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

News
By Computer Music, Future Music ( Future Music, Computer Music ) published 4 June 2014

Plugins, DAWs, apps, a mic and more

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

Sontronics Aria

Sontronics Aria

Every month our sister magazines, Computer Music and Future Music, put the latest music tech gear through its paces - from MIDI interfaces and pocket-money plugins to high-end hardware synths, it all runs through their pages.

We've collected all of the reviews to feature on the site in May, originally reviewed in Computer Music issue 204/205 and Future Music issue 278/279, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team. First up it’s the new Aria condenser from mic wizards Sontronics…

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Aria delivers a silky smooth response with a touch of valve flavour thrown in for good measure.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sontronics Aria review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 278)

BUY: Sontronics Aria currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 1 of 24
Page 1 of 24
ProGuard Lin-Ear PR20 Music Earplug

ProGuard Lin-Ear PR20 Music Earplug

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Comfortable, effective and affordable. What's your excuse?”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: ProGuard Lin-Ear PR20 Music Earplug review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 278)

Page 2 of 24
Page 2 of 24
IK Multimedia Master EQ 432

IK Multimedia Master EQ 432

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Demanding on the host computer it may be, but Master EQ 432 is a classic reborn, complete with the original's limitations."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia Master EQ 432 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 204)

BUY: IK Multimedia Master EQ 432 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 3 of 24
Page 3 of 24
Softube Console 1

Softube Console 1

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Specialist in remit; superlative in quality, Console 1 brings you SSL-style workflow and sound, with a few quirks and at a price.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Softube Console 1 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 204)

BUY: Softube Console 1 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 4 of 24
Page 4 of 24
Waves MetaFilter

Waves MetaFilter

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“MetaFilter is effective, efficient and sounds gorgeous, but it could be more aggressive and doesn't do anything particularly original.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waves MetaFilter review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 204)

BUY: Waves MetaFilter currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 5 of 24
Page 5 of 24
IK Multimedia GrooveMaker 2

IK Multimedia GrooveMaker 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Those who want to get started in music production should look elsewhere, but this could be fun for kids.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia GrooveMaker 2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 204)

Page 6 of 24
Page 6 of 24
Voxengo Elephant 4.0

Voxengo Elephant 4.0

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Elephant 4 is one of the best-sounding, most informative mastering limiters and metering plugins that money can buy - simple as that.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Voxengo Elephant 4.0 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 204)

Page 7 of 24
Page 7 of 24
Toontrack EZdrummer 2

Toontrack EZdrummer 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Still a closed shop in terms of sound design, but EZdrummer 2 sounds so good and works so well that you probably won't care.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Toontrack EZdrummer 2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 205)

BUY: Toontrack EZdrummer 2 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 8 of 24
Page 8 of 24
Tracktion Software Corporation Tracktion 5

Tracktion Software Corporation Tracktion 5

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Tracktion requires a very specific approach and doesn't offer much in terms of bundled plugins, but it's powerful for the money.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tracktion Software Corporation Tracktion 5 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 204)

Page 9 of 24
Page 9 of 24
Toontrack The Rock Warehouse SDX

Toontrack The Rock Warehouse SDX

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Toontrack's Rock Warehouse offers a diverse range of drums that will appeal to the widest part of Toontrack's user-base.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Toontrack The Rock Warehouse SDX review

BUY: Toontrack The Rock Warehouse SDX currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 10 of 24
Page 10 of 24
Kymatica Sector

Kymatica Sector

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Sector is engrossing, beautiful, wild and a fine addition to the iPad music studio.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Kymatica Sector review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 204)

Page 11 of 24
Page 11 of 24
Audiobro LA Scoring Strings Version 2.5

Audiobro LA Scoring Strings Version 2.5

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“With its detailed control parameters it takes a while to learn but it's worth it. Great sounding strings.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Audiobro LA Scoring Strings Version 2.5 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

Page 12 of 24
Page 12 of 24
Steinberg UR44

Steinberg UR44

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A compact, rugged and capable interface with excellent DSP extras and top-notch Cubase integration.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Steinberg UR44 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

BUY: Steinberg UR44 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 13 of 24
Page 13 of 24
Kush Audio Pusher

Kush Audio Pusher

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Combining characterful compression and saturation in one unique plugin, Pusher is futuristic, versatile and performs superbly.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Kush Audio Pusher review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 204)

BUY: Kush Audio Pusher currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 14 of 24
Page 14 of 24
Frodebeats Oscillotron

Frodebeats Oscillotron

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“All in all, Oscillotron is a well-produced synth soundbank based on an impressive line-up of source instruments, in a surprise-free interface at a reasonable price.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Frodebeats Oscillotron review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 204)

Page 15 of 24
Page 15 of 24
Arturia BeatStep Controller

Arturia BeatStep Controller

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Fun, useful and flexible and, despite a few omissions, packs a big punch for the price.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Arturia BeatStep Controller review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

BUY: Arturia BeatStep Controller currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 16 of 24
Page 16 of 24
Liine Lemur 5

Liine Lemur 5

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A useful update to an already brilliant and incredibly fun app, particularly for those who like to make their own controllers.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Liine Lemur 5 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 205)

Page 17 of 24
Page 17 of 24
DSI Prophet 12 Module

DSI Prophet 12 Module

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It has the P12K sound engine and features, but it's pricey and misses the knob-per-function ethos.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DSI Prophet 12 Module review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

BUY: DSI Prophet 12 Module currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 18 of 24
Page 18 of 24
Best Service Cantus

Best Service Cantus

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“While a monk-based vocal ROMpler is obviously something you have to really need to actually drop €199 on, Cantus is the one to get!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Best Service Cantus review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 204)

BUY: Best Service Cantus currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 19 of 24
Page 19 of 24
Amazing Noises Dark Synth

Amazing Noises Dark Synth

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A fantastically capable sound design synth for Max For Live users, but it comes at a price in terms of system resource usage.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Amazing Noises Dark Synth review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 205)

Page 20 of 24
Page 20 of 24
Soulsby Atmegatron Synthesizer

Soulsby Atmegatron Synthesizer

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An interesting synth that cuts its own sonic furrow and can change identity with the press of a mouse.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Soulsby Atmegatron Synthesizer review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

BUY: Soulsby Atmegatron Synthesizer currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 21 of 24
Page 21 of 24
UVI Vector Pro

UVI Vector Pro

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's a solid addition to UVI's consistently excellent range of synth ROMplers”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: UVI Vector Pro review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 204)

Page 22 of 24
Page 22 of 24
Waves Morgan Page EMP Toolbox

Waves Morgan Page EMP Toolbox

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“No new plug-ins but an effects suite to considerably enhance your mixing and mastering capabilities.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waves Morgan Page EMP Toolbox review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 279)

BUY: Waves Morgan Page EMP Toolbox currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 23 of 24
Page 23 of 24
Canon Legria mini X

Canon Legria mini X

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“With great sound quality and fun creative possibilities, the Legria mini X is a sensible buy for musicians who make video content.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Canon Legria mini X review

Page 24 of 24
Page 24 of 24
Future Music
Future Music

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.

All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. image
All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more.
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