Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
  • 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 (opens in new tab)
  • Guitar Techniques (opens in new tab)
  • Total Guitar (opens in new tab)
  • Bass Player (opens in new tab)
More
  • Lennon on Eleanor Rigby
  • Jimmy Page demos classic Led Zep gear
  • Classic rock riffs for beginners
  • Omnichord @ 70
  • SampleRadar: 163 tape loops samples

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

  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Future Music

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

By Future Music, Computer Music
published 3 July 2014

Mics, keyboards, plugins, monitors, apps and more

  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
sE X1 USB
Mic with interface and headphone amp

sE X1 USB

MusicRadar's sister magazines Computer Music and Future Music review the hottest new music tech gear every month. From synths and apps to software plugins and outboard gear, they've got it covered.

Here, we've brought together all of the reviews posted on MusicRadar throughout June and originally reviewed in Computer Music issue 205/206, Future Music issue 279/280, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team. First up to the plate, it's sE's X1 USB mic…

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A solid and self-contained solution for the lone recordist with a nice tone.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: sE X1 USB review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

BUY: sE X1 USB currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music

Page 1 of 21
Page 1 of 21
Auganizer
Organise your AudioUnits

Auganizer

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A useful, effective tool for those with large AudioUnit plugin collections.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:Auganizerreview

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

Page 2 of 21
Page 2 of 21
Native Instruments Molekular
Mind-blowing modular multi-effects plugin

Native Instruments Molekular

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Versatile, tightly focused, and ultimately a hugely impressive multieffect - as long as you don't mind it running in Reaktor/Player.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Molekular review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 205)

Page 3 of 21
Page 3 of 21
GoPro Hero Music Bundle
Clamps, mounts and camera

GoPro Hero Music Bundle

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Good value pack that brings the GoPro to the musician with style and convenience.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: GoPro Hero Music Bundle review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

BUY: GoPro Hero Music Bundle currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 4 of 21
Page 4 of 21
Blue Nessie
Desktop USB recording mic

Blue Nessie

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Keep one next to your computer and never be stuck when an idea strikes.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blue Nessie review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

BUY: Blue Nessie currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 5 of 21
Page 5 of 21
Rode Stereo Bar
Assume the (mic) position

Rode Stereo Bar

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's not the most exciting tool on the market, but the Stereo Bar can help you master stereo mic positioning.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rode Stereo Bar review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

BUY: Rode Stereo Bar currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Full Compass

Page 6 of 21
Page 6 of 21
M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro
Hybrid hardware/software workstation

M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“In combination with the bundled software, it is an inspiring, creative hybrid sequencing platform.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

BUY: M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 7 of 21
Page 7 of 21
Rob Papen Blue II
New flagship synth is a must-have

Rob Papen Blue II

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A flexible, beautiful synthesiser with a comprehensive array of powerful sound- shaping techniques onboard - both 'old' and 'new' - Blue II is an instant classic.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rob Papen Blue II review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 205)

BUY: Rob Papen Blue II currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 8 of 21
Page 8 of 21
Nord Lead A1
Quick and easy synth sound creation

Nord Lead A1

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's intuitive, sounds great and the effects implementation beats the NL4. A worthy successor to the 2x.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Nord Lead A1 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

BUY: Nord Lead A1 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 9 of 21
Page 9 of 21
MeldaProduction MAutoDynamicEQ 8
New look and new features for the EQ plugin

MeldaProduction MAutoDynamicEQ 8

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“One of the most powerful and versatile EQs money can buy. Every producer should consider investing in MAutoDynamicEQ.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MAutoDynamicEQ 8 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 205)

Page 10 of 21
Page 10 of 21
Presonus Sceptre S8
DSP-loaded coaxial monitors

Presonus Sceptre S8

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Sceptre S8 delivers a very balanced sound, with excellent imaging and a broad sweet spot.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Presonus Sceptre S8 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

BUY: Presonus Sceptre S8 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 11 of 21
Page 11 of 21
Waves Abbey Road Reel ADT
Bottled Beatles tape sounds

Waves Abbey Road Reel ADT

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A very successful emulation of a signature Abbey Road effect, but we'd like more control over the specifics of the tape deck.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waves Abbey Road Reel ADT review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 205)

BUY: Waves Abbey Road Reel ADT currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 12 of 21
Page 12 of 21
Acustica Audio Trinity eQ
EQ plugin based on 'mystery' desk

