Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitar Amps
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • "Worst rap album in history"
  • Superbooth 2025
  • Eilish vs Radiohead
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Tech

New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (April 2013)

News
By The MusicRadar Team published 4 April 2013

Our music tech gear reviews from the last month

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

Vengeance-Sound Essential FX Bundle

Vengeance-Sound Essential FX Bundle

Every month MusicRadar's sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music - publish the best independent gear reviews.

In this gallery we've collected the latest plug-in, DAW, DJ gear, app, synth and other music-making hardware reviews to have passed through their hallowed pages.

All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Computer Music issue 188/189 and Future Music issue 263.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A great sound and impressive price, but Essential FX offers little functionality that you probably don't already have."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vengeance-Sound Essential FX Bundle review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 188)

Page 1 of 33
Page 1 of 33
Steinberg Cubasis

Steinberg Cubasis

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"GarageBand might not be as powerful, but it's certainly in the same ballpark at less than a tenth the price. However, Cubasis now has an ace up its sleeve in the form of well-implemented Audiobus support, making it a great option if you want to create a multi-app iPad studio."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Steinberg Cubasis review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 188)

Page 2 of 33
Page 2 of 33
Best Service Cinematique Instruments 2

Best Service Cinematique Instruments 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Not every one is a hit, but there's still an abundance of original, intriguing and well-produced patches."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Best Service Cinematique Instruments 2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 188)

Page 3 of 33
Page 3 of 33
Arturia iMini

Arturia iMini

MusicRadar’s verdict:

This would be a terrific Minimoog emulation at any price, but it's a steal for what you pay. It's too bad it doesn't integrate easily with most other apps, but if you're a live performer or a Tabletop user who's longing to add the classic Moog sound to your iOS rig, you'd be nuts not to buy it."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Arturia iMini review

(Reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 4 of 33
Page 4 of 33
Sonokinetic Da Capo

Sonokinetic Da Capo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"There are plenty of orchestral libraries on the market already, but this is yet another that demands attention."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sonokinetic Da Capo review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 188)

Page 5 of 33
Page 5 of 33
Ableton Live 9

Ableton Live 9

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A fantastic update that refines and builds upon the creative features that Live is best at."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ableton Live 9 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 263)

BUY: Ableton Live 9 currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Gear4Music | Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 6 of 33
Page 6 of 33
Ableton Push

Ableton Push

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"All hype aside, Push is a fantastic tactile interface for programming. For working with MIDI in Live, Push is pretty-much unbeatable."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ableton Push review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 263)

BUY: Ableton Push currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 7 of 33
Page 7 of 33
Blue Mikey Digital

Blue Mikey Digital

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"If you want to record stereo sound on your iOS device, you can use a pair of mics with an appropriate audio interface such as the Tascam iU2, but if you're looking for a neat and extremely compact portable solution, Mikey Digital could be the way to go."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blue Mikey Digital review

BUY: Blue Mikey Digital currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 8 of 33
Page 8 of 33
Akai MPC Studio

Akai MPC Studio

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The hardware has a few downsides but its size, price, and improving software makes it a winner."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Akai MPC Studio review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 263)

BUY: Akai MPC Studio currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 9 of 33
Page 9 of 33
Native Instruments The Giant

Native Instruments The Giant

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An interesting addition to your piano armoury, especially if you head straight for Cinematic."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments The Giant review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 263)

Page 10 of 33
Page 10 of 33
Looptrotter SA2RATE

Looptrotter SA2RATE

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A useful tool for recreating that old vintage sounding saturation and valve-style distortion in the mix."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Looptrotter SA2RATE review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 263)

Page 11 of 33
Page 11 of 33
Samplr

Samplr

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"At such a low price, Samplr is a must-have."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Samplr review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 263)

Page 12 of 33
Page 12 of 33
Pro Audio DSP Dynamic Spectrum Mapper V2

Pro Audio DSP Dynamic Spectrum Mapper V2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"DSM V2 is one of those quasi-magical plugins, destined to become a studio classic. Flexible, powerful and effective."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pro Audio DSP Dynamic Spectrum Mapper V2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

Page 13 of 33
Page 13 of 33
Waves Element

Waves Element

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A rather basic virtual analogue synth with a great sound and just enough interesting features to make us want more for our money."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waves Element review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

BUY: Waves Element currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass | DV247

