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10 Best Gifts for Electronic Musicians + Music Producers

Affordable Synthesizers, Sound Design Tools, Recording Gear, & More!

Perfect Circuit · 11/18/24

We get it—shopping for an electronic musician can be, well, complicated. That's why we've put together this easy, go-to guide of affordable gear and gifts sure to suit any musician. So no matter their interests and no matter your budget, we're sure that there's something here that they'll love.

This guide include our ten top gift recommendations, ranging from affordable synthesizers and recording gear to drum machines, rad books, some especially awesome apparel, and more. Check it out!

Affordable Production Powerhouses: Roland Aira Compact Series

The Aira Compact Series portable, battery powered instruments from Roland offer something for everyone—whether you're looking for vocal effects, programming beats, or composing satisfying synth melodies. Best of all, they each offer a host of connectivity options, making them easy to integrate into any studio or performance setup, big or small.

The T-8 Beat Machine is a virtual analog emulation of the classic 808 drum machine + bass synth, and is perfect for someone who is trying to program rhythms and bass lines. The J-6 Chord Synthesizer, on the other hand, is a synthesizer counterpart that lets you program chord changes and arpeggios or simply play it like a regular synth. The E-4 Voice Tweaker is unique and takes vocal input from a mic—or any sound source—and adds harmonies, gives you auto-tune, offers an on board looper, delay, and reverb, while also giving you a nice knob for an amazing stereo scatter effect.

One of the more recent additions to the Aira Compact family is the S-1 Tweak Synth—a conceptual mashup of the classic Roland SH-101 and some of their newer digital synth technology. A polyphonic synthesizer with keyboard and integrated 64-step sequencer, D-motion gestural performance control, and a highly tweakable sound engine, this is the ultimate choice for those who want a pocket-sized way to get deep with their sound design. It's a recent favorite among us here at Perfect Circuit, and is very possibly the best synthesizer available at its price point.

The newest addition to the line, the Aira P-6 Creative Sampler, is a versatile and compact music production tool designed ot help you access the creative corners of sampling—recording audio and reusing it/manipulating it for musical purposes. It offers fast and efficient sampling via an onboard microphone, line input, or USB audio, allowing for immediate sound capture and processing. The device features six playable pads for live sampling, chromatic keyboard mode, and a chopping function for large samples, along with pitch, playback, and level controls. Users can add delay and reverb effects per sound, and sequence these samples into full tracks with step input or live recording modes.

The P-6 stands out with its extensive multi-effects engine, offering filters, drives, ring modulation, DJFX looper, and the glitchy Scatter effect. The internal audio bus system enables flexible routing of samples to these effects for creative sound manipulation. The granular mode is a standout feature, allowing users to create polyphonic textures by sampling and manipulating sounds, even though its screenless interface requires a more intuitive approach. If you want to make music by creatively manipulating audio from the world around you, P6 is an incredible tool—truly the best option at its price point.

If you're looking for some of the best value in electronic instruments, the AIRA series are hard to beat. Each one is surprisingly deep and can integrate into any sort of setup—big, small, hobbyist, or professional. So no matter where you are on your electronic music production journey, they have a ton to offer. And remember—they're super rad when used together.

Experimental Synthesizer: Soma Laboratory Rumble of Ancient Times

For those of us with nostalgia for the 8-bit era, Soma's Rumble of Ancient Times contains the familiar sounds of the 80s, but with a noisy twist.

ROAT is a small four-voice synthesizer, with each oscillator able to be assigned different waveforms and randomization settings—the resulting sounds range from bubbly chiptune to chaotic noise. There's also an internal sequencer that can sync other devices like Pocket Operators and Volcas for fun bleepy jams. But Rumble of Ancient Times shines both as a solo performer and member of an ensemble, and by tossing some batteries in the back you can enjoy its sounds anywhere and everywhere.

Rumble of Ancient Times is noisy, wild, unruly, and capable of some truly out-there sounds. For anyone interested in experimental electronic music, or anyone who likes finding new ways of making sound, it'll prove a fun and exciting addition to their musical lives.

Exploring Modular Synthesis: Bastl Kastle Series

For those who crave tiny, tiny instruments with gigantic sounds, the Kastle v1.5 synth, Kastle ARP, Kastle Drum, and Kastle 2 FX Wizard will make a splash.

