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  1. Tech
  2. Gear & Gadgets

New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (August 2015)

News
By Future Music, Computer Music ( Computer Music, Future Music ) published 3 August 2015

Music-making software, synths, hardware and more

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

Siren Audio Generative 2

Siren Audio Generative 2

Last month saw a raft of new reviews of everything from plugins, to monitoring systems, audio interfaces, iPad apps and signature software.

All of the following reviews were originally published in Future Music and Computer Music magazines and featured on the site throughout July. First in the queue, it's Siren Audio's Generative 2...

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Generative 2's various foibles limit its appeal, but those who love obscure tools may find it diverting and even useful."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Siren Audio Generative 2 review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 1 of 24
Page 1 of 24
Zynaptiq Morph 2

Zynaptiq Morph 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Morph 2 might take a toll on your system, but it's powerful, beautiful and unique-sounding. If you can afford it, get it."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Zynaptiq Morph 2 review

BUY: Zynaptiq Morph 2 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 2 of 24
Page 2 of 24
Waves Butch Vig Vocals

Waves Butch Vig Vocals

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A top plugin from a top producer, Butch Vig Vocals is a one-stop shop for rock and pop frequency and dynamics processing."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waves Butch Vig Vocals review

BUY: Waves Butch Vig Vocals currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 3 of 24
Page 3 of 24
PSP Audioware MasterQ2

PSP Audioware MasterQ2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Version 2 of PSP's professional EQ plugin is full of new features and enhancements, and it still sounds phenomenal."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PSP Audioware MasterQ2 review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 4 of 24
Page 4 of 24
Exponential Audio Excalibur

Exponential Audio Excalibur

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"With its new-school take on the old-school multieffects concept, Excalibur is a refreshing effort - and it sounds awesome!"

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Exponential Audio Excalibur review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 5 of 24
Page 5 of 24
Output Audio Signal

Output Audio Signal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Signal is dramatic and powerful, and limitless in rhythmic potential."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Output Audio Signal review

BUY: Output Audio Signal currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 6 of 24
Page 6 of 24
Sugar Bytes Cyclop iPad Edition

Sugar Bytes Cyclop iPad Edition

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"We love it every bit as much on iPad, where it feels perfectly at home."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sugar Bytes Cyclop iPad Edition review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 7 of 24
Page 7 of 24
Sonarworks Reference 3

Sonarworks Reference 3

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Reference 3 offers a truly effective route to improved speaker and headphone clarity, and it's also brilliantly simple to use."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sonarworks Reference 3 review

BUY: Sonarworks Reference 3 currently available from:
UK: Thomann

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 8 of 24
Page 8 of 24
Audient iD14

Audient iD14

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Combining sumptuous audio quality with a great collection of extras, the iD14 is excellent value."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Audient iD14 review

BUY: Audient iD14 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 9 of 24
Page 9 of 24
Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt

Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A stunning sounding interface with flexible I/O, clear front-panel control and low latency recording."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt review

BUY: Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 10 of 24
Page 10 of 24
Image-Line FL Studio 12

Image-Line FL Studio 12

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Feature-packed and gorgeous, FL Studio 12 sees a leap forward in the design and usability of this hugely popular PC DAW."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Image-Line FL Studio 12 review

BUY: Image-Line FL Studio 12 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 11 of 24
Page 11 of 24
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2

Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Omnisphere 2 is an absolute triumph of virtual instrument design, perfect for those looking to create exciting new sounds."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 review

BUY: Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 12 of 24
Page 12 of 24
Korg/littleBits Synth Pro Expansion Pack

Korg/littleBits Synth Pro Expansion Pack

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The new modules add a whole extra layer of creative potential to the Korg/littleBits set-up."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg/littleBits Synth Pro Expansion Pack review

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 13 of 24
Page 13 of 24
Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder

Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A practical addition to your gigbag to record both audio and visuals."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder review

BUY: Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247

Page 14 of 24
Page 14 of 24
HoRNet Channel Strip MK3

HoRNet Channel Strip MK3

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"ChannelStrip MK3 sounds lovely, benefits from two dynamics modules, and is well- priced - but there are a few omissions."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: HoRNet Channel Strip MK3 review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 15 of 24
Page 15 of 24
zplane Elastique Pitch 2

zplane Elastique Pitch 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Top-quality pitch-shifting and countless creative options make this a winner."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: zplane Elastique Pitch 2 review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 16 of 24
Page 16 of 24
Kush Audio Clariphonic DSP mkII

Kush Audio Clariphonic DSP mkII

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It's not an EQ in the conventional sense, but Clariphonic DSP mkII is quasi-magical in its sweetening and enhancing powers."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Kush Audio Clariphonic DSP mkII review

BUY: Kush Audio Clariphonic DSP mkII currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 17 of 24
Page 17 of 24
Sonic Charge Echobode

Sonic Charge Echobode

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Wild, weird and most definitely wonderful, we couldn't be happier to see Echobode unchained from Reason and bestowed upon users of other hosts. Get it today."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sonic Charge Echobode review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 18 of 24
Page 18 of 24
Wide Blue Sound Orbit

Wide Blue Sound Orbit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"For textures, soundscapes and rhythm beds, Orbit sounds phenomenal, programs intuitively, and is worth every penny."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Wide Blue Sound Orbit review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 19 of 24
Page 19 of 24
Impact Soundworks Pearl Concert Grand

Impact Soundworks Pearl Concert Grand

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Pearl Concert Grand sounds lovely and plays well, holding its own against competing pianos costing considerably more. Well played, Impact Soundworks."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Impact Soundworks Pearl Concert Grand review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 20 of 24
Page 20 of 24
MunroSonic Egg 100 Monitoring System

MunroSonic Egg 100 Monitoring System

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Stunning visually and sonically, the Egg 100 package isn't cheap, but sets the bar for compact nearfields."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MunroSonic Egg 100 Monitoring System review

BUY: MunroSonic Egg 100 Monitoring System currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 21 of 24
Page 21 of 24
Korg Electribe Sampler

Korg Electribe Sampler

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Not the perfect sampling solution, but fun to use and a creative alternative to the ever-present DAW."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg Electribe Sampler review

BUY: Korg Electribe Sampler currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 22 of 24
Page 22 of 24
Roland JD-XA Synth

Roland JD-XA Synth

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The JD-XA is unique and inspiring and wears many hats admirably. Time to get saving!"

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland JD-XA Synth review

BUY: Roland JD-XA Synth currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 23 of 24
Page 23 of 24
Genelec 8000 Series SAM Monitors

Genelec 8000 Series SAM Monitors

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Genelec's all in one monitoring package offers all you need for monitoring nirvana."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Genelec 8000 Series SAM Monitors review

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 24 of 24
Page 24 of 24
Computer Music
Computer Music
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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.

Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects… image
Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects…
…with the latest issue of Computer Music magazine
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