New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (March 2013)

Focusrite iTrack Solo

MusicRadar's monthly sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music - publish the best independent gear reviews around.

In this gallery we've collected the latest reviews of plug-ins, DJ gear, apps and music-making hardware to have past through their hallowed pages.

All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Guitarist issue 364, Computer Music issue 187/188 and Future Music issue 262.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Dead easy to use, and with quality sound, the iTrack Solo could be your ideal choice for recording electric guitar and bass, as well as acoustic guitar and vocals."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Focusrite iTrack Solo review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 364)

BUY: Focusrite iTrack Solo currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

DDMF DirectionalEQ

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"DirectionalEQ does what it claims to and works really well as both a corrective tool and a creative effect."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DDMF DirectionalEQ review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 188)

Synapse Audio Antidote

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"One of the most powerful synths in the Rack Extensions Shop, Antidote is a potent cure for so-so synth sounds."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Synapse Audio Antidotereview

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 188)

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Superb design, software integration and build quality make this a resoundingly successful DJ mixer debut by NI."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 188)

BUY: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

MeldaProduction MMultiAnalyzer

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Not perfect, but it's an almost essential mixing aid at this price, giving plenty of useful information on multiple channels."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MMultiAnalyzerreview

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 188)

Spitfire Audio Percussion Redux

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Spitfire's claim that this is the only percussion library you'll need isn't as far-fetched as it sounds."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Spitfire Audio Percussion Redux review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 262)

Allen & Heath Xone:K2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A good mix of features, plus a high quality build make this tempting for digital DJs on the move."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Allen & Heath Xone:K2 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 262)

BUY: Allen & Heath Xone:K2 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Tascam DP-32 Portastudio

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Compact, solid and reliable but in a world full of DAWs the DP-32 feels somewhat restrictive."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tascam DP-32 Portastudio review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 262)

BUY: Tascam DP-32 Portastudio currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Equator Audio Research D5

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The D5s are compact, powered nearfields with sharp imaging and midrange clarity."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Equator Audio Research D5 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 262)

BUY: Equator Audio Research D5 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Steinberg Cubase 7

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An excellent update, bringing yet more power, quality and innovation to Cubase."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Steinberg Cubase 7 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 188)

BUY: Steinberg Cubase 7 currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Keith McMillen QuNeo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Cute lights, and QuNeo's XY touch capabilities are interesting, but overall it doesn't live up to the hype."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Keith McMillen QuNeo review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 262)

BUY: Keith McMillen QuNeo currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Korg microKEY 25

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Plug-and-play simplicity at a reasonable price. The 25 has the edge over the 37, though."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg microKEY 25 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 262)

BUY: Korg microKEY 25 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Tone2 RayBlaster

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Were we naïve to expect the world to stop turning? Perhaps, but RayBlaster is still a great synth."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tone2 RayBlaster review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 188)

Korg iPolysix

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Seriously, what can we say? £21 for a hugely convincing dual Polysix emulation from the company that built the original, with touchscreen control and a whole electronic studio wrapped around it? It's a beautiful piece of work."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg iPolysix review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 188)