Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
  • Guitars
  • Amps
  • Pedals
  • Drums
  • Synths
  • Software
  • Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Recording
  • Buyer’s guides
  • Live
  • DJ
  • Advice
  • Acoustic
  • Bass
  • About us
  • More
    • Reviews
Magazines
  • Computer Music
  • Electronic Musician
  • Future Music
  • Keyboard Magazine
  • Guitarist
  • Guitar Techniques
  • Total Guitar
  • Bass Player
More
  • How to make an AI cover song
  • 84000+ free music samples
  • Foo Fighters' new drummer
  • Ken Scott on recording The Beatles
  • First EVH Jump synth recording

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

  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Computer Music

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

By Computer Music, Future Music
published 2 February 2015

New DAWs, plugins, mics, apps and interfaces

JZ Microphones JZ Track
Mic firm turns preamp-maker

JZ Microphones JZ Track

While all eyes might have been on the NAMM show this month, there's still been a tonne of great new software, keyboards, plugins, DAWS and other music tech gear reviewed in the pages of our sister magazines, Future Music and Computer Music.

All of the gear in this gallery was originally reviewed in Future Music or Computer Music and published on the site in the last month. Kicking things off it's the JZ Track from JZ Microphones...

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A versatile front-end for recording that both sounds good and is easy to use."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: JZ Microphones JZ Track review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 287)

Page 1 of 19
Page 1 of 19
Rob Papen Punch BD
Get your kicks with Punch

Rob Papen Punch BD

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"There's no doubting the quality and variety of kicks Punch BD can deliver for those prepared to get involved, though."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rob Papen Punch BD review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 213)

BUY: Rob Papen Punch BD currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 2 of 19
Page 2 of 19
JZ Mics Vintage 11
A new vintage condenser mic

JZ Mics Vintage 11

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A large diaphragm condenser with a performance that makes it worth the extra outlay."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: JZ Mics Vintage 11 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 287)

BUY: JZ Mics Vintage 11 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 3 of 19
Page 3 of 19
Peavey ReValver 4
The tweakable amp sim gets a major update

Peavey ReValver 4

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This massive reworking of the software offers improved usability, adjustability and sonic authenticity."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Peavey ReValver 4 review

Page 4 of 19
Page 4 of 19
IK Multimedia American EQs
API-aping T-Racks EQ plugins

IK Multimedia American EQs

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Three classic API EQs with some welcome improvements. All are well worth the prices, though the P60G is at the bottom of our list."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia American EQs review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 213)

Page 5 of 19
Page 5 of 19
AudioThing Valve Exciter
Valve harmonic distortion plugin

AudioThing Valve Exciter

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Flawed but sounding quite lovely when handled correctly, Valve Exciter is characterful, effective and very affordable."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: AudioThing Valve Exciter review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 213)

Page 6 of 19
Page 6 of 19
Xfer Records Serum
A game-changing wavetable powerhouse

Xfer Records Serum

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Serum needs to be immediately put at the very top of any synthesist's shopping list. It's insanely powerful and sounds phenomenal."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Xfer Records Serum review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 213)

Page 7 of 19
Page 7 of 19
MeldaProduction MPowerSynth
Melda's first synth is an ambitious endeavour

MeldaProduction MPowerSynth

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It may not be much of a looker, but MPowerSynth is versatile, sonically superlative and worth every penny."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MPowerSynth review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 213)

Page 8 of 19
Page 8 of 19
Sinevibes Molecule
Sinevibes steps into multiband multieffects

Sinevibes Molecule

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Another tasty and affordable extreme processing plugin from Sinevibes, albeit one very much tailored for dirty electronica."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sinevibes Molecule review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 213)

Page 9 of 19
Page 9 of 19
Blue Cat Audio Plug'n Script
A 'blank canvas' DIY plugin kit

Blue Cat Audio Plug'n Script

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Hard to get into for non-programmers, but rewarding for the dedicated, Plug'n Script is an interesting new tool for DIY audio."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blue Cat Audio Plug'n Script review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 213)

Page 10 of 19
Page 10 of 19
AIR Music Technology The Riser
Synth plugin for EDM uplifts

AIR Music Technology The Riser

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"While not as flexible as a 'proper' synth, The Riser makes creating FX more or less quick and painless."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: AIR Music Technology The Riser review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 213)

Page 11 of 19
Page 11 of 19
Steinberg Cubase Pro 8
Has the DAW improved enough to justify the price?

Steinberg Cubase Pro 8

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Cubase Pro 8's innovative new features and smoother performance represent a further step forward for this superb DAW."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Steinberg Cubase Pro 8 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 214)

BUY: Steinberg Cubase Pro 8 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 12 of 19
Page 12 of 19
Eventide UltraReverb
Can this H8000-inspired plugin live up to its legacy?

