New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (April 2015)
Versatile kick drum mic
AKG D12 VR
Once again the expert reviews writers on our sister publications Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm have been hard at work bringing you the best independent reviews of music tech gear.
Browse the gallery to see the latest DAW, plugin, virtual instrument, synth, interface and other music tech product reviews. Every review featured in this gallery originally appeared in the above magazines' pages and was published on the site in the last month. Things kick off below with the AKG D12 VR drum mic...
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Nicely built, straight-forward in use and designed to craft great sound."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: AKG D12 VR review
BUY: AKG D12 VR currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Well-made budget monitors
Prodipe Studio Monitors Pro 6
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"All told they're not without limitations, but at just over £250 a pair, these monitors will no doubt find their niche."
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Prodipe Studio Monitors Pro 6 review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 289)
BUY: Prodipe Studio Monitors Pro 6 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
Super-solid stage mic
AKG D40
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The D40 will deliver come what may no matter how noisy, crowded and sweaty the stage is."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: AKG D40 review
BUY: AKG D40 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Full Compass
Need to get slicing? Get Vice in...
New Sonic Arts Vice
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A rewarding, fun and easy loop slicer that has a few rough edges and missing essentials, but comes in at a fair price."
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: New Sonic Arts Vice review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
De-ess with the best
DMG Audio Essence
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The current state of the art in de-essing, Essence is another stunning plugin from a developer who can seemingly do no wrong."
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: DMG Audio Essence review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
Glitching, slicing plugin
Sugar Bytes Looperator
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Too well designed, useful and sonically impressive to warrant a lower score, but not the most original-sounding plugin."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Sugar Bytes Looperator review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
BUY: Sugar Bytes Looperator currently available from:
US: Sweetwater
The highly anticipated new ARP Odyssey is finally here. Time to find out if it's the real deal!
Korg ARP Odyssey
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"This compact new Odyssey captures the mojo and sound of the original(s) and the inclusion of all three filters, Drive and MIDI/USB enhances its appeal further. ARP is back!"
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Korg ARP Odyssey review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 291)
BUY: Korg ARP Odyssey currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
13 instruments in one bundle
Arturia V Collection 4
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"With 12 synths and keyboards included, plus Spark 2, you'd be hard pressed to find a more powerful or better-value instrument collection."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Arturia V Collection 4 review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
BUY: Arturia V Collection 4 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Powerful and portable step sequencer
Korg SQ-1 Sequencer
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Plenty of functionality in a compact, cheap and portable battery-powered package."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Korg SQ-1 Sequencer review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)
BUY: Korg SQ-1 Sequencer currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Take a trip to the multiplexer
Glitchmachines Cataract
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Add a point or two to the score if 'extreme' is your scene, but otherwise check the audio demos first."
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Glitchmachines Cataract review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
Keep equipment spanning 40 years in sync
Roland SBX-1
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A flexible and useful unit but perhaps Roland limit its appeal due to their chosen price point."
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Roland SBX-1 review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)
BUY: Roland SBX-1 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater
Wavetable synthesis find its way
Wolfgang Palm PPG WaveMapper 2
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Palm's best yet, WaveMapper 2 is immensely powerful, hugely enjoyable to use and truly unique."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Wolfgang Palm PPG WaveMapper 2 review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
Super-strong multiband compressor plugin
Acustica Audio Titanium
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"An expertly crafted multiband compressor with the inclusion of one- and two-band versions coming as a very welcome bonus."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Acustica Audio Titanium review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
Magix continues to lose its spark
Magix Music Maker 2015 Premium
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"An utterly risible effort, this dire DAW is one of the worst pieces of music-making software we've ever encountered."
1 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Magix Music Maker 2015 Premium review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
Fine vintage vocoder emulation
XILS-lab Vocoder 5000
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Vocoder 5000 is the best-sounding software vocoder around, but it's a real CPU guzzler and takes a while to learn. Not for the faint-hearted!"
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: XILS-lab Vocoder 5000 review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
Lively orchestral ROMpler
Sonokinetic Capriccio
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Epic and enormous, Capriccio is a masterpiece."
