The best new hi-tech music gear of the month: review round-up (May 2019)

Whether it was a stage piano, an audio interface, a plugin or a whole new recording platform, it was on the MusicRadar team's test bench in April.

Let's take a look back at what was a plump package of reviews, starting with the Yamaha CP88.

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The CP88 feels like it’s been designed by players, for players. It might not be red, but this is a stage piano that has a bright future ahead of it.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:  Yamaha CP88

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

VPME Euclidean Circles V2

MusicRadar's verdict:

“While some will find the lack of CV inputs a problem, Circles is all about play and it certainly excels here. Easy and fun to jam with.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:  VPME Euclidean Circles V2

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Steinberg AXR4

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Stunning audio quality with ultra high-resolution recording rates and gorgeous preamps designed with Neve’s involvement.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Steinberg AXR4

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

FSS Gristleizer TG Series

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The beauty of the Gristleizer lies in the peculiarities of analogue circuit design. It’s a wild, quirky beast with bags of character.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: FSS Gristleizer TG Series

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Focal Listen Professional

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Honest, transparent circumaural phones that cause little fatigue over long periods. A new favourite in the all-rounder category.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Focal Listen Professional

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Akai Professional Force

MusicRadar's verdict:

“If you can stomach the price and eschew your existing setup, Force could become the centre of your studio.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Akai Professional Force

(Originally reviewed in Future Music)

Nektar Technology Bolt

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Bolt’s streamlined oscillator design makes synthesis straightforward and fun, and delivers the goods sonically.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Nektar Technology Bolt 

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Blue Cat Audio MB-5 Dynamix 2

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Not a radical departure from version 1, but still one of the most versatile dynamics-shaping plugins money can buy.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blue Cat Audio MB-5 Dynamix 2 

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Eventide Instant Phaser Mk II

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Whether you’re producing classic rock or cutting-edge electronica, Instant Phaser Mk II is as relevant and stunning as ever.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Eventide Instant Phaser Mk II

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Mäag Audio Magnum-K

MusicRadar's verdict:

"The miracle of software emulation gives every producer the chance to get their hands on Mäag’s incredible channel strip.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mäag Audio Magnum-K 

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Antares Auto-Tune Access

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Antares’ legendary plugin boiled down to just the essentials.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Antares Auto-Tune Access

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

Waves CLA mixHub

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Turn your DAW’s mixer into a sonically authentic 64-channel SSL with this groundbreaking, workflow-boosting plugin.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waves CLA mixHub

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)

PSP Audioware Twin-L

MusicRadar's verdict:

"For opto- and VCA-style compression of instruments, vocals, busses and mixes, Twin-L simply can’t be faulted.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PSP Audioware Twin-L 

(Originally reviewed in Computer Music)