MusicRadar - Reviews Archive

Staccato Thunder 4 Kit

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:18:54 +0000

Ultra loud with Ferrari looks, this reissue deserves to be goggled at but should definitely be tried before you buy

DDRUM Dios Bubinga Kit

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:36:11 +0000

Apart from a few hardware glitches, this is a concerted effort from ddrum - exotic wood, cool styling and a unique vibe

Audio Damage Dr.Device

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:52:07 +0000

Audio Damage has released a string of must-have plug-ins over the past couple of years. Here's another one.

Dream Bliss Cymbals

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:10:42 +0000

Bliss cymbals are manufactured in China but are not mass-produced, instead they are high-end, handcrafted items which deserve more than just a listen

Dixon Artisan Snare Drums

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:21:22 +0000

Dixon are best known for entry-level, budget gear but these snares challenge the big brands for style and substance

Akai MPK49

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:29:52 +0000

There are countless controller keyboards on the market, but Akai's is a cut above most of its rivals

GForce Virtual String Machine

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:51:50 +0000

String synths ruled back in the 70s. Now you can have the sounds of 17 of them in a single software instrument

Studio Devil Virtual Guitar Amp

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:56:52 +0000

This lean, mean amp emulating machine would be a worthy addition to any guitarist's virtual rack

Korg Kaossilator

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:20:42 +0000

Can Kaossilator do for sound generation what Kaoss Pad has done for effects processing?

Waldorf Blofeld

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:53:54 +0000

Packed with juicy features and coming at a ridiculously cheap price, the eagerly awaited Blofeld lives up to our high expectations

Worldmax Vintage Classic Black Snare

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:13:45 +0000

WorldMax may not be a household name but these budget metal shell snares look and sound excellent

Taylor SolidBody Standard

MusicRadar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:40:15 +0000

The middle guitar in Taylor's first ever electric guitar line combines hollow-body charm with solid-body grunt.

Meinl Generation X Series cymbals

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:57:19 +0000

Meinl's Gen X cymbals prove you can get cutting edge electronica sounds from acoustic instruments

Hiwatt Hi-Gain 50 Combo

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:42:43 +0000

An old-school Brit amp brand returns with few a modern twists

Electro-Harmonix Micro POG

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:07:06 +0000

The Polyphonic Octave Generator now comes in a smaller box...

Mackie Control Universal Pro

MusicRadar — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:29:53 +0000

An overhall for the famed Mackie Control - but it's more of a refinement that a redesign

Korg Pandora PX5D

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:36:42 +0000

With the latest incarnation of the Pandora, Korg takes the pocket-sized guitar rig to a whole new level. Hear it here...

Fender Champion 600

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:21:23 +0000

A true and toneful tribute to a classic Fender amp, complete with several modern-day improvements

Way Out Ware Kikaxxe

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:33:04 +0000

The market is awash with analogue synth emulations, but Kikaxxe is good enough to convince you that there's room for more.

Image-Line Maximus

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:13:35 +0000

This multiband maximiser and dynamics plug-in from the makers of FL Studio is a mighty fine mixing and mastering tool.

MusicLab RealStrat

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:19:45 +0000

RealGuitar enabled authentic acoustic guitar parts to be created by non-guitarists - now RealStrat is set to do the same for the electric axe.

Audio Realism ADM

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:57:23 +0000

Where some plug-ins emulate a single Roland beatbox, this one does an admirable job of recreating three.

Taylor SolidBody Classic

MusicRadar — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:31:43 +0000

The bottom guitar in Taylor's first electric series is far from entry level

Novation Nio 2l4

MusicRadar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:13:44 +0000

Whether you’re a laptop DJ, mobile producer or rock guitarist, the nio may be the interface you've been looking for

Taylor SolidBody Custom

MusicRadar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:39:39 +0000

The top of the line instrument in Taylor's much-anticipated SolidBody electric series

Gear4 Drum Kit

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:07:32 +0000

This super cheap entry-level kit punches above its weight in more ways than you'd imagine, it's just a shame about the godawful cymbals

DW Neil Peart R30 Drum Kit

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:37:44 +0000

This exact replica of Rush's 30th anniversary tour kit is outstanding, albeit extremely expensive

Native Instruments Kore 2

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:02:21 +0000

The original Kore was a good plug-in manager, but with 418 built-in sounds, its successor is a powerful instrument in its own right.

