Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Guitar Amps
  • Plugin Week 25
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Artist news
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Software & Apps
  • Drums
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • Plugin Week A-Z
  • You Oughta Know
  • Fake AI band
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Wrecking Crew
Recommended reading
Superbooth 2025
Synths 12 new instruments and effects you need to know about from Superbooth 2025
Pluginweek logo
Plugins Plugin Week 2025: Exhibitor A-Z
te
Tech Teenage Engineering's TX-6, TP-7 and CM-15 are back in black
Superbooth live
Synths Superbooth 2025: all the latest synth news from Berlin, as it happened
Behringer Model D
Soft Synths 10 producers share the studio gear they can’t live without
Zoom H1 Essential
Recording Best field recorders 2025: Top portable recorders for capturing sound on-the-go
Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control
Midi Controllers “It shows enough promise to become the controller to rule them all”: Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control review
  1. Tech
  2. Gear & Gadgets

New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (February 2011)

News
By Ben Rogerson published 7 March 2011

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

FXpansion Geist (£189)

FXpansion Geist (£189)

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, DAWs, interfaces, keyboards and synths to have fallen under the watchful eyes of Computer Music, Future Music and Guitarist’s test teams. All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Computer Music issues 161/162, Future Music issues 236/237 and Guitarist issue 237and published on MusicRadar throughout February.

Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: FXpansion’s Geist

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Geist is one of the best virtual drum machines around and will more than satisfy those who've been waiting patiently for a Guru sequel.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: FXpansion Geist

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 161)

Page 1 of 21
Page 1 of 21
Overloud SpringAge (£70)

Overloud SpringAge (£70)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“While spring reverb isn't for everyone, those seeking its distinctive sound won't regret springing for this plug-in.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Overloud SpringAge

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 161)

Page 2 of 21
Page 2 of 21
Native Instruments The Mouth (€69)

Native Instruments The Mouth (€69)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“No other plug-in sounds quite like this - a creative and inspirational effects bargain.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments The Mouth

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 236)

Page 3 of 21
Page 3 of 21
Akai MPK Mini (£69)

Akai MPK Mini (£69)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Even better value than buying two separate controllers, the MPK Mini proves a great portable option.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Akai MPK Mini

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 236)

Page 4 of 21
Page 4 of 21
Ableton/Serato The Bridge (Free)

Ableton/Serato The Bridge (Free)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A very sturdy Bridge indeed. And toll-free to owners of Scratch Live and Ableton Live”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ableton/Serato The Bridge

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 236)

Page 5 of 21
Page 5 of 21
Solid State Logic Nucleus (£3525)

Solid State Logic Nucleus (£3525)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A high-quality DAW controller and soundcard that requires investment but will pay back in productivity.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Solid State Logic Nucleus

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 236)

Page 6 of 21
Page 6 of 21
Roland CD-2i SD/CD Recorder (£569)

Roland CD-2i SD/CD Recorder (£569)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A very useful asset to have around - if only it was more affordable...”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland CD-2i SD/CD Recorder

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 337)

Page 7 of 21
Page 7 of 21
Zoom R24 (£479)

Zoom R24 (£479)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An excellent set of features in one box suitable for both hardware and software recording.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Zoom R24

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 337)

Page 8 of 21
Page 8 of 21
Synthogy Ivory II Grand Pianos (£235)

Synthogy Ivory II Grand Pianos (£235)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An excellent update to one of the best grand piano ROMplers money can buy, bringing it bang up to date.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Synthogy Ivory II Grand Pianos

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 161)

Page 9 of 21
Page 9 of 21
Glanzmann Digital DJ Solutions 4midiloop (£1385)

Glanzmann Digital DJ Solutions 4midiloop (£1385)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Not cheap but full four-deck-control executed flawlessly. Easy to use and beautifully built.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Glanzmann Digital DJ Solutions 4midiloop

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 236)

Page 10 of 21
Page 10 of 21
Prodipe 25C (£80)

Prodipe 25C (£80)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It'll get the job done, but the Prodipe 25C doesn't go about its business with much finesse.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Prodipe 25C

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 161)

Page 11 of 21
Page 11 of 21
iZotope RX 2 ($1439)

iZotope RX 2 ($1439)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“iZotope keeps up the pace with this great update to a first-rate audio-restoration tool.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: iZotope RX 2

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 161)

Page 12 of 21
Page 12 of 21
Kuassa Amplifikation One ($50)

Kuassa Amplifikation One ($50)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Kuassa kick off their career in style with a tonally capable, value-packed amp sim.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Kuassa Amplifikation One

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 161)

