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

By The MusicRadar team
published 1 May 2013

Our music tech gear reviews from the last month

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Native Instruments Reverb Classics
Double reverb plugin bundle

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)

Page 1 of 19
Page 1 of 19
Warm Audio WA12 Discrete Mic Pre
Accomplished pre-amp/DI

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

Page 2 of 19
Page 2 of 19
Studio Devil Virtual Tube Preamp
Preamp plugin and 'audio glue'

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

Page 3 of 19
Page 3 of 19
Steinberg sonote beat re:edit
Innovative Cubase beat-slicer

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)

Page 4 of 19
Page 4 of 19
Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection
Three classic compressors in one

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)

Page 5 of 19
Page 5 of 19
Notion Music Notion 4
Notation software with DAW traits

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

Page 6 of 19
Page 6 of 19
Audiffex Multi Drive Pedal
Set of eight stompbox plug-ins

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

Page 7 of 19
Page 7 of 19
Arturia iMini
Arturia's iOS debut

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)

Page 8 of 19
Page 8 of 19
Propellerhead Rotor
Another lovely Leslie plugin

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)

Page 9 of 19
Page 9 of 19
Sonosaurus Drumjam
A must-try percussion app

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)

Page 10 of 19
Page 10 of 19
Native Instruments Traktor DJ
Traktor rebuilt as an iPad app

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)

Page 11 of 19
Page 11 of 19
Exponential Audio Phoenix Verb
Pristine-sounding reverb plugin

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)

Page 12 of 19
Page 12 of 19
Tracktion Software Tracktion 4
The innovative DAW returns

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)

Page 13 of 19
Page 13 of 19
Exponential Audio R2
Dark reverbs from Michael Carnes

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)

Page 14 of 19
Page 14 of 19
Korg MS-20 mini
New size, classic synth

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

Page 15 of 19
Page 15 of 19
NI Raw Voltage Maschine Expansion
Maschine modular synth

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)

Page 16 of 19
Page 16 of 19
Lindell Audio 6X-500 Mic Pre/EQ
500 Series mic pre module

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

Page 17 of 19
Page 17 of 19
Lindell Audio 7X-500 Compressor
500 Series F.E.T. comp module

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

Page 18 of 19
Page 18 of 19
Inspired Instruments You Rock Guitar
Bonkers MIDI guitar/synth

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

Page 19 of 19
Page 19 of 19
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