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Every month, MusicRadar’s industry-leading sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music - publish the best independent and in-depth music-making gear reviews.

We’ve collated the latest plug-ins, controllers, synths and mics to have fallen under the watchful eyes of Computer Music and Future Music’s test teams. All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Computer Music issue 152 and Future Music issue 227. It was published on MusicRadar throughout May and June.

Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: Vengeance-Sound’s Metrum

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's a specialist tool and not for everyone, but Metrum's convenience and quality of sound will delight those who take to it.”

FULL REVIEW: Vengeance-Sound Metrum

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 152)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you've toyed with the idea of picking up this terrific bundle, then now's the perfect time to take the plunge.”

FULL REVIEW: SoundToys Native Effects V4

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 152)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This professional equaliser is a great start for DMG Audio. If it's any indicator of its future output, we're all ears.”

FULL REVIEW: DMG Audio EQuality

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 152)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Like the original string machines, String is a one-trick pony, but it's a rather good trick, we have to say.”

FULL REVIEW: Loomer String

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 152)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's not suitable for all occasions, but Drumaxx's decidedly different take on digital drums is a breath of fresh air.”

FULL REVIEW: Image-Line Drumaxx

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 152)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Playability, value for money and solid sound quality make this retro-modern synth a winner.”

FULL REVIEW: Roland Gaia SH-01

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 227)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The microStation bridges the divide between the workstation and micro ranges beautifully.”

FULL REVIEW: Korg microStation

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 227)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Bombardier goes far beyond bus compression to deliver a flexible and flavoursome dynamics processor.”

FULL REVIEW: Stillwell Audio Bombardier

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 152)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The APC20 is a seriously useful Live controller. But if you need more, spring for the 40 instead.”

FULL REVIEW: Akai APC20

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 227)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A highly-portable performance keyboard and synth with both feet planted firmly on the stage.”

FULL REVIEW: Korg PS60

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 227)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An excellent device that simplifies the process of drum replacement, particularly with difficult sources.”

FULL REVIEW: SPL DrumXchanger

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 227)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“For cleaning up your musical act, Restore is a first-class restoration plug-in package, knocking the spots off others we've tried.”

FULL REVIEW:Sonnox Restore

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 152)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Squeaky acid and fat bleeps in a tiny form factor. Microcon II has more rivals than its predecessor, though.”

FULL REVIEW: Technosaurus Microcon II

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 227)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Excellent clarity and depth coupled with a nice interface make for results that go far beyond the '60s.”

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Abbey Road 60s Drums

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 227)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Saturn delivers on Sontronics' claims. It's a superb all-rounder if one mic is all you're looking for.”

FULL REVIEW: Sontronics Saturn

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 227)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you like nasty digital sounds, and enjoy suffering for your noisy art, you'll love this.”

FULL REVIEW:Gotharman deMoon

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 227)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's not cheap and is let down by its small screen and unintuitive interface, but the S70XS still has a lot to offer.”

FULL REVIEW:Yamaha S70XS

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 227)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Not the cheapest, but the performance options here set LA Scoring Strings apart.”

FULL REVIEW:Audio Bro LA Scoring Strings

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 227)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“What was once a serious front-runner is now a must-have: Maschine has come of age.”

FULL REVIEW:Native Instruments Maschine 1.5

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 227)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Yet another juicy, smooth and powerful addition to the Abbey Road plug-in range.”

FULL REVIEW:Abbey Road Plug-ins RS124 Compressor

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 227)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Technically impressive if overly technical, with more content, tutorials and a bit of polish, this package could really shine.”

FULL REVIEW:Studio Units Software Studio Units Plug-in Collection

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 152)

Liked this? Now read: In pictures: the best hi-tech gear of 2009

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