Soundbops
Price: £79.99
Soundbops is a colourful, tactile musical instrument for children aged 3+, including those with additional needs and disabilities. It uses colour-coded disks – ‘bops’ – each representing a different note, to help children visualise and play music. The board has 13 towers where bops can be placed. Pressing the blue button on a tower plays the note associated with the colour of the bop. Up to three bops can be stacked to create chords. There are ten different instrument sounds. It has a built-in speaker, and you can also connect headphones. Each set includes 12 bops and a starter book with nursery rhymes and beginner-level sheet music that matches colours to simplified notation. Soundbops weighs 1.58 kg and is about the size of a large laptop; it runs on four AA batteries and comes with a carry case, making it easy to take anywhere.
Mackie MobileMix 8-channel USB mixer
Price: £224
The Mackie MobileMix is a versatile portable mixer, capable of handling everything from live sound to live streaming. You can mix up to eight channels, including microphones, instruments, and Bluetooth audio. There are two combo XLR and 1/4-inch mic inputs with 48V phantom power for condenser microphones and Hi-Z switches for electric guitars. There are two stereo line inputs for keyboards and dedicated connections for cameras or phones. Each channel has three-band EQ and onboard FX. The two mix outputs have separate level controls, meaning you can send audio to two destinations, such as running live sound to speakers while recording to a computer. The headphone output also has a separate level control. Two-way Bluetooth connectivity means you can wirelessly stream and record simultaneously. It also features Mix Minus technology for live streaming and podcasts. There is a dedicated slot to hold a phone or tablet. The MobileMix is powered via a USB battery (sold separately) or any other USB power source. The mixer measures 3 × 7.9 × 6.9 inches and weighs 1.8 lb.
Perform-VE vocal synth and drum looper
Price: £199
The Perform-VE, from TC Helicon, is a clever vocal synth that combines sampling, looping and vocal effects. It has a simple interface, with a central dial and illuminated buttons, making it easy to navigate, even for beginners. It has multiple inputs and outputs, including XLR, MIDI, USB-C, and pedal options. Recording a vocal sample is easy, with an integrated mic, and the device will map and time-stretch the sample to your keyboard, turning your voice into a playable instrument. The looper is straightforward, and will automatically detect the tempo and quantise the loop for perfectly timed playback. Drum loops are quickly created due to built-in snare, kick and hi-hat sounds. Other highlights include a harmoniser, vocal doubler, morph function, and built-in echo, reverb and tremolo. The ‘hard tune’ feature provides classic autotune effects.
SPACE Reflection filters
Price: £199
Reflection filters are placed around a microphone to reduce unwanted room noise during recording. They act as portable recording booths, minimising the sound that bounces off walls and other surfaces – particularly valuable in acoustically untreated spaces, such as school halls or classrooms. The SPACE (Specialised Portable Acoustic Control Environment) Reflexion Filter is the latest and largest addition to the RF Pro range from sE Electronics. It features a 10-layer construction with multiple layers of materials and air gaps, enhancing absorption of unwanted background noise and improving sound clarity. It can be securely attached to a mic stand, and can be locked vertically and horizontally, and tilted to accommodate different recording angles, making it versatile for both vocals and instruments. Each filter is hand-crafted with exceptional build-quality and durability, ensuring it can withstand frequent use.
