Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
  • 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
  • Guitar Techniques
  • Total Guitar
  • Bass Player
More
  • Purdie on the Purdie shuffle
  • Type beats
  • 86000+ free music samples
  • How to make an AI cover song
  • Three-chord trick

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

  1. News

New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (May 2012)

By Ben Rogerson
published 1 May 2012

Toontrack EZkeys Grand Piano (£115)
Toontrack has decided to apply its EZ concept to the world of keyboards. How hard can it be?

Toontrack EZkeys Grand Piano (£115)

Every month, MusicRadar’s industry-leading sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music - publish the best independent and in-depth music-making gear reviews.

We’ve collated the latest plug-ins, hardware, iOS apps and other products to have fallen under the watchful eyes of the Computer Music and Future Music test teams. All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Computer Music issues 177/178 and Future Music issue 252.

Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: Toontrack’s EZkeys Grand Piano

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you're a songwriter who can't play the piano, EZkeys is flexible enough to bend to your creative will.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Toontrack EZkeys Grand Piano

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 177)

BUY: Toontrack EZkeys Grand Piano currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 1 of 17
Page 1 of 17
XILS-lab Le Masque: Delay (€59)
The French soft synth master makes the move into effects with a novel delay plug-in designed for studio and live use

XILS-lab Le Masque: Delay (€59)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“From funky percussion treatments to trippy guitar and synth motionscapes, LeMasque: Delay is a delay like no other.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: XILS-Lab Le Masque: Delay

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 177)

Page 2 of 17
Page 2 of 17
Garritan Instant Orchestra ($150)
Garritan offers a straightforward route into its orchestral world

Garritan Instant Orchestra ($150)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A must for orchestral ignoramuses everywhere.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Garritan Instant Orchestra

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 177)

BUY: Garritan Instant Orchestra currently available from:
UK: DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 3 of 17
Page 3 of 17
Best Service Galaxy X (£219)
A mind-bogglingly vast convolution synthesizer…

Best Service Galaxy X (£219)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A massive realm of sound that throws up all manner of fabulous surprises.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Best Service Galaxy X

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 177)

BUY: Best Service Galaxy X currently available from:
UK: DV247

Page 4 of 17
Page 4 of 17
ART XConnect USB microphone cable (£30)
This effort from ART makes hooking a microphone up to a computer about as simple as it gets

ART XConnect USB microphone cable (£30)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A great input solution for mobile recordists, laptop DJs and anyone looking to connect a dynamic mic without the 'hassle' of a separate audio interface.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: ART XConnect USB microphone cable

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 177)

BUY: ART XConnect USB microphone cable currently available from:
UK: DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 5 of 17
Page 5 of 17
Prodipe Studio 22 Pro (£150)
Time for more class-compliant USB japes with Prodipe's 2-in/2-out audio interface

Prodipe Studio 22 Pro (£150)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“With Cubase 5 LE and a bizarre GM soft synth (PC-only) also in the box, this is a decent package at a fair price.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Prodipe Studio 22 Pro

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 177)

Page 6 of 17
Page 6 of 17
Straightarrow Quiver 1.1 ($69)
A brand-new development house lets fly its first volley into the modular melee - but does this minimalist-looking synth hit the target?

Straightarrow Quiver 1.1 ($69)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Behind that unassuming façade lies a modular synth of extraordinary power.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Straightarrow Quiver 1.1

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 177)

Page 7 of 17
Page 7 of 17
ValhallaDSP UberMod ($50)
From the creators of ValhallaRoom comes a plug-in that takes the melding of chorus and delay to exciting new places

ValhallaDSP UberMod ($50)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Boundless modulation at a bargain price - don't miss this one, no matter what kind of music you make.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: ValhallaDSP ÜberMod

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 177)

Page 8 of 17
Page 8 of 17
Clavia Nord Drum (£369)
Marking a return to electronic percussion, Clavia's new drum synth is aimed at actual drummers as well as studio rats. We pull the trigger…

Clavia Nord Drum (£369)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A superb drum synth for drummers, percussionists and programmers alike…”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Nord Drum

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 252)

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

Page 9 of 17
Page 9 of 17
AudioEase Altiverb 7 (€499)
Have the five years since the last Altiverb update been time well spent?

AudioEase Altiverb 7 (€499)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Altiverb 7 looks and sounds better than ever. It's the best convolution reverb plug money can buy.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Audio Ease Altiverb 7

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 252)

BUY: Audio Ease Altiverb 7 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 10 of 17
Page 10 of 17
KRK Systems 12s Subwoofer (£700)
The 12s is KRK's latest subwoofer model, designed to make mixing extreme low end a doddle

KRK Systems 12s Subwoofer (£700)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A solid-sounding, high quality sub, that's a worthwhile addition to any studio's monitoring set-up.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: KRK Systems 12s Subwoofer

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 252)

BUY: KRK Systems 12s Subwoofer currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 11 of 17
Page 11 of 17
Plugin Alliance Mäag EQ4 ($199)
Plugin Alliance offers the plug-in version of the legendary tone shaping EQ with its unique 'Air' band

Plugin Alliance Mäag EQ4 ($199)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“As a way of shaping a sound the Mäag EQ4 is in a league of its own. Fabulous.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Plugin Alliance Mäag EQ4

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 252)

Page 12 of 17
Page 12 of 17
Waves Loudness Meter ($299)
Work in pro mastering and need to double-check your levels for broadcast? We glue our eyes to the Waves WLM…

