MusicRadar - Reviews Archive

Ibanez WD7 Weeping Demon Wah

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:50:59 +0000

A well constructed pedal with fantastic features that's suitable for a broad range of styles

Admiral Quality Poly-Ana

Computer Music — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:02:00 +0000

If weedy synths are leaving your tracks cold, Admiral Quality's pumped-up analogue tones might be just the thing to warm them up…

Zildjian A Series Fast Crash 14"

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:10:59 +0000

The A is still the biggest selling all-rounder and can enhance any type of music from punk to symphonic

Orange Rocker 30 Head

Chris Vinnicombe — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:39:00 +0000

The sound of the summer has a citrus flavour with a kick, as we bite into a new Orange that rocks.

Gretsch Catalina Club Rock Kit (White Swirl Finish)

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:35:19 +0000

Ignore the mid-price tag, this massive kit serves up a sound and feel that befits its impressive physical status

Premier 6000 Series Hardware

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:45:14 +0000

Slotting in at the top end of Premier's hardware offerings, the 6000 series should be considered by anyone who needs an affordable update

Maverick F-4

Simon Bradley — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:23:00 +0000

A high quality electric at a wallet-friendly price.

Trussart Steelcaster

Dave Burrluck — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:09:00 +0000

Trussart guitars are now available again in the UK. Here we check out the metal-bodied Steelcaster.

Tyler Guitars Hollowbody Studio Elite Retro

Simon Bradley — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:09:00 +0000

Does James Tyler's new hollow-body design actually improve performance? We put a new model through its paces.

Tyler Guitars Hollowbody Classic

Simon Bradley — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:08:00 +0000

Does James Tyler's new hollow-body design actually improve performance? We put a new model through its paces.

Music Man Stingray HH Bass

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:20:09 +0000

The classic bass design with a hugely expanded palette of sounds. Incredible.

JazzMutant Dexter

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:21:27 +0000

It needs to support more applications, but Dexter has the potential to make you look at your software in a completely new way.

Gitane DG-300 Modele John Jorgenson

Matthew Wig — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:55:00 +0000

Return of Django: an affordable yet classy gypsy jazz acoustic from Chinese-built, US-marketed brand Gitane.

Boss RE-20 Space Echo

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:30:11 +0000

We'd say that Boss has nailed the character of the original RE-201 both on the echo and spring reverb fronts.

Dave Smith Prophet 08

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:17:01 +0000

The Prophet '08 is going to be the answer to many a keyboardist's dreams.

Novation Remote 49SL Compact

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:58:29 +0000

The Compact offers a combination of features and value for money that's currently hard to beat.

Orange Tiny Terror Head

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:01:49 +0000

Orange’s first Chinese-made valve amp is a little stunner. Be prepared to want one.

Mesa/Boogie Stiletto Deuce head

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:47:44 +0000

It'll lighten your wallet considerably, but when EL34 power and real tone are all that matters the Stiletto is hard to beat.

Stonebridge B40CM

Guitarist — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:19:00 +0000

A new name in acoustic bass, but has it made an impressive debut?

Ovation Celebrity CC074

Guitarist — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:18:00 +0000

With the electro-acoustic bass no longer the lesser-spotted beast it once was, we take a look at what the market has to offer.

Vintage VCB 430

Guitarist — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:16:00 +0000

With the electro-acoustic bass no longer the lesser-spotted beast it once was, we take a look at what the market has to offer.

Garrison Guitars AG/AB Four-String

Guitarist — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:16:00 +0000

With the electro-acoustic bass no longer the lesser-spotted beast it once was, we take a look at what the market has to offer.

Tanglewood TW15 Baby Bass CE

Guitarist — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:15:00 +0000

With the electro-acoustic bass no longer the lesser-spotted beast it once was, we take a look at what the market has to offer.

Apple Garageband '08

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:13:47 +0000

GarageBand '08 doesn't revolutionise the brand, but it certainly adds a lot more interesting stuff than the last update. Great for beginners and for using as a musical scratchpad.

Propellerhead Software Reason 4

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:48:39 +0000

Reason is still one of the most fun and inspirational pieces of music software on the market.

Steinberg Groove Agent 3

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:48:10 +0000

The third version of the virtual drummer arrives with two new agents in tow

Apple Logic Studio

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:46:54 +0000

With its new apps, sounds and low price, Logic Studio is going to be a tough product to beat.

Cakewalk Sonar 7 Producer Edition

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:14:38 +0000

Sonar remains - at least in its Producer Edition guise - perhaps the single most comprehensive Windows production suite money can buy.

Orange Thunderverb 200 Head

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:17:10 +0000

As if 200-watts of valve power with built-in attenuation and great sound wasn't enough, it also doubles as a world class bass amp.

