New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (November 2013)
Frequency-finding 'auto-EQ' plugin
Axis Plugins Match EQ
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A great addition to the Axis roster, Match EQ does what it claims effectively, though it should be handled with care."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Axis Plugins Match EQ review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 196)
Intelligent sonic restoration plugin
Zynaptiq Unfilter
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A powerful sonic weapon for evening out wonky mixes and recordings, but one that needs to be wielded responsibly."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Zynaptiq Unfilter review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 196)
BUY: Zynaptiq Unfilter currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Small synth with huge personality
Korg Volca Keys
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The Volca synth is revolutionary at this price point. Everybody should own one!"
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Korg Volca Keys review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 271)
BUY: Korg Volca Keys currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
An iOS interface that promises to do it all
IK Multimedia iRig Pro
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"It might be on the pricey side, but the iRig Pro could meet all your iOS interfacing requirements at a stroke."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia iRig Pro review
BUY: IK Multimedia iRig Pro currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Extensive percussion collection
EastWest Stormdrum 3
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Stormdrum 3 combines stellar sounds with exceptional playability. For big, beautiful drums and percussion, you simply won't find better."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: EastWest Stormdrum 3 review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 196)
BUY: EastWest Stormdrum 3 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater
Wavetable synth soundpack
UVI WaveRunner
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A huge collection of bright, bold, up-front patches. You'll certainly get plenty of mileage out of WaveRunner's lovingly curated archive of classic sounds."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: UVI WaveRunner review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 196)
The ultimate affordable compressor?
Klanghelm DC8C 2
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A compressor for all seasons at a price for all wallets."
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Klanghelm DC8C 2 review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 196)
DJ-mixer EQ with a twist
HoRNet 3Xover
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The range of corrective and creative uses this thing can be put to is endless… An essential."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: HoRNet 3Xover review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 196)
Sturdy yet flexible iPad bracket
IK Multimedia iKlip Stand
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The iKlip Stand is a great mounting solution for the iPad musician. If only the claw was adjustable."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia iKlip Stand
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 196)
---
BUY: IK Multimedia iKlip Stand currently available from:
UK: Andertons | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Micro analogue rhythm machine
Korg Volca Beats
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Perfect for producers that are tight on space but want quality analogue drums without breaking the bank."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Korg Volca Beats review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 271)
BUY: Korg Volca Beats currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
USB interface market gets Scarlett fever
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Stylish and, by incorporating twin discrete headphone outs, well suited to modern working practices."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 271)
BUY: Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Swiss army mic
AKG C1000 S
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A sound choice for a dependable and affordable all-rounder small-diaphragm condenser."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: AKG C1000 S review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 271)
BUY: AKG C1000 S currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Ableton Live controller app
Liine LiveControl 2 for iPad
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Futuristic and practical, flexible and portable, this is an Ableton Live controller everybody should try."
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Liine LiveControl 2 for iPad review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 271)
Speakers aiming to become industry standard
Yamaha HS Series monitors
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A classic Yamaha look but with improved performance for today's studios."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Yamaha HS Series monitors review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 271)
BUY: Yamaha HS Series monitors currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater
The iconic synth returns re-vamped
Novation Bass Station II
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"They say never go back, but Novation has and we're all the better for it. Cheers!"
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Novation Bass Station II review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 271)
BUY: Novation Bass Station II currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Four-deck digital DJ controller
Stanton DJC.4
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The perfect partner for Virtual DJ users, and a great feature-packed option for entry-level controller DJs."
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Stanton DJC.4 review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 271)
BUY: Stanton DJC.4 currently available from:
UK: DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
An interface that won't make you see red
Focusrite Scarlett 6i6
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"We like the way it looks, sounds and behaves and it is priced very competitively."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 271)
BUY: Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Slim console, fat bass
Korg Volca Bass
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"These are deservedly going to sell by the boatload and we can only imagine excitedly what Korg has in store around the corner."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Korg Volca Bass review
(Reviewed in Future Music issue 271)
BUY: Korg Volca Bass currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Hold on to inspiration
Olympus LS-14 Digital Recorder
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Obviously the LS-14 isn't an alternative to going into the studio, but it is a handy, relatively inexpensive way to ensure you capture those inspired moments of creativity without fail."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Olympus LS-14 Digital Recorder review
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 271)
BUY: Olympus LS-14 Digital Recorder currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Full Compass
Audio editor gets an upgrade
Sony Sound Forge Pro 11
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Perhaps not an essential upgrade for existing users, but clearly the best Sound Forge yet, with excellent bundled effects."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Sony Sound Forge Pro 11 review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 197)
BUY: Sony Sound Forge Pro 11 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Fun keyboard with serious connectivity
KMI QuNexus
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A personable little controller with a unique feature set that would make it a useful addition to any laptop bag."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: KMI QuNexus review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 197)
BUY: KMI QuNexus currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
New player in the DJ software market
Audio Artery One DJ
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Showing plenty of promise in its initial release, with some improvements and refinements, One DJ could be a hit."
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Audio Artery One DJ review
(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 197)