Bastl is known for strangely satisfying unique musical devices and these are certainly that. Kastle v1.5 is a micro modular synth that comes with patch cables for generating complex sounds and is open source with the option to change out parts. The Kastle Drum is a giant-sounding drum synth that is great for generating unique patterns and also comes with micro patch cables for experimentation.

The Kastle ARP (featured in the video above) shares the same form factor as its siblings, but a different sonic focus: this one is all about creating generative melodies, arpeggiated tones, and chiptune-esque sweeps of sound. It brings the Kastle family into new sonic territory, and is capable of everything from outrageous random arps to gentle, cascading, melodic passages. It's perhaps the most conventionally "musical" Kastle, but it also has the potential to get into deep new territory for those more interested in sonic exploration and sound design.

But that's not all: recently, Bastl announced one of the most exciting additions to the Kastle line: the new Kastle 2 FX Wizard. It shares the same form factor as the other Kastle offerings—but this time, the focus isn't synthesis, but instead, effects processing. Designed for adventurous sound manipulation, Kastle 2 FX Wizard offers a unique blend of traditional stereo effects and experimental glitch processing, with nine powerful audio effects across three categories: delays, amplitude effects, and pitch shifting.

As a modular instrument, the FX Wizard excels in sound design with its onboard modulation sources, including an LFO, envelope follower, clock, and pattern generator. These tools allow for intricate, clocked, or chaotic modulation of the device’s parameters, creating complex rhythms, rich textures, and unpredictable sonic transformations. Each effect also has a “growth spell” feature, enhancing the stereo image with detuning.

This weird little box of fun is all about creative exploration of wacky, lo-fi, glitchy audio effects: and honestly, it would make a great pairing with basically any other gear. Use it with other Kastle boxes, drum machines, semi-modular synths, Eurorack gear, you name it: the Wizard is a great way to chop, mangle, and generally have fun discovering new sounds from even the most familiar of gear.

Your Gear's New Best Friend: Bastl Bestie Mixer

It's hard to imagine an electronic music setup that wouldn't benefit from a Bastl Bestie. Bestie is a five-channel stereo mixer designed to tie together your music workflow. Use it with desktop synths, you computer, your phone, your drum machines, whatever! It's a quick, simple, and reliable way to mix together your stereo signals to go to a single set of outputs.

But, Bestie is more than just a utility: it's a powerful source of color and glue for your mixes. One of the highlights is that Bestie adds a truly pleasant coloration/saturation when it's pushed—and the third channel is normalled to the outputs, making for a built-in feedback control that takes your sound from clean, predictable mixes to absolutely crushed sonic devastation (and we mean that in a good way!). If you have a setup with a lot of instruments or distinct devices, Bestie is an ideal way to tie them all together.

Quirky + Fun: Dubreq Stylophone Theremin

The Stylophone Theremin from Dubreq is a unique fusion of two iconic electronic instruments: the Stylophone, a 1967 invention by Brian Jarvis, and the theremin, a 1920s creation by Leon Theremin. This innovative instrument blends the best features of both, offering an intuitive, fun, and quirky experience—great for seasoned musicians, or anyone looking for a fun way to explore sound.

It has two primary interfaces: a traditional theremin antenna for hands-free pitch control and a pitch slider for more precise tuning. The instrument features a two-oscillator design, allowing independent pitch control of both the antenna and slider voices. Additional features include an envelope trigger for dynamic performances and a drone switch to sustain sounds for ambient textures.

The Stylophone Theremin also offers tone-shaping options, including built-in vibrato, FM for richer timbres, and a crunchy delay effect, enabling a wide range of sounds from dreamy melodies to sci-fi tones and evolving textures. Compact, affordable, and easy to use, it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned electronic musicians alike, combining the retro charm of analog instruments with modern functionality.

Music Production Partner: Arturia Minilab 3

The Arturia MiniLab 3 is an upgraded version of Arturia's popular portable MIDI controller, designed for music producers on the go. It features 25 keys, eight pads (with two banks for 16 total), four faders, and eight rotary encoders for intuitive control over your DAW and hardware. The compact and durable design, made from 50% recycled plastic, ensures it stands up to travel and heavy use.

With USB-C connectivity and a full-size 5-pin MIDI output, the MiniLab 3 integrates seamlessly with both software and hardware. It also includes capacitive touch strips for pitch bend and modulation, as well as built-in modes for hold, chord, and arpeggiation to inspire creativity and enhance performance. Fully compatible with Arturia’s software suite, the MiniLab 3 maintains all the features that have made its predecessors so successful, offering a versatile, portable solution for musicians and producers.