Tama Warlord Collection Masai Bubinga Snare

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:25:25 +0000

These Warlord Snares may not match the rest of your kit but the immaculate finish and build quality make them a real pleasure to own and play

Mapex Saturn LA Kit

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:53:16 +0000

The loud and proud Saturn LA kit is the perfect balance of shell materials and dimensions but it's certainly not for those seeking quietness

Gibson 59 Les Paul Standard VOS

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:55:07 +0000

Les Paul reissues become ever more accurate with the new Vintage Original Spec (VOS) range. Here's the Holy Grail...

Roland HD-1 Electronic Drum Kit

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:32:03 +0000

Smaller is often better in hi-tech circles, and the super-compact, good-sounding Roland HD-1 is no exception

Burns Guitars Marquee Bass

Guitarist — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 16:26:00 +0000

Steeped in history, Burns continues its quest to reshape the past. We look at the company's latest bass, and shed light on its Shadowy heritage.

Meinl Bass Pedal Cajon

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 15:30:00 +0000

This Meinl model of the popular box drum comes super-sized and if you can master the operating pedal, the rewards are more than worth it

Boss RC-20XL Phrase Recorder

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:51:50 +0000

A powerful and impressive looper, but a little counter-intuitive and a touch pricey. Worth sticking with, though...

Zaolla GR-20

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:47:36 +0000

Splash out a little extra for the Zaolla and you'll notice the tonal difference immediately.

Yamaha MG8/2FX

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:41:31 +0000

You certainly get what you pay for with Yamaha's mixer that's been designed with the live musician in mind.

Paiste Signature Series Splashes

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:23:48 +0000

Paiste have modernised the classic signature series and managed to stay true to the hallmark bright, crisp sound

Fender Rory Gallagher Stratocaster

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 11:30:31 +0000

A Custom Shop model paying tribute to one of the finest guitarists of his, or any, generation.

Patrick James Eggle Linville

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 10:46:43 +0000

Patrick Eggle, designer of the ‘British PRS’, makes an impressive return as Patrick James Eggle, maker of fine high-end acoustics

Mesa/Boogie Lonestar Special 1 x 12 combo

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:08:38 +0000

Add a quartet of nine-pin power punks to Mesa’s Lonestar and what do you get? We reckon the Lonestar Special is one of the best Boogies ever…

DigiTech Jimi Hendrix Experience

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 14:37:27 +0000

Stunning emulation of Jimi's sounds. Worth taking for a spin whether you're a Hendrix fan or not.

Zildjian Armand Hi-Hats 13"

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 14:17:45 +0000

Zildjian's Armand series take the lead from the Beautiful Baby blueprint with a traditional finish and classic tone

Yamaha Oak Custom Drum Kit

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 11:51:43 +0000

Yamaha hope to make oak shells a viable third option against maple or birch with this solid, well-specified, pro-standard kit

Sabian Legacy HHX Ride 20"

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 11:21:57 +0000

Legacy is the next step on from Evolution, and apart from the lacklustre hi-hats, the results are mostly superb

Danelectro 56 Pro

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 11:21:55 +0000

While there are no smooth jazz or warm blues tones here, there is a whole world of jangle, sparkle and twang that equips the guitar for everything from sixties pop to delay-laden alternative rock, making the ’56 Pro more than capable of holding its own in a live situation in the right musical niche.

Yamaha RGX420DZ

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 10:55:15 +0000

If you're in the market for a vibrato-equipped modern rock guitar, look no further

Marshall 1959HW Super Lead Reissue Head

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 10:31:50 +0000

The original ‘Plexi’ sound that is better and louder than ever.

Drum Workshop Acoustic EQ Snare

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 10:13:48 +0000

Take a maple shell, fit it with metal sliding panels and voila, a world of sounds is at your fingertips as long as you can afford it

Line 6 Workbench

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 10:06:53 +0000

Workbench takes an already wonderful concept into another dimension allowing you to create things that just aren’t possible even from the best custom shop in the world. A revelation.

Parker P-42

MusicRadar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:23:23 +0000

From Parker's more affordable P-series line; a streamlined version of the classic Fly for those of you with rock intentions

Vox AC30CC2X Custom Classic 2x12 combo

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:13:47 +0000

This quintessially British amp may now be made in China, but it's better than ever

Takamine TF250SMC

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:55:28 +0000

A cutaway jumbo electro with real valve power

Mapex Black Panther Stainless Steel Snare

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:49:21 +0000

Two steel Black Panther drums offering tremendous value for money and a required investigation for anyone seeking a metal-shelled snare

Parker P-36

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:37:04 +0000

Masters of the modernist electric guitar go all 1952 on us...

Tama Iron Cobra Pedals

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:13:28 +0000

This outrageously-styled yet affordable Chrome Cobra pedal divides opinion but plays superbly

Music Man SUB Sterling Bass

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:13:01 +0000

This is a delightful instrument whichever way you look at it; it's a pure joy to play, is fantastic value and just bursts with quality.

