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  1. News

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

By The MusicRadar team
published 3 February 2014

All of last month's plugin, controller and synth reviews

Cerberus Audio Epoch
Comb filter compression plugin

Cerberus Audio Epoch

MusicRadar's sister publications Computer Music and Future Music review the best new music tech gear on a monthly basis.

In this gallery we've collected all of the hardware, app, DAW, DJ gear, plugin and synth reviews posted throughout January.

All of the gear featured in this gallery was originally reviewed in Computer Music issue 199/200 and Future Music issue 273/274, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team. First up, the Cerberus Audio Epoch...

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Once you get your head around Epoch, its unique combination of compression and tonal shaping will have you hooked."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Cerberus Audio Epoch review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 199)

Page 1 of 33
Page 1 of 33
Novation Launchkey Mini
Mini midi iPad keyboard

Novation Launchkey Mini

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Cheap, cheerful and with a few perks, the Launchkey Mini works well but doesn't inspire confidence in terms of build quality."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Novation Launchkey Mini review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 199)

BUY: Novation Launchkey Mini currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 2 of 33
Page 2 of 33
Sonimus SonEQ Pro
Multi-pack analogue EQ emulations

Sonimus SonEQ Pro

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An impressive, affordable hybrid EQ that successfully jigsaws together a series of classic-inspired components."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sonimus SonEQ Pro review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 199)

Page 3 of 33
Page 3 of 33
Ohm Force Ohm Studio
Game-changing online collaborative DAW

Ohm Force Ohm Studio

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"While its operation as a DAW is basic, we're hugely enthusiastic about this ground- breaking online collaboration platform."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ohm Force Ohm Studio review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 199)

Page 4 of 33
Page 4 of 33
Klanghelm SDRR
Quartet of saturation effects

Klanghelm SDRR

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"SDRR is a no-brainer! It sounds phenomenal, offers a broad range of sonic colours and is so cheap it's criminal."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Klanghelm SDRR review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 199)

Page 5 of 33
Page 5 of 33
Cymatic Audio LR16
Live multitrack recorder

Cymatic Audio LR16

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A great way of capturing your live gigs. Just add band and talent."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Cymatic Audio LR16 review

BUY: Cymatic Audio LR16 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 6 of 33
Page 6 of 33
Propellerhead Parsec
Spectral synth goes the distance

Propellerhead Parsec

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This spectral synth proves to be another worthy addition to the Reason Rack."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Propellerhead Parsec review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 199)

BUY: Propellerhead Parsec currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 7 of 33
Page 7 of 33
Inear Display BowEcho
Zany modular sonic manipulator

Inear Display BowEcho

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"BowEcho is an absolutely bonkers plugin, capable of darkly beautiful and terrifyingly horrific things in equal measure, and at this price, it shouldn't go unmissed by any producer of electronic music."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Inear Display BowEcho review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 199)

Page 8 of 33
Page 8 of 33
Arturia iSEM
SEM V soft synth port

Arturia iSEM

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"iSEM is brilliantly and respectfully realised, and sounds truly gorgeous; and with AudioBus and Inter-App Audio also on the feature list, it's a must-have for any iPad musician."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Arturia iSEM review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 199)

Page 9 of 33
Page 9 of 33
Toontrack Metal! EZX
Heavy beats for metal beasts

Toontrack Metal! EZX

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"We can't think of a better library of metal-orientated multisampled drums at any price."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Toontrack Metal! EZX review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 199)

BUY: Toontrack Metal! EZX currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 10 of 33
Page 10 of 33
UVI Urban Suite
Hip-hop sample instruments

UVI Urban Suite

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The sheer volume of samples involved and presets programmed is impressive, and it'll take us a long time to run out of uses for them. One of UVI's best yet, no question."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: UVI Urban Suite review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 199)

Page 11 of 33
Page 11 of 33
EastWest Complete Composers Collection 2 Gold Edition
Pick your own instrument package

EastWest Complete Composers Collection 2 Gold Edition

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A comprehensive range of inspiring and detailed sampled instruments that will broaden your creativity."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: EastWest Complete Composers Collection 2 Gold Edition review

(Reviewed in Future Music 274)

Page 12 of 33
Page 12 of 33
Dave Smith Instruments Mopho SE
The quality synth that won't quit

Dave Smith Instruments Mopho SE

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The extra octave and case are nice, but ultimately it's the familiar Mopho engine in the X4's case."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dave Smith Instruments Mopho SE review

(Reviewed in Future Music 274)

BUY: Dave Smith Instruments Mopho SE currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 13 of 33
Page 13 of 33
Akai MPC Element
The smallest, most affordable MPC yet

Akai MPC Element

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Element is a brilliantly mobile MPC at a crazy price that any producer could fall in love with."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Akai MPC Element review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

BUY: Akai MPC Element currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 14 of 33
Page 14 of 33
Analogue Solutions Telemark v2
Patch-happy analogue synth

Analogue Solutions Telemark v2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Telemark v2 builds on a solid heritage to deliver a great piece of truly analogue hardware."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Analogue Solutions Telemark v2 review

(Reviewed in Future Music 274)

BUY: Analogue Solutions Telemark v2 currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 15 of 33
Page 15 of 33
Adam F Series Monitors
Affordable Adams - too good to be true?

