First a phonograph maker, now this — a theremin synth/guitar thingy called the ElectroKraft Axe*Synth — this week will set weird sound gadget lovers' hearts a-twitter. The Axe*Synth has to be seen to be appreciated (don't miss the video on the site!): imagine if aliens created an air guitar, and you'll start to get the […]

MOTU heard us: their 828 FireWire interface has been the long-time favorite external interface, but it's more luggable than portable. Today, MOTU has formally announced the Traveler and unveiled specs and availability. The interface is smaller and lighter than MOTU's 20×20 828mkII, at a svelte 3.8 lbs  / 14.75"x9"x1.7" (compared to the 6-lb 19"x7"x1.75" 828mkII). […]

Glaresoft's fun and easy drum machine for the Mac, iDrum, is now available as an RTAS for Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools TDM. iDrum is designed to work as a standalone instrument or as a plug-in. iDrum isn't the most sophisticated drum machine ever, a la Reason, but, well, that's a relief. For elegant, […]

Very Cool Things has a kit for building an Emile Berliner Gramophone knock-off; record audio by etching grooves into any firm surface, from Ramen lids to used CDs. (Wow — finally a use for those lousy promotional CDs I keep getting!) It's imported from Japan but fortunately includes English instructions. The only bad news is […]

Emotional falling out with your bass player? Fear not. Steinberg follows up on their Virtual Guitarist with Virtual Bassist, a combination of bass sounds, sampled phrases and automatic groove generation, and effects. OS: Mac, PC Format: VST, DXi, AU plugin; standalone (ReWire) Cost/Availability: EUR 215, Q1 2005

Last week, two MP3 players were pronounced dead: Panic retired Audion, its groundbreaking audio app, adding to Mac lore in the process, while the Nullsoft developers left AOL, leaving Winamp with only maintenance updates in its future. It's ironic the news would come in the same week: Winamp launched the MP3 revolution and even Audion […]

I've just returned from Peekskill, NY and the Peekskil Extension Center of WCC. It was a great time. If you were there, or are just curious, I've posted some talk notes with links to more info on Ableton Live, MetaSynth, and more. UPDATED: Rumors of the death of MetaSynth were highly exaagerated; MetaSynth 4 could […]