Page 14 of 33
Page 14 of 33
Universal Audio Precision K-Stereo Ambience Recovery

Universal Audio Precision K-Stereo Ambience Recovery

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"On the right kind of material, K-Stereo Ambience Recovery is an impressive stereo/ambience adjustment tool."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Precision K-Stereo Ambience Recovery review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

Page 15 of 33
Page 15 of 33
Kuassa Amplifikation Vermilion

Kuassa Amplifikation Vermilion

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Sonically lifelike, easy to use and incredibly good value, Amplifikation Vermilion is a real winner."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Kuassa Amplifikation Vermilion review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

Page 16 of 33
Page 16 of 33
XILS-lab LX122 Premium

XILS-lab LX122 Premium

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The best virtual Leslie we've come across to date, LX122 Premium is another brilliant effects bargain from XILS-lab."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: XILS-lab LX122 Premium review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

Page 17 of 33
Page 17 of 33
IK Multimedia T-rackS CS Grand

IK Multimedia T-rackS CS Grand

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"T-RackS itself sounds as great as ever, and the Custom Shop makes it fabulously flexible - can you resist buying them all?"

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia T-rackS CS Grand review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

BUY: IK Multimedia T-rackS CS Grand currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 18 of 33
Page 18 of 33
Kush Audio Clariphonic DSP

Kush Audio Clariphonic DSP

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"With its deliberately restrictive controls and idiosyncratic style, this plugin requires a new approach but sounds brilliant."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Kush Audio Clariphonic DSP review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

BUY: Kush Audio Clariphonic DSP currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 19 of 33
Page 19 of 33
Toontrack The Blues EZX

Toontrack The Blues EZX

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"If you're after some properly old-fashioned drum sounds, for whatever musical purpose, these highly playable, sonically authentic kits are the real deal."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Toontrack The Blues EZX review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

BUY: Toontrack The Blues EZX currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 20 of 33
Page 20 of 33
Synthogy Ivory II: American Concert D

Synthogy Ivory II: American Concert D

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"We might go so far as to say it's the best sampled piano we've ever heard, and at this price, any serious digital pianist needs to check it out at the earliest opportunity."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Synthogy Ivory II: American Concert D review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

BUY: Synthogy Ivory II: American Concert D currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 21 of 33
Page 21 of 33
Akai Professional iMPC

Akai Professional iMPC

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"iMPC is certainly fun to throw beats together with, but it's all very 'short range', and with the exception of the excellent bundled samples, nothing really sets it apart from the many other grooveboxes and mini-DAWs in the App Store."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Akai Professional iMPC review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

Page 22 of 33
Page 22 of 33
ESI Gigaport HD+

ESI Gigaport HD+

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This is a tidy little package for anyone after plenty of outputs on a budget."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: ESI Gigaport HD+ review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

BUY: ESI Gigaport HD+ currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann

Page 23 of 33
Page 23 of 33
MeldaProduction MStereoSpread

MeldaProduction MStereoSpread

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"MStereoSpread offers a novel take on stereo spreading, but getting the most out of it requires a reasoned approach."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MStereoSpread review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

Page 24 of 33
Page 24 of 33
A Tasty Pixel Audiobus

A Tasty Pixel Audiobus

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Audiobus is a genuine game-changer. Hopefully some sort of MIDI sync setup and the ability to save setups are on the way, but as it stands, this a truly essential app for any iOS musician."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: A Tasty Pixel Audiobus review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

Page 25 of 33
Page 25 of 33
Sound Radix Pi

Sound Radix Pi

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Wielded with due care and attention, Pi can certainly improve your mixes. Many will find it unpredictable, though."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sound Radix Pi review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

Page 26 of 33
Page 26 of 33
Waves REDD

Waves REDD

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Both useful and interesting, the REDD plugins bring the authentic sounds of vintage consoles to modern DAWs."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waves REDD review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

BUY: Waves REDD currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 27 of 33
Page 27 of 33
Harmonicdog MultiTrack DAW 3

Harmonicdog MultiTrack DAW 3

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Competition among iOS DAWs is only going to get hotter, but the MultiTrack DAW offers ease of use and value for money."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Harmonicdog MultiTrack DAW 3 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 189)

Page 28 of 33
Page 28 of 33
Eowave Ribbon

Eowave Ribbon

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It's not the smoothest design we've seen, but Eeowave nonetheless deserves praise for the Ribbon's idiosyncratic concept and functionality."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Eowave Ribbon review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 264)

