Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • Tiny Dancer
  • Browser DAWs
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Restring your guitar
  1. Tech
  2. Gear & Gadgets

New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (August 2018)

News
By MusicRadar
Published 1 August 2018

Synths, software, a mixer and more

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Despite the heatwave, our tech reviews team has remained burrowed away in its bunker over the past few weeks, appraising a multitude of hardware and software releases.

We've rounded-up all the tech reviews that appeared on the site within the month of July for your viewing pleasure. We start with the Analogue Solutions Treadstone.

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Despite some functional quirks, the Treadstone may be just what you’re after to add some analogue flavour to your setup.”

FULL REVIEW: Analogue Solutions Treadstone 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 1 of 19
Page 1 of 19
Elektron Digitone

Elektron Digitone

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A fun and very well thought-out box that can cover a wide sonic palette; takes the pain out of FM and replaces it with joy!”

FULL REVIEW: Elektron Digitone

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 2 of 19
Page 2 of 19
Motas-6 Synthesizer

Motas-6 Synthesizer

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The Motas-6 is neither cheap nor immediately intuitive, but it is extremely powerful and boasts some very interesting features.”

FULL REVIEW: Motas-6 Synthesizer

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 3 of 19
Page 3 of 19
Tracktion Waveform 9

Tracktion Waveform 9

MusicRadar's verdict:

“This is a true alternative - or complement - to your current DAW, once you’re used to how it works. Everyone should try it.”

FULL REVIEW: Tracktion Waveform 9

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 4 of 19
Page 4 of 19
Rob Papen Go2 

Rob Papen Go2 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A slick, powerful, versatile synth with a feature set and sound that belie the price.”

FULL REVIEW: Rob Papen Go2 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 5 of 19
Page 5 of 19
Acustica Audio Cream

Acustica Audio Cream

MusicRadar's verdict:

“With its flexible semi-modular architecture and stunning convolution engine, Cream is a cut above the average vintage strip.”

FULL REVIEW: Acustica Audio Cream

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 6 of 19
Page 6 of 19
Antares Auto-Tune Pro 

Antares Auto-Tune Pro 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Its combination of real-time and offline retuning is largely unchanged, but Auto-Tune Pro looks and flows better than ever.”

FULL REVIEW: Antares Auto-Tune Pro 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 7 of 19
Page 7 of 19
Line6 Echo Farm 3.0

Line6 Echo Farm 3.0

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It’s too expensive, but Echo Farm still has plenty going for it, particularly for the less technically-minded musician.”

FULL REVIEW: Line6 Echo Farm 3.0

3.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 8 of 19
Page 8 of 19
oeksound Spiff

oeksound Spiff

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Spiff’s unique frequency-conscious transient shaping makes it a versatile corrective and creative solution.”

FULL REVIEW: oeksound Spiff

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 9 of 19
Page 9 of 19
Togu Audio Line TAL-Mod

Togu Audio Line TAL-Mod

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An effortless, versatile synth with a rich, beefy, retro-inspired sound, TAL-Mod is well worth the crazy asking price.”

FULL REVIEW: Togu Audio Line TAL-Mod

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 10 of 19
Page 10 of 19
Signum Audio Bute Loudness Suite

Signum Audio Bute Loudness Suite

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An innovative, user-friendly, powerful analyser and True Peak limiter with a fairly steep price tag but a very bright future.”

FULL REVIEW: Signum Audio Bute Loudness Suite

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 11 of 19
Page 11 of 19
Moog Grandmother

Moog Grandmother

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Not a complete all-rounder, but this a fine semi-modular synth with genuine Moog pedigree. You might just consider selling your grandmother to get one...”

FULL REVIEW: Moog Grandmother

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 12 of 19
Page 12 of 19
Audified Synergy R1

Audified Synergy R1

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The Synergy R1 takes two CPU-heavy effects, reverb and saturation, and puts them in a unique double-wide box of excellence.”

FULL REVIEW: Audified Synergy R1

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 13 of 19
Page 13 of 19
Dance MIDI Samples Ascension

Dance MIDI Samples Ascension

MusicRadar's verdict:

“With its huge soundbank, four oscillators, Wave Editor and MIDI Player, Ascension is a powerful dance music workstation.”

FULL REVIEW: Dance MIDI Samples Ascension

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 14 of 19
Page 14 of 19
Korg Volca Mix 

Korg Volca Mix 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The Mix is useful in a lot of ways, and is fairly well priced, but it’s not the ultimate Volca accessory it could have been.”

