Tag: Music

Electronic musicians and DJs, here’s something you guys will probably love. It’s a new MIDI/USB controller which looks pretty spectactular, especially when you consider the relatively low price, which starts at just 200 bucks.

Griffin has unveiled a new device for musicians that is pretty cool. It’s called the GuitarConnect Pro and allows the connection of an electric guitar, bass or other musical instrument with a 1/4-inch plug to connect to your iPad or iPhone.

Musicians looking to add effects to their performances have a variety of ways they can do this – using dedicated “stomp boxes”, standalone effects processors, and even apps on their iPhone or iPad. This device will give musicians yet another way to produce effects, which integrates more naturally into their performance.

Like many ubiquitous tools and appliances, it’s kind of hard to think of ways to improve the microwave oven. But Brazilian cooking appliance manufacturer BGH has done just that by adding one simple feature: audio playback.

We recently featured a pair of cushioned earphones that you can use while lying in bed. Here’s another alternative for those of you who like to doze off while listening to music, audiobooks, or anything but their partner’s snoring (or voice).

David Watson hated the doorbell in his current house. The one in his old house had actual chimes, but this one played a “terrible recording” instead. So when he set out to make his own doorbell, he wanted one that sounded great.

I don’t like to hear or read about people destroying books, which is one of the reasons why I strongly dislike a few scenes in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Indy was in Berlin witnessing a Nazi book burning), but I guess there’s something to be said for destroying a book to turn it into a synthesizer.

The Nintendo Gameboy. One of the most iconic portable gaming systems in the history of video games. Its brick-sized form has occupied many a nerd for hours on end with it’s monochrome green-grey display and carnival like sounds.

Have you ever wanted a Mogwai? You know, those creatures from Gremlins who remain cute and cuddly as long as you don’t expose them to sunlight, feed them after midnight or get them wet? While this new toy from Japan doesn’t really look like a Mogwai, it does sing like one.

Over the years, R2-D2 has proven himself to be a pretty versatile droid. He can play holographic messages from Princess Leia, hack into computer systems, repair other droids and even swim through swamps. But did you know that R2-D2 can play music too?

Libratone has released some new AirPlay-compatible speaker systems for you iPad, iPhone and iPods. The brand is pretty popular in Europe, and they’ll soon be launching some AirPlay-enabled sound systems in the US. Their products aren’t cheap, but they’ll fit into a modern pad, and they’ll probably please users who like minimalism.

Do you miss looking at cassette tapes? Yes, I said looking. I don’t think anyone would miss their sound quality (or lack thereof). Unlike CDs or today’s intangible digital music, the look and form of cassette tapes are iconic not only because of their colorful labels but because you could write on the tape itself too.

Have some spare money? Instead of buying a car, or paying your mortgage, check out the Cantata Music Center from Resolution Audio. It’s the world’s best and most expensive USB-based Digital Audio Converter and can handle a variety of different sources, from CDs, to audio files stored on your computer.

Some robots build cars in a factory, some rescue people during disasters and some just want to have fun. Teotronico just likes to get dressed up and play some piano for his human audience. This 19-fingered, and somewhat goofy looking robot not only plays the piano, but can also accompany himself on the drums and sing.

Pioneer already has a bunch of DJ gear that is aimed at professional music-makers. The company has now announced some new gear that is aimed at the people dancing to music too. The new line of audio gear is called STEEZ and is targeted at the sort of folks that like to have dance competitions.

Luke, these are your speakers. Major League Mods – who made the projector equipped R2-D2 Xbox 360 casemod – showed off this Star Wars themed sound system at the recently concluded New York Comic-Con. It has two TIE fighter speakers and a Darth Vader bust converted into an iPhone dock.