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  1. Tech
  2. Gear & Gadgets

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

News
By MusicRadar published 2 January 2018

All of the latest tech reviews

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

Black Box Analog Design HG-2

Black Box Analog Design HG-2

December gave our music tech reviews team more treats than a chocolate advent calendar; they spent the month looking at the finest new software and hardware.

Here, we take a whistle-stop look at everything that got the once-over last month, starting with the Black Box Analog Design HG-2.

MusicRadar's verdict:

“We simply can’t fault Brainworx’ fabulous virtualisation of BBAD’s much-loved mastering and mixing monster.”

FULL REVIEW: Black Box Analog Design HG-2

5 out of 5 

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 1 of 13
Page 1 of 13
PSP Audioware Nexcellence

PSP Audioware Nexcellence

MusicRadar's verdict:

“If you yearn for something genuinely different in your reverb folder, Nexcellence is well worth springing for.”

FULL REVIEW:  PSP Audioware Nexcellence

4.5 out of 5 

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 2 of 13
Page 2 of 13
Roli Lightpad Block M

Roli Lightpad Block M

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Thanks to refined hardware and vastly improved software implementation, the Lightpad is now a desirable, expressive controller.”

FULL REVIEW: Roli Lightpad Block M

4.5 out of 5 

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 3 of 13
Page 3 of 13
Universal Audio Korg SDD-3000 Digital Delay

Universal Audio Korg SDD-3000 Digital Delay

MusicRadar's verdict:

“All the magic of the real SDD-3000 plus true stereo routing and tempo sync. More versatile filters wouldn’t have broken the spell, though, would they?”

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Korg SDD-3000 Digital Delay

4.5 out of 5 

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 4 of 13
Page 4 of 13
iZotope Ozone 8 Advanced

iZotope Ozone 8 Advanced

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Master Assistant might be the big story, but it’s the other enhancements that make Ozone 8 such an irresistible upgrade.”

FULL REVIEW:  iZotope Ozone 8 Advanced

5 out of 5 

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 5 of 13
Page 5 of 13
Vox Continental 61

Vox Continental 61

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The Continental promises so much but can leave you with mixed feelings. it delivers great-sounds with solid build and portability, but falls short in features and affordability compared to the competition.”

FULL REVIEW:  Vox Continental 61

3.5 out of 5 

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 6 of 13
Page 6 of 13
Rob Papen RP-Verb 2 

Rob Papen RP-Verb 2 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A worthy successor to the 2009 original, RP-Verb2 is a ridiculously powerful and attractively priced reverb plugin for the adventurous producer.”

FULL REVIEW: Rob Papen RP-Verb 2 

4.5 out of 5 

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 7 of 13
Page 7 of 13
Korg Grandstage 88

Korg Grandstage 88

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The Grandstage certainly impresses from start to finish. If you’re after a superb-sounding/versatile stage piano, then the Grandstage is a class act!”

FULL REVIEW: Korg Grandstage 88

4.5 out of 5 

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 8 of 13
Page 8 of 13
Akai MPC X

Akai MPC X

MusicRadar's verdict:

“MPC X is hugely powerful, it works impressively standalone and as a controller, and it’s well on the way to replacing your DAW, live or in the studio.”

FULL REVIEW: Akai MPC X

4.5 out of 5 

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 9 of 13
Page 9 of 13
Analogue Solutions Mr Hyde

Analogue Solutions Mr Hyde

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An excellent-sounding filter box with some good modulation and useful patching possibilities, but there are other options with more features and flexibility.”

FULL REVIEW: Analogue Solutions Mr Hyde

4 out of 5 

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 10 of 13
Page 10 of 13
Sontronics Solo 

Sontronics Solo 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“For live vocals the Solo is a no-brainer, especially at this price, but it will easily find a home in the studio and on non-vocal sources.”

FULL REVIEW: Sontronics Solo 

4.5 out of 5 

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 11 of 13
Page 11 of 13
Slate Digital FG-Stress 

Slate Digital FG-Stress 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“So close to the real thing that you won’t be able to tell the difference, FG-Stress is Slate’s best VMR module yet.”

FULL REVIEW: Slate Digital FG-Stress 

5 out of 5 

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 12 of 13
Page 12 of 13
Applied Acoustics Systems Objeq Delay

Applied Acoustics Systems Objeq Delay

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Objeq Delay’s combination of physical modelling synthesis and echo generation adds up to more than the sum of its parts.”

FULL REVIEW: Applied Acoustics Systems Objeq Delay

4 out of 5 

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 13 of 13
Page 13 of 13
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