Acustica Audio Trinity eQ

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“We might not know exactly which console EQ it's emulating, but we do know that Trinity sounds beautiful.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Acustica Audio Trinity eQ review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 205)

Page 13 of 21
Page 13 of 21
AKG K812
AKG's best headphones come at a price

AKG K812

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The K812s do not disappoint, delivering detailed sound with depth and clarity.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: AKG K812 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

BUY: AKG K812 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 14 of 21
Page 14 of 21
Impact Soundworks Archtop
Deeply-sampled jazzbox guitar

Impact Soundworks Archtop

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A fabulous-sounding guitar captured to near-perfection with articulations and noises for supreme realism of performance.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Impact Soundworks Archtop review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 205)

Page 15 of 21
Page 15 of 21
Korg Taktile 49
Creative keyboard controller

Korg Taktile 49

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A good range of control options with a set of unexpected tricks to get your creative juices flowing.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg Taktile 49 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 280)

BUY: Korg Taktile 49 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 16 of 21
Page 16 of 21
Plugin Boutique BigKick
Digital store turns developer

Plugin Boutique BigKick

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“BigKick is an impressive little debut for PB.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Plugin Boutique BigKick review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 205)

Page 17 of 21
Page 17 of 21
sE Electronics sE5 Pair
Stereo recording mic pair

sE Electronics sE5 Pair

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This is a fine package for when you need to record any ensemble or instrument in stereo.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: sE Electronics sE5 Pair review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 280)

BUY: sE Electronics sE5 Pair currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 18 of 21
Page 18 of 21
sE Electronics SPACE
sE takes the reflection filter concept to the next level

sE Electronics SPACE

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Improves on the design and effectiveness of the RF Pro to become the undisputed reflexion filter champion.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: sE Electronics SPACE review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 281)

BUY: sE Electronics SPACE currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 19 of 21
Page 19 of 21
Reloop Keypad
Budget Ableton Live controller

Reloop Keypad

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A uniquely fitting controller for Ableton Live's Session View, the Keypad is seriously useful.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Reloop Keypad review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 280)

BUY: Reloop Keypad currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Full Compass

Page 20 of 21
Page 20 of 21
Positive Grid Final Touch
iPad mastering suite that competes

Positive Grid Final Touch

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's unlikely to put any pro mastering houses out of business, but for 'project studio' mastering duties, Final Touch is a thoroughly viable proposition. Amazing!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Positive Grid Final Touch review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 205)

Page 21 of 21
Page 21 of 21
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Future Music
Future Music
Social Links Navigation

Future Music is the number one magazine for today's producers. Packed with technique and technology we'll help you make great new music. All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. Every marvellous monthly edition features reliable reviews of the latest and greatest hardware and software technology and techniques, unparalleled advice, in-depth interviews, sensational free samples and so much more to improve the experience and outcome of your music-making.

  1. Paul McCartney and John Lennon in 1966
    1
    John Lennon on completing Eleanor Rigby's lyrics for Paul McCartney: "It's his first verse, and the rest of the verses are basically mine"
  2. 2
    Producer uses AI to make his vocals sound like Kanye West: "The results will blow your mind. Utterly incredible"
  3. 3
    An audio engineer shows you "how the pros mix vocals" and get that ‘glued-in’ sound
  4. 4
    The DrumSynth from the MPC Standalone is now available as a plugin for your DAW
  5. 5
    "How do you tune a B string? You can't." What Blur’s Graham Coxon learned – and didn't learn – from folk legend Bert Jansch
  1. Rage Against The Machine
    1
    Tom Morello compares Rage Against The Machine to Lord Of The Rings and says his 11-year-old son can now out-shred him
  2. 2
    Thom Yorke on his 'executive producer' role for Clark's new album Sus Dog: "I ended up being a kind of backseat driver"
  3. 3
    An audio engineer shows you "how the pros mix vocals" and get that ‘glued-in’ sound
  4. 4
    Sheryl Crow joins John Mayer onstage for a duet on "one of his favourite songs of all time" in Nashville
  5. 5
    “I do not hate the EDM community,” confirms M83, but says he wishes DJs would ask permission before using his music

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab).

  • About Us (opens in new tab)
  • Contact Future's experts (opens in new tab)
  • Terms and conditions (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy policy (opens in new tab)
  • Cookies policy (opens in new tab)
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers (opens in new tab)

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