Line 6 Variax 300

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:51:58 +0000

Emulate the tones of other guitars using Variax technology

Morley Mark Tremonti Wah

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:44:46 +0000

A durable new wah with a penchant for rock

Korg TP-2

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:19:07 +0000

A well-featured external preamp to help you get more out of your recordings.

Rio Grande Lute Hole/Rio Grande Soundhole pickup

Guitarist — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:05:00 +0000

The Rio Grande looks amazing, sounds even better, requires no batteries and is a doddle to install.

Francisco Bros B40 Classical Guitar

Guitarist — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:56:00 +0000

A ridiculously affordable solid-topped Spanish-classical.

Fender G-Dec

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:41:19 +0000

A great way to improve your guitar skills - and not just for beginners.

Gretsch New Classic Kit

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:28:24 +0000

After more than 50 years Gretsch unveils a new-look Classic, and it was worth the wait

Engl Amps SE 100 Watt Head

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:17:27 +0000

Right now, this is arguably the world’s most advanced valve amp – Engl’s Horst Langer has raised the bar for everyone.

Double Trouble Switching Expander

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:46:36 +0000

A surprisingly fat and bigger output – a neat secret weapon for your Strat.

Line 6 Spider Valve 212 Combo

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:39:21 +0000

Digital modelling supremos Line 6 team up with Bogner

Ampeg B500DR bass head

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:07:39 +0000

Enabling two basses to be instantly ready to rock, it's a bass player’s dream

Budda Superdrive 80 Series II head

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:54:24 +0000

With the master wound up, the Budda’s dynamic punch and clean headroom easily matches the established top guns in this genre.

Yamaha Magicstomp Acoustic

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:47:22 +0000

Effects processor for an acoustic sound on your amp, mixer or computer.

Flame MIDI Talking Synth

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:15:42 +0000

This highly original product is great for experiments in sound.

Atomic Reactor 112

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:55:37 +0000

Crank the Reactor up and the roar of a valve power stage can turn even the most modest modeller into a monster sounding amp.

Roland VP-550

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:39:16 +0000

Easy to use and great for live work, every rock act should have one.

Ludwig Accent CS Custom Elite

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:55:44 +0000

Budget kits take another step forward with this glittering new addition to Ludwig's Accent range

Native Instruments Traktor Scratch

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:17:17 +0000

An enticing package for the modern DJ.

Yamaha Steve Gadd 30th Anniversary Kit

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:52:54 +0000

Yamaha honours its greatest endorser with this princely black kit

Native Instruments Battery 3

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:35:35 +0000

If you use beats in your music-making (like most of the Western world), Battery 3 is a fantastic instrument - and a bargain to boot.

Korg R3

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:22:20 +0000

The R3 is much more than a flexible synth, with the added bonus of the superb integrated vocoder. The street price levels out in line with the Radias, making the R3 a tempting proposition as a first synth or as a healthy fix for your next attack of Gear Acquisition Syndrome.

Apogee Ensemble

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:38:48 +0000

With some functionality issues ironed out recently, things are looking pretty good for this ground-breaking product.

Orange Thunderverb 50 head

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:15:53 +0000

Orange releases a new amp that’s practically guaranteed to fly out of the stores. You’ll want one

Roland MV-8800 Production Studio

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:09:33 +0000

The MV-8800 is a professional box that’s also great fun and intuitive to use. As such, it fulfils two of the biggest requirements of any studio: it’s inspiring and it can deliver.

Tascam CD-GT2

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:50:07 +0000

After the introduction of the mp3-based version of its phrase trainer for guitarists, the third generation of the CD model is the best yet

Paiste Twenty Series 20"

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 13:10:45 +0000

Paiste enters the B20 field against the Turkish American manufacturers with this versatile series

Line 6 Pocket POD

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:11:08 +0000

Line 6’s iconic POD has gone all Nano on us

PRS Mira

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:53:39 +0000

The most affordable USA PRS brings something new to the table

Carl Martin AC-Tone

Adrian Clark — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:49:00 +0000

The Danish company Carl Martin specialises in getting the best from classic guitar tones.

Yamaha Motif XS

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:19:05 +0000

The XS is an expensive machine, but it has a top-class selection of presets, is sonically very capable and comes brimming with features.

Roland V-Synth GT

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:56:31 +0000

This V-Synth is extremely good value when you consider that you get twice as much firepower as the original. Furthermore, it's very intuitive to program and perform with.

Lennardigital Sylenth1

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:40:31 +0000

Sylenth1 is an instrument you'll return to again and again. What it lacks in tweakability it makes up for with its sheer sonic firepower.