The MiniLab 3 is a perfect choice for any computer-centric musician; especially those working in environments like Ableton Live, FL Studio, Bitwig, or other performance/music production software. If you want to help a computer-based musician get a little bit more hands-on with their workflow, check it out.

Setting Up Your Home Studio: MOTU M2

Is your loved one starting the process of recording their own music? An audio interface is a critical piece of the technical puzzle: it's the bridge that connects your computer and recording software to the outside world—allowing you to connect microphones, instruments, and more. If you're just getting started recording, it's an important tool: it'll define the sound quality of your recordings, and will mean that you can capture high-quality audio.

The MOTU M2 is a high-quality, compact USB audio interface designed for recording and streaming. It offers two XLR-1/4" inputs with individual gain control—so you can record up to two mics or instruments at the same time. It also includes +48V phantom power (necessary for some types of microphones), and ultra-low latency recording with sample rates from 44.1 to 192kHz. The ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC ensures superior audio quality, while the full-color LCD metering provides clear visual feedback of your levels. That means that the M2 has super high sound quality—in fact, it has uncommonly high sound quality for its price.

Outputs include two balanced 1/4" TRS with 120dB dynamic range, two unbalanced RCA outputs, and direct monitoring for each input in mono or stereo—plus, headphone outputs for easy monitoring. The M2 also features loopback mode for podcasting or live streaming, and can function as a standalone mixer with a USB-C power adapter.

Additionally, the M2 includes a software bundle with MOTU Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite, and over 6GB of samples, instruments, and plug-ins, allowing you to start making music right away. Plug-and-play, iOS-compatible, and with MIDI in/out, the M2 is a versatile and portable solution for musicians and content creators. If you're already working with a specific recording software, the M2 will be compatible—but if you haven't gotten started with a specific recording ecosystem yet, the M2 comes with all the software you need.

(Pro tip: if you need a microphone to get started with as well, check out the Shure SM58 for vocal recording or the SM57 for instrument recording: they're both studio standbys that any recording or performing musician will want to have around. Don't forget the mic cable and stand, too!)

Getting Hands-On: Korg Nu:Tekt Kits

Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-2 Oscilloscope Kit

Are you looking for a gift for someone who uses modular synthesizers? Don't fret—this is a common conundrum, and you are not alone. It can be difficult to sort through all the terminology associated with synthesizers, and choice of modules can be highly personal. However, one thing we think most modular synthesists would benefit from? Tools to help them learn and understand their instruments. One of our favorites is the Korg NTS-2 Oscilloscope, a handy tool that would make a smart addition to basically any modular synthesizer setup.

NTS-2 by Korg is a DIY oscilloscope kit designed for both beginners and experienced electronic musicians. It combines multiple tools in one compact unit, making it a valuable resource for synthesists. The NTS-2 offers four simultaneous input channels to visualize signals from modular or semi-modular synthesizers, helping users understand synthesis by turning sound into visual representations. See your oscillator waveforms in real time—assess the behavior of modulation sources—and start to build an intuitive understanding of how the shape of your signals impacts your instrument's sound.

Beyond its oscilloscope functions, the NTS-2 includes a dual waveform generator with two oscillators capable of producing LFOs, noise, pulses, and envelopes for use in your setup. It also features an FFT display to analyze the spectral content of sounds and a versatile onboard tuner with multiple display modes. With easy-to-use controls and a bright, clear display, the NTS-2 is an essential tool for any synthesist looking to deepen their understanding of electronic music.

Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 MkII Synthesizer Kit

Looking for a fun tool for a musical tech-lover? Want to encourage someone to tinker with electronics? Want to give someone an avenue to apply computer science to their passion for music? The Korg NTS-1 MkII Kit could be a great choice. It's a fun, fast, and simple DIY project that gives you tons of opportunities for customization and a surprisingly huge set of musical capabilities.

The Korg NTS-1 MkII is a compact, powerful handheld digital synthesizer that is easy to assemble and easy to use right out of the box. With no DIY, soldering, or coding experience required, the NTS-1 MkII can be quickly put together, providing an expressive and portable instrument for musicians. The updated version features enhanced processing power, more oscillator types, and expanded audio processing options, along with support for the new logueSDK, which opens up extensive development possibilities.

