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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)