Roland Handsonic 10

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:31:30 +0000

Roland's Handsonic units have a legion of devoted fans, and rightly so as the HPD-10 proves to be yet another winner

Sabian Xs20 Splash 10"

The MusicRadar team — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:15:13 +0000

Both the Medium and Rock versions of the Xs20s have musical timbres, but they lack body and spread

Arturia Jupiter-8V

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:44:09 +0000

The CPU consumption needs improvement but Arturia have outdone themselves with this big-sounding emulation.

Fender VG Stratocaster

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:37:56 +0000

A glimpse of the future as the first digital Stratocaster rolls off the production line

Zplane.Development Vielklang

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:21:10 +0000

Not perfect, but this harmony-creating software is a bargain.

Pearl Export EXR Kit (22 Fusion Shellpack)

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:23:20 +0000

With new shells and snappy finishes, Pearl's EXR variant of the all-conquering Export kit is hard to miss

IK Multimedia AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix Edition

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:17:55 +0000

This could be the perfect combo of guitar and computer - via the sounds of the world's greatest ever guitarist.

Ludwig Stainless Steel Kit

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:26:05 +0000

More user-friendly than its shell material and sizes might suggest, this super shiny kit will have Bonham fans drooling

Korg M3

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:19:55 +0000

This keyboard-player's dream is sure to capture the hearts of session players, both in the studio and on the stage.

Zoom HD16CD

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:03:20 +0000

With so many tracks, a capacious hard drive, versatile mastering options and its dedicated rhythm-part generator, the HD16CD is a robust, good-value multitracker that performs well both stand-alone and in the project studio.

Creamware Prodyssey ASB

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 10:33:20 +0000

This is a programmer's dream, with an intuitive, bold surface that simply begs you to get a-twiddling.

Genoqs Octopus

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:44:53 +0000

As the Aston Martin of hardware sequencers, the Genoqs Octopus is very nice if you can afford it.

WaveMachine Labs Drumagog 4 Pro

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:30:23 +0000

Drumagog is a bit of a studio standard on the quiet, judging by the testimonials on the website; and given that it’s the only thing out there that does what it does, that’s hardly surprising. It’s not going to be of any real use to those who only ever work with self-contained loops or drum machines, but for anyone recording real live drums with any sort of regularity, it’s a potential life-saver, enabling you to utterly transform your recordings and giving detailed control over the replacement sounds and the way they’re triggered.

Waves IR-1 v2

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:56:23 +0000

When it comes down its sound, though, the IR-1 v2 is a very good option. Having this in your arsenal at mixdown could definitely help blow your listeners away. However, its current failings and idiosyncracies let it down in terms of day-to-day use.

Thermionic Culture Phoenix

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:44:44 +0000

In this 'mastering' format the Phoenix is a brilliant piece of gear. Yes, it's expensive, but for good reason.

M-Audio NRV-10

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:30:12 +0000

Solo musicians running computer-based backing tracks from a DAW, and digital DJs driving such software as Live 6, will find the NRV10 handy for onstage use. Modest project, studio-bound songwriters will love its audio-routing flexibility.

Universal Audio Precision Limiter

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:09:11 +0000

The Precision Limiter is an excellent tool. It’s not necessarily the ultimate weapon in the ongoing loudness wars, but for $199 you get an absolutely excellent plug-in for the end of your mastering chain. You’re guaranteed stellar results, and at a price that simply blows the competition away.

Digidesign Digi 003

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:59:37 +0000

A heavyweight contender for anyone looking to take control of a powerful, fully fledged Pro Tools LE system.

Universal Audio Precision Equalizer

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:36:23 +0000

Compared to PSP Audioware’s decent-sounding MasterQ and the high-end EQ offerings from Logic Pro 7, SX3 and Waves, Universal Audio’s flagship EQ outclasses them all. It virtually guarantees a professional finish to your mix. It also runs very efficiently: using two Precision EQs, plus a Precision Limiter, the Plate 140 and several LA-2As and Fairchild 670s. A UAD-1 meter only registered a little more than 50 per cent. With this level of audio fidelity and control for such little financial and CPU outlay, deciding to buy it is a no-brainer.

Vox Brian May AC30

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:15:27 +0000

The most authentic Brian May tone yet, but be warned, it's very loud indeed

Carl Martin Hot Drive'n Boost Mk 3

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:06:04 +0000

One of the best overdrive pedals around with an authentic valve-like tone.

Yamaha MM6

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:02:22 +0000

For home practice, project-studio songwriting and an amount of live performance, the MM6 delivers well and for not a lot of dosh.

Tanglewood TSE-605

MusicRadar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:01:36 +0000

A good value guitar with a good sound, although trying to avoid being a straight SG copy has caused minor problems in the looks department

Universal Audio Plate 140

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:34:09 +0000

Plate reverb doesn’t suit everything, all the time, but it’s definitely an indispensable effect for any musician’s toolbox. That’s why every reverb unit, whether software or hardware, includes a plate simulation -- and the Plate 140 is one of the best you'll hear.