Waves Loudness Meter ($299)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A pro-level metering plug-in that covers all output bases comprehensively.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waves Loudness Meter

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 252)

BUY: Waves Loudness Meter currently available from:
UK: DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 13 of 17
Page 13 of 17
Propellerhead Software Figure (69p)
The power of Reason comes to iOS

Propellerhead Software Figure (69p)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Figure is a fun little loop maker with a serious engine running in the background, generating serious sounds at the right price. Go get it.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Propellerhead Figure

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 178)

Page 14 of 17
Page 14 of 17
Apple GarageBand For iOS 1.2 (£2.99)
If only all point releases were as generous as this one

Apple GarageBand For iOS 1.2 (£2.99)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Everyone from total noobs to pros should snap up this slick, fuss-free musical notepad.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Apple GarageBand For iOS 1.2

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 178)

Page 15 of 17
Page 15 of 17
Boulanger Labs csGrain (£6.99)
A Csound orchestra bundled into an iPad app

Boulanger Labs csGrain (£6.99)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This is one of the coolest, most powerful iOS music apps we've come across in a while.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Boulanger Labs csGrain

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 178)

Page 16 of 17
Page 16 of 17
DDMF Metaplugin 2.2 ($29)
Join the chain gang…

DDMF Metaplugin 2.2 ($29)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A couple of little irritants don't stop us from giving Metaplugin a solid thumbs-up.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DDMF Metaplugin 2.2

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 178)

Liked this? Now read: The best music tech gear of 2011: synths, DAWs, plug-ins, keyboards, apps and more

Connect with MusicRadar: via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Connect with Rhythm: via Twitter and Facebook

Get MusicRadar straight to your inbox: Sign up for the free weekly newsletter

Page 17 of 17
Page 17 of 17
Ben Rogerson
Ben Rogerson
Social Links Navigation

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it. 

More about tech
James Blake and Brian Eno

“I thought, ‘have I done something heinous?’”: James Blake reminds Brian Eno that he once accused him of using ‘the arsehole chord’ and demands to know what it actually is

Positive Grid BIAS FX 2 with guitar neck

Surprise! Positive Grid is giving away its $69 BIAS FX 2 guitar software for free – but only today

Latest
Guitarist playing onstage

10 famous rock guitar solos and what you can learn from them

See more latest ►
Most Popular
Genelec’s 9320A Reference Controller enables you to switch between three sets of studio monitors and your headphones

By Ben Rogerson20 September 2023

When Derrick May sold Frankie Knuckles his 909, and house music was born: "This is a Roland 909 drum machine, and it's going to take us to the future. It'll be the foundation of music for the next 10 years"

By Matt Mullen20 September 2023

Black Friday studio headphone deals 2023: Everything you need to know ahead of this year's Cyber Weekend sales

By Simon Arblaster20 September 2023

What could the new Headrush Core offer that the multi-effects pedal competition doesn't?

By Rob Laing20 September 2023

UK synth company Modal Electronics declared insolvent and goes into administration

By Ben Rogerson20 September 2023

It looks like Yamaha is about to launch the Montage M synth, and there’s speculation that it’ll come with a new AN1x-style virtual analogue engine

By Ben Rogerson20 September 2023

8 steps to a better-sounding home studio

By Jon Musgrave20 September 2023

Swift/Antonoff, Bowie/Visconti and the 'fifth Beatle': 5 of the greatest artist/producer partnerships in musical history

By Andy Jones20 September 2023

Gibson teams up with Gene Simmons for a Custom Shop EB-0 bass – a short-scale doozy based on the God of Thunder’s heavily modded 1959 model

By Jonathan Horsley19 September 2023

Keeley Electronics launches the Noble Screamer Overdrive and Boost, a four-in-one pedal that offers ODR-1 and TS flavours and lets you mix and match

By Jonathan Horsley19 September 2023

“Right now I’d like to do a song, it’s a little thing by Howlin’ Wolf…”: Listen to Jimi Hendrix’s newly unearthed performance of Killing Floor at the Hollywood Bowl, 1967

By Jonathan Horsley19 September 2023

  1. Marty Friedman
    1
    Marty Friedman’s guitar teacher told him to take a bong hit every time he played an exercise correctly, but the ex-Megadeth guitarist has better advice for students
  2. 2
    "It's become so elitist" – Joe Bonamassa weighs in on players being priced out of the vintage guitar and amp market
  3. 3
    “Sometimes Jimi Hendrix’s girlfriend would go and buy us breakfast because we had no money”: Rod Stewart says early days of the Jeff Beck Group were no picnic
  4. 4
    16 famous musicians who almost joined very famous bands
  5. 5
    "The minute I stopped mixing my stuff, I became my most creative": Should electronic artists mix their own tracks?
  1. Best synthesizers: Modal Electronics Cobalt8
    1
    UK synth company Modal Electronics declared insolvent and goes into administration
  2. 2
    "The minute I stopped mixing my stuff, I became my most creative": Should electronic artists mix their own tracks?
  3. 3
    Fantastic (stock) plugins and how to use them: Logic Pro Delay Designer
  4. 4
    10 artists share 50 ways to make your music better: "If something in your mix sounds crap, it’s probably you - not the gear!"
  5. 5
    1997 interview reveals that Aphex Twin owned a tank, wanted to buy a submarine and used the vault of the former bank he owned as a reverb: "It would be great for parties"

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

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

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