Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • Heart of Gold
  • Vince Clarke's favourite synth
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • The Beatles' medley masterpiece
  1. Tech
  2. Gear & Gadgets

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

News
By Computer Music, Future Music published 2 September 2015

Software and hardware from the last month

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Rupert Neve RNDI

Rupert Neve RNDI

With everything from a clever new Rupert Neve-designed DI box to the latest groundbreaking version of Studio One and a sizeable selection of synths, plugins and other software to consider, August was a packed month for our tech reviews team.

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. First up, it's Mr Neve's RNDI box...

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A £30 DI box can do the basic job, but this is the way to go if you are serious about capturing the highest possible quality of sound."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rupert Neve RNDI review

BUY: Rupert Neve RNDI currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 1 of 16
Page 1 of 16
Universal Audio V8.1 effects plug-ins

Universal Audio V8.1 effects plug-ins

MusicRadar's verdict:

"The first officially-endorsed Marshall plug-in is a coup and the new 88RS is sumptuous."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio V8.1 effects plug-ins review

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 2 of 16
Page 2 of 16
Future Audio Workshop Circle2

Future Audio Workshop Circle2

MusicRadar's verdict:

"An easy-to-patch semimodular with a new oscillator type and nice new effects, Circle2 is a quality synth at a very fair price."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Future Audio Workshop Circle2 review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 3 of 16
Page 3 of 16
Sensomusic Usine Hollyhock II

Sensomusic Usine Hollyhock II

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Usine Hollyhock II is a unique, powerful and fun modular host for patching together music and lighting systems/installations."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sensomusic Usine Hollyhock II review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 4 of 16
Page 4 of 16
Electro-Harmonix Clockworks

Electro-Harmonix Clockworks

MusicRadar's verdict:

"With the rising popularity of analogue synths, this reissue is right on time."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Electro-Harmonix Clockworks review

BUY: Electro-Harmonix Clockworks currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 5 of 16
Page 5 of 16
Flare Audio R2 Pro

Flare Audio R2 Pro

MusicRadar's verdict:

"The titanium R2 Pros are amazing if pricey, but an aluminium pair is available at a third of the price."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Flare Audio R2 Pro review

BUY: Flare Audio R2 Pro currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 6 of 16
Page 6 of 16
Livid Instruments Base II

Livid Instruments Base II

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A bigger, brighter, beefed-up sequel that Base newcomers will love. Existing owners may not feel it worth reinvesting, though."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Livid Instruments Base II review

BUY: Livid Instruments Base II currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 7 of 16
Page 7 of 16
Applied Acoustics Systems Strum GS-2

Applied Acoustics Systems Strum GS-2

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Strum GS-2 is a comprehensive and flexible source of strummed guitar parts, though less successful for lead lines."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Applied Acoustics Systems Strum GS-2 review

BUY: Applied Acoustics Systems Strum GS-2 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 8 of 16
Page 8 of 16
PreSonus Studio One 3

PreSonus Studio One 3

MusicRadar's verdict:

"V3 of this impressively mature DAW proves well worth the wait, with a raft of clever new features and plenty of usable soundware."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PreSonus Studio One 3 review

BUY: PreSonus Studio One 3 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 9 of 16
Page 9 of 16
Shure PG Alta DrumKit6

Shure PG Alta DrumKit6

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A fantastic looking and sounding set of microphones that could be a long lasting starter set for a budding studio engineer or a workhorse set for a professional performing musician."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Shure PG Alta DrumKit6 review

BUY: Shure PG Alta DrumKit6 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247

Page 10 of 16
Page 10 of 16
Aegean Music Spirit Reverb

Aegean Music Spirit Reverb

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Spirit Reverb does a very good job of delivering a range of spring reverb sounds, but the interface is a bit odd, and it desperately needs a proper manual."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Aegean Music Spirit Reverb review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 11 of 16
Page 11 of 16
AKG Session 1 Microphone Set

AKG Session 1 Microphone Set

MusicRadar's verdict:

"AKG has produced an excellent roadworthy set which provides much more than simply sound reinforcement. Frankly, this mic set offers more far more than the retail price might suggest."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: AKG Session 1 Microphone Set review

BUY: AKG Session 1 Microphone Set currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247