The NTS-1 MkII replaces the previous version's ribbon controller with a multi-touch keyboard, enabling paraphonic capabilities and more creative control. It also offers MIDI output, Sync I/O for seamless integration with other devices like Volcas and controllers, and USB-C power for easy portability. With its updated design and versatility, the NTS-1 MkII is a compact yet inspiring tool for musicians on the go. It sounds great, and it's a fun way to explore synthesis and electronic music.

Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-3 Kaoss Pad Kit

If you want to grab a similar, user-friendly DIY project, but the NTS-1 synth and NTS-2 oscilloscope don't seem like the right fit, then check out the NTS-3 Kaoss Pad Kit: it's a performative multi-effect processor designed to help you transform your sounds. If your loved one is a fan of effects pedals, sound manipulation, or if they want to add some processing power to transform the tones of their existing synthesizer setup, then this could be a great alternative.

The NTS-3 Kaoss Pad Kit from Korg is a customizable, DIY XY touch-controlled effects processor that lets you add dynamic, interactive effects to your music. Once assembled, the NTS-3 allows control of up to four effects simultaneously, including filters, compressors, delays, and more. Each effect can be toggled on or off, and you can tweak and configure them for a fully personalized setup. Thanks to the logueSDK, developers can expand the NTS-3 with a growing library of additional effects beyond the factory presets. Compact and versatile, the NTS-3 Kaoss Pad Kit offers a fun and hands-on way to infuse your music with expressive, real-time control.

It comes with a ton of on-board patches, allowing you to use it as an oscillator, filter, delay, reverb, looper, grain shifter, and more right out of the box. If you want to turn the sounds of an existing instrument into something completely new—or to expand the performative possibilities of an existing setup—scope it out!

[PS: make sure you get the right cables! We recommend this breakout cable and this stereo cable depending on what you're connecting to.]

Learn Electronic Music History + Technique: BJOOKS

Of course, gear isn't the only way to give an electronic musician a rad gift—instead, you could give them knowledge. An excellent choice for the musical gearhead in your life, the BJOOKS series of coffee table books exploring the history of popular brands and choice tools for the discerning electronic musician. Gorgeously bound and with high quality images and paper, any of the books will delight the recipient. Aside from the astounding imagery, the books also contain interviews and tips for exploring modular synths, using pedals, and getting the most out of your gear.

Our favorite BJOOKS titles include Push Turn Move, an exploration into the beauty and practicality of interface design in electronic musical instruments, as well as Patch & Tweak, an extensive guide to the art of modular synthesis. Alternatively, they might enjoy Synth Gems, an up-close look at tons of amazing vintage synthesizers, or Pedal Crush, an exploration of the history and current state of guitar effect pedals. In their newest release, The Minimoog Book, they offer an extensive and detailed history of one of the most influential synthesizers of all time. So, no matter what type of musician you are, there's something here that you will enjoy.

Show Off: Perfect Circuit Editions Merch

Sometimes, you need an even lighter gift—and sometimes, a rad T-shirt or mug makes a better, more personal impression than a book or synth. Check out our custom Perfect Circuit merch, which has a little bit of something for anyone...and a little bit of something for any budget.

Our recent line of Perfect Circuit Editions T-shirts, for instance, are a great place to look: sylish, clever designs that any synth enthusiast will love, printed locally on some of the most seriously highest-quality T-shirts you've ever seen. If you want to put a smile on their face while keeping them cozy and warm, they're a great place to look...including crowd favorites Quality Synths, Pop Distortion, Superior Tone, and more.

The Perfect Gift: Perfect Circuit Gift Card

Of course, there's only one sure way to give an electronic musician the gift they actually want—get 'em a Perfect Circuit virtual gift card! Our virtual gift cards can be used on our entire catalog—which means that, once delivered, they'll grant the lucky recipient access to thousands of synthesizers, drum machines, guitar effect pedals, modular synths, MIDI controllers, studio recording gear, DJ gear, and more.

The PC Virtual Gift Card has no minimum amount requirement and no expiration date—and you can choose the exact amount you want to put on the card. It's an easy way to ensure that you don't buy the wrong thing; plus, it's a great way to help fuel your loved one's creativity, and to encourage them to pursue their passion.

Virtual gift cards are delivered instantaneously to the email address of your choosing...so if you want to make it easy for the musician in your life to get exactly what they want, this is just the thing.

But That's Not All...

Need more gift ideas? Feel free to reach out to talk about finding the perfect gift. We're happy to help!