Repeat after me: you'll be running Logic on a faster PowerBook G4, not G5, in 2005. But that may not a bad thing. There's just no convincing some people. It's not enough that top Apple brass told financial analysts as recently as Wednesday 1/12 not to expect a PowerBook G5 in the near future. The […]

Exclusive! Returning to our regular programming of geeky stories that appeal to a tiny fraction of the population (PowerBook G5 rumors? What was it, sweeps week?) and ill-conceived puns (see above), I bring you: MetaSynth 4. MetaSynth is a graphic sound design and music creation environment that lets you paint with sound, using color imagery […]

Legendary synthesis innovator Moog Music has launched a rack-mounted version of their Voyager synthesizer. There's no touch-pad or (naturally) keyboard, but the RME does feature all the sounds of the Voyager in a trim, 19" package. Perfect for augmenting your current rig or adding polyphony to your existing Voyager keyboard. (And if you do own […]

Cyndustries, known also for their tabla machine, has announced it will build Apple's new Mac Mini into a special, custom analog synthesis box and custom case, featuring: Custom, touch-sensitive LCD screen (optional) Built-in MIDI and MIDI-to-Control Voltage conversion (!) Fully-analog oscillators and filters, with digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital routing Multi-channel, multi-Mac Mini, multi-monitor options available Completely […]

At long last, Novation tells createdigitalmusic their new X-Station keyboards will be available. US Availability is now this week for the 25-key model and end of February for 49-key and 61-key models. To see what the fuss about, read my article from earlier this winter on the X-Stations' great control surface / integrated synth / […]

Following earlier news from Griffith, Lee Sherman tips us off to additional Bluetooth audio devices at Macworld, but don't get too excited: iPod-only, reduced audio quality versus wired systems (though much better than FM transmitters), and high prices (expect around $150-200+ based on what we've seen from previous products). Ratoc Systems iPod headphone / stereo […]

It's one of those electronic music DIY dreams: building drum pads from scratch. Sound on Sound had an article in 1995 that goes through, step by step, how to build a drum pad and trigger system. You'll want to check out the Physical Computing page, too. Anyone want to give this one a try? Hit […]

Griffin Technology has a bunch of new iPod/Mac audio stuff to show off at Macworld Expo: AirClick is a remote control for iPod, iPod mini, and the Mac; US$39 on preorder SmartDeck is a cassette adapter for iPod that lets you control iPod navigation via a car tape player (brilliant!); US$24.99 now BlueTrip is a […]

VJ Fader, creator of Max/MSP/Jitter-powered Neuromixer (an excellent video mixer with lots of support for controllers), now introduces a first: VDrum is a step sequencer not only for audio, but video, too. The first version was released today with the following features: Sequence AV clips using on/off switches, via numeric pad or MIDI input Record […]

Those of you looking for better laptop performance on the Mac, don't expect it to come in the form of a PowerBook G5. AppleInsider reports in its conference call notes that Apple's CFO calls it "the mother of all thermal challenges." That statement has plenty of precedent, as Apple has cautioned impatient Mac laptop fans […]