You may have already heard that the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show just kicked off today in Anaheim, CA. While the convention focuses on guitars, amps, drum kits, and studio recording equipment, for the past few years, the industry has shown a lot of intrest in iOS compatible devices. In addition to IK Multimedia’s latest line-up, this year, we found a few new items we think our musically inclined readers would like to know more about.
Alesis DM Dock Kit for iPad– In 2012, Alesis released the DM Dock, a drum module specifically designed for the iPad. At this year’s NAMM, the company launched an entire electronic drum kit to go with it. The DM Dock Kit is a six-drum, four-cymbal set that is directly connected to the iPad brain. It features four toms, a snare, a proprietary kick drum trigger, a hi-hat, two crash cymbals and a three-zone ride cymbal. The drum kit is connected though local Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to the iPad. The compatible app allows users to download a wide variety of drums and cymbals to customize their sound. There is no information at this time regarding release date and cost. Visit the company’s website to sign up for updates.
Apogee ONE: The fist studio-quality microphone and USB audio interface for iPad and Mac was unveiled this year. ONE was specifically designed using premium AD/DA conversion to produce crystal clear audio recording while sending high quality sound to your headphones. It features two microphone preamps with smooth gain adjustments from 0 to 63dB, allowing users to dial in the perfect level for different recording scenarios. This all-in-one recording studio is equipped with a stereo headphone jack, an instrument input jack and included breakout cable, a USB connector and a DC power supply. ONE is scheduled to be available in March for $349. Visit the company’s website for more information.
Mackie DL806: B&H Pro Audio has just announced the launch of the newest Mackie digital mixer. The DL806 is a six-channel mixer that connects to the iPad for live sound mixing. With the compatible Master FaderiPad app, users mix live audio through a four-band equalizer with compression, gate, delay, reverb and a 31-band master buss graphic EQ. Using wireless to wireless mixing capabilities and a separate router, the DL 806 lets you mix in real time from anywhere in the room on your iPad. You’ll never have to run to the stage and then back to the mixing board again. The Mackie mixing board will be available to ship on March 15 for $799. Visit the company’s website to preorder yours today.
Roland CUBE Lite: If you are one of those types who is basically always writing songs in your head and needs a super fast way to get the melody recorded before the next song pops into your overachieving brain, you’ll definitely want to take a look at Roland’s new mini amp and compatible recording app. The CUBE Lite is a 2.1 Channel audio speaker with a 1/4-inch jack for plugging in your guitar or bass, a headphone jack for private practice, and a stereo jack for adding volume when needed. It also features a three-channel tone adjuster with JC Clean, Crunch, and Extreme Cosm presets. The amp is specially designed to work with your iPhone or iPad through the i-CUBE LINK jack. The amp includes the free Roland CUBE JAM app to turn your iPad into a command center for recording and playback of your favorite songs. There is no information available at this time regarding price and availability. Visit the company’s website to find out more.
AirTurn Compatibility for JamUp Pro XT: Positive Grid, the creators of the popular multi-effects processor, JamUp Pro XT announced at NAMM the collaboration with AirTurn wireless foot switch to offer the AirTurn BT-105. The foot switch hardward with two or four pedal option connects to your iPad using Bluetooth so you can switch between dozens of studio-grade amp and stomp box effects hands free. The pedals can be customized using the JamUp app to toggle amps and effects, move between presets, and more. The AirTurn features a built-in rechargeable battery that provides power for up to 100 hours of continuous use. The two-pedal AirTurn BT-105 with JamUp Pro compatibility costs $119.95 and the four-pedal AirTurn BT-105 costs $159. They are available now from the company’s website.
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