The winner in each of the 6 main categories will receive €500 prize money. The main prize is donated by HOFA and awarded by the jury.

Depending on the genre, the jurors pay attention to sound selection, songwriting, lyrics, musical performance, mix & mastering, sound quality and distinctive features.

The first-place winners of the public voting in all 6 categories will receive a pair of Sennheiser headphones as an audience award.

The HD 300 PRO closed-back headphones deliver a neutral, high-resolution sound. Its huge depth of detail passes through even in the loudest of environments. Irrespective of whether you are editing, playing or composing music, and regardless of whether you’re behind a drum kit, at the mixing desk, in a live setting or in the studio, the HD 300 PRO provide the details that you need for making good decisions.

Dorico Pro 5 (worth €569)

Dorico helps you to compose music and write it in music notation, automatically producing printed results of exceptional quality. It also gives you sequencer-style tools for editing the playback of your music, without compromising the beauty of the score. With hundreds of unique, smart time-saving features you won’t find anywhere else, Dorico is easy enough for anyone to learn, but powerful enough to satisfy even the most demanding professionals.

Cubase Pro 12 (worth €529)

Cubase is one of the most powerful software programs for music production. It offers countless creative features that let you produce any kind of music. Cubase also contains fantastic virtual instruments, effects and thousands of sounds. Whether you're a professional producer or just starting out, Cubase has everything you need to turn your ideas into music.

Absolute 6 (worth €489)

First-class acoustic sample libraries for orchestra, strings and pianos, granular, wavetable and virtual analog synthesizers, drums, percussion and beats. Absolute 6 is a huge collection of creative instruments with over 130 GB of sound content for every kind of music production. It also includes the popular sound creation tools HALion and Groove Agent.

2x V Collection 9 (worth €489 each)

A world-class software suite with a total of 33 virtual instruments optimized for today's production workflow - from modern hybrid synthesizer engines to emulations of the most impressive instruments of all time.

KeyLab MKII 49 (worth €459)

KeyLab MkII is an expressive, versatile USB MIDI controller that works seamlessly with your DAW, virtual instruments, hardware, and modular gear. It features dynamic performance and studio controls, including a high quality keyboard with 49 velocity-sensitive keys and aftertouch, 16 RGB backlit pads, 9 faders, 9 rotary knobs, and dedicated DAW and transport controls. Arturia's “Analog Lab” software, with access to over 2,000 sounds, is also included with the keyboard controller and seamlessly integrated - giving you everything you need for a fast production workflow.

KH 80 DSP pair of monitors (worth €998)

The KH 80 DSP is a powerful, compact near-field monitor with superb impulse response and resolution. The monitors provide an exceptional low end and transient response from 57 Hz to 21 kHz. With its digital core, the KH 80 DSP enables filtering functions and room adjustment options, which brings reference level reproduction to any environment. Even with its compact design, it has extraordinary reserve capacity - as well as the classic strengths of the Neumann monitor philosophy: clearly defined dispersion angle, distortion-free design and sophisticated material selection.

LCT 441 FLEX (worth €388)

The LCT 441 FLEX is a compact multi-pattern studio microphone. It features high-spec technology and eight different polar patterns. You'll have full flexibility when it comes to recording different instruments or vocals. It also allows switching between high directivity or more room impression and provides freedom to experiment.

CONNECT 6 audio interface (worth €289)

CONNECT 6 is a Dual USB-C audio interface with game-changing flexibility for creators and musicians. It features extensive analog and digital connectivity, full iOS/Android device integration, and crystal-clear sounding studio-grade preamps. CONNECT 6 extends the usability of an audio interface beyond basic recording functionalities, so you have them when you need them.

LCT 140 AIR stereo pair (worth €274)

The LCT 140 AIR stereo pair consists of two perfectly matched small diaphragm condenser microphones with switchable sound characteristics for acoustic instruments. The 140 AIR has two sound characteristics, AIR and FLAT.
AIR delivers an open, sparkling character which is the right choice if you need great sound without spending time on post-production.
FLAT provides a linear frequency response for “as-it-is” reproduction of drums, strings, acoustic guitars, and choirs. It is perfect if you aim for realistic sonic images.