Gretsch Catalina Club Mod Kit

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:19:34 +0000

A hip edition to the budget Gretsch range and with quality Evans heads, it's perfect for the younger drummer

Roland VG-99 Virtual Guitar System

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:51:13 +0000

The third generation of Roland's Virtual Guitar system takes the practical use of modelling technology to new heights

Motu MachFive 2

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:56:20 +0000

MOTU has raised its game and produced a soft sampler to rival the very best.

Clavia Nord Wave

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:46:26 +0000

The Nord Lead series helped to make Clavia's reputation, and this is only set to be enhanced with the launch of the Wave.

Ableton Live 7

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:17:11 +0000

The latest version of Ableton's groundbreaking DAW hits the mark in many respects, but isn't the major leap forward we might have expected.

Vox Heritage Collection AC30HH head

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:13:39 +0000

Vox's latest hand-wired AC30 looks back and forward. Far East boutique? You'd better believe it...

Steinberg Sequel

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:22:16 +0000

Excellent entry level software that you can use to create a complete track within an hour.

Gibson HD.6X-Pro Digital Guitar

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:47:47 +0000

Gibson's HD.6X-Pro digital guitar has finally launched, aiming to blend tradition with cutting-edge technology

Roland SP-404

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:31:02 +0000

It doesn't reinvent the wheel, this DJ-friendly sampler is certainly a lot of fun.

Roland SH-201

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 10:39:24 +0000

Roland has succeeded in putting the fun back into synthesis with its successor to the classic SH-101.

Roland MC-808

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 10:28:42 +0000

If you’re a dance DJ and just want something to add to your sets you’ll have a lot of fun with the MC-808.

Numark Total Control

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:00:02 +0000

Numark certainly knows the DJing market, but its MIDI control surface doesn't quite live up to its reputation.

FabFilter Pro-C

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:16:45 +0000

This clever compressor satisfies the needs of experts and amateurs alike.

Gretsch G5135 Electromatic Corvette

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:24:35 +0000

An often-overlooked early-sixties solidbody gets an Electromatic makeover…

Line 6 Variax 600

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:13:17 +0000

Line 6’s Variax is still pushing the boundaries...

Line 6 Workbench

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:54:21 +0000

It offers hours of fun, tons of options and the opportunity to create a tone like no one else on the planet.

Line 6 Variax Acoustic 300 Nylon

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:48:38 +0000

You can obtain the gamut of classical, Spanish and flamenco sounds you have in your head in just minutes.

Gibson Les Paul Goddess

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:36:26 +0000

Just the thought of playing a Les Paul makes you rub your collarbone, and here Gibson reckon they've found the solution by using lighter mahogany and reducing the body dimensions.

Behringer V-Tone Guitar GDI21

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:32:58 +0000

A rough and ready simulator that sounds great.

Fender Highway One Texas Telecaster

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:24:12 +0000

A guitar as simple and spartan as the Telecaster is well suited to the Highway One concept; an all-American guitar with an emphasis on value and no-frills feel.

Fender Bassman 250/115 Bass Combo

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:04:57 +0000

Built for portability yet man enough to take the strains of gigging, this Bassman combo is squarely aimed at today’s working bass player.

Gibson J-185 KOA

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:44:56 +0000

With only 24 available in the UK, you'll have to start queuing now to get your hands on a Gibson J-185 Koa.

Fender Acoustasonic Ultralight Stereo Enclosure

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:30:40 +0000

This stylish speaker system forms one half of Fender's new Ultralight concept, combining a compact but powerful head with a lightweight enclosure to offer a great portable package.

Gibson Billie Joe Armstrong Les Paul Junior

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:07:25 +0000

Follow in the footsteps of a classic modern-day songwriter with Billie Joe Armstrong's take on the Les Paul Juinior.

Fender Acoustasonic Ultralight Head

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:49:12 +0000

This stylish amp head forms one half of Fender's new Ultralight concept, combining a compact but powerful head with a lightweight speaker enclosure to offer a great portable package.

Line 6 TonePort UX2

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:47:34 +0000

The overall impression is of a versatile system for recording any type of musical signal into your computer and getting the exact sound that you want.

Gibson BFG Les Paul

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:34:23 +0000

A lumpy, lo-fidelity Gibson with a distinct woodwork project vibe...

Korg TR Music Workstation

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:57:04 +0000

A brand new workstation that's placed slap-bang in the middle of Korg's Triton series.