Page 12 of 16
Page 12 of 16
Kuassa Cerberus Bass Amplifikation

Kuassa Cerberus Bass Amplifikation

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Another capable bargain from Kuassa, Cerberus can turn even the dullest of bass tones into something special."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Kuassa Cerberus Bass Amplifikation review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 13 of 16
Page 13 of 16
uhe Hive

uhe Hive

MusicRadar's verdict:

"u-he's elegant masterpiece is easily the best choice for anyone looking for a straightforward, fat-sounding, and future-proof virtual analogue synth."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: uhe Hive review

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 14 of 16
Page 14 of 16
Toontrack Hip-Hop! EZX

Toontrack Hip-Hop! EZX

MusicRadar's verdict:

"If you're looking to embellish your live set-up with some electronic sounds via pads and a laptop, we'd whole-heartily recommend it. At this price, you won't find better."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Toontrack Hip-Hop! EZX review

BUY: Toontrack Hip-Hop! EZX currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 15 of 16
Page 15 of 16
Audio Assault XCTR

Audio Assault XCTR

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A fantastic saturation-based exciter for creative mixing purposes, and an absolute steal at the price."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Audio Assault XCTR review

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 16 of 16
Page 16 of 16
Future Music
Future Music

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.

Read more
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: Score hundreds off PRS, Bose, and Moog - and grab a new guitar pedal for less than £10!
 
 
Software vs Hardware
Synths The ultimate synth shoot-out 2026: Hardware classics vs. their software successors - but can you really tell which is which?
 
 
Superbooth 2026
Tech I went to Superbooth and these are the 10 bits of gear I wanted to take home with me
 
 
A Yamaha URX44V audio interface on a worn wooden surface with a laptop and a mixing desk
Audio Interfaces Best audio interface 2026: For home recording, podcasting, and streaming - tested by experts
 
 
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: We've found $200 off a stylish Gibson SG, $100 off an affordable Martin acoustic, hearty discounts on studio headphones and much more
 
 
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: A guide to the best music sales right now
 
 
Latest in Gear & Gadgets
Electro-Voice speaker on green and blue background
Gear & Gadgets Thomann just dropped a massive sale on gig-ready live sound gear with up to 50% off
 
 
Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s
Gear & Gadgets A whopping $900 discount on a stunning Gibson Les Paul is the headline act of Guitar Center's early Presidents' Day sale, plus a generous up to 30% off a range of music-making gear
 
 
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Save a colossal $500 off one of my favourite Sterling by Music Man guitars, grab $200 off a super cool D'Angelico, plus all the week's biggest sales on music gear
 
 
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Score $600 off one of our favourite Casio pianos, $200 off top-tier Sennheiser studio headphones, and so much more
 
 
Piano under a Christmas tree with gifts
Gear & Gadgets 5 reasons a gift card is the most stress-free present you can get a musician this Christmas
 
 
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Score big savings on music gear ahead of Christmas from the likes of UAD, Casio, Waves, PRS and more
 
 
Latest in News
Japanese musician
Singers & Songwriters “A lasting gift from a true musical great”: Ryuichi Sakamoto’s memoir to be published in September
 
 
Jaco Pastorius
Artists "When he died, I cried and I actually jumped into the ocean": Carlos Santana and more on bass legend Jaco Pastorius
 
 
Charvel's Neo-Classic Series offers the San Dimas Style 1 with and without a Floyd Rose, with finishes including Robin's Egg Blue, Ivory Blitz, Gloss Black, Velvet Midnight and Racing Red
Guitars Dweezil Zappa shredding in a skate park? That must be Charvel’s all-new American Neo-Classic Series
 
 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 09: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO STANDALONE PUBLICATION USE. NO SPECIAL INTEREST OR SINGLE ARTIST PUBLICATION USE; NO BOOK USE) Taylor Swift attends the Toy Story 5 Los Angeles World Premiere at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on June 09, 2026. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for for TAS Rights Management)
Artists Randy Newman playfully accepts Taylor Swift’s praise as they sing You Got A Friend In Me together
 
 
(L-R) Flea, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at the LA28 Olympic Handover Celebration
Artists Red Hot Chili Peppers, Extreme and Weezer all confirmed for Stage Tour, the Guitar Hero successor game
 
 
 The British band The Cure during a performance at the Parc del Forum in Barcelona, on 5 June 2026, in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The band led by singer Robert Smith kicks off their festival tour this summer with this concert
Singles And Albums “The next one is more dismal, but the third one is really upbeat”: Robert Smith outlines the next two Cure albums
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...