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New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (August 2012)

By Alex Turner; Computer Music, Future Music
published 2 August 2012

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24 products at a glance

24 products at a glance

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

We've collated the latest plug-ins, hardware, iOS apps and other products to have fallen under the watchful eyes of the Computer Music and Future Music test teams. All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Computer Music issues 180 and 181, and Future Music issue 255.

We begin by scoping out a fresh plug-in bundle from eaReckon…

NEXT: eaReckon Analog87 Series

Page 1 of 25
Page 1 of 25
eaReckon Analog87 Series (€99)
Analogue hardware emulation plug-ins are 10 a penny, but this bundle takes inspiration rather than being a straight copy

eaReckon Analog87 Series (€99)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A bargain-priced quintet of dynamics and EQ plug-ins that operate beautifully and sound fantastic.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: eaReckon Analog87 Series

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 180)

Page 2 of 25
Page 2 of 25
112dB Big Blue Compressor (€149)
Hardware mimickry meets software-empowered functionality with this new dynamics plug-in that's stuffed full of virtual valves

112dB Big Blue Compressor (€149)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Big Blue Compressor sounds amazing, can be pushed impressively hard and boasts a great feature-set.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: 112dB Big Blue Compressor

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 180)

Page 3 of 25
Page 3 of 25
Modartt Pianoteq 4 Pro (€399)
Having proved that physical modelling works for acoustic pianos, has Modartt taken its ambitious project any further?

Modartt Pianoteq 4 Pro (€399)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Modartt's argument that you don't need samples to create a great-sounding software piano is becoming more compelling with each Pianoteq update.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Modartt Pianoteq 4 Pro

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 180)

BUY: Modartt Pianoteq 4 Pro currently available from:
USA: Sweetwater

Page 4 of 25
Page 4 of 25
Sinevibes Reactive ($29)
Converting any audio input into pitched synth sounds, this intriguing new Mac plug-in aims to inspire

Sinevibes Reactive ($29)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A really fun, creative but sonically limited tool that's well worth a punt at this price.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sinevibes Reactive

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 180)

Page 5 of 25
Page 5 of 25
Roland R-Mix (£129)
Roland has an exemplary track record when it comes to studio gear, but how will it fare in the software arena?

Roland R-Mix (£129)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Fun and fairly effective, but for serious mix separation, R-Mix rather disappoints. Let's hope R-Mix Pro is in the works…”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland R-Mix

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 180)

Page 6 of 25
Page 6 of 25
Photosounder SplineEQ ($19)
This colourful EQ combines the precision of linear-phase processing with the flexibility of Bézier spline curve-shaping

Photosounder SplineEQ ($19)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Innovative and powerful, SplineEQ would still be an essential buy if it cost five times as much!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Photosounder SplineEQ

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 180)

Page 7 of 25
Page 7 of 25
Arturia MiniBrute (£429)
Arturia might be famous for software emulations of classic analogue synths, but no one expected it to release a 'real' one. We get noodling…

Arturia MiniBrute (£429)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A great little synth, which manages to pack a lot of punch into its modest frame.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Arturia MiniBrute

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 255)

BUY: Arturia MiniBrute currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 8 of 25
Page 8 of 25
Allen & Heath GS-R24 / M (from £5,549)
As analogue consoles become popular again, integration with the digital world is key. We investigate one British manufacturer's latest offering in the merging of two cultures.

Allen & Heath GS-R24 / M (from £5,549)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An excellent desk packed with powerful features. A genuine bit of British ingenuity.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Allen & Heath GS-R24 / M

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 255)

BUY: Allen & Heath GS-R24 / M currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 9 of 25
Page 9 of 25
G-Raid Thunderbolt 4TB (£540)
A drive that's like a side order of Mac Pro

G-Raid Thunderbolt 4TB (£540)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The G-Raid Thunderbolt isn't cheap (and shelling out a further £40 for a lead smarts like a swig of vinegar) but if your Mac has the slot then we strongly recommend taking your storage seriously.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: G-Raid Thunderbolt 4TB

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 255)

Page 10 of 25
Page 10 of 25
Lewitt LCT 240 (£250)
A welcome budget version of a classic

Lewitt LCT 240 (£250)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“There's plenty of competition (and at some lower price points) but we found it an excellent inexpensive stand in for its pricier big brother and a great all rounder for your studio.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Lewitt LCT 240

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 255)

BUY: Lewitt LCT 240 currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | DV247
US: Full Compass

Page 11 of 25
Page 11 of 25
Shure SRH1840 (£590)
Shure helps you feel as if you're wearing a pair of monitors

Shure SRH1840 (£590)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Highly recommended for those who require mix accuracy but must keep levels low.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Shure SRH1840

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 255)

