This evening at the Pepcom Digital Experience Belkin introduced the TuneStudio for the 5th gen iPod video. TuneSudio is a 4 channel mixer that allows you to mix and record high quality music and voice directly to an iPod. Users will be able to record up to 4 different audio sources (microphones, instruments, auxillary sound input) to create increased production value tracks. TuneStudio can also be set up as an external USB sound card accepting audio inputs from PC sources and can output to a PC from TuneStudio’s wide array of connector inputs. The full feature list includes:
* Records directly to iPod in 16-bit, 44kHz quality
* Streams audio through built-in USB interface to and from a PC or Mac® computer
* Each channel is equipped with 3-band EQ, pan and level controls
* Phantom-power-enabled XLR inputs provide up to 60 dB of microphone gain
* High-quality stereo compressor with makeup gain enhances audio dynamics and keeps audio levels within recording limits of the iPod
* Features one-knob compression control
* LEDs indicate master audio level, power status, peak indication, compressor activity, and recording status
We can see this unit possibly becoming an ideal set up for podcasters as it is small enough to take out in the field and has a relatively small footprint ideal for a backroom studio. While obviously not a replacement for a full studio set up, DIY recording artists can shuttle audio signals to and from their PCs or Macs (most likely their Macs) via the USB connection. And at an MSRP of $179.99, it is considerably cheaper than renting out a studio. And as it saves your sessions to an iPod, getting your band’s music out onto the interweb doesn’t get much simpler. We’re about as far from studio musicians as can be, but the rows of gain knobs and columns of pretty recording level LEDs impressed us...flashing lights and switches are our weakness. The TuneStudio will be available in the summer of 2007 and will be introduced at the Mac World Expo 07 tomorrow, January 9th.
http://www.thetechlounge.com/article/343/Spotlight+Belkin+TuneStudio/