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Sonokinetic Capriccio review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
Cinematic sample library
ProjectSAM Orchestral Essentials 2
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"For big, rich orchestrals in a hurry, there's plenty to recommend here to those on a relaxed budget."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: ProjectSAM Orchestral Essentials 2 review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
BUY: ProjectSAM Orchestral Essentials 2 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
Clever acoustic Kontakt instrument
Native Instruments Session Guitarist - Strummed Acoustic
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Strummed Acoustic sounds superb, plays easily and boasts a high level of flexibility (and, consequently, longevity) thanks to its seamless pattern and chord changing. Recommended."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Session Guitarist - Strummed Acoustic review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
New features and payment model for the PC DAW
Cakewalk Sonar Platinum
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Time will tell if the new Membership scheme will fly, but Sonar remains one of the most powerful DAWs available on Windows."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Cakewalk Sonar Platinum review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
BUY: Cakewalk Sonar Platinum currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
One box iOS, PC and Mac interface
PreSonus AudioBox iTwo
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Ultimately, the iTwo is an unremarkable, workmanlike interface that sounds good and comes in at a reasonable price."
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: PreSonus AudioBox iTwo review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
BUY: PreSonus AudioBox iTwo currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Can you afford to ignore the golden 'Egg?
MunroSonic Egg 150 Monitoring System
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"These are serious contenders for the best monitors in their price range, and perhaps even beyond."
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: MunroSonic Egg 150 Monitoring System review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)
BUY: MunroSonic Egg 150 Monitoring System currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater
Mic-modelling iOS app
Future Moments MicSwap Pro
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A useful, well-produced app, MicSwap Pro impressed us more than we expected it to."
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Future Moments MicSwap Pro review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 215)
UAD processing power box
UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt Quad
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A great choice for UAD enthusiasts who need plenty of processing at the production and mix stages."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt Quad review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)
BUY: UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt Quad currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Metal drums on a budget? Call Colin...
Toontrack Made Of Metal EZX
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Toontrack has no shortage of metal sounds in its catalogue, each one produced by world-class people, but think of this as an extra palette. Of course you'll need EZdrummer 2 to run it, but at £50, it's almost robbery."
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Toontrack Made Of Metal EZX review
BUY: Toontrack Made Of Metal EZX currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater
Cross-company plug-in bundle
Air Music Technology Advance Music Production Suite
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"It lacks a little of Komplete's 'edge', but Advance is a nice concept and great value."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Air Music Technology Advance Music Production Suite review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)
BUY: Air Music Technology Advance Music Production Suite currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
Heavenly hardware multi-band compressor
Drawmer 1973 FET Compressor
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"An awesome bit of hardware. With bullet-proof build quality and intuitive control, it's a no-brainer."
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Drawmer 1973 FET Compressor review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)
BUY: Drawmer 1973 FET Compressor currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Analogue/ digital crossover synth star
Roland JD-Xi
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The JD-Xi's feature-set, versatility and sound quality are unrivalled at this price point. What's not to like!"
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Roland JD-Xi review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)
BUY: Roland JD-Xi currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Push-style Live control from your iPad
touchAble 3
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The new touches make the third gen of touchAble an all-round winner."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: touchAble 3 review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)
Home recording starter pack
PreSonus AudioBox iTwo Studio Recording Kit
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"If you want a quick and easy start in computer-based recording you'll find it in this competitively-priced package."
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: PreSonus AudioBox iTwo Studio Recording Kit review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)
BUY: PreSonus AudioBox iTwo Studio Recording Kit currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater
Can iZo's Iris synth innovate again?
iZotope Iris 2
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"With its refocus on conventional synth-like behaviour, Iris 2 is an even more powerful instrument than its awesome predecessor."
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: iZotope Iris 2 review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)
BUY: iZotope Iris 2 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Combined dynamics processor
Tracktion Master Mix
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Fuss-free, intuitive and sonically impressive, Master Mix wholly deserves resurrection, still holding its own in 2015."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Tracktion Master Mix review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)
Reverb plugin with a twist - or three
Tone2 UltraSpace
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A reverb with a few tricks up its sleeve, UltraSpace isn't going to change the world, but it makes some interesting sounds and comes in at a fair price."
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Tone2 UltraSpace review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)
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