Adam F Series Monitors

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Serious performance at an affordable price - you'd be crazy not to give them a listen."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Adam F Series Monitors review

(Reviewed in Future Music 274)

BUY: Adam F Series Monitors currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 16 of 33
Page 16 of 33
Acon Digital DeVerberate
Plugin reverb remover

Acon Digital DeVerberate

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"More successful on short sounds than longer ones, DeVerberate does a good job when used with care and consideration."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Acon Digital DeVerberate review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

Page 17 of 33
Page 17 of 33
Novation Launch Control
Portable, versatile iOS/PC controller

Novation Launch Control

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Novation's Mini range makes it possible to have 'real' controllers you can use everywhere you go."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Novation Launch Control review

(Reviewed in Future Music 275)

BUY: Novation Launch Control currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 18 of 33
Page 18 of 33
Slicksquare SVF-42
Akai-aping analogue filter plugin

Slicksquare SVF-42

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This is a flying start for Slicksquare and a righteous gem of a filter for the rest of us at a great price."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Slicksquare SVF-42 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

Page 19 of 33
Page 19 of 33
Rode NT1
The classic condenser mic gets revamped

Rode NT1

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Great performance from an affordable large diaphragm condenser for vocals and more."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rode NT1 review

(Reviewed in Future Music 275)

BUY: Rode NT1 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 20 of 33
Page 20 of 33
IK Multimedia iLoud
The portable speaker for mobile musicians

IK Multimedia iLoud

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"You wouldn't want to mix with it, certainly, but for writing, sound design and recording on the go - not to mention simply listening - the iLoud is a resounding success."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia iLoud review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

BUY: IK Multimedia iLoud currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 21 of 33
Page 21 of 33
Shure SRH1540
Super light premium headphones

Shure SRH1540

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Shure has produced truly premium headphones that make monitoring an easy pleasure."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Shure SRH1540 review

(Reviewed in Future Music 275)

BUY: Shure SRH1540 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 22 of 33
Page 22 of 33
UAD API Vision Channel Strip
Classic API modules get the plugin treatment

UAD API Vision Channel Strip

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A faithful and versatile emulation. For UAD-based fans of the API sound it's party time."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: UAD API Vision Channel Strip review

(Reviewed in Future Music 275)

Page 23 of 33
Page 23 of 33
Blue Cat Audio PatchWork
Problem-solving plugin chainer

Blue Cat Audio PatchWork

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"PatchWork works well and is worth every penny of its asking price."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blue Cat Audio PatchWork review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

BUY: Blue Cat Audio PatchWork currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 24 of 33
Page 24 of 33
IK Multimedia iRig BlueBoard
Bluetooth MIDI/app foot controller

IK Multimedia iRig BlueBoard

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A flexible bit of kit and essential if you already use IK Multimedia's apps."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia iRig BlueBoard review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

BUY: IK Multimedia iRig BlueBoard currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 25 of 33
Page 25 of 33
UVI Sparkverb
UVI's first effects plugin

UVI Sparkverb

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"With its quality sound, easy interface and Preset Voyager system, Sparkverb is a welcome addition to the reverb pantheon."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: UVI Sparkverb review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

Page 26 of 33
Page 26 of 33
iZotope Nectar 2
Vocal plugin suite hits the right notes

iZotope Nectar 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Another must-have plugin from iZotope, Nectar 2 gives you everything you could need for vocal processing and then some."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: iZotope Nectar 2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

BUY: iZotope Nectar 2 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 27 of 33
Page 27 of 33
MeldaProduction MVintageRotary
Speaker emulation plugin for Leslie lovers

MeldaProduction MVintageRotary

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A great-sounding model of the legendary Leslie. Loads of vintage appeal and more uses than you might immediately think."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MVintageRotary review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

Page 28 of 33
Page 28 of 33
Native Instruments Action Strikes
Project-ready cinematic percussion sounds

Native Instruments Action Strikes

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"For impressive instant results, this is hard to beat, particularly for soundtracking."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Action Strikes review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

Page 29 of 33
Page 29 of 33
Sinevibes Multitude
Quad channel delay plugin

Sinevibes Multitude

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Sinevibes' most engaging, powerful plugin yet, Multitude combines gate sequencing, delay, processing and modulation brilliantly."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sinevibes Multitude review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

Page 30 of 33
Page 30 of 33
Output REV
Forward-thinking reverse sample library

Output REV

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"How much use you'll find for REV will depend on your style, but it's particularly good at effects, pads, ambiences, risers and esoteric instrumentation. We like it a lot."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Output REV review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

Page 31 of 33
Page 31 of 33
Applied Acoustics Systems Ultra Analog VA-2
Unexpected update for the virtual synth

Applied Acoustics Systems Ultra Analog VA-2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"VA-2 is a back-to-basics virtual analogue synth with an awesomely authentic sound, but it doesn't come cheap."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Applied Acoustics Systems Ultra Analog VA-2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

BUY: Applied Acoustics Systems Ultra Analog VA-2 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 32 of 33
Page 32 of 33
FabFilter Pro-MB
A non-mastering multiband compressor

FabFilter Pro-MB

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Making multiband compression/expansion easier and more flexible than ever, Pro-MB is beautifully designed and sounds superb."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: FabFilter Pro-MB review

(Reviewed in Computer Music 200)

BUY: FabFilter Pro-MB currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 33 of 33
Page 33 of 33
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