Line 6 (”believe”) have launched the TonePort range of USB audio interfaces. Well, there are two — does that make a range? Anyway, The TonePort is an interface between your guitar, bass and microphone on one hand, and your computer on the other. The included software works with the hardware to emulate a half-dozen different mic preamps, more than 20 guitar and bass preamps and more than 20 guitar and bass effects. Great for those who can actually play real instruments instead of just program computers. (more…)

Studio Reviews gave a top rating to the Tranzport wireless DAW remote controller — in fact, they gave it their 2005 Product of the Year award. They applaud everything about it — the functionality, responsiveness, build quality, even the customer support on the website forums. They love the way it simplifies everything about the recording process: “All the main controls needed to operate a DAW are at your fingertips, and the kicker is that you can walk around and work with the remote anywhere within about a 10-meter range. Even a simple task like listening back to tracks can now be done from sitting in the back of the room on the studio couch, instead of having to run up and tap on the computer keyboard.” (more…)

How portable can you get? A full-size three-octave keyboard that fits in your pocket. The iSmart “Soft USB MIDI Keyboard Controller” from Taiwanese manufacturer Ta Horng is flexible enough to roll up into a tube, and weighs less than a kilogram. It connects to a computer with USB, which also supplies power. (more…)

The August issue of Computer Music reviews the TranzPort, the wireless DAW controller from the Frontier Design Group. They give a good review, starting right at the beginning: “It’s an attractive piece of kit and looks worth the asking price.” They note that it’s a sturdy device, too. (more…)

Do I really need to explain why I’m writing about this? The Big Knob is a controller from Mackie that features, well, a big knob. It looks more geared to the pro user that to people like me, but I want one anyway just so I can invite people over to my house to see my Big Knob. Oh, the hilarity. (more…)

The TranzPort wireless DAW from Frontier Design Group allows you to control your music software from anywhere in the room. (Or in another room, but that would be silly.) It’s a nifty-looking piece of plastic with a jog wheel, transport controls and a whole bunch of buttons, and it’s completely wireless. (more…)

This is neat — it’s a microphone that connects directly to your computer’s USB port. Samson Audio’s C01U is probably not the high-end professional choice, but it sounds pretty convenient, especially for those impromptu laptop gigs. It’s a good alternative to either a poor-quality 3.5mm microphone jack or a separate audio interface. (more…)

Keyboard magazine calls the Nostromo SpeedPad n52 game controller from Belkin “the hottest new secret weapon at laptop gigs — on both sides of the Atlantic.” This gadget is just a video game controller — but a very fancy, programmable, ergonomic game controller. It has rows of keys, a few buttons, a joystick and a click wheel literally at your fingertips. (Your left fingertips, that is. If you want to wear it on your right hand then you’re out of luck.) (more…)

The Minimax ASB (Authentic Sound Box) is a Minimoog synth in a retro box. Apparently the emulation is really very accurate, and Creamware, the manufacturer, has added a few modern extras like polyphony, a USB interface and a software patch editor in case you’re overwhelmed by all the knobs. And it sounds as if they had fun making it: “when the eye candy met the excellent tone, they decided to setup a family and are expecting offspring already in autumn”. The last time I heard wonderful English like that was when I was living in Tokyo. (more…)

Korg are releasing a teeny tiny recording studio in a box. The D4 records onto CompactFlash cards and features 32 virtual tracks, a whole bunch of onboard effects, built in microphone as well as inputs, USB interface and other goodies. And the whole thing is the size of a VHS videotape. (more…)