A4V pair of monitors (worth €850)

The A4V is a professional two-way nearfield monitor optimised for use in smaller studio spaces. It features ADAM Audio's renowned X-ART tweeter and incorporates a 4-inch long-throw woofer. With a frequency range of 52 Hz to 45 kHz, the A4V can accommodate a broad spectrum of audio applications—from producing podcasts to mixing string quartets.

SPL Phonitor One d headphone amplifier (worth €759)

The SPL Phonitor One d is an extremely powerful and low noise headphone amplifier for studio and hi-fi applications with a 32-bit DA-converter and outstanding sound quality. With the innovative crossfeed function (Phonitor Matrix), you can create mixes with headphones that sound the same on speakers.

Superior Drummer 3 (worth €399)

The idea with Superior Drummer 3 is to let you step into a virtual studio with the best possible raw material and mix options at your disposal to create drum sounds in an environment where only your imagination sets the limits. Combining the creative power of the sounds, the ambiences and the extensive set of features, Superior Drummer 3 is more than just a drum sampler – it’s a bottomless well of creativity. It bridges the gap between acoustic and electronic and lets you venture off into completely new sonic landscapes. This is the definitive tool for percussive sound design.

SDX Legacy of Rock (worth €179)

The Legacy of Rock SDX gives you a massive amount of raw sounds, ready for you to mold and shape into your own mixes within the powerful framework of Superior Drummer 3. Meticulously captured drums, recorded by one of the most iconic recording engineers/mixers/producers in rock history: Eddie Kramer. Pristine, world-class and executed with utmost craftsmanship.

SDX Hitmaker (worth €179)

The Hitmaker SDX features six drum kits and a comprehensive collection of percussion instruments, straight from the man who defined the sound of the 80s: Hugh Padgham (Phil Collins, Genesis, Paul McCartney, Kate Bush). In this SDX, Hugh Padgham set out to create an all-encompassing source of acoustic and electronic drums designed to reflect some of the most known drummers and album mileposts in his body of work.

FL Studio All Plugins Edition (worth €479)

With the All Plugins Edition you get the full feature set of FL Studio plus all native plugins. Among the 107 instruments and effects, you'll find high-quality software synthesizers, dynamics processors, and tools for sample, time, and volume manipulation - everything you need for professional music production.

FL Studio Producer Edition (worth €179)

FL Studio (Fruity Loops) is a digital audio workstation (DAW) that helps you achieve fast and easy results thanks to its user-friendly interface and pattern-based workflows. Perfect for anyone who wants to build beats, produce electronic music or record songs.

Modwave wavetable synthesizer (worth €629)

Modwave is an edgy, expansive, and easy to use digital wavetable synthesizer. It builds upon the legacy of KORG's legendary DW-8000 from 1985 and offers incredibly deep wavetable oscillators, gorgeous filters, first-ever KAOSS Physics-based modulation, unmatched polyphony, comprehensive pattern sequencing, and immediately satisfying hands-on control to deliver unique, powerful, and easily customizable sounds and phrases.

Ableton Live 11 Suite (worth €599)

Ableton Live is a highly versatile DAW that impresses with extensive features. Thanks to its intuitive design, both advanced users and beginners will quickly find their way around the interface and can immediately start producing, composing, mixing, performing and editing. Key features include unlimited audio and MIDI tracks as well as scenes, comping, complex warp modes, audio slicing, 5,000+ sounds (70+ GB), 17 software instruments, 60 audio effects, 16 MIDI effects and much more. Ableton Live 11 is an extremely versatile DAW for ambitious musicians and producers with high demands!

Clarett+ 4Pre (worth €545)

The Clarett+ is a high-quality and true-sounding USB audio interface for PC and Mac with a total of 18 inputs and 8 outputs. With its four low-noise and low-distortion microphone preamps, you will record vocals, drums and acoustic instruments with outstanding clarity.

Soundtoys 5 bundle (worth €499)

With Soundtoys 5 you get the entire range of audio effects for creative music production and mixing in one powerful collection. The bundle includes all 22 Soundtoys plugins, such as Decapitator, EchoBoy, Little AlterBoy, FilterFreak and many more. An effective and great-sounding bundle that finds a place in every production.

SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones incl. measurement microphone (worth €259)

SoundID Reference delivers consistently accurate studio reference sound across all speakers and headphones so you can mix with confidence and make music that sounds great everywhere. The bundle also includes a measurement microphone that lets you analyze and measure your room for even better results.

SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones (worth €235)

SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones delivers consistently accurate studio reference sound across all speakers and headphones so you can mix with confidence and make music that sounds great everywhere.

SM7B studio microphone (worth €389)

The SHURE SM7B is a versatile dynamic studio microphone known for its natural, smooth and warm vocal reproduction that immediately catches the listener's attention. The wide-range and linear frequency response (50 - 20,000 Hz) of the SM7B makes it also perfect for recording instruments of any kind.

SM57 LC instrument microphone (worth €105)

The SM57 is the most popular choice for a professional musician who wants to mic up their amplified or acoustic instrument such as a guitar amp or bass amp, saxophone, trumpet or drums. It is used on stages and in studios around the world.

M 90 PRO X microphone (worth €239)

The M 90 PRO X is a true condenser microphone and perfect for recording vocals, speech and instruments. In addition to its warm, detailed sound, the M 90 PRO X offers an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, optimal attenuation of popping sounds and excellent workmanship.

DT 770 PRO 80 ohm studio headphones (worth €139)

The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO are closed-back reference headphones and have established themselves as a firm favourite amongst music producers, sound engineers and broadcasters and are used in studios all over the world. They reproduce the entire frequency range with incredible precision, and even reproduce low frequencies in punchy detail.

Circuit Rhythm (worth €339)

Circuit Rhythm is a versatile sampler for making and performing beats. Record samples directly to the hardware, then slice, sculpt and resample your sounds effortlessly. Capture your groove quantised or off-grid into the sequencer, and layer up across eight sample tracks. Invigorate your live set with performance FX: embrace imperfection with lo-fi tape, stutter your mix with beat repeat, and more. Integrate Circuit Rhythm into your studio, or unplug and create anywhere utilising the built-in rechargeable battery.

REAL BLUE NC Bluetooth headphones (worth €199)

The REAL BLUE NC are high-end, closed-back Bluetooth headphones with Active Noise Cancelling. It stands out for its high impulse fidelity, smooth frequency response and deep, dry, precise bass. A pair of headphones that always deliver – no matter it's for music, for film sound, for games or for the home office.

ROCKSTER GO Bluetooth speaker (worth €129)

A compact and portable Bluetooth stereo speaker for any occasion. Two full-range drivers, an integrated Class-D amplifier and a passive diaphragm for deep bass give you real, rich sound in high quality. With the ROCKSTER GO, you can enjoy unforgettable moments with your favourite music.

Avid Pro Tools Studio annual licence (worth €319)

Pro Tools is the industry standard in audio production software for songwriters, musicians, producers and sound engineers. Use the advanced features and workflows that music professionals need to take projects further, including the ability to work with up to 512 audio tracks, plus surround and immersive audio mixing capabilities. With the Studio Edition, you also get the Complete Plugin Bundle with compressors, EQs, limiters, effects, etc., plus 12 months of free software updates and support.

Profile USB-C microphone (worth €129)

Featuring a cardioid condenser capsule, this USB-C powered microphone puts audio quality and design above all else. Created for podcasting and streaming, the Profile delivers a natural, warm sound that accentuates the body and presence of the human voice.

5x cable mix for studio & stage (worth €130 each)

Sommer Cable develops, produces and distributes first-class audio and hi-fi cables that are essential for every studio and stage. The cables are known for their durability and high quality craftsmanship. With the Sommer Cable cable mix you get two audio cables (XLR male to jack stereo 6.3 mm), one microphone cable (XLR male to XLR female) and one instrument cable (jack mono 6.3 mm to jack mono 6.3 mm) each.

20x HOFA-College Song Analysis

The song analysis is an important part of the HOFA-College online courses. In all HOFA courses, the participants regularly receive different music projects to mix. The submitted mixes are then checked by our HOFA tutors and each participant receives individual and detailed feedback. This gives the student a routine in mixing over time and allows her or him to constantly improve. Among the participants of the contest, we raffle 20 analyses. With this we give you an insight into learning at HOFA-College and a professional feedback as well.

333x €20 HOFA Voucher

We are giving away an additional 333 vouchers each worth €20. You can redeem them at:
HOFA-College – Online school for audio engineering & music production
HOFA-Akustik – Optimized room acoustic treatment
HOFA-Plugins – Audio plugins & software