Danelectro Longhorn Guitar

Chris Vinnicombe — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:28:00 +0000

After last year's successful re-launch of the '56 Pro, Danelectro's next move is to re-introduce this horny beast…

Korg Zero8

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:25:09 +0000

If you’re looking for a device to make your live setups more creative, or a studio tool to remove the mouse-driven ethos from music making, get to your local retailer to try the Zero8.

Roland V-Synth XT

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:08:29 +0000

It’s only 24-voice, which is a limitation if you want to run several parts, but then the XT is really all about performance. With so many real-time controls, such as the in-screen Time Trip pad, it’s just asking to be played.

Presonus DigiMax FS

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:07:49 +0000

The FS performs a valuable function at a reasonable cost and makes notions of full band recording or project studio expansion all the more realistic and affordable.

Dave Smith Mono Evolver Keyboard

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:04:21 +0000

This synth sounds unique and will certainly give your production work an edge and depth you’ll struggle to achieve with an allsoft suite of synths.

Drawmer 1968 Mercenary Edition

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:37:12 +0000

It’s certain to find appeal in major studios but -- as good as it is -- it's hard to see a wider base for a back-end processor, considering so many people are working entirely in Pro Tools for the convenience of recall. That said, for the well-oiled, it would marry up well to a pair of high-end mic amps and make a sublime recording path.

AudioEase Altiverb 5

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:58:54 +0000

A fine update to a great plug-in. Its flexibility and user-friendliness leave version 4 in the shade.

Sibelius Software Sibelius 5

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:32:06 +0000

Some of the best parts of Sibelius 5 were already present in its predecessor, such as the abolishment of part extraction, the ease of copying and editing passages, and the flexibility in formatting. The innovations present in this upgrade are certainly significant and valuable additions, but they will not in themselves enable you to create scores which are greatly improved in appearance from those that you could create in Sibelius 4, which is arguably what the application is designed for. The high score awarded to it reflects the continuing excellence of Sibelius rather than the value purely of the upgrade.

Audio Damage Replicant

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:17:20 +0000

It may cost less than £30, but Replicant is definitely the most creative plug-in on the market in any price band for a long time.

Magix VariVerb Pro

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:07:44 +0000

This highly flexible reverb plug-in offers clear, expressive and natural sound.

Alien Connections ReValver Mk. II

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:00:50 +0000

Alien Connections’ software falls down in the sound quality department but at least represents good value for money.

Arturia ARP 2600V

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:00:36 +0000

Purists may deny the authenticity of its sound, but the ARP 2600V is a great choice if you want to add analogue tones to your productions.

XT Software energyXT2

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:51:32 +0000

Windows users should certainly try energyXT2 out as an alternative, and if you’re a Linux user then rejoice, for this is the best music software for your OS to date.

Wave Arts Master Restoration Suite

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:36:40 +0000

Overall, this bundle is incredibly good fun to use - although Wave Arts haven't opted for built-in enhancer features, we still remain highly impressed.

Tascam Giga Virtual Instrument

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:36:02 +0000

GVI’s biggest problem is this: it suffers in comparison to its big brother and other plug-in samplers. For deep sample-mangling options and lots of onboard effects, you’d be better off with Kontakt 2, and if you want to record files and create your own Giga instruments, you’ll need a full-on version of GigaStudio. Despite its limitations, though, GVI is far from a disaster. In fact, if all you require is access to the vast library of third-party Giga instruments from within your DAW, it’d fit the bill nicely.

Ohm Force Ohmicide:Melohman

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:34:30 +0000

Ohm Force have done it again with an excellent four-band distortion plug-in.

Mackie Tracktion 3

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:24:53 +0000

Beautifully elegant, hugely intuitive and its new features make it even more powerful.

Universal Audio Neve 88RS

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:18:59 +0000

Overall, the Neve 88RS is another top plug-in for the UAD platform.

Terratec Axon AX 50 USB

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:11:12 +0000

We had a great time playing with the AX 50 USB. The tracking is superb, and the huge array of options make for some mind-boggling possibilities.

Image-Line Deckadance

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:04:09 +0000

Miinor niggles aside, Deckadance is a lot of fun and great value.

Vestax VCI-100

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:56:31 +0000

The VCI-100 is nothing short of disappointing. It’s certainly well-built, but it simply doesn’t work as well as we hoped it would.

Alesis iO|26

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:55:03 +0000

Simple to get to grips with and does enough for most users. At this price, the iO|26 is a great deal.

Soundtoys Native Effects v3

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:30:21 +0000

On the whole, this bundle is fantastic; we'd love to see the other SoundToys TDM plug-ins in native form, but this will certainly do for now.