BUY: Eowave Ribbon currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 29 of 33
Page 29 of 33
Akai MAX49

Akai MAX49

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A feature-packed controller with its eyes on the past, present and future, all at once."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Akai MAX49 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 264)

BUY: Akai MAX49 currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 30 of 33
Page 30 of 33
iZotope Insight

iZotope Insight

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Powerful, intuitive and awesomely geeky, it's a must for pros, but overkill for the average muso."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: iZotope Insight review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 264)

BUY: iZotope Insight currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 31 of 33
Page 31 of 33
Brainworx bx_limiter

Brainworx bx_limiter

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An excellent low-latency plug-in limiter that does far more than its name implies."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Brainworx bx_limiter review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 264)

Page 32 of 33
Page 32 of 33
Fostex PM641 Monitors

Fostex PM641 Monitors

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A practical nearfield monitoring choice - if you're up for a three-way, these won't disappoint."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fostex PM641 Monitors review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 264)

BUY: Fostex PM641 Monitors currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Full Compass

Page 33 of 33
Page 33 of 33
The MusicRadar Team
The MusicRadar Team
Social Links Navigation

MusicRadar is the internet's most popular website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers.

GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.

TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.

STARS: We talk to artists and musicians about their creative processes, digging deep into the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the actual craft of music-making that no other music website can.

More about music tech

MusicRadar deals of the week: Score an impressive £400 off a Rickenbacker 330, £200 off PRS, and up to 80% off a host of synth gear

Novation’s Bass Station II has officially entered its Swifty era, thanks to a new collaboration with a highly respected British designer

Latest

“The only difference for me between me calling it an album and a mixtape is what I went into it thinking it was”: PinkPantheress on why her new project, Fancy That, is a mixtape rather than an album

See more latest
More about music tech

MusicRadar deals of the week: Score an impressive £400 off a Rickenbacker 330, £200 off PRS, and up to 80% off a host of synth gear

Novation’s Bass Station II has officially entered its Swifty era, thanks to a new collaboration with a highly respected British designer

Latest

“The only difference for me between me calling it an album and a mixtape is what I went into it thinking it was”: PinkPantheress on why her new project, Fancy That, is a mixtape rather than an album

See more latest
Most Popular
PinkPantheress
“The only difference for me between me calling it an album and a mixtape is what I went into it thinking it was”: PinkPantheress on why her new project, Fancy That, is a mixtape rather than an album
Metallica
"While being dubbed the ‘Metallica Quake’ online, it actually posed no danger": Metallica’s Enter Sandman triggers mini earthquake on its American Football ‘homecoming’
Trevor Horn
“I had a bit of a shock because I’d just come from working with Yes, who had done 1,000s of live shows and were all brilliant players. Frankie Goes To Hollywood had done 5 shows and they could barely play”: Trevor Horn on the making of Relax
The Who announce final US tour
“I was hypnotised when I was a little boy - by my dentist who was experimenting with hypnotism”: Pete Townshend reveals why he always does his best on stage, as The Who announce final US tour
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: Score an impressive £400 off a Rickenbacker 330, £200 off PRS, and up to 80% off a host of synth gear
Gene Simmons
“We may jump up on stage and jam. It's very loose”: Gene Simmons tells Kiss fans to expect the unexpected at the band’s upcoming Las Vegas event
Lose Yourself in movies
“You sir, are an absolute madman. I can't imagine how long this took”: You have to see this astonishing Lose Yourself movie mash-up
Novation Bass Station Swifty Edition
Novation’s Bass Station II has officially entered its Swifty era, thanks to a new collaboration with a highly respected British designer
Joe Satriani and Steve Vai fistbump onstage during their show at the Valley Center, California in May 2024. They have their signature Ibanez guitars. Satch has the Chrome Boy JS1. Vai is playing his Daphne Blue PIA in Powder Blue
“It is an absolute phenom for us to be able to present to you now our teenage aspirations in this song”: Joe Satriani and Steve Vai are living out their teenage dreams in the video for their new single featuring the ‘Voice of Rock’ Glenn Hughes
Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M
“We’ve carefully considered what matters most to musicians and sound designers”: Groove Synthesis announces a more compact and affordable version of its superb 3rd Wave synth

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

  • 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...