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New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (August 2014)

By Computer Music, Future Music
published 5 August 2014

Synths, plugins, monitors and more

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Positive Grid Final Touch
iPad mastering suite that competes

Positive Grid Final Touch

Every issue, MusicRadar’s sister publications, Future Music and Computer Music review the latest music tech hardware and software, including interfaces, MIDI controllers, synths and even mobile music-making apps.

In this gallery we’ve collected all of the reviews to appear on the site during July - originally published in Future Music issues 281/282 and Computer Music 205/206/207. First up it’s Positive Grid’s iPad-based mastering app, Final Touch…

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's unlikely to put any pro mastering houses out of business, but for 'project studio' mastering duties, Final Touch is a thoroughly viable proposition. Amazing!”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Positive Grid Final Touch review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 205)

Page 1 of 36
Page 1 of 36
e-instruments Session Keys Grand Bundle
Kontakt-based piano collection

e-instruments Session Keys Grand Bundle

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A rich, versatile, fun package at a good price.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: e-instruments Session Keys Grand Bundle review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 206)

Page 2 of 36
Page 2 of 36
Vir2 Acou6tics
Acoustic-based Kontakt bundle

Vir2 Acou6tics

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A versatile, flawless-sounding collection. A thing of beauty.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vir2 Acou6tics review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 205)

BUY: Vir2 Acou6tics currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 3 of 36
Page 3 of 36
LVC-Audio HotPhuzz
Affordable, flexible saturation plugin

LVC-Audio HotPhuzz

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“For valve and transformer saturation, HotPhuzz is a highly recommended and functionally unique bargain.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: LVC-Audio HotPhuzz review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 206)

Page 4 of 36
Page 4 of 36
IK Multimedia iRing
Hands-on new app controller

IK Multimedia iRing

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“All in all, iRing is pretty impressive, and the price is fully justified by the experience - just a couple of bits of plastic it may be, but sometimes good ideas are worth paying for.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia iRing review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 206)

BUY: IK Multimedia iRing currently available from:
UK: Thomann |
US: Full Compass

Page 5 of 36
Page 5 of 36
Unfiltered Audio G8 Dynamic Gate
Feature-filled gate plugin

Unfiltered Audio G8 Dynamic Gate

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This is a superb plugin that any producer would do well to investigate.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Unfiltered Audio G8 Dynamic Gate review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 206)

Page 6 of 36
Page 6 of 36
Native Instruments Rise & Hit
'Swell' Kontakt library

Native Instruments Rise & Hit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An amazing resource for sound designers and musicians alike.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Rise & Hit review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 206)

Page 7 of 36
Page 7 of 36
Mozaic Beats AutoTheory
Reason 'MIDI mapper' goes standalone

Mozaic Beats AutoTheory

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“While it doesn't totally demystify music theory, AutoTheory does make it easier to produce harmonically-pleasant tunes.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mozaic Beats AutoTheory review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 206)

Page 8 of 36
Page 8 of 36
Z3 Audiolabs Repeat-X
Good value sequencing/ multi-fx plugin

Z3 Audiolabs Repeat-X

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An excellent sequencer-driven multieffects processor that any adventurous producer could get plenty of mileage out of.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Z3 Audiolabs Repeat-X review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 206)

Page 9 of 36
Page 9 of 36
Zivix PUC
Problem solving MIDI-to-wifi interface

Zivix PUC

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“We really wish the PUC also accepted USB MIDI and had two or three more inputs, but other than that, it's a neat, well-realised device that works exactly as advertised.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Zivix PUC review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 206)

Page 10 of 36
Page 10 of 36
AudioSpillage DrumSpillage 2
Drum modelling plugin making a splash

AudioSpillage DrumSpillage 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A powerful, intuitive drum synth made truly versatile with pitched and polyphonic triggering. But we want those features back...”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: AudioSpillage DrumSpillage 2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 206)

