful feat of engineering. Head to the Product Of The Year page to learn why Tom Oberheim and Dave Smith’s final collaboration is the ultimate instrument of 2022.

Nominees

READ MORE: The MusicTech Awards 2022’s Product Of The Year.

Gamechanger Award

Gamechanger Awards

The Gamechanger of 2022 has truly moved the needle and is paving the way for the future of music technology. The company behind this innovative product has triumphantly enhanced a preexisting concept or created a new one. Beatport takes the Gamechanger Award for bringing us DJs and producers closer when we’re far away. Being able to DJ with three other friends back-to-back with an audience of 100 fans is truly groundbreaking.

Nominees

READ MORE: The MusicTech Awards 2022: Gamechanger Nominees.

Hype Award

Hype Award

Gear Acquisition Syndrome affects many producers. But who can blame us? There are so many inspiring instruments that we can imagine ourselves making a hit with. This year’s 2022 Hype Award goes to the instrument that had us all drooling over its featureset and design – even if we never did end up putting it in our cart: the Elektron Syntakt.

Nominees

READ MORE: The MusicTech Awards 2022: Hype Nominees.

Essential Award

Cherry Audio’s Elka-X

There are no bones about it – you need this product in your arsenal. We’re awarding Cherry Audio’s Elka-X the Essential Award of 2022. You may not have even heard of the synth that this plugin emulates but once you try it out, you’ll have a blast and use it in many more of your projects to come.

Nominees

READ MORE: The MusicTech Awards 2022: Essential Nominees.

Best Value Award

Arturia’s FX Collection 3
Image: Arturia

We all love a bargain. The Best Value of 2022 is the biggest bargain of them all, and we’re pleased to give it to Arutria’s FX Collection 3, a stunning asset to your studio that gives you more effects than you could ever ask for at its price point. As we keep saying – this may well be the last effects bundle you’ll ever need.

Nominees

READ MORE: The MusicTech Awards 2022: Best Value Nominees.

Design Award

ROLI Seaboard RISE 2

It’s not all about looks – but it helps to have ’em. The Design Award goes to the product with the most inspiring design, or even one so quirky that we never saw it coming. ROLI’s Seaboard RISE 2 is simply impeccable. The minimalist aesthetic combined with innovative features such as the Keywave 2 five-dimensional keybed and Bluetooth wireless MIDI makes this an easy pick for Design of the year.

Nominees

READ MORE: The MusicTech Awards 2022: Design Nominees.

Artist and Industry awards

This year, we’re also spotlighting the best artist and producer moments of the year, alongside some of the music tech industry’s most impacting initiatives. Check out the list below.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, and sign up to our newsletter to keep an eye on which products will win.

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