Acustica Audio Nebula 3

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:27:48 +0000

Sounds superb and comes at a bargain price: Acustica Audio should be commended for their forward-thinking approach.

Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:20:22 +0000

A superb guitar combining a array of features with great playability, although the thin frets won't suit everyone.

Steinberg WaveLab 6 Studio

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:17:47 +0000

While some compromises have been made in order to keep some distance between it and the full version (see the Spectral delivery boxout for more), WaveLab Studio certainly justifies its existence. It’s perfect for those times when you really need to go ‘in-depth’ with your waves, and mastering outside your DAW is generally to be recommended. On the downside, Studio is a bit on the pricey side, although it does offer a hell of a lot. Only the highest of the high-end functions from WaveLab 6 have been cut out, but Studio costs less than half of that version’s £470 asking price. Unless you’re a total audio nut, you really won’t miss the things that have been removed.

Samplelord SampleLord

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:12:39 +0000

SampleLord is decidedly limited as it stands, and doesn't yet offer enough flexibility to be a truly useful tool.

Tascam FireOne

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:07:36 +0000

Excellent recording and playback quality, plus genuinely useful features that will improve your workflow.

Magix VE | Suite

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:04:55 +0000

VE|Suite is another decent set of plug-ins from Magix, though you could hardly consider it a must-have.

M-Audio Torq Conectiv

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:26:35 +0000

Torq Conectiv isn’t the DJing revolution that M-Audio’s marketing department would have you believe. This isn’t to say that it doesn’t have its uses, though -- Ableton Live owners who want multiple ins/outs may consider it, as might anybody else who works in digital DJing. But even here, the system falls down where FinalScratch succeeds, as it won’t let you address the headphone output as an extra stereo pair. What’s more, the software isn’t as good as NI’s Traktor, and the vinyl/CD control doesn’t match up to FinalScratch 2 or Serato Scratch. So, while Torq Conectiv is an interesting departure for M-Audio, it hasn’t yet fulfilled its potential.

Sonnox Plug-ins Native Oxford 6 Pack

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:04:30 +0000

Flexible, high quality plug-ins: they cost a little more, but they're worth it

Line 6 TonePort KB37

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:51:32 +0000

The KB37 is a great multitasker, coming in handy for guitar, bass, vocal and keyboard recordings. What’s more, its compact size and light weight make it ideal for carting around with a laptop. If the KB37 came with the plug-in version of GearBox, it would receive very high marks. As it stands, however, there’s no way of altering sounds once they’re recorded -- a major drawback. Redemption, however, comes in the form of incredible ease of use and very high quality sounds, and these features ensure that the KB37 emerges as another fine Line 6 product.

Akai MPD24

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:44:11 +0000

The MPD24 is a substantial and satisfyingly solid piece of gear. It's a characterful, beat-based alternative to a standard MIDI keyboard.

PSP Audioware VintageWarmer 2

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:37:24 +0000

How do you improve a near-perfect plug-in? You make it more sensitive, implement the latest coding techniques, add a couple of new features and ensure that it still sounds rocking.

IK Multimedia StealthPlug

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:34:59 +0000

The StealthPlug is small and portable. Very portable. It’s simply a 1/4¨ jack-to-USB lead with a small audio interface in the middle (16-bit/44.1kHz or 48kHz performance is possible), so it’ll easily fit into a guitar case. A single output can be sent to your monitors or computer speakers, so you can record on your laptop any time you have your guitar with you.

Magix AM | Suite

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:14:59 +0000

The more time you spend with this bundle, the more useful it becomes.

Celemony Melodyne Plug-in

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:57:59 +0000

Melodyne Plugin does exactly what you'd expect, and the great news is that it’s also very easy to use. Job done, in other words.

GForce Minimonsta (db)

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:35:29 +0000

It doesn’t take long to realise that the similarities are startling – and yes, the new version is always in tune

Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:14:40 +0000

This is a very impressive, very portable interface that’s been designed to meet the needs of the vast majority of mobile musicians. It’s not especially cheap, though the value for money score improves when you consider that, in addition to the copy of Traktor 3 LE that's included, full versions of Xpress Keyboards and Guitar Combos come in the box. Audio glitching problems aside, this is a first-rate choice for anyone who records on the go or performs live.

Eiosis ELS Vocoder

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:08:41 +0000

If you don't think of this plug-in as a conventional vocoder, but as a sound design tool, you'll love experimenting with it - there's nothing like it.

Yamaha GO46

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:58:57 +0000

Ultimately, something about the GO46 just feels right. You won’t find many better options at this price and you're sure to appreciate the connectivity and routing options.

Presonus FaderPort

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:45:48 +0000

FaderPort is a well-executed piece of hardware, but is a little expensive. It's worth it if you simply must have hardware control of your DAW, though.