FULL REVIEW: Korg Volca Mix 

3.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 15 of 19
Page 15 of 19
Tiptop Audio Z-DSP

Tiptop Audio Z-DSP

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Tiptop missed doing something groundbreaking here; then again, the Z-DSP in itself is so well thought-out, it’s still a contender.”

FULL REVIEW: Tiptop Audio Z-DSP

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 16 of 19
Page 16 of 19
Plogue Chipsynth PortaFM

Plogue Chipsynth PortaFM

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A couple of oversights don’t stop Plogue’s exacting tribute to the OPLL winning our hearts with its vivid FM sounds.”

FULL REVIEW: Plogue Chipsynth PortaFM

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 17 of 19
Page 17 of 19
Moog DFAM percussion synth

Moog DFAM percussion synth

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A unique and inspiring percussion synth, and the perfect partner to the Mother-32. The lack of MIDI is disappointing though."

FULL REVIEW: Moog DFAM percussion synth

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 18 of 19
Page 18 of 19
Sonicsmith Modulor A1

Sonicsmith Modulor A1

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An interesting unit that would make an ideal addition to other Sonicsmith boxes, though a harder sell as a standalone purchase."

FULL REVIEW: Sonicsmith Modulor A1

3.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 19 of 19
Page 19 of 19
MusicRadar
MusicRadar
Social Links Navigation

MusicRadar is the number one website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers...

  • GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.
  • TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.
  • STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the craft of music-making that no other music website can.
Read more
Superbooth 2026
Tech I went to Superbooth and these are the 10 bits of gear I wanted to take home with me
 
 
Superbooth header
Tech Superbooth 2026: all the latest synth news from Berlin - LIVE!
 
 
MusicRadar Guitar Gear Round-up June 2026
Guitars MusicRadar’s epic guitar gear round-up: June ’26 edit, ft. EHX, PRS, Fender’s mega-launch and more
 
 
Analogue Solutions
Synths 10 extraordinary synths that are almost certainly out of your price range
 
 
Software vs Hardware
Synths The ultimate synth shoot-out 2026: Hardware classics vs. their software successors - but can you really tell which is which?
 
 
Superbooth 2026
Tech Stochastic sequences to a ‘render farm’ of drums: 8 great Eurorack releases from Superbooth 2026
 
 
Latest in Gear & Gadgets
Pink Floyd DSOTM tape
Gear & Gadgets Pink Floyd’s legendary Dark Side of the Moon officially returns to the cassette format
 
 
Donner DBM-100 metronome review
Gear & Gadgets “It's extremely easy to use, but only once you’ve got to grips with what is quite an esoteric control interface”: Donner DBM-100 metronome review
 
 
Image of a recording studio with wood panels in the backround
Gear & Gadgets Amazon Prime Day has over 100 sound treatment deals. I run my own studio – these are the only 5 products that will actually work in your space
 
 
3 fans on a patterned blue background
Gear & Gadgets 4 Prime Day fan deals to keep your home studio cool and your creativity flowing during the UK heatwave – plus, 3 practical reasons it's a wise investment for any musician
 
 
Kawai ES-120B in our testing studio
Gear & Gadgets Thomann has taken the fight to Amazon with its Prime Day-beating Music Days sale – save up to 60% on big gear brands including Kawai, D'Angelico, Slate Digital, and so much more
 
 
Electro-Voice speaker on green and blue background
Gear & Gadgets Thomann just dropped a massive sale on gig-ready live sound gear with up to 50% off
 
 
Latest in News
Howard Jones, performing at The City Hall in Newcastle, during the 2nd night of his British tour. Picture taken 21st March 1984.
Artists "He was an absolute hero”: Howard Jones on the synth legend who inspired him
 
 
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 20: Andy Burnham delivers his inaugural speech as UK's new Prime Minister on July 20, 2026 in London, England.
Music Industry “He knows the challenges”: UK Music CEO sets out five tests for new PM Andy Burnham
 
 
Singer-songwriter, music producer and member of Coldplay Chris Martin performs in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026
Gigs & Festivals 'I thought it was crap": Gallagher, Rooney and others share their views on World Cup half time show
 
 
Jennifer Finch of music group L7 performs onstage at The Art Of Elysium Presents WE ARE HEAR'S HEAVEN 2020 at Hollywood Palladium on January 04, 2020 in Los Angeles, California.
Bands “A true original who lived entirely on her own terms”: L7 announce that bassist Jennifer Finch has died
 
 
chompi
Tech Chase Bliss discontinues the Chompi sampler: "At this specific moment we are not working on or planning any new Chompi products"
 
 
roget
Tech "If I was going away on a trip and could only bring one keyboard, I’d bring that one": Rogét Chahayed on the stage keyboard he can't live without
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...