Midicake ARP Wins Editor's Choice Award from Magnetic Magazine
- Chris Brown
- Oct 2
- 4 min read
Updated: 3d
We're incredibly honored to announce that Midicake ARP has been awarded the Editor's Choice Award from Magnetic Magazine.
When we set out to create the Midicake ARP, our vision was simple but ambitious: build an instrument that would inspire musicians to explore new creative territories while remaining accessible, powerful, and built to last. Today, we're thrilled to share that this vision has been recognized by one of electronic music's most respected publications.
What the Review Says
Reviewer Will Vance spent weeks integrating the ARP into his daily studio workflow, pushing it through its paces in both composition and live performance scenarios. His comprehensive review explores every facet of the device, from its aluminium chassis and tactile button design to the depth of its four-channel polyphonic system.
Vance noted that the ARP evolved from feeling like a utility into something that felt more like a creative collaborator, praising how it shapes patterns and ideas that he would never have written by hand. This is exactly what we hoped to achieve—a device that doesn't just execute commands, but actively participates in the creative process.
Build Quality That Exceeds Expectations
One aspect of the review that made us especially proud was the recognition of our commitment to build quality. Vance highlighted how the device feels far more premium than the price would suggest, with thoughtful design touches that show it was created by people who understand how gear is used day-to-day.
It's clear from the design that every detail was considered. The soft, tactile rubber buttons, the VESA-mountable design for live performers, the USB-A host port for direct controller connection, and the essential MIDI Thru port—these aren't just features on a spec sheet. There's even an robust angle stand (sold separately) that improves desktop use. They're solutions to real problems that working musicians face every day.
The Four-Channel System: Our Defining Strength
The review identified the independence of the four channels as the ARP's defining strength, noting how being able to set each channel to a different mode and behaviour creates a depth of arrangement that very few devices can match.
This modular approach means you can, for example, run rhythmic bass on one channel while another holds chords, a third generates evolving melodies, and a fourth provides textural drones. It's not just an arpeggiator—it's a complete compositional environment in a compact, hardware format.
Deep Modulation and Performance Features
The modulation system received particular praise, with Vance highlighting how long bar-based LFO sweeps and step-based FX patterns allow users to create phrases that evolve slowly or unpredictably without losing cohesion. The ability to stay in that sweet spot between controlled composition and generative unpredictability is something we spent countless hours refining.
The macro system, especially with its recent ability to send MIDI CC to external gear, has become what Vance called "one of my favourite features for live jams." Being able to twist a single encoder and affect multiple parameters across all channels—or even control external synths simultaneously—brings a level of performance expression that traditional arpeggiators simply can't match.
Why We Won: Continuous Evolution
Perhaps the most meaningful recognition in the review came from our commitment to firmware development. Vance noted that the consistent and substantial firmware updates sealed the decision for the Editor's Choice award, describing the ARP as feeling "alive and evolving" rather than a static product.
Since launch, we've added:
Chord inversions and voice leading
Polymeters for experimental rhythmic textures
MIDI CC transmission from macros
Enhanced Follow mode capabilities
Expanded modulation options
And we're not stopping there. V9 firmware is currently in development with even more exciting features on the horizon.
As the review states, this pattern of updates makes the ARP feel like an investment in a tool that will stay useful over time rather than just a one-off purchase—and that kind of commitment from a small manufacturer is worth recognizing.
Who Is This For?
The review concluded that the ARP serves a remarkably broad audience: hobbyists looking for inspiration can start making music within minutes, live performers benefit from the macros and chord chaining capabilities, while composers and producers will find the generative and modulation features push them toward harmonic and rhythmic ideas they wouldn't normally reach.
This universal appeal—from beginner to professional—was always our goal. We wanted to create something that would grow with you, revealing new depths the more time you invest while never losing that immediate, inspiring spark that makes music creation joyful.
A Heartfelt Thank You
This recognition means the world to us, but we know it wouldn't have been possible without this incredible community. Every piece of feedback, every demo video, every social media post sharing your creations—you've all been part of this journey.
Vance's final words say it best: "This is a tool that makes music happen, and that is the highest praise I can give any piece of gear."
To Will Vance and the entire team at Magnetic Magazine: thank you for the thorough, thoughtful review and for this incredible honor.
Ready to experience the Editor's Choice award-winning Midicake ARP for yourself?
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Have questions about the Midicake ARP or want to share your own experiences? Join the conversation in our community forum or reach out to us directly—we'd love to hear from you.
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