Since CDM broke details of the new Brian Moore USB-based guitar, many of you have been asking: if you can carry audio over a USB cable, why not simultaneous audio and MIDI data? With both, you could both record audio and control soft synths. Electric guitars, of course, don’t transmit MIDI directly since they’re analog […]

Ever thought you’d be downloading a film strip, as a QuickTime MPEG4, no less? Here’s a good excuse: the superb bending and DIY blog GetLoFi has posted a two-part history of electronic music film strip from 1971, authored by Nick Rossi. When they say “history,” they ain’t kiddin’: the strip starts 2600 years ago. As […]

This Friday November 4, our friends at Fake Science Labs (home of some terrific podcasts) will be launching a new way for independent labels and artists to sell their music online. Here’s what’s revolutionary about it: $2 per EP (5 songs or less) / $5 per LP 60% of the money goes direct to the […]

If you haven’t been following the message threads about the iGuitar.USB, we’ve got a pretty good discussion going: see commentary on the original story and in response to our iGuitar.USB Q&A. So, why does a USB cable on a guitar make sense? While it’s not for everyone, basically it lets you plug and play your […]

When you hear live computer effects, the emphasis is almost always on guitarists. What about vocalists? Line6 is building vocal-centered effects into their eminently-affordable TonePort USB line, which (via Harmony Central) is shipping as of now. Starting at under US$200, a singer with a laptop and a good mic doesn’t have to balk at going […]

Film and video scoring aficionados out there, listen up. CDM’s W. Brent Latta takes on Quantum Leap RA from East West, a massive library of sampled world/ethnic instruments. As usual, it’s not just about the product itself: Brent offers some insight into music-making using this tool, and shares a really gorgeous melody he created on […]

Playlist, the iPod DJ club — and Playlist, the website, no relation — both take on the Numark iDJ iPod DJ mixer: Hands-on Numark iDJ Review by DJ Lisa Rocket, resident at the Playlist Club in London Numark iDJ Review by yours truly for Playlistmag.com Incidentally, everyone who goes to Playlist, the Philly and London […]

A single-cable solution for connecting guitar via USB, as Brian Moore Guitars began shipping this week in the form of their custom iGuitar.USB axe, has a lot of appeal. But how practical would it be to use a USB guitar onstage or in the studio? I talked to Robin at the iGuitar factory headquarters to […]

Brian Moore doesn’t yet have a product page for the iGuitar.USB, but there are some details on their What’s Happening page. First off, it is Mac and Windows-compatible. And you’re not just limited to running audio through USB; via an optional RMC jack as featured on their other iGuitars, you can hookup to a Roland […]

You can look forward to an entirely new CDM soon, addressing the problems we’ve had in our first year. Think more reliable rendering on different browsers, an attractive new look, easier access to articles, better commenting and discussion, and more feature, how-to, and review content. But first, I think it’s time to investigate a new […]