Gear Acquisition Syndrome

Akai Miniak - basically a repackaged Alesis Micron

Edirol M16DX - USB 2.0 16 channel multitrack audio interface - no MIDI - great value for its price - works as standalone mixer too 

Korg NanoKontrol - USB only MIDI controller - 9 knobs, 9 faders, 18 buttons - 4 scenes - incredibly useful for its price 

Korg Kaosspad 3 - touchscreen audio FX and sampler unit  - sound is very “digital”, fits best for vocals, DJs -  interface is actually awkward, not so precise

Elektron Machinedrum - drumsynth with internal step sequencer - unbelievable quality - great FX - MIDI OUT to sequence external gear - a bit expensive - probably the best “modern” drummachine

Access Virus TI Snow - incredible sound for its size -TI means it works as a plugin inside your DAW - hardware controls are mostly hidden inside menus - 4 voice multitimbral - a tad too expensive

Novation Xiosynth 25 - no MIDI IN (unbelievable) - discrete sounds - ok FX - monotimbral -nothing special 

Native Instruments Maschine - hardware/software groovebox hybrid - struggles to become the “MPC of the laptop generation” - currently not able to sequence external MIDI devices (NI say it will come with next major update - summer 2009). Defeats the MPC (1k) when it comes to FX, integration with a software DAW, easiness of workflow. 

Alesis Micron - VA mini synth - declared Microkorg rival - has an internal step sequencer, programmable arpeggiator, 8 voice polyphony (multitimbral?) and great sounds. Cool for performances