New tech gear of the month: review round-up (November 2016)

MusicRadar's tech reviewers have been spending their time playing with plugins and pad-based hardware recently, which is just how they like it.

Here's a look at everything our tech team reviewed during October. Up first, Sonic Faction’s Tricky Traps.

MusicRadar's verdict

"Tricky Traps is a fantastic and cohesive electronic music production toybox, especially for Push/Launchpad owners.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sonic Faction Tricky Traps

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

MusicRadar's verdict

"A handy addition to any producer's arsenal, and, at 99c, a 'might-as-well' upgrade for owners of v1.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: HoRNet Plugins TrackUtility Mk2

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

MusicRadar's verdict

"Cheap and cheerful it may be, in terms of both sound and design, but AdLibXRom does a solid job of bringing the YM3812 back to life for the plugin generation.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: SampleScience AdLibXRom

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

MusicRadar's verdict

"With its streamlined interface, impressive ability to stereoise, and its empowering LFO, StereoSavage is a plugin that any producer could find many uses for.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Plugin Boutique StereoSavage

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

MusicRadar's verdict

"There's quite possibly no conceivable kick drum sound for electronic music that PunchBox couldn't create!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: D16 Group PunchBox

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

MusicRadar's verdict

"Some firmware refinement is needed to justify its price, but there's a lot to like about this inspiring and intuitive standalone sampler.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pioneer DJ Toraiz SP-16

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

MusicRadar's verdict

"Jam is a great, creative controller in its own right, but it's best used as a counterpoint to the existing Maschine hardware.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Maschine Jam

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

MusicRadar's verdict

"Not bad on its own merits but in a highly competitive entry-level market there are simply too many better alternatives.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hercules DJ Control Instinct P8

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

MusicRadar's verdict

"If you want a high-quality interface for studio, rehearsals and gigs you have to look at this.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Antelope Audio Zen Tour

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

MusicRadar's verdict

"The Hades is a fairly straightforward monosynth, but it's well-designed and packs some serious low-end punch.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dreadbox Hades Bass Synthesizer

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

MusicRadar's verdict

"It may not deliver all the bass tones you need, but B-15N beautifully captures that classic retro sound, transforming your clean DI into something totally mix-ready.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Ampeg B-15N

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

MusicRadar's verdict

"It might not be the gamechanger it thinks it is, but Cascade is a synth that lovers of hefty pads and animated textures should try out.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: 112dB Cascade

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)