We can’t get enough of this little thing. Although some might protest and say that it is not a proper semi-modular I think having that little patchbay easily accessible on the front panel makes this the perfect gateway into modular synths.

This machine has bucket loads of character and for something so small you are able to get a decent range of sounds out of it. It even sounds so good that it convinced our guitars editor to get one!

Built in sequencer, USB MIDI/CV interface, interesting waveforms/waveshaper functions, a unique sounding filter all for under 300 euros -  what’s not to like?

Surely it is only a matter of time before Arturia enters the Eurorack game.

Only downside is that it does have less patching points than some other options, but as a standalone it's hard to beat for the money. Just add a delay or reverb and there goes your afternoon...

http://www.arturia.com/products/hardware-synths/microbrute

Price: €299