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

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).