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

By Future Music, Computer Music
published 3 November 2015

Software and hardware from the last month

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Oppo HA-2 Headphone Amplifier

Oppo HA-2 Headphone Amplifier

Covering everything from a batch of new Reface synths from Yamaha to the latest mics from Shure, we've had a busy month for tech reviews.

Here, we've gathered up all of the products that went through the review process in our sister magazines Computer Music and Future Music and were featured on the site in the last month. Up first we have the Oppo HA-2 headphone amplifier…

Musicradar's verdict

"The price may seem quite steep, especially as you can pick up mobile charging devices for around a tenner, but not many are attached to such a high-quality DAC."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Oppo HA-2 Headphone Amplifier

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 1 of 38
Page 1 of 38
Big Fish Audio Ambient Black and White Bundle

Big Fish Audio Ambient Black and White Bundle

Musicradar's Verdict

“A sterling set let down by some frustrating niggles.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:Big Fish Audio Ambient Black and White Bundle

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 2 of 38
Page 2 of 38
Pioneer HRM-7 Headphones

Pioneer HRM-7 Headphones

Musicradar's Verdict

“Professional quality headphones for studio set-ups at all levels, with dynamic and detailed sound.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pioneer HRM-7 Headphones

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Pioneer HRM-7 Headphones currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 3 of 38
Page 3 of 38
Vir2 instruments Apollo Cinematic Guitars

Vir2 instruments Apollo Cinematic Guitars

Musicradar's Verdict

“A great set of guitar-based sounds for your arsenal.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vir2 instruments Apollo Cinematic Guitars

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 4 of 38
Page 4 of 38
D16 Group Antresol

D16 Group Antresol

Musicradar's Verdict

“A modern reimagining of a legendary flanger, Antresol is a must-buy for all lovers of high-quality classic effects.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: D16 Group Antresol

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 5 of 38
Page 5 of 38
Pioneer RM-05 Professional Active Monitors

Pioneer RM-05 Professional Active Monitors

Musicradar's Verdict

“With robust construction, a punchy, upfront sound and useful correction EQ, the RM-05 is a solid monitor.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pioneer RM-05 Professional Active Monitors

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Pioneer RM-05 Professional Active Monitors currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 6 of 38
Page 6 of 38
UVI Relayer

UVI Relayer

Musicradar's Verdict

“A fun, interesting and highly creative delay-based plugin that treads its own path and is all the more impressive for it.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: UVI Relayer

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 7 of 38
Page 7 of 38
Icaro iOS Sampler

Icaro iOS Sampler

Musicradar's Verdict

“A neat little iOS sampler that's well worth checking out, especially as it won't cost you a bean.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Icaro iOS Sampler

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 8 of 38
Page 8 of 38
Dave Smith Sequential Prophet-6

Dave Smith Sequential Prophet-6

Musicradar's Verdict

“Building on the P5's legacy nicely, it adds modern features but retains the all-important killer sound.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dave Smith Sequential Prophet-6

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Dave Smith Sequential Prophet-6 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 9 of 38
Page 9 of 38
Prism Sound Atlas Audio Interface

Prism Sound Atlas Audio Interface

Musicradar's Verdict

“Stunning audio quality, with plenty of internal I/O and flexible interfacing via its MDIO port.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Prism Sound Atlas Audio Interface

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Prism Sound Atlas Audio Interface currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 10 of 38
Page 10 of 38
Focusrite Clarett 8Pre

Focusrite Clarett 8Pre

Musicradar's Verdict

“Exceptional preamp and audio interfacing within a rock-solid Thunderbolt interface.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Focusrite Clarett 8Pre

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Focusrite Clarett 8Pre currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 11 of 38
Page 11 of 38
Yamaha Reface CP

Yamaha Reface CP

Musicradar's Verdict

“For authentic sounding EPs in a high-quality, portable package, the CP really delivers the goods.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha Reface CP

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Yamaha Reface CP currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 12 of 38
Page 12 of 38
Yamaha Reface CS

Yamaha Reface CS

Musicradar's Verdict

“A unique sounding synth that is way more powerful than you think.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha Reface CS

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Yamaha Reface CS currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 13 of 38
Page 13 of 38
Yamaha Reface YC

Yamaha Reface YC

Musicradar's Verdict

“A solid organ with handy effects.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha Reface YC

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Yamaha Reface YC currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 14 of 38
Page 14 of 38
Yamaha Reface DX

Yamaha Reface DX

Musicradar's Verdict

“A solid organ with handy effects.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha Reface DX

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Yamaha Reface DX currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 15 of 38
Page 15 of 38
Sknote SoundBrigade

Sknote SoundBrigade

Musicradar's Verdict

“A brilliant solution to all sorts of sonic problems, this is a must-have engineering and sound design utility at a great price.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sknote SoundBrigade

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 16 of 38
Page 16 of 38
Klevgränd Enkl

Klevgränd Enkl

Musicradar's Verdict

“A simple yet sonically-pleasing synth, Enkl's sound, presets and price outweigh any minor functional drawbacks.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Klevgränd Enkl

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 17 of 38
Page 17 of 38
AKG K181 DJ UE Headphones

AKG K181 DJ UE Headphones

Musicradar's Verdict

“They won't be to everyone's taste, but these are an admirable set of DJ headphones at a good price.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: AKG K181 DJ UE Headphones

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: AKG K181 DJ UE Headphones currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Full Compass

