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

News
By The MusicRadar Team ( Computer Music, Future Music ) published 5 June 2017

High-spec hardware and new plugins galore

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

Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII

Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII

From five-star hardware to game-changing plugins, our tech team has been deluged with superb tech gear this month.

Here, we take a digested look at all of the tech gear that was reviewed on the site in May. We start with that aforementioned high-scoring hardware - the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII.

MusicRadar's verdict:

“With Unison preamps and full access to the UAD catalogue, the Apollo Twin MkII does more than just amazing interfacing.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
Waves Electric Grand 80

Waves Electric Grand 80

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Electric Grand faithfully recreates the sound of Yamaha’s revered piano, plays beautifully and throws in a few tasty extras to boot.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waves Electric Grand 80

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
Acustica Audio Lime Crazy88

Acustica Audio Lime Crazy88

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Acustica’s best yet, Lime sounds so good you’ll have trouble believing it’s not a physical channel strip - except for that lag...”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Acustica Audio Lime Crazy88

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
XILS-lab PolyKB III

XILS-lab PolyKB III

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Despite some strange limitations, XILS’ one-of-a-kind synth sounds spectacular and programs surprisingly easily, given its esoteric nature.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: XILS-lab PolyKB III

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
Parawave Audiodesign Rapid

Parawave Audiodesign Rapid

MusicRadar's verdict:

“With a vast eight-layer architecture, brilliantly designed modulators and stunning library of wavetables and samples, Rapid sounds incredible and never gets overwhelming.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Parawave Audiodesign Rapid

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
Joey Sturgis Tones Toneforge Guilty Pleasure 

Joey Sturgis Tones Toneforge Guilty Pleasure 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It might be a one-trick pony, but if you’re after classic high-gain amp tones, Guilty Pleasure comes cheap and sounds great.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Joey Sturgis Tones Toneforge Guilty Pleasure 

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
Audio-Technica AE2300

Audio-Technica AE2300

MusicRadar's verdict:

"It doesn’t come cheap, but the AE2300’s attractive design, compact footprint and supreme build quality make it an incredibly desirable instrument mic for both live and studio use."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Audio-Technica AE2300

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
Waldorf kb37

Waldorf kb37

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A great idea that’s nicely thought-out and well implemented, the only thing holding the kb37 back is its high price tag.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waldorf kb37

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic

Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The PO-32 is a fun and inspiring noise-maker and the added MicroTonic compatibility broadens its sonic scope considerably.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
Roli Blocks

Roli Blocks

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Blocks is an interesting hardware concept, but it’s currently severely underserved by poor software implementation.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roli Blocks

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
Roland System-8

Roland System-8

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The System-8 covers a vast sonic territory with superb flexibility – from vintage Roland tones to futuristic sounds, it truly delivers.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland System-8

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
The MusicRadar Team
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