Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Guitar Amps
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Artist news
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Software & Apps
  • Drums
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • You Oughta Know
  • Fake AI band
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Wrecking Crew
Recommended reading
Superbooth 2025
Synths 12 new instruments and effects you need to know about from Superbooth 2025
Pluginweek logo
Plugins Plugin Week 2025: Exhibitor A-Z
Plugins Future owns
Plugins Our resident platinum award-winning mixer and producer shares 10 of his go-to plugins
Memorial Day software deals
Software & Apps I wish these Memorial Day software deals had been around when I mixed my new EP - save up to 90% off Waves, Native Instruments, and Positive Grid plugins
Thomann Synth Days
Synths Calling all synth heads, Thomann just dropped the sale of the year with up to 80% off models from Moog, Behringer, Arturia and more
plugins
Tech "It's a stupendously powerful tool": 10 of the best sampler plugins in 2025
Behringer Model D
Soft Synths 10 producers share the studio gear they can’t live without
  1. Tech
  2. Gear & Gadgets

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

News
By Computer Music, Future Music ( Future Music, Computer 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.

All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. image
All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more.
Get the latest issue now!
More Info
Read more
Superbooth 2025
12 new instruments and effects you need to know about from Superbooth 2025
Pluginweek logo
Plugin Week 2025: Exhibitor A-Z
Plugins Future owns
Our resident platinum award-winning mixer and producer shares 10 of his go-to plugins
Memorial Day software deals
I wish these Memorial Day software deals had been around when I mixed my new EP - save up to 90% off Waves, Native Instruments, and Positive Grid plugins
Thomann Synth Days
Calling all synth heads, Thomann just dropped the sale of the year with up to 80% off models from Moog, Behringer, Arturia and more
plugins
"It's a stupendously powerful tool": 10 of the best sampler plugins in 2025
Latest in Gear & Gadgets
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: It's your last chance to grab a Prime Day deal on gear from Fender, Roland, Casio, Yamaha, Toontrack & more - but you'll have to be quick
Thomann Music Days Sale
Why wait for Prime Day when Thomann's massive Music Days sale will save you up to 65% off big brands right now?
4th of July Sweetwater
$1,200 off one of the best guitar synths on the market is a deal too good to ignore in Sweetwater's epic 4th of July sale
Musician's Friend 4th of July sale
Start your Independence Day weekend with a bang, as the Musician's Friend 4th of July sale lands early - score up to $850 off Music Man, $200 off Elektron and more
Ollo Audio X1
“Great-sounding, comfortable and stylish headphones with a neutral delivery”: Ollo Audio X1 review
Audio Technica ATH-R70xa
“Quite neutral sounding and one of the more comfortable over-ear open-back designs we’ve tried”: Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa review
Latest in News
IK Multimedia Tonex One Brown Sound Anthology Limited Edition: these special run mini pedals offer the Tonex One in red, yellow and white, each presenting a specific era of EVH's classic tone.
“The anthology fully captures an artist’s tonal journey as he changed rock guitar forever”: Eddie Van Halen’s holy grail tone from a Tonex One mini pedal? IK Multimedia unveils the Brown Sound Anthology
Billy Joel
“Once you’ve seen this film, you’ll never hear Vienna the same way again," says Billy Joel doc director
Charvel Angel Vivaldi Signature Pro-Mod Nova-7 NAT: The new S-style is eight years in the making and in some of the promo pictures it looks like Angel Vivaldi has been on horseback for much of that time.
Angel Vivaldi and Charvel unveil state-of-the-art 7-string for levelling up your shred game
Boss RT-2 Rotary Ensemble: the rotating speaker emulator has a visual reference on front, three modes, mono/stereo outputs and a metallic gold paintjob.
Boss puts Hendrix and Gilmour rotating speaker sounds on the menu with the RT-2 Rotary Ensemble
a fire at the festival site of the Tomorrowland electronic music festival, Wednesday 16 July 2025
Massive fire breaks out at Tomorrowland EDM festival in Belgium
Jane's Addiction's Dave Navarro and Perry Farrell clash onstage
Jane’s Addiction – Farrell and the band are suing each other

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

  • 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...