Page 18 of 38
Page 18 of 38
Native Instruments Kontrol D2

Native Instruments Kontrol D2

Musicradar's Verdict

“If you're looking for something to add a creative edge to your current DJ set-up, try taking the D2 for a spin.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Kontrol D2

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Native Instruments Kontrol D2 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 19 of 38
Page 19 of 38
EastWest ProDrummer 1 and 2

EastWest ProDrummer 1 and 2

Musicradar's Verdict

“Although its lack of tweakability is a drawback, ProDrummer's great sounds and grooves make it worth considering.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: EastWest ProDrummer 1 and 2

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 20 of 38
Page 20 of 38
Etymotic ER-4

Etymotic ER-4

Musicradar's Verdict

“Superb bass and bright highs from Etymonic's latest offering.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Etymotic ER-4

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Etymotic ER-4 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Full Compass

Page 21 of 38
Page 21 of 38
Nord Electro 5D 61-Key

Nord Electro 5D 61-Key

Musicradar's Verdict

“The Electro feels like a much more complete instrument and has been improved in all the right places.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Nord Electro 5D 61-Key

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Nord Electro 5D 61-Key currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 22 of 38
Page 22 of 38
Harrison MixBus 3

Harrison MixBus 3

Musicradar's Verdict

“Not the most powerful DAW in the world, but easy to use and with a sound all its own, MixBus 3 is satisfyingly different and well worth checking out.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Harrison MixBus 3

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 23 of 38
Page 23 of 38
iZotope Spire for iPhone

iZotope Spire for iPhone

Musicradar's Verdict

“If you're looking for an easy 'scratchpad' for getting your ideas down, then Spire is an upgrade on Voice Recorder.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: iZotope Spire for iPhone

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 24 of 38
Page 24 of 38
IK Multimedia iRig UA

IK Multimedia iRig UA

Musicradar's Verdict

“A welcome Android offering, but it lags behind its iOS counterpart.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia iRig UA

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: IK Multimedia iRig UA currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 25 of 38
Page 25 of 38
Roland Aira Bitrazer

Roland Aira Bitrazer

Musicradar's Verdict

“A small and flexible processor that goes beyond what some simpler units can do.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland Aira Bitrazer

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Roland Aira Bitrazer currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 26 of 38
Page 26 of 38
Sugar Bytes Obscurium

Sugar Bytes Obscurium

Musicradar's Verdict

“Obscurium is an amazing synth in its own right, but it becomes essential when you start getting other instruments involved.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sugar Bytes Obscurium

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 27 of 38
Page 27 of 38
Roland Aira Demora

Roland Aira Demora

Musicradar's Verdict

“The Demora is a solid and flexible delay effect. But, it isn't cheap.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland Aira Demora

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Roland Aira Demora currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 28 of 38
Page 28 of 38
SubPac S2

SubPac S2

Musicradar's Verdict

“A unique and genuinely useful monitoring tool – a must-try for Dance producers.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: SubPac S2

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: SubPac S2 currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 29 of 38
Page 29 of 38
Big Fish Audio The Foundry

Big Fish Audio The Foundry

Musicradar's Verdict

“If soundscapes, textures, ambiences, rhythmic beds, impacts and FX rather than basses and leads, are your thing, this is a powerful tool to have at your disposal.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Big Fish Audio The Foundry

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 30 of 38
Page 30 of 38
UAD AKG BX20

UAD AKG BX20

Musicradar's Verdict

“This AKG BX20 clone which upholds and enhances UAD's reputation as a world-leader in bringing the sound of vintage and rare hardware into the 21st century.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: UAD AKG BX20

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 31 of 38
Page 31 of 38
Sample Logic Gamelan

Sample Logic Gamelan

Musicradar's Verdict

“A breathtaking sample library with one of the best interfaces in the business.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sample Logic Gamelan

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 32 of 38
Page 32 of 38
UAD Ampeg SVT bass amp bundle

UAD Ampeg SVT bass amp bundle

Musicradar's Verdict

“The Ampeg emulations offer a wonderful sound too and further strengthen the partner relationship between Brainworx and UAD.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: UAD Ampeg SVT bass amp bundle

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 33 of 38
Page 33 of 38
Roland Aira Torcido

Roland Aira Torcido

Musicradar's Verdict

“Distortion is one area where tastes and flavour vary quite heavily, so, in sonic terms at least, Torcido is potentially competing against a plethora of guitar pedals (that may be considerably cheaper).”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland Aira Torcido

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Roland Aira Torcido currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 34 of 38
Page 34 of 38
Roland Aira Scooper

Roland Aira Scooper

Musicradar's Verdict

“A small and flexible processor that goes beyond what some simpler units can do.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland Aira Scooper

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Roland Aira Scooper currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 35 of 38
Page 35 of 38
ALM Busy Circuits Akemie's Castle

ALM Busy Circuits Akemie's Castle

Musicradar's Verdict

“It isn't cheap and it has quirks, but it's an actual FM synth with knobs. Wonderful sounding, frighteningly deep, totally inspiring and wild to experiment with.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: ALM Busy Circuits Akemie's Castle

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 36 of 38
Page 36 of 38
Rob Papen RP-EQ

Rob Papen RP-EQ

Musicradar's Verdict

“A comprehensive EQ which performs well in both 'traditional' and creative EQ contexts.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rob Papen RP-EQ

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 37 of 38
Page 37 of 38
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S5

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S5

Musicradar's Verdict

“Another solid Stems controller from NI, but we miss the flexibility of the S8 and D2.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S5 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 38 of 38
Page 38 of 38
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