The SOS Awards from the renowned Sound On Sound magazine are considered the "Oscars" of the audio industry. Every year, thousands of professionals and audio enthusiasts from around the world vote for the best equipment and software that will define quality standards for the coming year. We are pleased to announce that the "stars" of this year's rankings are available in Ukraine! We have analyzed the list of winners and selected the top devices that you can purchase right now at test.musician.ua to take your sound to a world-class level.
The Winners
Arturia KeyLab Essential Mk3
Best Performance Controller
KeyLab Essential mk3 redefines the concept of a universal keyboard controller, offering a new level of accessibility and creativity for modern musicians. This line is created to make the music-making process personal and enjoyable, combining an updated design with tactile controls. The keyboard ensures intuitive interaction with software, allowing you to focus on creativity rather than technical settings.
The main advantage of the controller is its deep integration with DAWs and software. Thanks to custom scripts, the controls automatically adapt to any major workstation, and perfect compatibility with the included Analog Lab V plugin unlocks access to thousands of sounds. Encoders, faders, and pads are positioned to ensure maximum convenience and flexibility while working on a track.
Furthermore, KeyLab Essential mk3 acts as a true instrument for experimentation. It is equipped with an arpeggiator for creating dynamic melodies, a chord play function for rich harmonies, and a Scale mode that guarantees you will always stay in key. It is an instrument that doesn’t just control sound but inspires the search for new musical ideas without requiring significant financial investment.
Lewitt RAY
Best Microphone
Lewitt RAY is a revolutionary step in the world of recording, introducing AURA sensor technology into a professional XLR microphone for the first time. By constantly measuring the distance to the user, the microphone can automatically adapt levels and tone "on the fly". This allows podcasters, streamers, and musicians to focus exclusively on their performance without worrying about the technical nuances of positioning before the microphone, while still obtaining a flawless result.
A unique feature of the model is the MUTE by Distance function: the signal automatically turns off when you step away from the microphone and turns back on when you approach. Additionally, it is the first professional XLR microphone with a physical MUTE button and clear visual indication that works completely in analog mode. The compact design is perfect for on-camera use as it doesn’t obscure the face, and the magnetic pop filter reliably protects against plosives.
From a technical standpoint, RAY is based on the best-selling LCT 440 PURE, offering a true 1-inch condenser capsule and a cardioid polar pattern. It has an extremely low self-noise level (8 dB(A)) and handles high sound pressure levels up to 131 dB. This makes it a versatile premium-class tool that runs on standard 48V phantom power and is ready to work immediately after connecting to an audio interface.
Arturia V Collection
Best Software Instrument
Arturia V Collection X is the benchmark suite of professional instruments, combining flawless emulations of legendary synthesizers and keyboards from the past with cutting-edge hybrid engines of the future. This collection is developed based on exclusive modeling technologies that ensure the authentic sound and character of each instrument. From classic organs to mythical modular systems, the package offers an inexhaustible palette for sound design and music production.
The landmark tenth version of the collection brought significant updates, including entirely new instruments such as the hybrid synthesizer Minifreak V, the acid bass Acid V, and the electro-acoustic piano CP70 V. Special attention is deserved by the Augmented series (Grand Piano, Brass, Woodwinds), which combines detailed sampled acoustic sounds with modern synthesis. Classic plugins like Mini V and Wurli V have also been completely redesigned to achieve even greater realism and functionality.
V Collection X is designed for a fast and convenient workflow. It contains over 10,000 presets, three new exclusive sound banks, and supports the NKS standard. Thanks to intelligent macros and built-in tutorials, musicians can instantly find the right sound or create something unique from scratch, having a massive creative arsenal at their fingertips.
RME Fireface UFX III
Best Audio Interface
The RME Fireface UFX III sets a new standard for high-performance audio interfaces, serving as the flagship of the third generation. This device is designed for professional studios and complex live setups, offering a massive number of channels (up to 188 inputs/outputs) via ADAT, MADI, AES, and SPDIF. Thanks to USB 3.0 connectivity and Steady Clock FS technology, the interface guarantees ultra-low jitter, stable operation, and crystal-clear signal transmission even at a 192 kHz sample rate.
One of the key features of the model is the DURec (Direct USB Recording) function, which allows recording up to 80 channels directly to a USB drive, making the Fireface UFX III an ideal standalone recorder for live performances. The front panel houses four high-quality combo XLR/TRS inputs with a 75 dB gain range, and the built-in DSP chip provides latency-free sound processing (EQ, compressor, reverb) for comfortable monitoring.
Interface control is incredibly flexible: the color display on the front panel gives access to all settings, and the TotalMix FX software allows creating complex routing and independent mixes for headphones. Additionally, the device can be controlled remotely via iPad or using the optional ARC USB remote, adding convenience to the sound engineer's workflow.
Zoom H6essential
Best Audio Recorder
The Zoom H6essential is a portable studio that takes mobile recording to a new level thanks to 32-bit float recording technology. This innovation eliminates the need to adjust input gain: the recorder captures a massive dynamic range, guaranteeing zero distortion even with the loudest sounds. Equipped with interchangeable microphone capsules from the new 3.0 system and capable of withstanding sound pressure up to 135 dB, it is perfect for any task — from recording music to filmmaking.
The device allows simultaneous recording of up to 6 tracks via four combo XLR/TRS inputs and built-in X/Y microphones. The H6essential also functions as a USB audio interface for computers and mobile devices, allowing you to stream or record directly into a DAW. For monitoring convenience, it features a built-in mixer with waveform visualization on a bright color display.
Zoom paid special attention to accessibility: this is the first recorder with voice menu guidance for the visually impaired. The device also supports timecode synchronization via Bluetooth (with the BTA-1 adapter), which is critical for video production. Battery power provides up to 10 hours of operation, and support for SDXC cards up to 1 TB lets you forget about memory limits during long sessions.
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO
Best Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO are professional open-back headphones designed specifically for mixing, mastering, and music production. Their design ensures a wide and spacious soundstage, allowing for precise localization of every instrument in the mix. Thanks to an innovative low-frequency cylinder system and lightweight neodymium transducers, the sound remains honest, transparent, and uncolored, which is critical for making the right decisions when working with audio.
The comfort and ergonomics of the model are at the highest level. The headphones are lightweight, have well-thought-out ventilation, and do not create pressure even during multi-hour sessions. A unique feature is the inclusion of two pairs of interchangeable earpads with different sound characteristics: one for producing (with a warmer sound) and another for mixing (with the flattest possible frequency response). The earpads are washable, which significantly extends their lifespan.
For full integration into the modern studio workflow, the headphones come with the dearVR MIX-SE plugin, which emulates the acoustics of an ideal control room, allowing you to check the mix in a virtual space. Additional conveniences include the ability to connect the cable on either side, a special cable structure to dampen friction noise, and Braille markings for the left/right earcups.
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