Eventide UltraReverb

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Bring some of that legendary Eventide magic to your tracks with this beautiful sounding and hugely configurable reverb."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Eventide UltraReverb review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 213)

BUY: Eventide UltraReverb currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 13 of 19
Page 13 of 19
Sugar Bytes Egoist for iPad
Groove production studio comes to iOS

Sugar Bytes Egoist for iPad

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"One of the coolest, most platform-appropriate mini-DAWs on the App Store - a focused, fun and frequently inspirational mobile musical notepad."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sugar Bytes Egoist for iPad review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 213)

Page 14 of 19
Page 14 of 19
Novation Audiohub 2x4
Interface for electronic musicians

Novation Audiohub 2x4

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"At this price, we highly recommend it as a versatile, reliable accompaniment to any laptop or iPad DJ setup."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Novation Audiohub 2x4 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 213)

BUY: Novation Audiohub 2x4 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 15 of 19
Page 15 of 19
Sample Logic Xosphere
Atmospheric Kontakt instrument

Sample Logic Xosphere

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Xosphere is well up to Sample Logic's usual high standards, making all manner of evocative noises, from delicate and beautiful to ground-shaking and terrifying."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sample Logic Xosphere review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 213)

BUY: Sample Logic Xosphere currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 16 of 19
Page 16 of 19
EastWest Hollywood Orchestral Percussion Gold
Drums worthy of tinsel town

EastWest Hollywood Orchestral Percussion Gold

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"These are truly exceptional recordings that composers and soundtrack producers will get endless mileage out of."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: EastWest Hollywood Orchestral Percussion Gold review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 213)

BUY: EastWest Hollywood Orchestral Percussion Gold currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 17 of 19
Page 17 of 19
Cytomic The Drop
The finest filter plugin ever made?

Cytomic The Drop

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Drop's staggering wealth of functionality, sensible design and great price make it a no-brainer for any producer who uses filters."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Cytomic The Drop review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 214)

Page 18 of 19
Page 18 of 19
Plugin Boutique VirtualCZ
Bringing an unusual synthesis method to your DAW

Plugin Boutique VirtualCZ

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A fantastic emulation of the original synth, VirtualCZ makes a great buy for Casio fans and bargain hunters alike."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Plugin Boutique VirtualCZ review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 214)

Page 19 of 19
Page 19 of 19
Computer Music
Computer Music
Social Links Navigation

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.

More about tech
jon hopkins

Jon Hopkins spent 4 months perfecting the synth riff for Open Eye Signal on a 1979 Korg MS-20: “So much effort into trying to make something sound effortless”

Orange Box: The iconic British amp brand enters the Bluetooth speaker market

Orange Amps enters the Bluetooth speaker market with the Orange Box

Latest
British Pedal Company King Of Fuzz Tone Bender MKII

The British Pedal Company launches limited edition King Of Fuzz Tone Bender to commemorate coronation of King Charles III with gnarly MKII fuzz

See more latest ►
Most Popular
Issue 397 of Future Music is out now

By Future Music1 June 2023

Karma Police: the story behind the Radiohead classic that started life as a tour bus catchphrase

By Michael Leonard31 May 2023

SSL’s UF1 promises to “set a new standard for single fader DAW controllers”

By Ben Rogerson31 May 2023

Pedalboard tour: how Petter Carlsen from the Norwegian duo Pil & Bue gets his juggernaut guitar tones

By Rob Laing31 May 2023

Akai issues a red alert as it launches the MPC One+, but it might not have all the upgrades you were hoping for

By Ben Rogerson31 May 2023

Is this really the most overused music production technique of 2023?

By Matt Mullen31 May 2023

What makes overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedals different?

By Rob Laing31 May 2023

Joe Bonamassa tries Peter Green's Gretsch White Falcon: "You can play blues on anything"

By Rob Laing31 May 2023

This guitarist spent £100K on gear to learn valuable lessons so you don't have to

By Rob Laing31 May 2023

Behringer launches the Moog-esque Edge and Spice synths and hits back at “all the critics who claim that we’re driven by profit”

By Ben Rogerson31 May 2023

On our radar: Joe Kelly & The Royal Pharmacy – "Hearing Nebraska by Springsteen was a game changer for an indie kid growing up on a council estate"

By Rob Laing31 May 2023

  1. Nirvana In Utero cover
    1
    Steve Albini recalls the secrecy around the Nirvana In Utero sessions: "I had to do everything I could to keep it under wraps to make sure that we didn’t get overrun by fans and the added nonsense"
  2. 2
    The Jura’s out: Air Music releases new plugin emulation of Roland’s Juno-60 synth
  3. 3
    How to make an AI cover song with any artist's voice
  4. 4
    Mick Hucknall on the 10 songs that changed his life: “The Beatles changed the way music sounded, but the Stones were the world’s greatest rock band”
  5. 5
    People are going crazy for Nopia, the MIDI chord generator prototype that’s racked up 2.6m video views in 8 days
  1. Joe Bonamassa
    1
    Joe Bonamassa tries Peter Green's Gretsch White Falcon: "You can play blues on anything"
  2. 2
    The unlikely story of Aphex Twin's weirdest gig, when he DJ'd with sandpaper and stuck a microphone in a blender
  3. 3
    Pedalboard tour: how Petter Carlsen from the Norwegian duo Pil & Bue gets his juggernaut guitar tones
  4. 4
    Spectrasonics Twisted Trees Sonic Extension review
  5. 5
    New Van Halen documentary takes us back to the early ‘80s to tell the story of how Eddie built 5150 Studios as the band were coming apart

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
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

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