DigiTech Vocalist Live 2

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:27:15 +0000

Expand your onstage sound with DigiTech Vocalist Live 2 - a voice processor that can trigger harmonies using your guitar's chord signals.

Korg Radias

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:13:15 +0000

Once you're assembled you've got to applaud Korg for their design efforts.

Electro-Harmonix Little Big Muff Pi

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:03:47 +0000

Dive into a world of aural pleasure with this smaller take on the classic Big Muff.

Line 6 Spider II HD75

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:02:09 +0000

If this head was equipped with just its clean and crunch channels, we'd still find it an attractive, versatile option at the price, let alone with two dirty extra channels and a useable set of effects.

Korg PX4A

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:49:01 +0000

Korg’s Pandora personal processors have been a great success in giving guitarists a pocket-sized plug in and play practice facility, and now Korg has added two more models to the line-up - the PX4A and the PX4D.

Line 6 Lowdown Studio 110

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:24:10 +0000

Having something this portable packed with so many quality sound abilities makes home rehearsal a joy

Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:22:27 +0000

Bring the noise with this metal-themed fuzzbox.

Korg Oasys 88 key

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:03:47 +0000

If you're a fan of Korg's trademark sound then Oasys is its pinnacle.

Korg MicroKontrol

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:01:08 +0000

The MicroKontrol’s usefulness will depend on whether you get on with, or even need, the mini keyboard.

Steinberg Sequel

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:54:53 +0000

Clocking in at a mighty 12GB when fully installed, this Jam Pack from Apple contains 3000 musical and rhythmic Apple Loops; 40 ethnic instruments covering such exotic delights as sitar, santoor, bagpipes and Native American flutes; and five drum kits featuring percussion from...

Korg MR-1

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:48:19 +0000

Korg's handheld recorder is pleasingly weighty, easy to use, and comes with a huge 20GB internal hard drive.

Sample Logic The Elements

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:46:28 +0000

Having tried some less-than-spectacular ROMplers in our time, we were afraid that The Elements would fail to light our fire too, but this 13.5GB collection of patches isn't too shabby at all. The best bits are the more atmospheric patches, including spooky soundscapes that are...

Line 6 GuitarPort RiffTracker

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:41:59 +0000

A simple, high-quality, one-stop guitar studio solution

BC Rich Special Edition Archtop Bich

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:36:20 +0000

The new unholy Trinity from BC Rich

Korg D888

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:36:17 +0000

A multitracker than can double as a mixing desk.

Electro-Harmonix EH-R1 Ribbon Mic

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:35:31 +0000

This traditional ribbon mic from pedal legends Electro-Harmonix will cover the basics without breaking the bank.

Korg D4

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:12:06 +0000

The Korg D4 is a four-track machine capable of recording two tracks simultaneously to a removable CompactFlash card.

Line 6 Floor POD Plus

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:05:45 +0000

The increased array of sounds and features brings the Floor POD Plus into direct competition with a wider range of full-size multi-effects units

Line 6 Floor POD

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:52:05 +0000

The Floor POD is like a stripped-down POD in pedalboard form, but with a few useful extra features and a competitive price.

Magix Audio Cleaning Lab 12 XXL

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:40:25 +0000

The latest version of Magix's audio restoration software for creating cleaned-up copies of your favourite records and tapes comes in two varieties: the basic Deluxe package, and this £20-dearer XXL edition, which includes a preamp so you can connect your record player to your...

UDG Producer Bag

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:29:46 +0000

This bag is aimed at the mobile musician, and UDG say that it's designed to hold a 17¨ PowerBook, M-Audio Oxygen8 keyboard, audio interface, mic, headphones, cables, and all your other bits and bobs. The first thing we noticed is that it's fairly weighty (but not...

Korg D3200

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:26:41 +0000

An 'affordable' 32-track digital recording studio from Korg, designed to deliver professional quality.

Korg AX5G

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:25:44 +0000

Following the small yet perfectly formed AX3G comes the latest addition to Korg's constantly evolving armoury of guitar effects products.

Aria AMG10

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:20:21 +0000

If classic models bearing the Gibson – or, indeed, Epiphone – logo fail to float your boat, or even if you’re a Les Paul owner looking for something different, Aria has always been a brand worth considering.

Electro-Harmonix Flanger Hoax

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:18:40 +0000

Offering more than a conventional stompbox, this combines phase shift and flanging features to create varied sonic textures.

