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  1. Tech
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New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (December 2013)

News
By The MusicRadar Team published 2 December 2013

All of November's plugin, controller and synth reviews

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

HOFA Plugins IQ-Reverb

HOFA Plugins IQ-Reverb

MusicRadar's sister magazines Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music review the best new music tech gear on a monthly basis.

In this gallery we've brought together all the music-making hardware, app, DAW, DJ gear, plug-in and synth reviews posted throughout November.

All of the gear featured in this gallery was originally reviewed in Computer Music issue 197/198 and Future Music issue 271/272, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Combining intuitive convolution with old-school algorithmic controls, IQ-Reverb sounds gorgeous and is well priced."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: HOFA Plugins IQ-Reverb review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 197)

Page 1 of 26
Page 1 of 26
Waves RS56

Waves RS56

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A hard-hitting alternative to your Pultec emulations, the RS56 suffers only from its archaically restricted frequency settings."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waves RS56 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 197)

BUY: Waves RS56 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 2 of 26
Page 2 of 26
CME Xkey

CME Xkey

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A stylish, full-featured MIDI keyboard that plays very well, fits in a (large) laptop bag and comes in at a price that is very reasonable."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: CME Xkey review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 197)

BUY: CME Xkey currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 3 of 26
Page 3 of 26
Togu Audio Line TAL-BassLine-101

Togu Audio Line TAL-BassLine-101

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"TAL-BassLine-101 is the most convincing virtual SH-101 yet - if that's the sound you're after, this is the synth to get."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Togu Audio Line TAL-BassLine-101 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 197)

Page 4 of 26
Page 4 of 26
Sugar Bytes WOW2

Sugar Bytes WOW2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Even better than the original, WOW2 is a versatile, highly controllable analogue- style filter plugin par excellence."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sugar Bytes WOW2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 197)

BUY: Sugar Bytes WOW2 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 5 of 26
Page 5 of 26
Native Instruments Maschine Studio

Native Instruments Maschine Studio

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Maschine 2.0 is the bomb with any controller, but if you can afford it, Maschine Studio is the one to go for."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Maschine Studio review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 198)

BUY: Native Instruments Maschine Studio currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 6 of 26
Page 6 of 26
HoRNet TrackShaper

HoRNet TrackShaper

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"TrackShaper is a useful and cheap tool for getting good demo mixes together quickly - just don't expect miracles."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: HoRNet TrackShaper review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 197)

Page 7 of 26
Page 7 of 26
Native Instruments Drumlab

Native Instruments Drumlab

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Drumlab squarely hits the sweet spot between sonic flexibility and ease of use, and the source sounds, though low in number, are superb."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Drumlab review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 197)

Page 8 of 26
Page 8 of 26
Impact Soundworks Juggernaut

Impact Soundworks Juggernaut

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It might not boast the most extensive sample set we've ever heard, but what it has sounds very good."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Impact Soundworks Juggernaut review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 197)

Page 9 of 26
Page 9 of 26
Nord Lead 4

Nord Lead 4

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Gripes aside, the NL4 sounds superb and offers some indispensable new features."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Nord Lead 4 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 272)

BUY: Nord Lead 4 currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 10 of 26
Page 10 of 26
Toontrack Rock! EZX

Toontrack Rock! EZX

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Big, bombastic and beautifully produced, this is a must-have for EZdrummer users, and worth a serious look even from Superior Drummers."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Toontrack Rock! EZX review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 197)

BUY: Toontrack Rock! EZX currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 11 of 26
Page 11 of 26
Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast

Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"With a large variety of tones and multiple input types, it expands your possibilities at a bargain price."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 272)

BUY: Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 12 of 26
Page 12 of 26
Brainworx ENGL Amplifier Plug-Ins Bundle

Brainworx ENGL Amplifier Plug-Ins Bundle

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Look beyond the presets and these are two amps with flexible, if aggressive personalities."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Brainworx ENGL Amplifier Plug-Ins Bundle review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 272)

Page 13 of 26
Page 13 of 26
Genelec M Series Monitors

Genelec M Series Monitors

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A great new design that makes Genelecs more affordable without compromising the sound."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Genelec M Series Monitors review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 272)

BUY: Genelec M Series Monitors currently available from:
UK: DV247

Page 14 of 26
Page 14 of 26
Meinl Laptop Table

Meinl Laptop Table

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Meinl hasn't skimped on quality here, and that is reflected in its hefty price tag."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Meinl Laptop Table review

Page 15 of 26
Page 15 of 26
Korg Kross 61

Korg Kross 61

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A feature-packed and great- sounding board that lacks real-time performance/editing controls."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg Kross 61 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 272)

BUY: Korg Kross 61 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass | DV247

Page 16 of 26
Page 16 of 26
Elysia xfilter 500

Elysia xfilter 500

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An original modern slice of EQ for mixing and tracking with a serious amount of range and flexibility."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Elysia xfilter 500 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 272)

BUY: Elysia xfilter 500 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 17 of 26
Page 17 of 26
Native Instruments Kontrol X1 Mk2

Native Instruments Kontrol X1 Mk2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An excellent update to the X1 that makes a great partner for Traktor Pro."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Kontrol X1 Mk2 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 272)

BUY: Native Instruments Kontrol X1 Mk2 currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 18 of 26
Page 18 of 26
Shure GLXD24/SM58

Shure GLXD24/SM58

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A simple but well spec'd Shure system for semi-pro to basic pro level at a reasonable price."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Shure GLXD24/SM58 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 272)

BUY: Shure GLXD24/SM58 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 19 of 26
Page 19 of 26
NI Traktor DJ Cable

NI Traktor DJ Cable

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It is well built, and by God it works! But - of course - there are cheaper alternatives available."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: NI Traktor DJ Cable review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 272)

BUY: NI Traktor DJ Cable currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 20 of 26
Page 20 of 26
AKG K712 Pro

AKG K712 Pro

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A pair of great mix headphones. Light, airy, comfortable and expertly put together."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: AKG K712 Pro review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 272)

BUY: AKG K712 Pro currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 21 of 26
Page 21 of 26
NAD Viso HP50

NAD Viso HP50

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A comfortable fit, attention to detail and a surprisingly clear sound stage. We suggest you get your hands on some NADs."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: NAD Viso HP50 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 272)

Page 22 of 26
Page 22 of 26
D16 Group Sigmund

D16 Group Sigmund

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Perhaps a new benchmark for delays, Sigmund offers a broad range of effects, sounds brilliant and is easy to use."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: D16 Group Sigmund review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 198)

BUY: D16 Group Sigmund currently available from:
US: Full Compass

Page 23 of 26
Page 23 of 26
u-he Satin

u-he Satin

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A stunningly realistic and surprisingly creative tape emulation at a price that makes it nothing short of essential."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: u-he Satin review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 198)

Page 24 of 26
Page 24 of 26
Amaranth Audio Cycle

Amaranth Audio Cycle

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An unashamedly digital instrument based on a new synthesis technique, Cycle will reward the patience it takes to master it."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Amaranth Audio Cycle review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 198)

Page 25 of 26
Page 25 of 26
Blue Cat Audio MB-7 Mixer 2.0

Blue Cat Audio MB-7 Mixer 2.0

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Still a very useful and inspiring multiband processor, but MB-7 2.0's biggest selling point is its brilliant VST plugin hosting."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blue Cat Audio MB-7 Mixer 2.0 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 198)

Page 26 of 26
Page 26 of 26
The MusicRadar Team
The MusicRadar Team
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