Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
Superbooth header
Tech Superbooth 2026: all the latest synth news from Berlin - LIVE!
A MacBook Pro running Ableton Live DAW
Digital Audio Workstation Best DAWs 2026: The best digital audio workstations for PC and Mac
Arturia KeyStep mk2
Midi Controllers Best MIDI keyboards 2026: Find your perfect match for the home studio
A pair of Focal Shape 65 studio monitors on stands in a studio
Studio Monitors Best studio monitors 2026: Studio speakers for musicians and producers on any budget
Roland TR-1000 Rhythm Creator
Drum Machines Best drum machines 2026: Top beat boxes for all budgets and skill levels
Man playing a moog at a desk in a field
Plugins Moog Messenger at Synth Week 26: One year with the new monosynth
GForce Software Oddity3
Synths How to master virtually any software synth
KV331 Synthmaster
Plugins KV331 Audio at Synth Week 26: It's the last week of the SynthMaster 50% off spring sale
Cherry Audio heading
Plugins Cherry Audio at Synth Week 26: Get up to 60% off all their classic synths, all through May
A pair of Kali Audio LP-6 V2 studio monitors on a studio desk
Studio Monitors Best budget studio monitors 2026: Make your mixes sing with these wallet-friendly home studio speakers
An Apple Mac Mini M4 on a light green background
Computers Best PCs for music production 2026: Apple Macs and Windows machines for your home studio
Nord Piano 6
Keyboards & Pianos Best stage pianos 2026: Our pick of the finest keyboards for live performance
Software vs Hardware
Synths The ultimate synth shoot-out 2026: Hardware classics vs. their software successors - but can you really tell which is which?
Massive
Tech How Native Instruments’ Massive became the go-to bass synth for a generation of music-makers
A pair of KRK GoAux studio monitors on a studio desk
Studio Monitors Best small studio monitors 2026: Compact studio speakers
More
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Kate Bush Army Dreamers
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Theory of Feels
  1. Tech
  2. Software & Apps

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

News
By Future Music, Computer Music published 2 July 2015

Software and hardware synths, plugin FX, apps, mixers and more

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

Modor NF-1

Modor NF-1

We've had a bumper crop of music tech reviews on the site throughout June, including plugins, virtual instruments, hardware synths and all manner of other products.

All of the reviews featured in this gallery were published on the site last month and originally featured in the pages of our sister magazines Computer Music and Future Music. First up, it's Modor's NF-1 synth...

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The NF-1 is well-built and hands-on and its sound engine is powerful and versatile."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Modor NF-1 review

BUY: Modor NF-1 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
USA: Sweetwater

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 1 of 23
Page 1 of 23
Sinevibes Drift

Sinevibes Drift

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A fun and occasionally useful tool, Drift isn't one of Sinevibes' best, but there's certainly nothing 'wrong' with it."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sinevibes Drift review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 2 of 23
Page 2 of 23
Kush Audio Electra DSP

Kush Audio Electra DSP

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Equalize takes a focussed and extremely powerful approach to EQ that, once understood, becomes second nature."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Kush Audio Electra DSP review

BUY: Kush Audio Electra DSP currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 3 of 23
Page 3 of 23
Positive Grid Bias FX

Positive Grid Bias FX

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Quality amp and effects app for your iPad that's packed with tonal options."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Positive Grid Bias FX review

Page 4 of 23
Page 4 of 23
LVC-Audio Limited-MAX

LVC-Audio Limited-MAX

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Limited-MAX is a flexible master bus limiter that delivers results on a par with the more pricey competition. Impressive!"

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: LVC-Audio Limited-MAX review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 5 of 23
Page 5 of 23
Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators

Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Despite some functional annoyances, the Pocket Operators are a lot of fun."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators review

BUY: Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 6 of 23
Page 6 of 23
UAD V8.0 Effect Plug-Ins

UAD V8.0 Effect Plug-Ins

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Distortion bundle/Friedman amps can frazzle any sound source, and Wood Works is highly effective."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: UAD V8.0 Effect Plug-Ins review

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 7 of 23
Page 7 of 23
Akai Advance 49

Akai Advance 49

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Advance controllers elegantly remove the disconnect between your controller and DAW."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Akai Advance 49 review

BUY: Akai Advance 49 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 8 of 23
Page 8 of 23
Acon Digital Equalize

Acon Digital Equalize

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A no-nonsense EQ plugin with an impressive level of control, Equalize will find fans amongst mix surgeons."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Acon Digital Equalize review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 9 of 23
Page 9 of 23
Universal Audio Apollo Thunderbolt 8

Universal Audio Apollo Thunderbolt 8

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"UA's Apollo interfaces were desirable before but they're close to irresistible now."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Apollo Thunderbolt 8 review

BUY: Universal Audio Apollo Thunderbolt 8 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 10 of 23
Page 10 of 23
Rode NTR

Rode NTR

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A fresh take on ribbon mic design, the Rode NTR has many practical applications."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rode NTR review

BUY: Rode NTR currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 11 of 23
Page 11 of 23
Tracktion Software Corporation Tracktion 6

Tracktion Software Corporation Tracktion 6

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Tracktion 6 adds more than enough new stuff to justify the upgrade price, and remains a bargain for anyone looking for a powerful, intuitive cross-platform DAW."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tracktion Software Corporation Tracktion 6 review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 12 of 23
Page 12 of 23
Mackie Mix5