FabFilter Timeless

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:45:16 +0000

Timeless fulfils the needs of desktop engineers who need a bit more control than they’re currently getting from their freeware or bundled echo boxes, while also delivering that pristine FabFilter sound quality. Do you need another delay? If you’ve decided that you do, you’d be nuts to pass this one by.

Magix Music Maker 12 deluxe

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:39:17 +0000

It’s hard to recommend Music Maker 12 Deluxe when you can buy Music Studio 12 Deluxe for the same price. There are plenty of other affordable applications around too.

Kenton Killamix Mini

Computer Music — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:26:01 +0000

A pricey number, but the Killamix is solidly built, an excellent performer and it's manufactured in the UK.

EXP Digital GFlux

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:15:28 +0000

If you’ve got considerable experience, you’ll find that, after having a bit of initial fun, GFlux ultimately starts to feel like an irrelevance. However, if you’re relatively new to computer music making and have some spare cash, GFlux certainly gives you an easy-to-understand introduction to the fine art of filtering and does its thing without fuss or confusing distractions. That being the case, it’s definitely worth a test drive.

Image-Line FL Studio 7 XXL

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:09:53 +0000

FL Studio is one of the few music applications you can just fire up and be productive with straight away, with an impressive level of flexibility and a whole lot of fun.

E-MU 0404 USB 2.0

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:05:45 +0000

The E-MU 0404 is a good audio interface. The combination of top-class audio performance and comprehensive audio connectivity means that it can cope well in a wide variety of situations.

Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:58:24 +0000

The Mini certainly gives plenty of choice, but there are too many similar tools on the market for it stand out.

Line 6 GearBox Plug-in Gold Bundle

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:40:20 +0000

The Gold Bundle is pricey but offers a crazy amount of amp and effects models

Antares Auto-Tune 5

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:03:13 +0000

Auto-Tune 5 not only looks better than its predecessor, it works better too.

CME/Wave Idea Bitstream 3X

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:54:31 +0000

A few issues need ironing out to justify the pricetag, there are far better control surfaces on the market than this.

M-Audio X-Session Pro

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:53:02 +0000

A MIDI controller that looks like a DJ mixer sounds like a great idea, but this one seems slightly out of step with the latest software

Magix Samplitude 9 Professional

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:39:58 +0000

Samplitude 9 has a steep learning curve, but it could be just the DAW you're looking for once you've learnt it.

TC Electronic Konnekt 24D

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:02:13 +0000

Konnekt 24D is one of the best solutions we’ve seen for the recording musician, whether in the studio or on the road.

Sugar Bytes Vogue

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:36:51 +0000

Not everyone will feel that they need the sort of processing it offers but Vogue does offer something extra.

Mackie Onyx Satellite

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:25:31 +0000

The Satellite looks like one of the very best audio interfaces we’ve seen. Highly recommended.

Steinberg Cubase 4

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:17:31 +0000

As expected, Cubase sets the bar far higher than anyone else with aplomb.

Audio Damage Reverence

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:42:29 +0000

Reverence is certainly a useful reverb plug-in, and at just $39 you can't go far wrong if you want to add a new weapon to your reverb armoury.

Basement Arts Little Frantic

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:29:57 +0000

Hardly essential, but at this price, Little Frantic is definitely worth considering.

Ableton Sampler

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:24:06 +0000

Simply put, the Ableton Sampler is one of the most straightforward and inspirational samplers there is.

Novation XioSynth 25

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:09:36 +0000

Apart from the questionable build quality, the XioSynth offers a great deal for the asking price.

Ableton Live 6

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:06:24 +0000

If you aren’t yet using Live, you really are all out of excuses, and if you own any previous version, upgrading is an undeniable necessity.

M-Audio Session

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:01:45 +0000

Session has some very good points, not least that amazing synth, but has too many limitations to make it a must-have.

Cockos Reaper

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:46:44 +0000

If you want to get tracks down quickly and access some high-end processing features, Reaper is a killer product.

Cakewalk Sonar 6 Producer Edition

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:25:22 +0000

Not only is Sonar 6 fantastic for newbies, it's got enough new bells and whistles to provoke existing users to upgrade as well.

Sonoma Wire Works RiffWorks Standard 2

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:13:58 +0000

Sonoma Wire Works have set a fine standard here - their software is genuinely different to everyone else’s and all the more appealing for it.

M-Audio MidAir 25

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:07:22 +0000

Not everyone needs a wireless keyboard, but if you do, the MidAir 25 is an attractive proposition

Korg K61

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:48:43 +0000

The Korg K61 is exactly what you'd expect considering the price. If you want more features, then you'll need to spend more money.

Solid State Logic Duende

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:36:35 +0000

If it's that genuine 'pop' sound you're looking for, Duende will help you no end. It's pricey, but ultimately rocks!

