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  1. News

New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (May 2015)

By Computer Music, Future Music
published 4 May 2015

Software, controllers, monitors, mixers and more

MeldaProduction MDrumLeveler
Specialist drum dynamics plugin

MeldaProduction MDrumLeveler

It's been a busy month for music tech gear and we've got a gallery packed with new reviews of synths, hardware, plugins, DAWs and interfaces - all of which have been subjected to our rigorous testing process.

All of the reviews in this gallery were originally published in Future Music or Computer Music magazine and featured on the site in the last month.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Surprisingly creative once set up, and great on drum kit recordings, MDrumLeveler offers a new approach to dynamics."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MDrumLeveler review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 1 of 21
Page 1 of 21
Korg MS-20M kit
The latest of Korg's kit synths

Korg MS-20M kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The MS-20 sound with expanded CV capabilities, FM, sync, filter switch and PWM input. Get one!"

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg MS-20M kit review

BUY: Korg MS-20M kit currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Full Compass

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)

Page 2 of 21
Page 2 of 21
HoRNet Multicomp Plus
Three vintage comps in one plugin

HoRNet Multicomp Plus

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Not a perfect plugin, but Multicomp Plus has a charm and character of its own that's earned it a spot in our plugins folder."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: HoRNet Multicomp Plus review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 3 of 21
Page 3 of 21
u-he Presswerk
Vintage comp and saturation plugin

u-he Presswerk

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Presswerk is a veritable playground of analogue-style compression, with a fabulous sound and insane attention to detail."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: u-he Presswerk review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 4 of 21
Page 4 of 21
Spitfire Audio The Grange
Heroic drum instrument, forged in Headley Grange

Spitfire Audio The Grange

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Ultimately, what The Grange lacks in customisation and detail, it more than makes up for with its stunning, unique sound and the unquestionable cachet of its three stars."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Spitfire Audio The Grange review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 5 of 21
Page 5 of 21
Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Studio 7
The lesser-known DAW gets serious

Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Studio 7

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The included plugins may be a mixed bag, but Mixcraft 7 is a capable DAW that gives the pricier competition a run for its money."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Studio 7 review

BUY: Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Studio 7 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 6 of 21
Page 6 of 21
Max For Cats Oscillot
Polyphonic synth with DIY modules

Max For Cats Oscillot

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A synth with huge DIY potential with expansive options down the line."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Max For Cats Oscillot review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 7 of 21
Page 7 of 21
AudioThing Phase Motion
Affordable phasing without the headache

AudioThing Phase Motion

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Cheap and cheerful, Phase Motion sounds the business, boasts a decent feature set and couldn't be easier to get to grips with."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: AudioThing Phase Motion review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 8 of 21
Page 8 of 21
UVI BeatHawk
Bargain iOS music production studio

UVI BeatHawk

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"BeatHawk is an enjoyable, efficient and productive musical scratchpad that's certainly worth four quid."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: UVI BeatHawk review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 9 of 21
Page 9 of 21
PSP Audioware TripleMeter
How do you top 2Meters? Easy...

PSP Audioware TripleMeter

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The new features absolutely justify the price increase from 2Meters, making it less a 'passive' device than before and thus a significantly more useful one."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PSP Audioware TripleMeter review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 10 of 21
Page 10 of 21
Rogue Amoeba Audio Hijack 3
Practical recording for OS X musicians

Rogue Amoeba Audio Hijack 3

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"While there are other, cheaper ways to achieve much of the same functionality, Audio Hijack 3's self-contained power and convenience can't be denied."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rogue Amoeba Audio Hijack 3 review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 11 of 21
Page 11 of 21
Alto Professional Live 802
Alto's latest compact mixing desk

Alto Professional Live 802

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Feature packed and excellent value, the Live 802 is ideal for small live set-ups."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Alto Professional Live 802 review

BUY: Alto Professional Live 802 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Full Compass

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)

Page 12 of 21
Page 12 of 21
Akai RPM800 monitors
Akai's latest look great but how do they sound?

Akai RPM800 monitors

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Akai have delivered a set of monitors that offer plenty of bang for the buck and look good too."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Akai RPM800 monitors review

BUY: Akai RPM800 monitors currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Full Compass

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)

Page 13 of 21
Page 13 of 21
Eiosis AirEQ Premium
A grown-up EQ that yields huge results

Eiosis AirEQ Premium

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This is a great sounding EQ with an enormous range of tone-shaping possibilities."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Eiosis AirEQ Premium review

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)

Page 14 of 21
Page 14 of 21
M-Audio HDH50
'High definition' headphones

M-Audio HDH50

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"With the impressive HDH50s M-Audio align themselves with the likes of AKG and Sennheiser."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: M-Audio HDH50 review

BUY: M-Audio HDH50 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 290)

Page 15 of 21
Page 15 of 21
PSP Audioware L'otary
Lovely Leslie plugin

PSP Audioware L'otary

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"If you need the sound of a real Leslie on a regular basis, this is essential. And even if you don't, it's still highly recommended as a characterful effect in its own right."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PSP Audioware L'otary review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 16 of 21
Page 16 of 21
Softube Mutronics Mutator
Fine filter emulation plugin

Softube Mutronics Mutator

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A spot-on software version of a hardware legend, Mutator does everything its inspiration does... but not a lot more."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Softube Mutronics Mutator review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 17 of 21
Page 17 of 21
Livid Instruments DS1
Versatile, diminutive MIDI control surface

Livid Instruments DS1

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Small, well-made and perfectly functional, the DS1 is a solid mix controller, particularly if there's a script available for your DAW."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Livid Instruments DS1 review

BUY: Livid Instruments DS1 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 18 of 21
Page 18 of 21
Unfiltered Audio Sandman
Competitively priced delay / looper

Unfiltered Audio Sandman

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An entertaining, live-centric effect that's priced to move, Sandman will delight all but the most curmudgeonly knob-tweakers."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Unfiltered Audio Sandman review

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 216)

Page 19 of 21
Page 19 of 21
Tascam US-2x2
A new force in the budget audio interface war

Tascam US-2x2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Rugged design matched to an immediate, plug-and-play interface - what's not to like?"

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tascam US-2x2 review

BUY: Tascam US-2x2 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 291)

Page 20 of 21
Page 20 of 21
Decksaver Ableton Push cover
Keep your controller covered

Decksaver Ableton Push cover

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"While its £40 retail price may put off those on a budget, many will appreciate the security this product provides."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Decksaver Ableton Push cover review

BUY: Decksaver Ableton Push cover currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 291)

Page 21 of 21
Page 21 of 21
Computer Music
Computer Music
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Computer Music magazine is the world’s best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer. Each issue it brings its lucky readers the best in cutting-edge tutorials, need-to-know, expert software reviews and even all the tools you actually need to make great music today, courtesy of our legendary CM Plugin Suite.

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