2026: A Year in Gear (What You've Bought or Want to Buy in 2026)

[DrGonzo]

Everything sounds better through the AR.

Do it.

Done!

Heck yeah! ARmk2 is such an awesome drum machine. I only recently started loading samples in mine and it’s opened a lot of new territory for me. It took me a lot longer to find my with with AnalogRytm than with OT and A4 but I’m glad I stuck with it!

ARmk2 finally arrived! The dynamic duo returns


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Man - the black version is effing gorgeous
Have fun! You have any particular setup in mind for this one?

[Constructed Identity]

FINALLY!

Pre-ordered this in January

now to explore...

[Starsickle]

What I have (and likelihood of GAS Redemption):
Roland SH-4D (High)
Roland JD-XA (Medium)
Roland TR-8S (Medium)
Sonicware LoFi-12 XT (High)
Sonicware CyDrums (High)
Sonicware ELZ_1 play (Low)
Roland FANTOM-06 (Medium)

What I'd like:

From here on out, I'd only like desktop synths that add something unique to the mix that are enjoyable to use.

Behringer Pro-800 (Because I can't afford the real thing) - As much as I don't want to give Uli money, the Pro-800 would be a nice hardware replacement to the BucketONE. (EDIT: Despite the BucketOne being a Crumar clone. The Pro-800 is missing a second LFO.)

Modal Electronics Argon8M - The coldest Synth? I want it. I actually like the cold sound. The Carbon 8M would be interesting due to its experimental design, too, but it's too new and way too expensive. In either case - the issue is money. I have none. I need four jobs to live.

Roland JU-06 - The boutique series are all overpriced and tiny AF, but I've enjoyed Juno-106 sounds so much that - IF I found one on the cheap - I'd consider getting it.

Hardware version of Full Bucket's OXID or Tricent MkIII: Special place in my heart for these machines because of their character - so if there was an affordable Virtual Analog or digital version of these? I'd get one. The Korg ARP Odyssey Module seems very close - what do you all think?

EDIT: I think the Waldorf Streichfett would be a better pick, but it's been discontinued. The plugin is fairly expensive, but the hardware is even more expensive. If I'm paying for a plugin, why not just get the Cherry Audio one? Man...back to wanting the Protein...

[KansasKMP]

I have the JU-06A and it is a blast. I think the A version does away with some of the wasted space. Well worth getting.

[KansasKMP]

First part of 3D printed case put together. I ran out of screws to assemble everything, but the brass fittings are all in. It was super easy, so thank you, Shabdabriah! The video helped.

I'm doing a quick heat test, followed by an update to CVilization soon to get the extra voices.

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That is pretty sweet.

[KansasKMP]

Picked up a Keylab MK3 61 (black) for the desktop. Fantasic integration with the V Collection stuff I have, but finding a lot of work getting settings to match my mobile setup which is based on a Novation SL MKIII. This has led to my re-doing Logic Pro projects and building two projects one for studio / programming patches/effects, and one for live play. Which has led to also picking up several soft synths to round things out. Which has led to even more programming.

New in 2026 for me

Arturia Keylab MK3 61 Black
Roland Cloud Total JD-800
Roland Cloud Total D-50
Roland Cloud Total System-8

Hardware synths are on the backburner until this stuff is re-integrated to Logic Pro.

What do you think about the D-50 VST?

[Shabdahbriah]

Okay, this is way better than I was expecting. Finally the "hyper-Rings" I have been waiting for.



It's expected to be out in autumn... I'm going to have to decide whether to stick to my "no more new hardware in 2026" thing and make this a 1/1/2027 purchase, or decide that the awesomeness justifies it.

Yes, I've not purchased any new hardware thus far this year, but this looks and sounds temptingly amazing! Xaoc is so awesome.

[jdoo]

Picked up ...

What do you think about the D-50 VST?

The "Total D-50" package has 7 included patch libraries. It is a version that while it requires a Roland Cloud account, is a lifetime key, that works with the free version of Roland Cloud. There are other places for good reviews, but for me - it added a boatload of great pads, strings, and semi-acoustic synth timbres. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

[KansasKMP]

Nice, I will look into that one. Thanks for the review.

[DrGonzo]

Finally got my MPC Sample the other day. The workflow is fantastic - way more intuitive than the other modern Akais - but the rest have been given a bit of a toy-ish treatment from Akai. Like no way to import individual programs - just projects. But I'm happy I bought it. The right stuff is in the right place.

[vurt]

got my final invoice for recoder from game changer, waiting on tracking should be here soon!!!


still no movement on my assembler.

[vurt]

recoder is expected tomorrow

[vurt]

i have my recoder!

[gaf_thit]

Bought a Korg M3 module to see if karma is real.