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

News
By Future Music, Computer Music ( Computer Music, Future Music ) published 2 February 2015

New DAWs, plugins, mics, apps and interfaces

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

JZ Microphones JZ Track

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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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.

Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects… image
Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects…
…with the latest issue of Computer Music magazine
More Info
Read more
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