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  1. Tech
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New tech gear of the month: review round-up (March 2017)

News
By Computer Music and Future Music published 1 March 2017

Plugins galore and the hottest hardware

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

Universal Audio API 2500 Bus Compressor

Universal Audio API 2500 Bus Compressor

February was a vintage month for new tech gear on the MusicRadar test bench. We welcomed a treasure trove of software and plugins from some of the biggest names in the business.

Here's a digested look at all the tech gear that was reviewed on MusicRadar in February, starting the Universal Audio API 2500 Bus Compressor.

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The API 2500 is a fabulous and extremely flexible compressor that's been excellently emulated by the Universal Audio team.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio API 2500 Bus Compressor

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music).

Page 1 of 15
Page 1 of 15
Universal Audio Chandler Zener

Universal Audio Chandler Zener

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Universal Audio continues to deliver some of the best and most desirable emulations available and the Zener is as good as it gets.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Chandler Zener

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music).

Page 2 of 15
Page 2 of 15
Steinberg Cubasis 2

Steinberg Cubasis 2

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Version 2 really does feel like a miniaturised copy of Cubasis' desktop cousin. A must for iPad musicians, doubly so for Cubase users.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Steinberg Cubasis 2 

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music).

Page 3 of 15
Page 3 of 15
Rob Papen Predator 2

Rob Papen Predator 2

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It's Predator... but even better! One of the greatest soft synths gets a comprehensive makeover and improves in functionality, although the interface is a tad dated.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rob Papen Predator 2

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music).

Page 4 of 15
Page 4 of 15
FabFilter Pro-R

FabFilter Pro-R

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It might sacrifice some depth to achieve functional simplicity, but it works - Pro-R sounds awesome and is hugely enjoyable and rewarding to work with.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: FabFilter Pro-R

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music).

Page 5 of 15
Page 5 of 15
XLN Audio RC-20 Retro Color

XLN Audio RC-20 Retro Color

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Not only one of the best retro-ising plugins around, but also a powerful sound-design tool in a general sense, RC-20 is a wobbly, wonky, fizzy, soul-warming slice of awesome.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: XLN Audio RC-20 Retro Color

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music).

Page 6 of 15
Page 6 of 15
oeksound soothe

oeksound soothe

MusicRadar's verdict:

“This unique new take on dynamic EQ is a brilliant corrective plugin for vocals, cymbals and other parts - just don't overcook it.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: oeksound soothe

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music).

Page 7 of 15
Page 7 of 15
Universal Audio A/DA STD-1

Universal Audio A/DA STD-1

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Certainly not your normal delay, this excellent (though niche) bucket brigade processor can add wonderful width and depth to sounds.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio A/DA STD-1

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music).

Page 8 of 15
Page 8 of 15
Elektron Analog Heat Sound Processor

Elektron Analog Heat Sound Processor

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The Analog Heat is a deceptively flexible box of analogue effects that partners perfectly with a modern digital set-up.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Elektron Analog Heat Sound Processor

(Originally reviewed in Future Music).

Page 9 of 15
Page 9 of 15
Expert Sleepers ES-8

Expert Sleepers ES-8

MusicRadar's verdict:

“For serious modular users (running OSX) the ES-8 would make a great purchase, and with decent expansion potential.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Expert Sleepers ES-8

(Originally reviewed in Future Music).

Page 10 of 15
Page 10 of 15
JZ V16-BB Microphone

JZ V16-BB Microphone

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The V16-BB is not necessarily an all-rounder, but when it comes to vocals and acoustic instruments it delivers a high-quality finish.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: JZ V16-BB Microphone

(Originally reviewed in Future Music).

Page 11 of 15
Page 11 of 15
OTO BAM Space Generator

OTO BAM Space Generator

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A fantastic reverb unit whose size belies its power. Great sounding vintage reverb with a very modern approach to live performance.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: OTO BAM Space Generator

(Originally reviewed in Future Music).

Page 12 of 15
Page 12 of 15
Pioneer DJ PLX-500

Pioneer DJ PLX-500

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Is the Pioneer PLX-500 the best budget deck on the market? Yes. It looks like a Technics 1210, and doesn't perform too far off.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pioneer DJ PLX-500 

(Originally reviewed in Future Music).

Page 13 of 15
Page 13 of 15
Roland TR-09 Rhythm Composer

Roland TR-09 Rhythm Composer

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Portable and with the flavour of a real 909, it's capable of great results. Extra analogue outs and more sonic tweaks would have been welcome.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland TR-09 Rhythm Composer

(Originally reviewed in Future Music).

Page 14 of 15
Page 14 of 15
Roland Super UA Interface

Roland Super UA Interface

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Super UA does everything you'd expect and more, and can easily hold its own alongside similar compact high-end interfaces.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland Super UA Interface

(Originally reviewed in Future Music).

Page 15 of 15
Page 15 of 15
Computer Music and Future Music
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