With the release of the iPad immenent it’s clear a MIDI interface for the pad or iPhone could be put to good use. I’ve been enjoying the lack of MIDI and the simple sound mangling apps such as Bebot, Curtis, TOPLAPapp and sampleToy. However, some Apps such as synthPond scream, “I want to be hooked up to to a DAW in sync and use me with external sounds”.

“MIDI Mobilizer is the only MIDI interface for Apple iPhone and iPod touch. Play, record, and backup MIDI information from any MIDI device, any time, any place.” – line6.com

We may not need a new MIDI standard but how about a new tiny MIDI plug?

For more info: line6.com

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If you rent a room in Superman’s Fortress of Solitude or if you are a crystal meth dealer there is a speaker system designed just for you. The Harman Kardon GLA-55 has chrome tubing and touch sensitive volume controls. For those with $999 you can get a set via Amazon: click here. I admit some strange part of me likes these speakers. It’s the same part that like the new 2010 Hyundai Sonata’s design:

“Founded in 1953 by Dr. Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon — two men with a deep interest in music and the arts — the company helped create the high-fidelity audio industry. In 1958, Harman Kardon introduced the world’s first stereo receiver, the Festival TA230, once again aimed at non-technical users in an attempt to make high-fidelity widely available. Stereo sound was achieved by using one channel from the AM Band, and one channel from the FM Band. The first true FM Multiplex Stereo Receiver was sold by HH Scott in 1961 with introduction of the Model 350 tuner.” – Wikipedia.org/Harmon_Kardon

So what do you think? Are these ridiculous or show pieces for your futuristic apartment?

For more info: harmankardon.com

via futuremusic

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FlzATgziuY

Big City Music has released a good look at the Metasonix D-1000 Vacuum Tube Drum Machine. It’s unique and definetly sounds ancient in terms on electronic sound. Those who can appreciate the amazing soundtrack to Forbidden Planet (iTunes link) or some Aphex Twin will appreciate this box.

“The first drum machine made with vacuum tubes since the Wurlitzer Sideman of 1959. Unlike the Sideman, it’s a “modern” primitive device–with plenty of inputs, outputs, and flexibility. Even though it has only four drum sounds — two tunable drums, a tunable “snare” drum (harder sounding than the others), and a cymbal — control voltage inputs give great flexibility.” – metasonix.com

For more info: metasonix.com

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I often thought to myself, “This car stereo sounds better than anything I hear in my home.”. So here’s an idea… why not put a car stereo in your home? I know the car’s acoustics is probably a large factor in its sound but could this be another way to check your mixes? In the late 80s I had an incredible Alpine system in my car. It was one of those units that the green buttons turned beige when you pressed them. Of course I had to take the faceplate with me everywhere I went and I had a “NO RADIO” sign on my window. Ah the old crime ridden yet a lot more fun NYC. Now if I can hack my bed to mechanically bounce…

“pioneer head unit with 2 clarion tweeters beatin” – subwoorferman

What do you think… good idea or just plain stupid?

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Synthinetic from alexabreu on Vimeo.

If you want to turn your child into a future button pusher Alex Abreu & Ithai Benjamin’s Synthinetic box seems more fun than most things you can get at Toys R Us. I credit the fact that my father grabbed some old synths from the music department at the school he taught at when the music dept. closed down for my lifetime obsession with electronic music. The younger you grab someone the better (don’t let your mind go too far on that statement please!).

“The little kinetic noisy synthesizer of your dreams.” – alexabreu

For more info: alexabreu.com

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Like myself Gavin returned from Berlin back to the states. Hip Hop, psychedelic music to homebrew analog synths it’s always good to peak into other’s likes and studios!

“Gavin Russom is a wizard, and not just because his long red flowing mane is reminiscent of a medieval alchemist or because he was once a stage magician. The composer and former engineer for dance label DFA (where he earned the “Wizard” moniker) has been making and unmaking synths since a young age. Gavin thinks of the analog machines as works of art in their own right, blending the aural, visual, and the sculptural.” – motherboard.tv

For more info: myspace.com/gavinrussom

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Let’s say your looking for earphones in the shape of sushi, paws, bananas, arrows, mushrooms or bolts. You would be in luck because you can find them at solidalliance.com! Someone needs to start a thread on Gearslutz explaining how by using these you hear a more true sound of your mix.

“Japan’s Solid Alliance decided that the bar for “crazy earphones” just hadn’t been raised high enough and so they’ve released these adorable/idiotic plastic embellishments which make you look like you have various implements coming out of your ears.” – tipb

For more info: solidalliance.com

via tipb

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Eric Archer creates a large number of original and hacked audio machines. You can see all his devices: click here. One of his recent creations are these mini analog drum machines. Beyond the fact that they sound good and are inexpensive I dig the last music loop he created in the video above!

“This was designed as an experiment of making the most minimal drum machine possible using analog circuitry. Beyond that goal, the design also includes a new feature, IR Sync, which allows a group of these units to all synchronize together and play at the same tempo automatically. Although the sound of one Andromeda Mk machine alone is simple, a group of them together can play more complex rhythms. The complexity of the patterns is multiplied with each additional unit that is added to the network. A maximum of 12 units can be connected in a chain. The Andromeda Mk-1 analog drum machine has a minimal sequencer with sixteen preset patterns, selectable by the red switch block. The pushbutton restarts the patterns. This feature allows you to shift the timing of the rhythm when synchronized with other Andromeda Space Rockers instruments.” – http://ericarcher.net/

For more info: http://ericarcher.net/

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MStretchSynth Demo – Kevin Schlei (2010) from Kevin Schlei on Vimeo.

Here’s an interesting synthesizer based on a Macbook Pro’s Trackpad. I like futuristicish things and MStretchSynth surely fits that bill. If this interface gets tied to user generated samples it’s going to be great.

“‘MStretchSynth’ uses multi-point (multi-touch) data streams to create a synthesis instrument driven by the relationships between points. Instead of mapping touch positions (X and Y coordinates) directly to synthesis parameters, relationships such as angle, distance, and velocity compared to other points are used. ‘MStretchSynth’ uses angle, distance and total velocity between points to map to synthesis parameters pitch, amplitude and delay depth.” – Kevin Schlei

For more info: kevinschlei.com

via Synthtopia

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QatzKxZ5kWo

Novamusik shows off the Korg Kaossilator Pro. I’ve seen a few DJs really work with these things as extensions of their arms. I’ve never owned one but do thing they are fun. They are going for $399. Anyone love these? Hate them?

“As a trailblazer among the “instrumental gadgets” that allowed anyone to easily create melodies and phrases, the KAOSSILATOR gained a strong and dedicated user base, even among those without any performing experience. Today, the KAOSSILATOR continues to be enormously popular. Retaining these revolutionary features – while adding a wide variety of new ones as well – is the new KAOSSILATOR PRO. With 200 sound programs, a new Electribe-inspired gate arpeggiator, and four loop recording banks that can even record external audio sources, the KAOSSILATOR PRO is packed with features that make it ideal for both live performance and premium productions. In addition, USB connectivity with your computer and SD card memory storage allow the KAOSSILATOR PRO to be used not just for improvised performances, but also as a superbly intuitive, track-making music production tool.” – korg.com

For more info: korg.com

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