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Created January 26, 2026 13:45
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Bad Gear Tier List (AI generated)
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BadGearTierList.md

S Tier (The Best)

  • Akai S950: Sampler.
  • Even Tide H9: Classic multi-effects.
  • Golden Reverberator: Fantastic sounding reverb pedal.
  • M Audio Oxygen 8V2: Main MIDI keyboard and "gate guard".
  • Neve 1073s (Pair): High-end preamps (Ranked Double S Tier).
  • RME Baby Face Pro FS: Mastering-grade audio quality on the go.
  • Roland S1: Synthesizer.
  • Roland Space Echo: Beloved tape delay.
  • Roland TB3: Indispensable instrument.
  • Simon the Macpie Pedal: Custom manufactured effects pedal.
  • SSL Bus Compressor: 500 format compressor (Ranked Double S Tier).
  • Wa Cowbell: Custom-built by a patron.

A Tier

  • Arturia Beatstep Pro: Immediate and easy to use.
  • Digitakt 2: Favorite sequencer/sampler.
  • ERM Multiclock: Best MIDI clock (now by Floating Point).
  • Focusrite ISO 2: Preamp.
  • Jomox Airbase 99: Gorgeous sounding 90s drum machine.
  • Jomox MBase 11: Great sound, though hard to program.
  • Korg Micro Corg: Classic synthesizer.
  • Korg Volca FM: DX7 compatibility.
  • Korg Volca Kick: Awesome performance.
  • LA610 Tube Preamp: Though noted as sounding "soft".
  • Line Isolators: Necessity for complex setups.
  • MIDI Solutions Quadro Through: Used in most setups.
  • Moog MF Drive: Fantastic filter and overdrive.
  • Nord Modular: Recently featured.
  • Novation Circuit (Original): Cheapest way into dawless jamming.
  • PlayStation (Original) w/ Music 2000: Retro production setup.
  • Robert Neve Tax Write-off (Eye Box): High-quality gear.
  • Roland TR-626: Drum machine.
  • SSL18: Audio interface used for preamps and converters.
  • Waldorf Rocket: Totally underrated mono synth.

B Tier

  • Alesis 3630: Classic compressor for Daft Punk sounds.
  • Arturia Microlab: Simple keyboard controller.
  • Boss DD Digital Delay: Classic delay pedal.
  • Boss DR202: Fun 90s drum machine.
  • DBX 290 Reverb: Inspired by Lexicon PCM60.
  • Drammer 1968: Compressor.
  • ElectroHarmonics Bass Balls (Russian): Envelope follower.
  • E-mu Orbit 1990: Chock full of corny 90s samples.
  • FMR Compressor: Really nice unit.
  • Focusrite Scarlett: Decent audio interface.
  • Kawai K4: The "true sound of the 80s".
  • Korg Volca Drum: Sounds super nice.
  • Korg Volca Keys: Punches above its weight.
  • Mackie Mixer (VC2): Reliable 90s mixer.
  • Moog Mother 32: Kept mint in box.
  • Novation Circuit Monostation: Underrated scaled-down synth.
  • Novation Launchpad Mini: Does its job.
  • Polyend Tracker Mini: Most fun tracker.
  • RME Fireface 400: Current monitor/mic interface.
  • RME Fireface 800: Broken, but good for converters.
  • Roland MC-202: Liked for its "tonal patina".
  • Yamaha DX200: Most fun FM synth owned.
  • Zoom Multi Stomp: Versatile and fantastic.

C Tier

  • Alesis MMT8: Sequencer in a box.
  • Alesis SR16: Sold since 1991 without much change.
  • Arturia Drumbrute Impact: Subjective taste, but liked.
  • Arturia MicroFreak: (Implied "Moto Synth MK2" related) Great sounds, noisy motors.
  • Behringer Virtualizer: Pretty good multi-effects.
  • Boss BX60: Great mixer for TR drum machines.
  • DSI Evolver: Great sound, but a "PITA" to use.
  • Korg DS10 (Nintendo DS): Worth another go.
  • Korg Electribe (1st Gen): ER1, EA1, EM1 collection.
  • Korg Mono Tribe: Primitive but has a following.
  • Korg Nano Control: Simple MIDI controller.
  • Korg Volca Sample (1 & 2): Fun, but nightmare sample loading.
  • Line 6 Pod (Original): Not as bad as remembered.
  • Modal Sculpt: Great sound, crappy enclosure.
  • Polyend Tracker: Prefers the Mini version.
  • Quasimidi Quasarius: Original rave machine.
  • Roland JV-1080: 90s "MIDI to money converter".
  • Roland MC-808: Decent sound, atrocious sampling workflow.
  • Roland TR-505: Cheapest original TR drum machine.
  • Waldorf Blofeld: Great synth, terrible knobs.
  • Yamaha CS1X: Bitten by a shark.
  • Yamaha SY22: Grainy synth with a joystick.
  • Yamaha TX81Z: Famous "Lately Bass" preset.

D Tier

  • Akai S2000: Sampler with no mojo.
  • Arturia Drumbrute: Looks great, sounds terrible.
  • Behringer Mixers (Old): Numerous units.
  • Korg Kross (Chaos Pro): Conceptually interesting but flawed.
  • Korg Volca Sample (Loading): Nightmare UI.
  • Novation Scio Synth: Digital, cheap, plastic.
  • Roland D2: "Most hideous Roland instrument" (Ranked Double D Tier).
  • Roland SH201: Lo-fi sounding in the worst sense.
  • Roland VP3: Overpriced and underwhelming vocoder.
  • Yamaha FB01: Compact 80s FM with no UI.
  • Yamaha RX15: Barebones 80s drum machine.

F Tier (The Cursed)

  • Akai Rhythm Wolf: Notorious bad gear.
  • Akai Timbre Wolf: Kept at a safe distance.
  • Behringer Compressor: Broken.
  • Behringer Ultramiser Pro: Dirtiest mastering processor.
  • Korg PSS50 Super Section: Someone might write a hit on it one day.
  • LA Compressor: Needs maintenance or always sucked.
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