Page 11 of 36
Page 11 of 36
FXpansion BFD Orchestral
Percussive expansion pack

FXpansion BFD Orchestral

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“For the BFD user in need of a perfectly integrated set of orchestral skins and metals, though, this is a lot of percussion for the money.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: FXpansion BFD Orchestral review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 206)

BUY: FXpansion BFD Orchestral currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Full Compass

Page 12 of 36
Page 12 of 36
SSL Duende Native Expansion Pack 2
Three new plugins in a bundle

SSL Duende Native Expansion Pack 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Three quality additions to the Duende Native roster, but note that X-Phase is more for phase correction than creative usage.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: SSL Duende Native Expansion Pack 2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 206)

Page 13 of 36
Page 13 of 36
Genelec 8010A
Mini monitors worth a wee listen

Genelec 8010A

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“High-quality monitoring that combines portability and durability at a sensible price.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Genelec 8010A review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 280)

BUY: Genelec 8010A currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 14 of 36
Page 14 of 36
Korg MS-20 kit
Build your own synth

Korg MS-20 kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's fun to build, has big keys and MIDI and includes both MS-20 filter revisions. Grab one quick!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg MS-20 kit review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 280)

BUY: Korg MS-20 kit currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

Page 15 of 36
Page 15 of 36
Prism Sound Lyra 2
Classy interface from the pedigree producer

Prism Sound Lyra 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Incredible conversion quality, outstanding mic amps and excellent control features.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Prism Sound Lyra 2 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 280)

BUY: Prism Sound Lyra 2 currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 16 of 36
Page 16 of 36
Sonic Faction Dope Matrix
Virtual modular synth for Live

Sonic Faction Dope Matrix

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“By chasing the Push modular vibe, Sonic Faction have built a synth that succeeds in its own right.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sonic Faction Dope Matrix review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 280)

Page 17 of 36
Page 17 of 36
Spitfire Audio Enigma
Guitar-based cinematic sample library

Spitfire Audio Enigma

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Sonically rich and diverse, it will appeal to composers, producers and sound designers alike.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Spitfire Audio Enigma review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 280)

Page 18 of 36
Page 18 of 36
Waldorf 2-Pole Analog Filter
Brand new old school hardware

Waldorf 2-Pole Analog Filter

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Gritty, flexible and a lot of fun, the 2-Pole is a great way to instantly add character to your sounds.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waldorf 2-Pole Analog Filter review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 280)

BUY: Waldorf 2-Pole Analog Filter currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 19 of 36
Page 19 of 36
Sinevibes Hexonator
Harmonic chord generation plugin

Sinevibes Hexonator

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Decidedly mental but well worth a creative punt, Hexonator is another worthy addition to the Sinevibes catalogue.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sinevibes Hexonator review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 207)

Page 20 of 36
Page 20 of 36
JBL Series 3 LSR305
Nearfield monitors that are worth a listen

JBL Series 3 LSR305

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“One of the best compact nearfield monitors on the market, and blends seamlessly with the subwoofer.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: JBL Series 3 LSR305 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 280)

BUY: JBL Series 3 LSR305 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 21 of 36
Page 21 of 36
sE Electronics X1T
The X1 condenser mic gets valved-up

sE Electronics X1T

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Adding valve circuitry to the X1 offers a slightly different but pleasant tonal perspective.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: sE Electronics X1T review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 280)

BUY: sE Electronics X1T currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 22 of 36
Page 22 of 36
Madrona Labs Kaivo
Hybrid granular/modelling synth plugin

Madrona Labs Kaivo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It may be CPU hungry, but it makes every cycle count with its engaging architecture and dazzling sounds.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Madrona Labs Kaivo review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 281)

Page 23 of 36
Page 23 of 36
Renoise 3
The return of Renoise

Renoise 3

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's nothing like a conventional DAW, but with its different way of working, Renoise 3 could change your music-making life.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Renoise 3 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 207)

