Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
NAMM 2026
Tech NAMM 2026: Rumours, predictions and live updates from the world’s biggest music technology show
Korg MicroAudio 722 interface with analogue filter
Tech Korg’s new interface is also an analogue filter – and you might be tempted even if you don't need the I/O
ua
Tech Universal Audio is giving away the new native version of the 610 Tube Preamp and EQ Collection for free
fender
Tech PreSonus Studio One Pro is dead, long live Fender Studio Pro: Fender launches “music production ecosystem” with rebranded DAW, interfaces and new controller
Universal Audio Volt 876
Audio Interfaces Best audio interface 2026: For home recording, podcasting, and streaming - tested by experts
Native Instruments Absynth 6
Soft Synths “You’ll smile broadly at the ease with which you can land on astonishing results”: Native Instruments Absynth 6 review
Pair of Audio-Technica in-ear monitors sat on a case
Studio Monitors Best in-ear monitors 2025: IEMs for stage and studio
stem splitter
Tech I tested 11 of the best stem separation tools – and you might already have the winner in your DAW
Man wearing black hat playing the Roland TD716 electronic drum set
Electronic Drums Best electronic drum sets in 2026: Top picks for every playing level and budget, tested by drummers – plus video and audio demos
Teenage Engineering EP-40 Riddim and EP-2350 Ting
Samplers “Proper old school producers might also baulk at the ease of song creation and the slick results” – Teenage Engineering EP-40 Riddim and EP-2350 Ting review
Universal Audio Paradise Guitar Studio
Plugins “A one-stop shop for almost everything a guitarist might need”: Universal Audio Paradise Guitar Studio review
An Asus ProArt P16 laptop on a desk with music production gear
Computers Best laptop for music production 2026: For home studios and mobile music-making - tested by experts
An Arturia MicroLab Mk3 on a desk with a pair of headphones
Midi Controllers Best MIDI keyboards 2025: Find the perfect match for your studio workflow
A Fractal Audio VP4 Virtual Pedalboard multi-effects pedal on a concrete floor
Guitar Pedals Best multi-effects pedals 2026: Our pick of the best all-in-one guitar FX modellers
A selection of PA systems in out testing studio
Speakers Best portable PA systems 2026: Lightweight and mobile PA solutions for musicians and events
More
  • NAMM 2026: Rumours, predictions and live updates
  • Mad World
  • The Cure's "happy land"
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Tech
  2. Software & Apps

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
Read more
Music technology gear of the year 2025
Music technology gear of the year 2025: Our favourite new synths, drum machines, plugins and more
 
 
Universal Audio Paradise Guitar Studio
“A one-stop shop for almost everything a guitarist might need”: Universal Audio Paradise Guitar Studio review
 
 
PreSonus Studio 24c in a home studio
My go-to audio interface is now even better value at under £80 in Gear4Music's early Black Friday sale
 
 
A laptop in a music studio with Universal Audio plugins running on it
UAD's free plugin offer is the biggest no-brainer I've seen this year – but time is running out to get your hands on a world-class studio weapon for nothing
 
 
Universal Audio Volt 876
Best audio interface 2026: For home recording, podcasting, and streaming - tested by experts
 
 
A Macbook with music plugins running on it on a blue background
Black Friday plugin deals 2025: These are the last remaining deals on software
 
 
Latest in Software & Apps
Apple Creator Studio Logic Pro
Apple explains its use of AI in Logic Pro, and why MIDI is still the bedrock of its Session Players
 
 
fender
PreSonus Studio One Pro is dead, long live Fender Studio Pro: Fender launches “music production ecosystem” with rebranded DAW, interfaces and new controller
 
 
Apple Creator Studio Logic Pro
Apple expands Logic Pro’s AI features with a Synth Player and a “personal music theory expert”
 
 
Universal Audio Paradise Guitar Studio
“A one-stop shop for almost everything a guitarist might need”: Universal Audio Paradise Guitar Studio review
 
 
LANDR acquires Reason Studios
“This isn’t about changing Reason, it’s about giving it room to grow”: Reason acquired by AI specialist LANDR
 
 
Suno text prompt
Is it finally time to stand up to the tech taking the very soul out of music-making?
 
 
Latest in News
Paper Craft Music Audio Equalizer on Beige Background Directly Above View
“It does not have the right to be on the top list”: Sweden bans AI-generated song from its charts
 
 
THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON -- Episode 1889 -- Pictured: Musical guest Tate McRae performs on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 -- (Photo by: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images)
Producer Ryan Tedder on the classic '00s drum sound and Omnisphere preset he used in Tate McRae's Greedy
 
 
celemony
“No AI, no loops, no MIDI”: Celemony’s Tonalic puts a world-class session player in your DAW that intelligently adapts to your arrangement
 
 
nord
Clavia unveils Nord Electro 7 with fully-fledged synth section, redesigned interface and much more
 
 
Moby and Jacob Lusk sat in front of a grand piano
“An obscure song with no drums or bass”: Moby is happy and “surprised” his 1995 album track has gone viral
 
 
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: It's all about guitars with hundreds slashed off Gibson, Fender, Strandberg, and more
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...