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  1. Tech
  2. Gear & Gadgets

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

News
By Computer Music, Future Music ( Future Music, Computer Music ) published 3 May 2017

Lots of software and a long-awaited synth

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MeldaProduction’s MBassador

MeldaProduction’s MBassador

A slew of software landed on the MusicRadar tech team's test bench last month, as well as Behringer's eagerly-awaited DeepMind 12 synth.

Find out how all of April's new gear fared by clicking through the gallery; we'll start with MeldaProduction’s MBassador.

MusicRadar's verdict:

“When it comes to shoring up electric and electronic basses, kick drums and other low-end noises, MBassador is simple but fantastically effective.”

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction’s MBassador 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 1 of 20
Page 1 of 20
Joey Sturgis Tones Tominator

Joey Sturgis Tones Tominator

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It’s no magic wand, but Tominator does a fair job for a good price.”

FULL REVIEW: Joey Sturgis Tones Tominator

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 2 of 20
Page 2 of 20
Big Fish Audio Grindhouse 2

Big Fish Audio Grindhouse 2

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A wealth of superb sounds.”

FULL REVIEW: Big Fish Audio Grindhouse 2

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 3 of 20
Page 3 of 20
Kush Audio Omega Transformer 458a

Kush Audio Omega Transformer 458a

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A superb plugin - a big thumbs up from us.”

FULL REVIEW: Kush Audio Omega Transformer 458a

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 4 of 20
Page 4 of 20
Arturia MiniLab MkII

Arturia MiniLab MkII

MusicRadar's verdict:

“MiniLab MkII places less emphasis on bundled software than its predecessor but improves the hardware beyond its already high standard. We love it!”

FULL REVIEW: Arturia MiniLab MkII

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 5 of 20
Page 5 of 20
IK Multimedia Modo Bass

IK Multimedia Modo Bass

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It might seem too good to be true, but Modo Bass is the real deal, bringing stunningly lifelike electric bass to the studio without a sample to be seen.”

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia Modo Bass

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 6 of 20
Page 6 of 20
u-he Repro-1

u-he Repro-1

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A far more straightforward and lightweight proposition than its stablemate Diva, Repro-1 is a delicious slice of synth history in perfectly realised plugin form.”

FULL REVIEW: u-he Repro-1 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 7 of 20
Page 7 of 20
Acustica Audio Sand Fab4

Acustica Audio Sand Fab4

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It demands a powerful host computer and suffers from the usual convolution plugin response issues, but if you’re a fan of that SSL sound, you have to check Sand out.”

FULL REVIEW: Acustica Audio Sand Fab4 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 8 of 20
Page 8 of 20
Cableguys TimeShaper

Cableguys TimeShaper

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A clever new application of Cableguys’ LFO-driven framework, TimeShaper 
is creative, fun and priced just right.”

FULL REVIEW: Cableguys TimeShaper

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 9 of 20
Page 9 of 20
Sonimus TuCo

Sonimus TuCo

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It may not be the most flexible vari-mu plugin available, but TuCo is well implemented and sounds great.”

FULL REVIEW: Sonimus TuCo 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 10 of 20
Page 10 of 20
Audified U73b Compressor 2

Audified U73b Compressor 2

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It may not be ideal for all compression duties, but the U73b has lots of character and has been excellently captured.”

FULL REVIEW: Audified U73b Compressor 2

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 11 of 20
Page 11 of 20
Audio Technica ATH-E70

Audio Technica ATH-E70

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A premium IEM. The comfort and sound quality make the E70s a serious rival to headphones for many situations.”

FULL REVIEW: Audio Technica ATH-E70 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 12 of 20
Page 12 of 20
Waldorf DVCA1 Dual VCA Module

Waldorf DVCA1 Dual VCA Module

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A fully-featured Dual VCA which sounds great. The module is well laid out with plenty of sound/CV shaping potential.”

FULL REVIEW: Waldorf DVCA1 Dual VCA Module 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 13 of 20
Page 13 of 20
Dream Audio Tools Dream Guitars

Dream Audio Tools Dream Guitars

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Impressive bang for your buck from this treasure trove of six-string treats.”

FULL REVIEW: Dream Audio Tools Dream Guitars

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 14 of 20
Page 14 of 20
Spitfire Audio Swarms Collection

Spitfire Audio Swarms Collection

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Another winner from Spitfire.”

FULL REVIEW: Spitfire Audio Swarms Collection

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 15 of 20
Page 15 of 20
Soulsby Oscitron

Soulsby Oscitron

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The Oscitron sounds great, is full of grit and character and is surprisingly flexible. Certainly a worth addition to your rack!”

FULL REVIEW: Soulsby Oscitron

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 16 of 20
Page 16 of 20
Korg Volca Kick

Korg Volca Kick

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The Kick is capable of beefy drum and bass sounds that belie its compact form factor. A must try for club-focused producers.”

FULL REVIEW: Korg Volca Kick

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 17 of 20
Page 17 of 20
Behringer DeepMind 12

Behringer DeepMind 12

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The DeepMind won’t undermine the market for characterful vintage analogue polysynths, but it is flexible and interesting.”

FULL REVIEW: Behringer DeepMind 12

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 18 of 20
Page 18 of 20
Allen & Heath Qu-SB

Allen & Heath Qu-SB

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An excellent device with bags of connectivity.”

FULL REVIEW: Allen & Heath Qu-SB

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 19 of 20
Page 19 of 20
Behringer X AIR XR18

Behringer X AIR XR18

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A device packed with features that won’t break the bank. What’s not to like?”

FULL REVIEW: Behringer X AIR XR18

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 20 of 20
Page 20 of 20
Future Music
Future Music

Future Music is the number one magazine for today's producers. Packed with technique and technology we'll help you make great new music. All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. Every marvellous monthly edition features reliable reviews of the latest and greatest hardware and software technology and techniques, unparalleled advice, in-depth interviews, sensational free samples and so much more to improve the experience and outcome of your music-making.

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