BUY: Shure SRH1840 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 12 of 25
Page 12 of 25
Cinesamples Piano In Blue ($129)
We take a piano library with an illustrious heritage for a spin

Cinesamples Piano In Blue ($129)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A beautiful-sounding and effortlessly playable sampled piano. Nice!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Cinesamples Piano In Blue

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 255)

Page 13 of 25
Page 13 of 25
Waves NLS ($249)
With emulations of three highly-regarded analogue consoles, Waves wants to put Non Linear Summing on everyone's wishlist

Waves NLS ($249)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Waves proves once again that it has the ability to hit the top. An excellent plug-in.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waves NLS

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 255)

BUY: Waves NLS currently available from:
UK: DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 14 of 25
Page 14 of 25
Universal Audio Apollo (£2149)
A confident landing on planet audio interface. We find out what happens when you put UAD DSP power into a multichannel FireWire device

Universal Audio Apollo (£2149)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A top-quality audio interface with the best DSP plug-in set on the market.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Apollo

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 255)

BUY: Universal Audio Apollo currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 15 of 25
Page 15 of 25
Zynaptiq UNVEIL (€399)
Is it really possible to extract the reverb from a full mix using just a single plug-in? Apparently so, as we discover…

Zynaptiq UNVEIL (€399)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An amazing feat of software engineering, Unveil certainly delivers on its promise.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Zynaptiq UNVEIL

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 255)

Page 16 of 25
Page 16 of 25
Subsonic Labs Wolfram ($80)
Effects processors aren't exactly in short supply, but that doesn't prevent this semimodular toolbox from offering up a few surprises

Subsonic Labs Wolfram ($80)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A very capable semimodular effects plug‑in at a fair price.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Subsonic Labs Wolfram

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 181)

Page 17 of 25
Page 17 of 25
Sugar Bytes Cyclop ($139)
An ultra-modern monster, this forward-thinking synth seems to have its eye on shaking up the world of electronic music production

Sugar Bytes Cyclop ($139)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Unique, fun and powerful, though not the most versatile synth in the world.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sugar Bytes Cyclop

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 181)

BUY: Sugar Bytes Cyclop currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 18 of 25
Page 18 of 25
MOTU MachFive 3 (£319)
The mighty American soft sampler rises again - although as of this version, such a simple description might no longer do it justice…

MOTU MachFive 3 (£319)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A flexible and complete sound design environment that not only rivals Kontakt 5 as a sampler, but also is a splendid synth.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MOTU MachFive 3

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 181)

BUY: MOTU MachFive 3 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 19 of 25
Page 19 of 25
FXpansion Etch Red (€39)
Exciting dual-filter Reason Rack Extension

FXpansion Etch Red (€39)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“We have a feeling there are going tobe quite a few essential Rack Extensions appearing in the Propellerhead shop over the coming months, but we don't think we'll see a better filter than this one any time soon.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: FXpansion Etch Red

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 181)

Page 20 of 25
Page 20 of 25
Cinematic Samples Cinematic Strings 2 (£375)
Get to grips with orchestral string programming

Cinematic Samples Cinematic Strings 2 (£375)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Overall a phenomenal package for the money.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Cinematic Samples Cinematic Strings 2

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 181)

Page 21 of 25
Page 21 of 25
Tangible FX iMoov (£2.49)
Motion MIDI controller for iOS devices

Tangible FX iMoov (£2.49)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A nicely designed, impressively responsive app that any computer musician would enjoy and possibly find useful.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tangible FX iMoov

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 181)

Page 22 of 25
Page 22 of 25
Propellerhead Software Polar (€55)
Stereo pitchshifter Reason Rack Extension

Propellerhead Software Polar (€55)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A great way to sex up your mixdowns in just about anygenre, from the most banging house choonz up to and including acoustic folk.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Propellerhead Software Polar

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 181)

BUY: Propellerhead Software Polar currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 23 of 25
Page 23 of 25
Propellerhead Software Radical Piano (€79)
The only new Propellerhead instrument on offer in the Reason Rack Extensions series

Propellerhead Software Radical Piano (€79)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“In the end, this is just a piano – and not a world-class one.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Propellerhead Software Radical Piano

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 181)

BUY: Propellerhead Software Radical Piano currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 24 of 25
Page 24 of 25
Propellerhead Software Pulsar (€39)
Dual-LFO modulation generator Rack Extension

Propellerhead Software Pulsar (€39)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“For experimental minds, Pulsar is currently the only essential Propellerhead Rack Extension. Even better, it's free until 1 October 2012!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Propellerhead Software Pulsar

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 181)

BUY: Propellerhead Software Pulsar currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 25 of 25
Page 25 of 25
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Alex Turner; Computer Music
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