musicradar

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 155, Future Music issue 230 and Guitarist issue 332, and published on MusicRadar throughout July, August and September.

Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: Steinberg’s Nuendo 5.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A solid and attractive update that's light on pointless 'whizz bang' additions.”

FULL REVIEW: Steinberg Nuendo 5

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 155)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“More flexible than it seems at first look, Beatstation will appeal to those who want to create drum kits and grooves in a hurry.”

FULL REVIEW: Toontrack Beatstation

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 155)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“MorphWiz turns your iPad into an expressive and playable electronic instrument.”

FULL REVIEW: Wizdom Music MorphWiz

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 155)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A decent (if slightly expensive) option for anyone who wants to produce music on an iPad.”

FULL REVIEW:4Pockets Aurora Sound Studio HD

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 155)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Another analogue-modelling triumph for Waves, though the EQ section is a little too close to the original for comfort.”

FULL REVIEW: Waves HLS Channel

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 155)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A splendid-sounding compressor that adheres strictly to the original's spec.”

FULL REVIEW: Waves PIE Compressor

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 155)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Typical NuGen attention to detail makes Monofilter 4 a one-stop solution for monoising bass.”

FULL REVIEW: NuGen Audio Monofilter 4

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 155)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A well-designed, do-it-all controller keyboard that delivers that extra dash of Roland quality.”

FULL REVIEW: Cakewalk A-300 Pro

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 155)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's slightly quirky, but Big Blue Limiter gives easy access to a range of warm and tasty tones.”

FULL REVIEW: 112dB Big Blue Limiter

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 155)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you can sing and play, this will widen your sound considerably with harmony vocals.”

FULL REVIEW: Vocalist Live 3

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 332)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Multiband chorus might sound crazy, but MeldaProduction have proved that the concept is sound with this great plug-in.”

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MMultiBandChorus

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 155)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Another multiband winner from MeldaProduction and, once again, it comes at a price that's hard to resist.”

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MMultiBandDistortion

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 155)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The technology combination impresses but, considering the price, it could have more features.”

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha CP1

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 230)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A clever little solution for DJs that puts the control buttons in just the right place.”

FULL REVIEW: Novation Dicer

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 230)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A simple, well-designed summing mixer with a focus on clarity. Not cheap, but this kind of quality costs.”

FULL REVIEW:Thermionic Culture Little Bustard

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 230)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The most comprehensive mixer available, but best when used in the full setup. Time to re-mortgage.”

FULL REVIEW:Pioneer DJM-2000

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 230)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An excellent speaker from Adam with a big, detailed sound that far exceeds its diminutive size.”

FULL REVIEW:Adam Audio A3X Monitors

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 230)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“For those with modest input requirements, this is a high quality, simple-to-use package.”

FULL REVIEW:Apoee One

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 230)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A credible mono synth that's great sounding and easy to use, but faces competition from similar boxes.”

FULL REVIEW:Vermona Mono Lancet

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 230)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Virtual reality comes of age - these are great libraries containing a fantastic range of sounds.”

FULL REVIEW:Wallander Instruments Brass and Wind collections

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 230)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A limited but lovable analogue synth that provides kicks with serious attitude.”

FULL REVIEW:Vermona Kick Lancet

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 230)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A classic smooth condenser with great all-round performance that lives up to the Telefunken name.”

FULL REVIEW:Telefunken Elektroakustik AR-51

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 230)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A great straightforward device that allows complex routing combos to be achieved simply and quickly.”

FULL REVIEW:Solid State Logic X-Patch

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 230)

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

Connect with MusicRadar: via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Connect with Rhythm: via Twitter and Facebook

Get MusicRadar straight to your inbox: Sign up for the free weekly newsletter