New tech gear of the month: review round-up (August 2017)

Software dominates the tech reviews this month, but keep an eye out for a high-class mic and Pioneer's DS-1-powered hardware sampler. 

First up, though, is an eagerly awaited software emulation of a modern classic...

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Arousor costs a pretty penny, but is the kind of compressor you’ll instantly fall in love with and quickly come to rely on.”

FULL REVIEW: Empirical Labs Arousor 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A very versatile, transparent dynamics-shaping combo, Magnus Mk2 is an obvious bargain.”

FULL REVIEW: HoRNet Plugins Magnus Mk2 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“As close as you’ll get to the real deal. Immense.”

FULL REVIEW: ProjectSAM Swing More!

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“With its colourful, highly malleable sound, extensive feature list and straightforward interface, R4 is EA’s best reverb yet.”

FULL REVIEW: Exponential Audio R4

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“One of the best UAD plugins yet, a must-hear for any self-respecting electronic music producer, and a no-brainer upgrade for owners of the original.”

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Moog Multimode Filter XL

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“One of the most effective solutions out there for bringing the SSL sound to your DAW, but don’t expect to be able to run it on more than a few channels at a time.”

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio SSL 4000 E Channel Strip Collection 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Waveform makes Tracktion Software’s DAW an even more viable option for forward-thinking producers than ever.”

FULL REVIEW: Tracktion Software Waveform

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The world isn’t short of large diaphragm condensers, but the Renaissance adds quality sound to the fray, especially for vocalists.”

FULL REVIEW: Atlantic Phonic Renaissance

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Again iZotope moves the RX platform forward to a place ahead of any competition. A truly powerful, innovative and intuitive toolset.”

FULL REVIEW: iZotope RX6 

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The XRs successfully fill a gap in the Mackie monitor range, combining solid construction with an affordable price tag.”

FULL REVIEW: Mackie XR Series

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“With gorgeous DSI-powered sound and a performance-friendly design, the AS-1 is a cult classic in the making.”

FULL REVIEW: Pioneer DJ Toraiz AS-1

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A highly recommended product.”

FULL REVIEW: Sonic Faction Hypermorph

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)