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

By Future Music, Computer Music
published 3 October 2016

All of the latest tech reviews in one place!

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DropX Beatskillz

DropX Beatskillz

It's been a month of superb software and mouth-watering hardware for MusicRadar’s tech team. We’re talking everything from Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-RZ controller to FXpansion's Geist2.

Here, we look back at everything tech-related that was reviewed on MusicRadar in September, starting with DropX from Beatskillz.

MusicRadar's verdict

"DropX is admirably simple in implementation and usage, making light work of repeats and stutter edits for any and all compositional purposes.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Beatskillz DropX

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 1 of 18
Page 1 of 18
AudioThing SR-88

AudioThing SR-88

MusicRadar's verdict

"In terms of authenticity, AudioThing's virtualisation does the business and lands at a fair price.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: AudioThing SR-88

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 2 of 18
Page 2 of 18
Vir2 Aeris

Vir2 Aeris

MusicRadar's verdict

"Although a tad (not as much as you might assume) hemmed in by its short range of articulations, Aeris sounds gorgeous and takes you to places far beyond the conventionally choral.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vir2 Aeris

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

BUY: Vir2 Aeris currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 3 of 18
Page 3 of 18
Output Movement

Output Movement

MusicRadar's verdict

"An inventive device with a firm rhythmic angle, Movement will leave your sounds fresh, vibrant and full of life.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Output Movement

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

BUY: Output Movement currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 4 of 18
Page 4 of 18
Kush Audio Omega Transformers

Kush Audio Omega Transformers

MusicRadar's verdict

"Omega Transformer Models N and A do an amazing job of warming up frosty mixes at a great price.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Kush Audio Omega Transformers

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 5 of 18
Page 5 of 18
Acustica Audio Pink

Acustica Audio Pink

MusicRadar's verdict

"If you've got the machine to handle it, Pink will blow you away with its stunning analogue emulation and gorgeous tone.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Acustica Audio Pink

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 6 of 18
Page 6 of 18
Audiority Polaris

Audiority Polaris

MusicRadar's verdict

"More of a sound-design and special FX 'verb, Polaris successfully combines retro soul with modern functionality, at a reasonable price.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Audiority Polaris

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 7 of 18
Page 7 of 18
Positive Grid Pro Series Studio EQ

Positive Grid Pro Series Studio EQ

MusicRadar's verdict

"A trio of analogue-inspired and beautifully designed EQs that successfully shun slavish emulation in favour of modern flexibility.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Positive Grid Pro Series Studio EQ

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 8 of 18
Page 8 of 18
Make Noise 0-Coast

Make Noise 0-Coast

MusicRadar's verdict

"A fantastic way to get quickly immersed in the realm of modular synthesis without the hassle of lugging a huge case around.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Make Noise 0-Coast

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Page 9 of 18
Page 9 of 18
Roland Aira Modular Customizer Software

Roland Aira Modular Customizer Software

MusicRadar's verdict

"The new modules that come with the Customizer software expand the usefulness of Roland's cable-friendly Eurorack boxes.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland Aira Modular Customizer Software

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Roland Aira Modular Customizer Software currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 10 of 18
Page 10 of 18
Pioneer rekordbox DJ Software

Pioneer rekordbox DJ Software

MusicRadar's verdict

"Fully featured, flexible and boasting unrivalled cross- platform compatibility, rekordbox is already looking like a serious contender.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pioneer rekordbox DJ Software

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Pioneer rekordbox DJ Software currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 11 of 18
Page 11 of 18
Pioneer DDJ-RZ DJ Controller

Pioneer DDJ-RZ DJ Controller

MusicRadar's verdict

"A pro-level DJ controller at a pro-level price. It might be expensive but the RZ is a seriously well-equipped piece of kit.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pioneer DDJ-RZ DJ Controller

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Pioneer DDJ-RZ DJ Controller currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 12 of 18
Page 12 of 18
Nektar Impact GX49

Nektar Impact GX49

MusicRadar's verdict

"While basic, the GX49 speeds up everyday DAW tasks and won't break the bank either.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Nektar Impact GX49

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

BUY: Nektar Impact GX49 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 13 of 18
Page 13 of 18
Sugar Bytes Factory

Sugar Bytes Factory

MusicRadar's verdict

"An innovative, esoteric synth that's still easy to use and quick, Factory is one that sound designers and modulation nuts will love.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sugar Bytes Factory

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

BUY: Sugar Bytes Factory currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 14 of 18
Page 14 of 18
FXpansion Geist2

FXpansion Geist2

MusicRadar's verdict

"Geist2 delivers enough self-contained sample-based grooveboxery to keep you building beats for years to come.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: FXpansion Geist2

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

BUY: FXpansion Geist2 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 15 of 18
Page 15 of 18
A.O.M Invisible Limiter G2

A.O.M Invisible Limiter G2

MusicRadar's verdict

"This transparent limiter is now even more flexible and versatile, with Expert Mode and some well considered new features. We'd love to see multiband processing, though.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: A.O.M Invisible Limiter G2

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 16 of 18
Page 16 of 18
Lethal Audio Lethal

Lethal Audio Lethal

MusicRadar's verdict

"With a bit of work, Lethal could easily score 4.5, but as it stands, it's still a very good dance music ROMpler with a top-notch library.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Lethal Audio Lethal

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 17 of 18
Page 17 of 18
Sample Magic Stacker

Sample Magic Stacker

MusicRadar's verdict

"Successfully differentiating itself from the competition, Stacker is an amazing drum design plugin that we can't get enough of.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sample Magic Stacker

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Page 18 of 18
Page 18 of 18
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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.

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