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  1. News

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

By Future Music, Computer Music
published 7 May 2014

All of April's hardware/software reviews

Sinevibes Sequential for iPad
Unpredictable effects plugin comes to iOS

Sinevibes Sequential for iPad

MusicRadar's sister publications, Computer Music and Future Music, review the best new music tech hardware, apps, DAW, plugin and synth on a monthly basis.

We’ve collected all of the reviews to feature on the site in April, originally reviewed in Computer Music issue 202/203 and Future Music issue 276/277, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The touchscreen interface suits Sequential particularly well, and it sounds every bit as mad, bad and awesome as its OS X counterpart.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sinevibes Sequential for iPad review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 202)

Page 1 of 26
Page 1 of 26
Spitfire Audio Hans Zimmer Percussion London
Extensive percussion library from the composer

Spitfire Audio Hans Zimmer Percussion London

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Huge-sounding, versatile and packed with the 'HZ Factor', this is a truly epic percussion library.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Spitfire Audio Hans Zimmer Percussion London review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 277)

Page 2 of 26
Page 2 of 26
Inear Display Rmpx4
Minimalist modulation plugin

Inear Display Rmpx4

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A wildly entertaining sound-design toolbox from which simple or complex effects can be coaxed in minutes.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Inear Display Rmpx4 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 202)

Page 3 of 26
Page 3 of 26
Studiologic Numa Stage
88-note weighted keyboard

Studiologic Numa Stage

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's very portable with good basic sounds/effects and a handy MIDI section. Definitely worth a look!”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Studiologic Numa Stage review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 277)

BUY: Studiologic Numa Stage currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Full Compass

Page 4 of 26
Page 4 of 26
Korg DS-DAC-100
Stylish digital-to-analog converter

Korg DS-DAC-100

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“All in all a stunning entry into a new market, using Korg's studio frontline, battle-tested technology.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg DS-DAC-100 review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 277)

BUY: Korg DS-DAC-100 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Full Compass

Page 5 of 26
Page 5 of 26
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Popular headphones overhauled

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The M50x may be more expensive than the outgoing M50 (which is now under £100) but it's worth it.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 277)

BUY: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 6 of 26
Page 6 of 26
nu desine AlphaSphere Nexus
Mad MIDI controller sphere

nu desine AlphaSphere Nexus

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The AlphaSphere is an interesting idea with good software support, but the hardware suffers from several flaws.”

2.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: nu desine AlphaSphere Nexus review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 203)

BUY: nu desine AlphaSphere Nexus currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 7 of 26
Page 7 of 26
Sony Creative Software Acid Music Studio 10
The affordable DAW returns

Sony Creative Software Acid Music Studio 10

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Acid is still great at timestretching and warping audio, and v10's new features are pretty solid, but that interface has got to go.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sony Creative Software Acid Music Studio 10 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 203)

BUY: Sony Creative Software Acid Music Studio 10 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 8 of 26
Page 8 of 26
iZotope BreakTweaker
Put the tweaks in your beats

iZotope BreakTweaker

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“BreakTweaker is outstanding at what it does and genuinely innovative, but it won't be to everybody's taste.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: iZotope BreakTweaker review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 203)

BUY: iZotope BreakTweaker currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 9 of 26
Page 9 of 26
AudioRealism ReDominator
Rack Extension recalls Roland Alpha Juno

AudioRealism ReDominator

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Sounding uncannily close to the original Alpha Juno, ReDominator would make a great addition to anyone's Reason Rack.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: AudioRealism ReDominator review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 203)

Page 10 of 26
Page 10 of 26
Abeem Live Technologies Rack Performer
Fun, but practical modular instrument

Abeem Live Technologies Rack Performer

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Very capable for live performance and sound design applications, with a decent collection of built-in processors.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Abeem Live Technologies Rack Performer review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 202)

Page 11 of 26
Page 11 of 26
Waves Scheps 73
Neve-style channel strip with cunning customisations

Waves Scheps 73

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“One of the most convincing Neve EQ emulations we've ever heard, with some genuinely useful and effective additions.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waves Scheps 73 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 203)

BUY: Waves Scheps 73 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 12 of 26
Page 12 of 26
Native Instruments Supercharger
Simple-but-super compression plugin

