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 synths, plug-ins, keyboards, apps, mics, monitors and other products to have fallen under the watchful eyes of Computer Music, Future Music and Total Guitar’s test teams. All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Computer Music issue 168/169, Future Music issue 243, Guitarist issue 345 and Total Guitar issue 218 and published on MusicRadar throughout August.

Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: EastWest’s Ministry Of Rock 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A well-executed and sensibly priced library that deserves a place among rock royalty.”

FULL REVIEW: EastWest Ministry of Rock 2

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 168)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A flavoursome, flexible vintage delay unit..”

FULL REVIEW: Nomad Factory Echoes

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 168)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“No editable synths or custom sample-based instruments makes FL Studio Mobile a poor cousin.”

FULL REVIEW: Image-Line FL Studio Mobile

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 243)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A huge upgrade, cementing its status as the most authentic stage piano/organ/synth available.”

FULL REVIEW: Clavia Nord Stage 2 HA88

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 243)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“We'd love more sliders but this is expressive sonic power. It sounds amazing and inspires creativity.”

FULL REVIEW:Roland Jupiter-80

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 243)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Your chance to finally get with the Tenori program. Cheap, fun and mind-wideningly inspiring.”

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha TNR-i

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 243)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Quality tones in software with plenty of tweakability.”

FULL REVIEW: Peavey Revalver Mk III.V

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 345)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Yes, you can take your pick from much cheaper multi-track apps for your phone, but when you see just how much functionality Boss has squeezed into this pocket-sized plastic casing, we reckon the BR‑80 could be a smarter call for your idea-recording needs.”

FULL REVIEW: Boss Micro BR BR-80 Digital Recorder

(Reviewed in Total Guitar magazine issue 218)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“One of the best monitors on the market. The A7X beats the original in almost every way.”

FULL REVIEW: Adam Audio A7X Active Monitors

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 243)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A subtle and addictive weapon that artfully combines simplicity with superb audio quality.”

FULL REVIEW: Neve Designs Portico 5042 Tape Emulator

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 243)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“With improved sound, I/O and design, Duet is a worthy update to Apogee's original.”

FULL REVIEW: Apogee Duet 2

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 243)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you can cope with its unpredictable nature, the Cacophonator can make great sounds.”

FULL REVIEW: SubtleNoiseMaker Cacophonator II

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 243)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An inspiring collection of effects designed for, but not limited to, live vocal performance.”

FULL REVIEW: TC-Helicon VoiceLive 2

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 243)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A distinctly natural and detailed mic that will produce great results whatever the session.”

FULL REVIEW: sE RN17

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 243)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Warmth, character and flexibility - MPX is a great choice for those seeking a classic sound.”

FULL REVIEW:Waves Kramer MPX Master-Tape plug-in

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 243)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Matching versatility and classy sound to reasonable price - SSP is truly excellent.”

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments Session Strings Pro

(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 243)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“File this one under 'essential'.”

FULL REVIEW: Dada Life Sausage Fattener

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 168)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The signature sound is there in abundance - it's just a shame you can't use it independently of the Guitar Rig shell.”

FULL REVIEW: Native Instruments VC 2A

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 168)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“While not essential, PitchWheel is a pretty unique proposition and one that QuikQuak has pulled off nicely.”

FULL REVIEW: QuikQuak Pitchwheel 4

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 168)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A solid update sees this seasoned synth back in action. A welcome return.”

FULL REVIEW: Cakewalk Z3TA+ 2

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 169)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Don't be fooled by the name, for impOSCar goes far beyond mere mimicry to deliver GForce's own synthetic vision.”

FULL REVIEW: GForce impOSCar 2

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 169)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An emulation of a classic synth, but with a character all its own. Bring your waders, though - this thing is deep!”

FULL REVIEW: XILS-lab Synthix

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 169)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Turnado is fun, immediate and inspires creativity. For wild effects on tap, there's little to touch it.”

FULL REVIEW: Sugar Bytes Turnado

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 169)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Four console types, time-saving grouping features and a splendid sound make VCC a must-try for all serious mix engineers.”

FULL REVIEW: Slate Digital Virtual Console Collection

(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 169)

Liked this? Now read: The best music tech gear of 2010: synths, DAWs, plug-ins and more

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