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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Another winner from Spitfire.”

FULL REVIEW: Spitfire Audio Swarms Collection

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)