Korg MR-1000

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:17:35 +0000

An excellent quality recorder with the option to go portable if you want to.

Aria AF35

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:56:12 +0000

A well-priced and stylish performer.

Line 6 Variax Acoustic 300 Steel

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:47:16 +0000

As the Variax 700 spawned the more basic and affordable Variax 300, so the Variax Acoustic 700 is joined by the stripped-down Variax Acoustic 300.

Korg AX3G

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:46:35 +0000

While still presented in stompbox style with footswitches, the AX3G is smaller than previous AX pedals and as much at home on a tabletop as the Ampworks is. What you get is a battery-powered pedal that can fulfil the home recording and practice functions of the Pandoras but is also adequately equipped for the practicalities of stage usage.

Dean Performer Dao Four-String

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:45:05 +0000

This update of the classic electro-acoustic bass not only sounds great but looks good, too.

Korg AX3000G

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:12:02 +0000

Along with a number of stompboxes and the tiny Pandora units, the ToneWorks range features multi-effects units to suit a variety of budgets, from the tiny AX10G to the AX1500G.

Ibanez MTM1 Mick Thomson signature

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:31:50 +0000

Slipknot's Mick Thomson, a long-time BC Rich endorsee, teams up with Ibanez to perfect his new signature guitar

Ibanez EW20ASENT

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:55:18 +0000

The EW20ASENT is one of three latest additions to Ibanez’s Exotic Wood Series, and is among the first to be included in the UK range.

Ibanez ARX100

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:38:40 +0000

With a striking shape, a clean sound and an affordable price, the ARX100 has been a worthwhile revinvention.

Ibanez ARC300

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:08:19 +0000

Ibanez's famous seventies Artist moniker has been applied to a pair of new electric guitar outlines that share the twin humbucker/set-neck spirit of the original design.

Ableton Complete Live 5

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:56:59 +0000

Music-making essentials reviewed in a bite-sized stylee.

Thompson Course Technology Ableton Live 4 Power!

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:47:26 +0000

We cast an eye over some of this month’s releases.

Ibanez AS103NT

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:43:49 +0000

If you fancy a semi-acoustic that’s not necessarily from the Gibson stable yet offers a solid guarantee of quality without the prospect of breaking the bank, Ibanez is a definite option to consider.

Ibanez Anez AF105 NT

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:37:28 +0000

Gretsch G6199 'Billy-Bo' Jupiter Thunderbird

Dave Burrluck — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:58:56 +0000

Billy Gibbons and Bo Diddley team up to create a top-notch dual signature model.

Gretsch G6131-TVP Power Jet Firebird

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:28:31 +0000

A modified version of Gretsch's late-fifties Power Jet with, as they put it, ‘extra snarl’.

Vanquish Legend Classic

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:23:14 +0000

We get many requests to review instruments from unknown makers. Sadly, a fair number of them don't come up to scratch. Adrian 'Ade' Hardman was just another hopeful earlier this year. He had a couple of guitars that showed great promise but seemed to us to be...

Gretsch G6128B-TV Thunder Jet Bass

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:16:11 +0000

The Thunder Jet Bass is one of the classic models Gretsch has reproduced with spectacular results.

Gretsch Electromatic Junior Jet

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:13:31 +0000

A great-looking guitar at a great-looking price.

Gretsch G5135 Electromatic Corvette

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:55:09 +0000

If this Pro Jet sounds anywhere near as good as it looks then we’re onto a real winner here. It’s a beautiful thing.

PC Publishing Ableton Live 5 Tips and Tricks

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:36:35 +0000

This book is a ‘must buy’ for getting to grips with Ableton live. It includes helpful quotes from artists that already are using live and invaluable information and pictures on some of the MIDI controllers, audio interfaces, and plug-ins you may want to incorporate...

Backbeat Books 50 Years of Gretsch Electrics

An essential read for all Gretsch fans — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:28:42 +0000
If you're a fan of all things Gretsch, then you’re gonna love Tony Bacon’s new book. Stuffed with pictures of some of the coolest guitars ever made, plus a load of useful reference material, this is an essential purchase.

Dean Razorback V 255

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:04:37 +0000
Sticking closely to Dimebag's original design, the awesome Razorback V gets a Strat-style makeover.

Ableton Live 5

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 09:42:33 +0000
Live 5 introduces the auto-warp algorithm, designed to perfectly warp anything you wish.