Results for portable

Roland has introduced the DUO-CAPTURE mk2 USB audio interface, an updated version of the popular DUO-CAPTURE.

Offering the same great features as its predecessor, the DUO-CAPTURE mk2 can now be used as an audio interface for the Apple iPad in addition to Windows and Mac computers.

Compact and portable, the DUO-CAPTURE mk2 is a bus-powered USB audio interface designed for musicians and engineers that record on the go with a laptop computer or iPad. It features a 1/4-inch Mic/Guitar input with an impedance selector, plus an 1/8-inch input for connecting stereo devices.

DUO-CAPTURE mk2 features

• Small, convenient audio interface for mobile musicians.
• Compatible with Mac and PC; iPad compatibility via Apple’s iPad Camera Connection Kit.
• 1/4-inch MIC/GUITAR input with Hi-Z switch for connecting a guitar directly.
• 1/8-inch stereo input; 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch dual headphone outputs.
• Dedicated controls for input and output volume.
• Low-latency ASIO (Windows) and Core Audio (Mac) drivers; input monitor function.
• USB bus powered.
• Cakewalk SONAR X1 LE for Windows included.

More information: Roland / DUO-CAPTURE mk2

Steinberg has announced the upcoming UR22, a compact audio interface.

The UR22 features 192 kHz audio quality, USB 2.0 connectivity, MIDI input/output alongside two combo inputs with D-PRE microphone preamps and line outputs. Its portable size and solid build make it the perfect choice for mobile setups and small-spaced recording studios.

“Together with Yamaha, we aimed at designing a compact audio interface with sufficient connectivity plus a build and audio quality that will simply blow you away. The UR22 is the result of this development. And by combining the UR22 with the Cubase AI music production software you get an eminently professional recording environment at an affordable price,” commented Stefan Schreiber, hardware product marketing manager at Steinberg.

On the front side of the UR22 interface, two Neutrik combo connectors provide microphone and line input, each with gain control and peak indicators plus an additional high-impedance switch on the second input. The panel also includes a headphones output with a dedicated volume control, a master output volume control and a mix knob for hardware-based zero-latency monitoring. The rear panel features two balanced line outputs, MIDI input/output connectors, a phantom power switch enabling +48 Volt supply on both channels and the USB 2.0 port for high-speed connectivity to PCs and Mac computers.

The UR22’s full-metal chassis houses studio-grade converters, delivering pristine sonic fidelity with a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz and a 24-bit resolution. Yamaha’s discrete Class-A analog D-PRE preamps ensure unprecedented sound quality on top of the stable gain required by microphone signals.

Freely available as download to all UR22 customers, Cubase AI provides a comprehensive set of tools for recording, mixing and editing audio. The UR22 is compatible with other major recording software applications and includes drivers for Windows and OS X systems.

UR22 features

• 24-bit/192 kHz USB 2.0 audio interface.
• 2 Class-A D-PRE mic preamps supporting +48V phantom power.
• 2 analog XLR/TRS combo inputs (Hi-Z switch on input 2 for electric guitar), 2 TRS line outputs.
• MIDI input and output.
• Headphones jack with independent level control.
• Zero-latency hardware monitoring with mix balance knob.
• USB-powered for mobile recordings.
• Rugged full-metal housing.
• Cross-platform compatibility with major recording software applications and best performance with included Cubase AI music software.

The UR22 interface will be available from resellers and through the Steinberg Online Shop from the beginning of February. The suggested retail price for the UR22 is 149 EUR, including German VAT.

More information: Steinberg / UR22

PlayJam has announced that its Kickstarter funding goal for the GameStick game console was reached in only 30 hours.

The GameStick console (stick) is neatly tucked away in its controller.

The team behind the GameStick raised a glass yesterday evening in thanks to the 1000+ Kickstarter backers that pushed them over their $100,000 funding goal in just 30 hours.

“The response from the Kickstarter community has been truly overwhelming. We are confident in our product and what we hope it will mean for gaming but we were taken aback at how quickly the message was adopted,” says Anthony Johnson, CMO, PlayJam. “There is no better feeling than having hundreds if not thousands of people endorse your idea.”

The team has been busy keeping up with the hundreds of questions and requests that continue to come through the Kickstarter message boards and in response have today announced support for XBMC & DNLA, two of the most sought after features.

