Samplers that Fly Under the Radar
Tired of bloated samplers? Discover hidden gems that get straight to the point. We review compact and creative samplers with focused workflows, clear interfaces, and character-rich sound, no massive libraries or overwhelming menus. Ideal for producers who prefer simplicity, inspiration, and tuning their tools to purpose. Explore tools that fly under the radar, but pack a serious punch.
Output Exhale – Review
Output Exhale: a modern vocal engine that reshapes what we expect from vocal synths. With over 500 presets across three performance modes (Notes, Loops, Slices), dual source waveform blending, deep modulation, and macro-driven control, Exhale pushes vocal sound design into bold new territory. We test its usability, flexibility, sound quality, and whether it lives up to the hype, and whether it deserves a place in your plugin collection.
Nomad Factory Garbage LSD Review
Nomad Factory’s Garbage LSD: an effects beast disguised as a plugin. Built for distortion, filters, modulation, convolution, and radical sound mangling, Garbage LSD delivers “high definition lofi” tones that live between grit and nuance. We test its interface, features, CPU load, and creative potential, then judge whether it’s a must-have tool or niche toy.
IsoVox 2 Review
IsoVox 2 Review: More than a “vocal booth in a box”. With panels surrounding your head, a built-in LED light, and room for tablet mounting, the IsoVox 2 aims to minimize spill and reflections for home recording. We test how well it reduces ambient noise, shapes your raw vocal sound, and fits into real studio workflows. Is it perfect? No, but for many home vocalists, it’s a serious step up from bare rooms.
Loomer Sequent Review
Loomer Sequent: the modular effect engine that bends sound your way. This plugin isn’t just an effects box, it’s a sonic playground. With dual signal chains, modular routing, randomized modulation, and clipable presets, Sequent blends control and chaos. We test flexibility, interface, performance, and creative potential to see if it lives up to its bold promise.
Review: SampleTank 2 for iOS
SampleTank 2 for iOS, a full music production powerhouse in your pocket. IK Multimedia’s SampleTank 2 turns your iPhone or iPad into a professional-grade workstation, offering over 1,900 high-quality instruments, 1,200 MIDI grooves, and 8-part multitimbral playback. It’s designed for producers, songwriters, and performing musicians who need studio-level sound and flexibility on the move. The app includes a clean interface, powerful effects, and live performance tools that make switching sounds and layering instruments effortless. Whether you’re sketching ideas, rehearsing, or performing on stage, SampleTank 2 delivers impressive clarity and versatility for its size. We test its performance, usability, and how well it integrates into modern mobile workflows.
Soundbrenner Pulse Review
Soundbrenner Pulse review: feel your time, Not just hear it. Meet the wearable metronome that transforms how musicians stay in rhythm. With tactile vibrations directly on your wrist or body, the Soundbrenner Pulse provides precision timing without the audible click, ideal for noisy stages, silent rehearsals, or multi-device band sync. You’ll tap for tempo instantly, choose from vibrant LED colors and three distinct vibration levels, and even link multiple units for synced tracking across your group. Built around a sturdy strap and a highly responsive companion app, it offers more than mere novelty, it delivers measurable improvements in timing and practice focus. From relaxed home sessions to intense live sets, this tool gives you a fresh way to stay locked in. Silent, body-felt beat tracking, reduces ear fatigue in loud environments. Highly customisable: tempo, time signatures, vibration strength and colour, all at your fingertips. Link up to five units for synchronized tempo across the group. Perfect for drummers, guitarists, vocalists or any musician who needs to stay in tempo, and wants the freedom to feel the beat.
iRig BlueTurn Review
iRig BlueTurn: the clever foot pedal that turns pages, and more. With Bluetooth control up to 10 meters, three modes (arrow, page up/down, left/right), and silent, backlit buttons, it’s ideal for gigging musicians managing setlists, lyrics, scores, or slides hands-free. We review its build, usability, limitations, and why it’s a smart add for stage or studio.
Review of Über Compressor by Sonalksis
Über Compressor by Sonalksis: more than a compressor, think sonic sculptor. With adaptive “Timing” modes, S/C Bias switching, and a “Fierce” turbo mode, this plugin lets you move from polished punch to sonic destruction. It combines analog modeling with extreme control, great for drums, bass, ambience, and creative sound design.
T-RackS 3 Standard Edition
T-RackS 3 Standard Edition: Mastering redefined for home studios. With a streamlined suite of analog-modeled modules, including compressor, equaliser, limiter and clipper, T-RackS 3 Standard Edition brings serious mastering power to your desktop. We test the upgraded signal chain, precision metering features, and real-world performance across 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz sources to see how much polish you can add to your mix without overcomplicating your workflow.