Page 13 of 21
Page 13 of 21
Synapse Audio Dune (£99)

Synapse Audio Dune (£99)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Dune combines cosily traditional synthesis with crafty innovations and a seductively polished sound.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Synapse Audio Dune

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 162)

Page 14 of 21
Page 14 of 21
M-Audio Venom (£469)

M-Audio Venom (£469)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Venom is a good deal more synth than meets the eye, so be careful - this baby bites.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: M-Audio Venom

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 237)

Page 15 of 21
Page 15 of 21
Moog Minimoog Voyager XL (£4084)

Moog Minimoog Voyager XL (£4084)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A terrifying price but a sound and feature list which will tug on your heart-strings. Truly sumptuous.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Moog Minimoog Voyager XL

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 237)

Page 16 of 21
Page 16 of 21
Madrona Labs Aalto ($99)

Madrona Labs Aalto ($99)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Aalto is aimed at those with a penchant for the unusual. It sounds splendid but may put the hurt on your CPU.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Madrona Labs Aalto

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 162)

Page 17 of 21
Page 17 of 21
Tone2 ElectraX (£149)

Tone2 ElectraX (£149)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Aalto is aimed at those with a penchant for the unusual. It sounds splendid but may put the hurt on your CPU.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tone2 ElectraX

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 162)

Page 18 of 21
Page 18 of 21
Waldorf PPG Wave 3.V (£119)

Waldorf PPG Wave 3.V (£119)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This emulation of a character-packed classic is now more convincing than ever, with greater flexibility to boot.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waldorf PPG Wave 3.V

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 162)

Page 19 of 21
Page 19 of 21
Steinberg Cubase 6 (£508)

Steinberg Cubase 6 (£508)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This important update, addressing some old gripes, and introducing some genuinely innovative features.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Steinberg Cubase 6

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 237)

Page 20 of 21
Page 20 of 21
Novation UltraNova (£599)

Novation UltraNova (£599)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The UltraNova does everything well but is up against plenty of stiff competition.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Novation UltraNova

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 237)

Liked this? Now read: The best music tech gear of 2010: synths, DAWs, plug-ins and more

Connect with MusicRadar: via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Connect with Rhythm: via Twitter and Facebook

Get MusicRadar straight to your inbox: Sign up for the free weekly newsletter

Page 21 of 21
Page 21 of 21
Ben Rogerson
Ben Rogerson
Social Links Navigation
Deputy Editor

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it. 

Read more
Superbooth 2025
12 new instruments and effects you need to know about from Superbooth 2025
Pluginweek logo
Plugin Week 2025: Exhibitor A-Z
te
Teenage Engineering's TX-6, TP-7 and CM-15 are back in black
Superbooth live
Superbooth 2025: all the latest synth news from Berlin, as it happened
Behringer Model D
10 producers share the studio gear they can’t live without
Zoom H1 Essential
Best field recorders 2025: Top portable recorders for capturing sound on-the-go
Latest in Gear & Gadgets
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: Celebrate the 4th of July in style with hundreds slashed off gear from Gibson, Fender, Alesis, Roland, Yamaha, Boss and more
Thomann Music Days Sale
Why wait for Prime Day when Thomann's massive Music Days sale will save you up to 65% off big brands right now?
4th of July Sweetwater
$1,200 off one of the best guitar synths on the market is a deal too good to ignore in Sweetwater's epic 4th of July sale
Musician's Friend 4th of July sale
Start your Independence Day weekend with a bang, as the Musician's Friend 4th of July sale lands early - score up to $850 off Music Man, $200 off Elektron and more
Camtronome
Tick, tick, tick, tick, boom! Camtronome is the essential musical metronome app that you didn’t know you needed
DW SonicPly
Neil Peart called him 'the Wood Whisperer' and now he's blended metal and timber in DW's new SonicPly shells
Latest in News
Joe Armon-Jones
Ezra Collective’s Joe Armon-Jones on the imagined musical apocalypse that inspired All The Quiet
Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control
Melbourne Instruments' Roto-Control gets Bitwig Studio integration following 2.0 firmware update
Waves 4th of July
Waves just made building a pro-level plugin chain a lot cheaper - grab 2 for $59.99 or 4 for $99.99
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: Celebrate the 4th of July in style with hundreds slashed off gear from Gibson, Fender, Alesis, Roland, Yamaha, Boss and more
Paul McCartney at the piano at Live Aid
Bob Geldof on how Paul McCartney’s Live Aid performance was almost a disaster
ai band
Who is behind The Velvet Sundown, the AI-generated band that blew up the internet?

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...