OTO MACHINES BOUM

£449

BOUM, from France’s OTO Machines, is a hardware compressor/saturator/filter (or ‘analogue stereo warming unit’ as described on the company’s website) that appears to have something to offer producers of all types. For hardware-based musicians, especially those playing live, a bunch of synths and groove boxes going through a mixer can sound more polished and punchy with some controlled compression dialled in.

Even the most diehard software-based musician can use some hardware glitz, whether it’s adding something software doesn’t do so well, or bringing the enjoyment of physical controls. So is the BOUM worth your time?

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The package includes the BOUM itself, a mains power supply, a printed manual and a couple of stickers. The BOUM’s metal housing measures 145