Kjaerhus Gag-1

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:25:46 +0000

Kjaerhus seem to have achieved their goal of creating an affordable gate that’s suitable for any application.

Propellerhead Software Reason Pianos

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:19:32 +0000

The Reason Pianos are extremely playable and sound superb; they're also very reasonably priced and deserve your consideration.

Synapse Audio Orion Platinum 7

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:12:20 +0000

Novation ZeRO SL

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:51:03 +0000

THE SL ZeRO has a certain appeal, but for those who want a more integrated setup you'll need to opt for one of the standard models.

Pioneer DJS

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:48:42 +0000

DJS isn’t all bad, but there are far better alternatives out there. Give Traktor 3 a try instead.

Novation LE25

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:37:43 +0000

The ReMOTE LE is undoubtedly a cut above most portable keyboards we’ve seen.

Lexicon Lambda

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:14:12 +0000

Despite the underpowered microphone amps, Lambda is good audio hardware in an attractive and convenient box. However, it’s spoiled by its own device drivers and the fact that (in some cases) you’re not able to use the reverb plug-in you’ve already paid for.

Focusrite Liquid Mix

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:43:05 +0000

Liquid Mix takes control of EQ and compression duties in your studio, and does so with considerable aplomb

Audio Damage Discord 2

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:22:37 +0000

It doesn’t seem to matter what type of material you put through Discord 2, the results are always interesting, inspirational and, very often, downright bizarre.

The Sound Guy SFX Machine Pro

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:43:49 +0000

Whether you use the supplied presets or roll your own patches, the results you get from SFX Machine Pro are excellent.

IK Multimedia Ampeg SVX

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:34:25 +0000

For those who want to create sophisticated bass sounds, Ampeg SVX is truly beyond fault. Simple, practical and useful, it will surely find favour among all who use it.

FXpansion BFD Jazz & Funk

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:11:18 +0000

Both Jazz & Funk and Deluxe are well worth any BFD fan’s time.

Arturia Analog Factory (N)

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:03:18 +0000

It's not a full-on synth, but the sheer quality of Analog Factory's sounds makes it worth considering.

Wave Arts Power Suite 5

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:03:05 +0000

If you want professional-quality native effects processing, Wave Arts’ Power Suite 5 bundle may be the answer.

Cakewalk Kinetic 2

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:51:48 +0000

Kinetic 2 certainly represents a substantial improvement over its predecessor and is a useful groovebox-style application.

Native Instruments Kore

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:48:08 +0000

NI has delivered the future of plug-in management, and it works

Kjaerhus MPL-1 Pro

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:35:34 +0000

You can't go wrong with this open-sounding limiter, which offers great value for money.

Focusrite Saffire LE

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:15:01 +0000

Fairly priced and well spec'd, the Saffire LE offers nothing revolutionary, but it's perfectly functional and, importantly, sounds superb

ESI USB Band JamMate UG-1

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:53:53 +0000

The JamMate comes boxed with everything a computer musician needs to get playing, and at an incredibly reasonable price.

E-MU Emulator X2

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:02:17 +0000

Emulator X2 is great fun and extremely easy to use, and remains ones of the best samplers on the market.

Yellow Tools Freedom

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:44:14 +0000

A genius concept but Freedom's effects and sound are poor. A real missed opportunity.

Tapco Link.USB 24-bit USB

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:43:40 +0000

If you've already got a sequencer, the Link.USB may be too simple, otherwise it's a great choice if you want a no-frills recording solution that looks and sounds great.

Sony Creative Software Acid Pro 6

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:20:56 +0000

It's not perfect but if Sony irons out the shortcomings this easy-to-use DAW will be near-unmatched.

PSP Audioware Neon/Neon HR

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:07:44 +0000

The least smooth and ‘hardware-like’ of any PSP plug-in but one of the most powerful and best-sounding.

M-Audio Axiom 25

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:44:59 +0000

The Oxygen stuffs a great deal of functionality into a tiny space but the Axiom is much bigger and even more feature-packed.

IK Multimedia AmpliTube 2

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:02:46 +0000

Authentic-sounding and keeps computer technology supremely easy for guitarists.

Bram Bos Tunafish

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 10:45:25 +0000

A few stuck notes aside, Tunafish offers great value for money.

Adobe Audition 2

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:57:32 +0000

It remains audio-centric and the price has increased, but Audition 2 still represents good value for money.

Øivin Fjeld Øivin Fjeld G Sharp

Mick Taylor — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:22:00 +0000

Kenny Baker's dream axe, or a 'proper' little guitar?

Linplug Octopus

Computer Music — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:07:00 +0000

Does this sonic denizen of the deep have what it takes to capture our imaginations, or is it just another drop in the software synth ocean?