New tech gear of the month: review round-up (April 2018)

Universal Audio Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor

Out music tech reviews team has had the usual mix of software and hardware to look at recently, with a fine assortment of new releases landing on their test bench.

Here, we take a digested look at all of the tech gear that we reviewed on the site during the last month. Let's kick things off with something distressing...

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Like having a real Distressor inside your DAW, EL8 Distressor brings one of the greatest dynamics processors ever made to Apollo and UAD-2 in style.”

FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Newfangled Audio Elevate Bundle

MusicRadar's verdict:

“EQuivocate is awesome, but Elevate is the real story - it’s a dynamics sculpting beast.”

FULL REVIEW: Newfangled Audio Elevate Bundle

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A solid production setup, combining MIDI control and audio interfacing with a knockout software bundle.”

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Sound Radix Powair

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An absolutely stunning compressor and leveller that no one should be without.”

FULL REVIEW: Sound Radix Powair

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Unfiltered Audio SpecOps

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A brilliantly conceived spectral effects plugin for sound designers and progressively-minded electronic musicians.”

FULL REVIEW: Unfiltered Audio SpecOps 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Dmitry Sches Thorn

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Thorn is a world-class soft synth that we confidently predict will become a dance music production staple.”

FULL REVIEW: Dmitry Sches Thorn

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Plugin Boutique Scaler

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It falls flat at the offline export stage, but in every other regard, Scaler is a powerful aid for musicians of all ability levels.”

FULL REVIEW: Plugin Boutique Scaler 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

D16 Group Toraverb 2

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Even at its increased price-point, Toraverb 2 is still one of the biggest bargains in music software - don’t miss it.”

FULL REVIEW: D16 Group Toraverb 2

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Steinberg Cubase Pro 9.5

MusicRadar's verdict:

“There are no radical changes, but most new features are well-implemented and worthwhile. Cubase remains an excellent and well-featured DAW.”

FULL REVIEW: Steinberg Cubase Pro 9.5 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Radial Engineering Key Largo

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Quality, durability and flexibility meet in a stompbox-format mixer that bridges analogue and digital realms both live and in the studio.”

FULL REVIEW: Radial Engineering Key Largo

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Focal Shape 65

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Delivering delicious frequency balance, terrific transient detail and crystal-clear stereo, this is a worthy monitor upgrade for the price.”

FULL REVIEW: Focal Shape 65 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Ableton Live 10

MusicRadar's verdict:

“With copious workflow enhancements, a stellar synth and the amazing Echo, Live 10 is an unmissable upgrade.”

FULL REVIEW: Ableton Live 10 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Erica Synths Acidbox III

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A characterful, gritty analogue effect, made all the more flexible by its stereo signal path and modulation options.”

FULL REVIEW: Erica Synths Acidbox III

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Dubreq Stylophone Gen X-1

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The Stylophone adds a thoughtful set of synthesis basics to make a useful, creative instrument for fans of the original’s unique tone.”

FULL REVIEW: Dubreq Stylophone Gen X-1

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)