New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (December 2013)
![HOFA Plugins IQ-Reverb](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/18c6d82e4a37d0805a996986c3179ffe-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Waves RS56](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5007eae90841290295b17469a5953008-320-80.jpg)
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
![CME Xkey](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7dfc34431fed4cd504705a76a939ec84-320-80.jpg)
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
![Togu Audio Line TAL-BassLine-101](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bcb8592cd405cbb218bf069ee8759e30-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Sugar Bytes WOW2](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/e34e9f4b269f212dc436038946e4423c-320-80.jpg)
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
![Native Instruments Maschine Studio](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/a6d28f99ba0c5bfef9d50155c9c42c18-320-80.jpg)
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
![HoRNet TrackShaper](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/0d51c383205c9c123cd03b3fdde93450-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Native Instruments Drumlab](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/27c65f12ad22e108c80582e57d08cacf-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Impact Soundworks Juggernaut](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/869dfcccc758e58a58635f0caa1de7cb-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Nord Lead 4](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/1cd089521d036904f05dbf16398e8430-320-80.jpg)
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
![Toontrack Rock! EZX](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6b024dec3b20263fb695690652339414-320-80.jpg)
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
![Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/edbc3535c12e6fd627ab8bde6eaacd28-320-80.jpg)
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
![Brainworx ENGL Amplifier Plug-Ins Bundle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f61dc864301138b6050c208befc06314-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Genelec M Series Monitors](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2edc767d5421e86c076ec41c0cde7b59-320-80.jpg)
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
![Meinl Laptop Table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6250b744f481a088aec971c987d00d0f-320-80.jpg)
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
![Korg Kross 61](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/afc8bd1a930a944a31139c3e2d9d3360-320-80.jpg)
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
![Elysia xfilter 500](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/38b00f23a92705f8057619478161783a-320-80.jpg)
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
![Native Instruments Kontrol X1 Mk2](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fdc372c821ad06acbff9644e22bc8327-320-80.jpg)
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
![Shure GLXD24/SM58](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cacdc112d0dc0254f0370c561ee0c1ac-320-80.jpg)
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
![NI Traktor DJ Cable](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3dc58b29cd81571753318bfc2281b44c-320-80.jpg)
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
![AKG K712 Pro](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/69166b02f93e28fb4047a3901f956704-320-80.jpg)
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
![NAD Viso HP50](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/e38f90dd7231625635c11b4086a8d1e7-320-80.jpg)
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)
![D16 Group Sigmund](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eb1382d40f4f2007bc5632e7be5cf1f8-320-80.jpg)
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
![u-he Satin](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fcffc14b5bc96f1606e54454a6419993-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Amaranth Audio Cycle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/77da72ff393ddffa01c0165a381bcddf-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Blue Cat Audio MB-7 Mixer 2.0](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cae5925efcfe17f2506babb7c0f3dfc9-320-80.jpg)
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)