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

By Computer Music and Future Music
( Computer Music, Future Music )
published 4 April 2018

Tech treats galore

Universal Audio Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor

Universal Audio Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor

Out music tech reviews team has had the usual mix of software and hardware to look at recently, with a fine assortment of new releases landing on their test bench.

Here, we take a digested look at all of the tech gear that we reviewed on the site during the last month. Let's kick things off with something distressing...

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Like having a real Distressor inside your DAW, EL8 Distressor brings one of the greatest dynamics processors ever made to Apollo and UAD-2 in style.”

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 1 of 14
Page 1 of 14
Newfangled Audio Elevate Bundle

Newfangled Audio Elevate Bundle

MusicRadar's verdict:

“EQuivocate is awesome, but Elevate is the real story - it’s a dynamics sculpting beast.”

FULL REVIEW: Newfangled Audio Elevate Bundle

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 2 of 14
Page 2 of 14
IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49

IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A solid production setup, combining MIDI control and audio interfacing with a knockout software bundle.”

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 3 of 14
Page 3 of 14
Sound Radix Powair

Sound Radix Powair

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An absolutely stunning compressor and leveller that no one should be without.”

FULL REVIEW: Sound Radix Powair

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 4 of 14
Page 4 of 14
Unfiltered Audio SpecOps

Unfiltered Audio SpecOps

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A brilliantly conceived spectral effects plugin for sound designers and progressively-minded electronic musicians.”

FULL REVIEW: Unfiltered Audio SpecOps 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 5 of 14
Page 5 of 14
Dmitry Sches Thorn

Dmitry Sches Thorn

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Thorn is a world-class soft synth that we confidently predict will become a dance music production staple.”

FULL REVIEW: Dmitry Sches Thorn

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 6 of 14
Page 6 of 14
Plugin Boutique Scaler

Plugin Boutique Scaler

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It falls flat at the offline export stage, but in every other regard, Scaler is a powerful aid for musicians of all ability levels.”

FULL REVIEW: Plugin Boutique Scaler 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 7 of 14
Page 7 of 14
D16 Group Toraverb 2

D16 Group Toraverb 2

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Even at its increased price-point, Toraverb 2 is still one of the biggest bargains in music software - don’t miss it.”

FULL REVIEW: D16 Group Toraverb 2

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 8 of 14
Page 8 of 14
Steinberg Cubase Pro 9.5

Steinberg Cubase Pro 9.5

MusicRadar's verdict:

“There are no radical changes, but most new features are well-implemented and worthwhile. Cubase remains an excellent and well-featured DAW.”

FULL REVIEW: Steinberg Cubase Pro 9.5 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 9 of 14
Page 9 of 14
Radial Engineering Key Largo

Radial Engineering Key Largo

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Quality, durability and flexibility meet in a stompbox-format mixer that bridges analogue and digital realms both live and in the studio.”

FULL REVIEW: Radial Engineering Key Largo

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 10 of 14
Page 10 of 14
Focal Shape 65

Focal Shape 65

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Delivering delicious frequency balance, terrific transient detail and crystal-clear stereo, this is a worthy monitor upgrade for the price.”

FULL REVIEW: Focal Shape 65 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 11 of 14
Page 11 of 14
Ableton Live 10

Ableton Live 10

MusicRadar's verdict:

“With copious workflow enhancements, a stellar synth and the amazing Echo, Live 10 is an unmissable upgrade.”

FULL REVIEW: Ableton Live 10 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 12 of 14
Page 12 of 14
Erica Synths Acidbox III

Erica Synths Acidbox III

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A characterful, gritty analogue effect, made all the more flexible by its stereo signal path and modulation options.”

FULL REVIEW: Erica Synths Acidbox III

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 13 of 14
Page 13 of 14
Dubreq Stylophone Gen X-1

Dubreq Stylophone Gen X-1

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The Stylophone adds a thoughtful set of synthesis basics to make a useful, creative instrument for fans of the original’s unique tone.”

FULL REVIEW: Dubreq Stylophone Gen X-1

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 14 of 14
Page 14 of 14
Computer Music and Future Music
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