Mackie Mix5

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Mix 5 is pretty handy if you just need to blend a few sources, and its main advantage is simply its super compact size."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mackie Mix5 review

BUY: Mackie Mix5 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 13 of 23
Page 13 of 23
Softube Transient Shaper

Softube Transient Shaper

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"With two bands of processing elevating it above most of the competition, Transient Shaper comes highly recommended."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Softube Transient Shaper review

BUY: Softube Transient Shaper currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 14 of 23
Page 14 of 23
Midi Madness 2

Midi Madness 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Perfect for creating experimental tracks/new ideas in existing ones. It gets better the more you tweak."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Midi Madness 2 review

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 15 of 23
Page 15 of 23
Mackie Mix8

Mackie Mix8

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Overall, Mackie's Mix Series mixers performs very well and at a budget price."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mackie Mix8 review

BUY: Mackie Mix8 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 16 of 23
Page 16 of 23
Spitfire Audio Albion IV Uist

Spitfire Audio Albion IV Uist

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"If this is what the future of orchestral sample libraries looks like, you'll get no complaints here."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Spitfire Audio Albion IV Uist review

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 17 of 23
Page 17 of 23
Mackie Mix12FX

Mackie Mix12FX

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Mackie's new mixer offers simple mixing options, excellent build quality and astonishing value."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mackie Mix12FX review

BUY: Mackie Mix12FX currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 18 of 23
Page 18 of 23
Acustica AmberEQ

Acustica AmberEQ

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"AmberEQ can have an almost magical effect on a mix - if you're able to run enough of them to make it happen."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Acustica AmberEQ review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 19 of 23
Page 19 of 23
Midimux and Audiomux

Midimux and Audiomux

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Essential purchases for iOS-equipped producers."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Midimux and Audiomux review

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 20 of 23
Page 20 of 23
KV331 Audio Synthmaster Player for iPad

KV331 Audio Synthmaster Player for iPad

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Overall, SynthMaster Player is a preset-packed, fun experience."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: KV331 Audio Synthmaster Player for iPad review

BUY: KV331 Audio Synthmaster Player for iPad currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 21 of 23
Page 21 of 23
Plogue Chipspeech

Plogue Chipspeech

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Clearly a labour of love, chipspeech is a powerful and polished product that's practically impossible to fault."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Plogue Chipspeech review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 22 of 23
Page 22 of 23
AudioThing Frostbite

AudioThing Frostbite

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Affordable, fun, and offering a distinctive and atmospheric sound, you won't regret chilling out with Frostbite."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: AudioThing Frostbite review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 23 of 23
Page 23 of 23
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.

Read more
plugins
Tech The ultimate soft synth showdown: Serum 2, Pigments, Phase Plant, Vital and Massive X: But which is best?
 
 
timbre wolf
Tech "Boy, do people hate it": 10 of the most divisive products in music tech history, from iLok to the Akai Timbre Wolf
 
 
synths
Tech 5 innovative synth plugins daring to do things differently
 
 
Software vs Hardware
Synths The ultimate synth shoot-out 2026: Hardware classics vs. their software successors - but can you really tell which is which?
 
 
Superbooth header
Tech Superbooth 2026: all the latest synth news from Berlin - LIVE!
 
 
Synth Week 2026 logo
Synths Synth Week 2026: Exhibitor A-Z
 
 
Latest in Software & Apps
Ableton Live 12.3
Tech Ableton Live 12.4 is out now, with Link Audio and updated Erosion, Delay and Chorus-Ensemble devices
 
 
Splice/YouTube
Plugins Thinking of making your next music tech purchase on a rent-to-own plan? Read this first
 
 
Neural DSP Darklgass Ultra
Bass Guitars Neural DSP unveils the Darkglass Ultimate plugin – a fully featured digital platform for studio-quality bass tone
 
 
iZotope RX 12 Advanced
Tech iZotope upgrades RX with a film-focused stem separation module and improved machine learning
 
 
jimmy jam
Artists Jimmy Jam on sampling, AI and his new EastWest drum machine plugin
 
 
A laptop on top of some music gear with Ableton Live 12 DAW displayed on it. To the left is a drum kit with some headphones and microphones on it.
Digital Audio Workstation I’m telling every producer I know to upgrade to Ableton Live Lite 12 today thanks to a 25% discount on all versions of this 4.5 star rated DAW
 
 
Latest in News
Beatles Apple Corps
Bands Apple Corps to throw open the doors (and roof) of the Beatles' London HQ as a visitor attraction
 
 
Paul McCartney
Artists “I came away from the first session thinking, ‘Well, I like him, but he’s a bit pushy’”: Paul McCartney hails Andrew Watt as the perfect foil
 
 
O'Flynn in the studio
Tech 5 things we learned in the studio with O'Flynn
 
 
Mike D head shot
Singers & Songwriters Mike D of the Beastie Boys breaks silence with debut solo single, Switch Up
 
 
Native Instruments InMusic
Tech InMusic confirms Native Instruments acquisition, bringing it under the same ownership as Moog and Akai Pro
 
 
Korg
Mixers Korg sneakily launches a new effects-packed performance mixer, the NTS-4, at Superbooth
 
 

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

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • 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...