“While we are shipping as a dedicated games console, we are keen to ensure that users have the ability to hack the device if they so wish and will be providing support for XBMC & DNLA via an optional firmware update in September. We encourage users to hack the device – the time for closed, proprietary systems is ending which bodes well for true innovation”, concluded Johnson.

GameStick is described as ‘The Most Portable TV games Console Ever Created’. The team behind the project are passionate about accelerating the race to change the face of big screen gaming with a product that will now, as promised, launch in April of this Year.

Supporters flooded to the Kickstarter page just moments after the campaign launched and began pledging. The ‘Early Bird’ pledge tier, giving backers the chance to grab themselves a GameStick at a discounted rate, proved so popular that it sold out in a matter of hours resulting in people moving in droves to the next tier. At the time of writing, the average pledge towards GameStick was $98.

Interest from the developer community has been extremely strong with over 300 registrations on the www.gamestick.tv website and a new tier offering early access to the SDK and 30 days premium positioning within the games store having been added for $500.

GameStick will feature a purpose-built game store through which users will be able to browse and download content. The proposition will be powered by PlayJam’s existing Games Network for Smart TV which currently supports developers such as Relentless Software, First Star Software, and Disney.

The GameStick project can be backed with pledged starting at $10 USD. The first batch of GameSticks is scheduled to ship in April, 2013.

More information: GameStick at Kickstarter

Future Loops has announced the release of Total Producer 3, a limited edition Holiday bundle, featuring all Future Loops sample packs.

Total Producer 3 was created as a treat from Future Loops to producers who wish to fully load their studio with royalty-free samples of several different music genres, instruments and formats.

Total Producer 3 features the entire Future Loops catalog in a total of 202 GB, over 250.000 samples and 128 Sample Libraries with a massive 82% discount. This whole collection is delivered to you in a 500 GB portable external hard drive and shipping is 100% free.

Since Total Producer 3 is limited to merely 100 units, you can order now from their website or try to make a reservation by email (totalproducer3@futureloops.com).

The Total Producer 3 pack is available to purchase for 699.95 EUR.

More information: Future Loops / Total Producer 3

The Bass Egg Project at Kickstarter has launched to make everything in your world a speaker.

The Bass Egg project began over a year ago when one team member was given a reverberation loudspeaker by his father. While the use of this technology in loudspeakers existed, there was much left to be desired. The only products available were either high in sound quality but not portable, or a novelty product encased in cheap plastic – not durable and lacking in sound quality. In addition, no versions were easy to use or appealing in their design.

Driven by the desire to design and manufacture the “best in class” reverberation speaker, our goal was to develop a product with the following attributes: Small and Portable, Sleek, Wireless and Easy to Use, and Durable. Of course, big, Quality Sound was a must.

After many long nights, much frustration and several trips to potential manufacturers – the Bass Egg was hatched.

The Bass Egg Project is looking for backers to pledge $150,000 USD by Friday Dec 14, 2012.

More information: The Bass Egg Project

Keith McMillen Instruments has launched a Kickstarter project for QuNexus, a new smart sensor keyboard controller.

QuNexus is the first keyboard controller to unite four generations of synthesis: MIDI, Control Voltage, OSC and USB.

QuNexus is a controller that everyone can have fun with. 25 vividly illuminated, touch-sensitive keys invite the beginner to explore, and provide valuable performance feedback for the professional.

Smart Sensor keys detect pressure, location, and velocity giving you unprecedented musical control.

Together with popular software apps, beginners can learn to play quickly and easily with QuNexus’ game-like blue and white glowing keys, creating a fun and interactive learning experience. Now anyone can play the piano.

QuNexus features

• 25 Smart Sensor Keys detect Pressure, Location, and Velocity.
• Polyphonic Aftertouch.
• 7 Octave range.
• Pitch Bend Pad.
• 2 CV/Gate Inputs.
• Gate and 3 CV Outputs (16-bit).
• Blue and White LED Illumination with 16 levels of brightness.
• Portable: 14 oz, 3.5″ x 10″ x .5 “.
• Plug and Play: USB powered, no drivers needed.
• MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux.

The QuNexus project will be funded if at least $20,000 USD is pledged by Tuesday December 18th, 2:59am EST. Starting at a $150 USD pledge for a first edition QuNexus, backers can expect the controller to be delivered in April, 2013.

More information: Keith McMillen Instruments / QuNexus