Native Instruments Supercharger

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A brilliant compressor that combines perfect ease of use with palpable character and musicality.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Supercharger review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 203)

Page 13 of 26
Page 13 of 26
Heavyocity DM-307
Drum machine and Kontakt library

Heavyocity DM-307

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Overall this is another stunning effort from one of our favourite Kontakt library developers.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Heavyocity DM-307 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 203)

Page 14 of 26
Page 14 of 26
EastWest Steven Wilson's Ghostwriter
Eerie atmospherics for film composers

EastWest Steven Wilson's Ghostwriter

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If deep, fascinating sounds, capturing all the energy and soul of the instruments from which they were elicited, appeal, then this is a must-hear.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: EastWest Steven Wilson's Ghostwriter review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 203)

BUY: EastWest Steven Wilson's Ghostwriter currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 15 of 26
Page 15 of 26
Cakewalk Z3ta+ for iPad
A full iOS port of the acclaimed softsynth

Cakewalk Z3ta+ for iPad

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Z3TA+ is immediately one of the best synths on iPad - just as it is on Mac and PC.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Cakewalk Z3ta+ for iPad review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 203)

Page 16 of 26
Page 16 of 26
Rhythmic Robot NanoMods
Ultra-affordable Kontakt instruments

Rhythmic Robot NanoMods

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“At this price, all four NanoMods are well worth your attention.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rhythmic Robot NanoMods review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 203)

Page 17 of 26
Page 17 of 26
Universal Audio Apollo Twin
An Apollo audio interface for mere mortals?

Universal Audio Apollo Twin

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A great addition to the Apollo range with sensible compromises to reach a more affordable price point.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Apollo Twin review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 278)

BUY: Universal Audio Apollo Twin currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 18 of 26
Page 18 of 26
Sugar Bytes Effectrix iPad Edition
Multi FX sequencer hits the iPad

Sugar Bytes Effectrix iPad Edition

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A fun and creative addition to the iPad studio.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sugar Bytes Effectrix iPad Edition review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 203)

Page 19 of 26
Page 19 of 26
Yamaha CP4 Stage Piano
Half the price and weight of the CP1

Yamaha CP4 Stage Piano

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Beautiful wooden action, superb piano/EP sounds, great effects and Motif-derived staple sounds. Killer!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha CP4 Stage Piano review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 278)

BUY: Yamaha CP4 Stage Piano currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 20 of 26
Page 20 of 26
Zero-G Epica
High quality synth sample collection

Zero-G Epica

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An excellent and powerful instrument with a huge range of possibilities. Highly recommended.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Zero-G Epica review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 278)

Page 21 of 26
Page 21 of 26
SPL Crimson USB Interface
Affordable, bullet-proof desktop unit

SPL Crimson USB Interface

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This is about as good as it gets when it comes to compact desktop interfaces.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: SPL Crimson USB Interface review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 278)

BUY: SPL Crimson USB Interface currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Full Compass | Sweetwater

Page 22 of 26
Page 22 of 26
Korg tinyPIANO
Should you buy this pint-sized toy piano for your kids?

Korg tinyPIANO

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A superior toy piano that'll look great in any living room or nursery. You'll just have to decide if it's worth paying so much for something that your kids may outgrow in a year or two.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg tinyPIANO review

BUY: Korg tinyPIANO currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 23 of 26
Page 23 of 26
Korg Gadget for iOS
A synth studio-in-a-box

Korg Gadget for iOS

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you have an iPad buying Korg Gadget is a no-brainer. If you don't, maybe it's time to bite the bullet!”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg Gadget for iOS review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 278)

Page 24 of 26
Page 24 of 26
Tannoy Reveal 802 Monitors
Speaker firm enters the studio market

Tannoy Reveal 802 Monitors

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The established players in the mid-price active monitor market just got some serious competition.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tannoy Reveal 802 Monitors review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 278)

BUY: Tannoy Reveal 802 Monitors currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 25 of 26
Page 25 of 26
Elektron Analog Keys
Idiosyncratic synth/sequencer

Elektron Analog Keys

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A system capable of great results, though perhaps held back by some ease-of-use issues.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Elektron Analog Keys review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 278)

BUY: Elektron Analog Keys currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 26 of 26
Page 26 of 26
Future Music
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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.

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