Page 24 of 36
Page 24 of 36
Acustica Audio Silk EQ2
Hardware EQ gone soft-plugin

Acustica Audio Silk EQ2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This recreation of a popular 60s EQ gets the sound and interface spot on, but it eats drive space and has a few Mac issues.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Acustica Audio Silk EQ2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 207)

Page 25 of 36
Page 25 of 36
Vengeance Sound Glitch Bitch
Specialist glitch edit plugin

Vengeance Sound Glitch Bitch

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Not as feature-rich or powerful as some glitch plugins, but Glitch Bitch's workflow, envelopes and presets make it a winner.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vengeance Sound Glitch Bitch review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 207)

Page 26 of 36
Page 26 of 36
Arturia Spark 2
V2 for the drum machine software

Arturia Spark 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The already-popular virtual drum machine just got much better, particularly with the addition of its excellent new Modular system.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Arturia Spark 2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 207)

BUY: Arturia Spark 2 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 27 of 36
Page 27 of 36
Synapse Audio Dune 2
Adventurous synth returns in style

Synapse Audio Dune 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The best-sounding synth we've heard in quite a while, Dune 2 is powerful, flexible and bursting with a character all its own.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Synapse Audio Dune 2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 207)

Page 28 of 36
Page 28 of 36
XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2
Virtual kit goes the IAP route

XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Addictive Drums 2 keeps the ease of use and lightweight resource demands of v1 while improving both flexibility and sound.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 207)

BUY: XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2 currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 29 of 36
Page 29 of 36
IK Multimedia EQ73
Neve-aping classic EQ sounds

IK Multimedia EQ73

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An excellent Neve EQ and preamp emulation, with its own sound. The EQ81 is also worth owning if you can stretch to it.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia EQ73 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 207)

BUY: IK Multimedia EQ73 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 30 of 36
Page 30 of 36
Arturia MiniBrute SE
The analogue synth gets a silvery update

Arturia MiniBrute SE

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Despite some aesthetic annoyances this remains a great little synth and still packs plenty of punch.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Arturia MiniBrute SE review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 281)

BUY: Arturia MiniBrute SE currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 31 of 36
Page 31 of 36
Sample Logic Arpology
Step Animator-based sample library

Sample Logic Arpology

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“In practical use, though, it's a fun, intuitive, powerfully creative instrument that's perfect for conjuring up high-impact sounds and interesting grooves in next to no time.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sample Logic Arpology review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 207)

BUY: Sample Logic Arpology currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 32 of 36
Page 32 of 36
Zoom TAC-2
Thunderbolt and a lighter price

Zoom TAC-2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you don't need lots of channels and fancy finally taking advantage of your Thunderbolt port, the TAC-2 is something of a revelation - a great performer in a compact package.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Zoom TAC-2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 207)

BUY: Zoom TAC-2 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 33 of 36
Page 33 of 36
Audient ASP880
Colourful, quality preamp and A/D converter

Audient ASP880

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An extremely flexible, high-quality mic pre and converter unit with a functionality well beyond its price.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Audient ASP880 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 207)

BUY: Audient ASP880 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 34 of 36
Page 34 of 36
UAD Dangerous BAX EQ Plug-In Collection
UAD and Brainworx team up again

UAD Dangerous BAX EQ Plug-In Collection

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Despite a seemingly limited control set, this 'finishing EQ' delivers fantastic results.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: UAD Dangerous BAX EQ Plug-In Collection review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 281)

Page 35 of 36
Page 35 of 36
Pioneer Remix-Station 500
Fun and flexible DJ effects unit

Pioneer Remix-Station 500

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It does what it says, and very well, though there are perhaps cheaper alternatives for the studio-bound.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pioneer Remix-Station 500 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 282)

BUY: Pioneer Remix-Station 500 currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 36 of 36
Page 36 of 36
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Computer Music magazine is the world’s best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer. Each issue it brings its lucky readers the best in cutting-edge tutorials, need-to-know, expert software reviews and even all the tools you actually need to make great music today, courtesy of our legendary CM Plugin Suite.

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