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

Native Instruments Reverb Classics

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Two good quality reverbs that pay more than a passing tribute to a couple of classic hardware units."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Reverb Classics review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 264)

Warm Audio WA12 Discrete Mic Pre

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"With a sound and build quality that defies its price the WA12 has everything to recommend it."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Warm Audio WA12 Discrete Mic Pre review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 264)

BUY: Warm Audio WA12 Discrete Mic Pre currently available from:
UK: DV247

Studio Devil Virtual Tube Preamp

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"You kind of have to know why you need it and how/when to use it, but VTP brings convincing valve warmth to any signal."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Studio Devil Virtual Tube Preamp review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 190)

BUY: Studio Devil Virtual Tube Preamp currently available from:
US: Full Compass

Steinberg sonote beat re:edit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Rather underpowered in several areas but innovative and great fun, this is a plugin that all Cubase 7 users should check out."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Steinberg sonote beat re:edit review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 190)

Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"As close to the real thing as we've yet heard, these three stellar compressors sound really incredible."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 190)

Notion Music Notion 4

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A viable alternative to Finale and Sibelius. Check out the free alternatives, though - they may be all you need."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Notion Music Notion 4 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 190)

BUY: Notion Music Notion 4 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Audiffex Multi Drive Pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A competent collection of drive emulations at a bargain price."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Audiffex Multi Drive Pedal review

Arturia iMini

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"As a straight-up recreation of the Minimoog, though, it's already a resounding success: that legendary low end is well reproduced, and there's plenty of warmth and analogue authenticity in evidence."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Arturia iMini review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 190)

Propellerhead Rotor

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Rotor pulls off a suitably gritty Leslie emulation, delivering old-school modulation with aplomb."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Propellerhead Rotor review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 190)

Sonosaurus Drumjam

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The sounds are fantastic, the rhythms are smoking and the fun is immense. We'd love the ability to customise the patterns, but that aside, Drumjam is awesome."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sonosaurus Drumjam review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 190)

Native Instruments Traktor DJ

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Seasoned pro Traktor users will love it just as much as dabbling hobbyists."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:Native Instruments Traktor DJ review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 190)

Exponential Audio Phoenix Verb

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Exponential Audio is clearly in it for the long hall (ahem), barrelling out of the gates with this refined debut."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Exponential Audio Phoenix Verb review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 190)

Tracktion Software Tracktion 4

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"More seasoned users will find it a nominal upgrade, but for the uninitiated Tracktion 4 is well worth a spin."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tracktion Software Tracktion 4 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 190)

Exponential Audio R2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A very solid choice for anyone after a highly adjustable, classic-sounding reverb plugin, the only downside being its price tag."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Exponential Audio R2 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 190)

Korg MS-20 mini

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A faithful resurrection of the MS-20, at a crazily good price. Everyone should own one!"

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg MS-20 mini review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 265)

BUY: Korg MS-20 mini currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

NI Raw Voltage Maschine Expansion

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A superb deal and classy library for any producer needing extra analogue drums and effects."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: NI Raw Voltage Maschine Expansion review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 265)

Lindell Audio 6X-500 Mic Pre/EQ

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Combining great sonic capabilities, ergonomic design and good build quality it'll prove hard to resist."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Lindell Audio 6X-500 Mic Pre/EQ review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 265)

BUY: Lindell Audio 6X-500 Mic Pre/EQ currently available from:
UK: DV247
US: Sweetwater

Lindell Audio 7X-500 Compressor

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Bottom line? A great unit and a new company to explore."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Lindell Audio 7X-500 Compressor review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 265)

BUY: Lindell Audio 7X-500 Compressor currently available from:
UK: DV247
US: Sweetwater

Inspired Instruments You Rock Guitar

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An extremely fun and interesting guitar-like MIDI instrument. Perfect for guitarists struggling with MIDI keyboards."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Inspired Instruments You Rock Guitar review

BUY: Inspired Instruments You Rock Guitar currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music