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
Arturia KeyStep mk2
Midi Controllers Best MIDI keyboards 2026: Find your perfect match for the home studio
jasper tygner
Artists "There's something about it that you just don't get with soft synths": Jasper Tygner on why he loves his Moog Grandmother
Korg MiniKorg 700Sm
Analogue Synths “A stunningly creative and beautiful sounding synthesizer”: Korg miniKORG 700Sm review
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
timbre wolf
Tech "Boy, do people hate it": 10 of the most divisive products in music tech history, from iLok to the Akai Timbre Wolf
Roland TR-1000 Rhythm Creator
Drum Machines Best drum machines 2026: Top beat boxes for all budgets and skill levels
Akai MPC Sample
Samplers Akai MPC Sample review
An UDO Super Gemini synthesizer on a white table
Synths Best synthesizers 2026: Top analogue, digital, mono and polysynths
Neural DSP Quad Cortex
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
Nord Piano 6
Keyboards & Pianos Best stage pianos 2026: Our pick of the finest keyboards for live performance
A pair of Kali Audio LP-6 V2 studio monitors on a studio desk
Studio Monitors Best budget studio monitors 2026: Make your mixes sing with these wallet-friendly home studio speakers
deadmau5
Synths “I have severe Gear Acquisition Syndrome”: Deadmau5 shows off his insane synth collection
An Arturia Minilab 3 MIDI keyboard on a desk with various bits of home recording gear
Midi Controllers Best cheap MIDI keyboards 2026: Inexpensive MIDI controllers starting at just £39/$49
An SSL BiG SiX mixer in a studio
Recording Best home studio mixers 2026: analogue and digital mixing desks for all budgets
More
  • Sly and Survivor
  • In My Life
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • One chord Diamond
  1. Tech
  2. Gear & Gadgets

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

News
By Computer Music, Future Music published 3 May 2017

Lots of software and a long-awaited synth

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

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.

Read more
Hottest music tech gear of NAMM
Tech The best music tech gear of NAMM 2026: Epic polys, acoustic synths, budget samplers, a Behringer Juno and more
 
 
NAMM 2026
Tech NAMM 2026: rolling news from the world's biggest music-making gear show
 
 
All the best guitar gear from this year's NAMM Show
Guitars The best new guitar gear of NAMM 2026: More effects, more amps, more guitars and more tech than ever
 
 
timbre wolf
Tech "Boy, do people hate it": 10 of the most divisive products in music tech history, from iLok to the Akai Timbre Wolf
 
 
An UDO Super Gemini synthesizer on a white table
Synths Best synthesizers 2026: Top analogue, digital, mono and polysynths
 
 
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: Score hundreds off PRS, Bose, and Moog - and grab a new guitar pedal for less than £10!
 
 
Latest in Gear & Gadgets
Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s
Gear & Gadgets A whopping $900 discount on a stunning Gibson Les Paul is the headline act of Guitar Center's early Presidents' Day sale, plus a generous up to 30% off a range of music-making gear
 
 
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Save a colossal $500 off one of my favourite Sterling by Music Man guitars, grab $200 off a super cool D'Angelico, plus all the week's biggest sales on music gear
 
 
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Score $600 off one of our favourite Casio pianos, $200 off top-tier Sennheiser studio headphones, and so much more
 
 
Piano under a Christmas tree with gifts
Gear & Gadgets 5 reasons a gift card is the most stress-free present you can get a musician this Christmas
 
 
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Score big savings on music gear ahead of Christmas from the likes of UAD, Casio, Waves, PRS and more
 
 
Cyber Monday deals badge over a neon EQ
Gear & Gadgets These 58 Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for musicians are still live - but they'll be gone soon
 
 
Latest in News
Catalinbread CB Paint
Guitars “Six room sizes, a gated reverb patch and a reverse reverb patch for your consideration”: Catalinbread launches compact reverb pedal with inspired by the Neil Young and Daft Punk-approved Alesis Microverb
 
 
Kanye West wearing sunglasses and wearing a black shirt
Artists Wireless Festival cancelled and tickets refunded after UK Government blocks Kanye West’s entry to the UK
 
 
Music Studio
Music Production Tutorials 5 creativity-enhancing studio workflow tips
 
 
Sky Ferreira holding a microphone on stage with red light on her and blue lights on the background
Artists Sky Ferreira expresses frustration on Twitter and tells a fan on X that her music was used in Wuthering Heights without credit
 
 
jimmy douglass
Producers & Engineers "This guy pops out of a trash can – it was Ginger Baker!": Jimmy Douglass on his early days working for Atlantic Records
 
 
Gary Numan in 2024 playing a live show dressed in black with red stage lights behind and holding a Les Paul guitar
Artists Gary Numan claims to be “90% deaf”
 
 

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 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...