Gear Diary » Tech Conventions & Events http://www.geardiary.com Everyone can understand technology; sometimes it just takes a little translating. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:00:45 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 At the Las Vegas Speedway with a 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport and an LFAhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/05/at-the-las-vegas-speedway-with-a-2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-and-an-lfa/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/05/at-the-las-vegas-speedway-with-a-2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-and-an-lfa/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:59:05 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=182342 This is not the car I was driving when I won my title ;)

How did you  spend your Saturday? I spent it behind the wheel of a 2013 Lexus GS 350 F, ultimately winning the title of "Fastest Woman in Vegas" while driving on a closed course at Las Vegas Speedway. The GS350 really impressed me because it was the best of both words -- fast and sleek like a sports car, but large enough for a family and totally decked out. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/05/at-the-las-vegas-speedway-with-a-2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-and-an-lfa/feed/ 4 Off to Vegas for the Lexus GS Superbowl Eventhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/03/off-to-vegas-for-the-lexus-gs-superbowl-event/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/03/off-to-vegas-for-the-lexus-gs-superbowl-event/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:51:48 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=182102

Kev and I are headed to Las Vegas to spend a day at the Motor Speedway and watch the superbowl, where Lexus will run their first-ever Super Bowl commercial for the 2013 Lexus GS, called “The Beast”.
The :30 second commercial features the all-new 2013 GS as it breaks free from containment, illustrating the company’s move in a new design direction for the brand. The spot also hints at the additional new vehicles Lexus will unveil later in the year, which are waiting in the wings for their turn to burst onto the scene. “The all-new Lexus GS is showcased in this ad because it’s the first model to feature the new look of Lexus and it’s also the first of nine new or updated models we’ll launch this year,” said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. “This spot looks very different than anything Lexus has done before and demonstrates to the 50-million-strong Super Bowl audience that 2012 will be a breakthrough year for Lexus.”
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/03/off-to-vegas-for-the-lexus-gs-superbowl-event/feed/ 0 ioSafe Shocks Us Again at CES 2012http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/29/iosafe-shocks-us-again-at-ces-2012/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/29/iosafe-shocks-us-again-at-ces-2012/#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:00:51 +0000 Thomas R. Hall http://www.geardiary.com/?p=181374   ioSafe is known for keeping your data SAFE. How safe? Well, first we took the initiative to burn and water-soak a drive, and the data was still recoverable. Then, starting with CES 2010, ioSafe decided to show everyone that their drives are capable of withstanding burning, soaking, dropping, and crushing. In 2011, we upped the ante again and took shots (yes, using a gun) at an ioSafe drive, and the data saved on the ioSafe drive came out unscathed. Well, we wondered what they would do next and, at CES 2012,  we found out. Honestly, what we saw shocked us ... Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/29/iosafe-shocks-us-again-at-ces-2012/feed/ 0 Mark of the Unicorn Introduces the MicroBook II Audio Interfacehttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/27/mark-of-the-unicorn-introduces-the-microbook-ii-audio-interface/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/27/mark-of-the-unicorn-introduces-the-microbook-ii-audio-interface/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:15:59 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=180967

Mark of the Unicorn had one huge announcement that I already covered, the note that the upcoming Digital Performer 8 would support Windows 7 as well as Mac OS X. But now we learn that MOTU is also introducing a new version of the well-received MicroBook audio interface. MicroBook was released in 2010 and was straightforward in design - 1/4" inputs and outputs giving you a 4-in/2-out audio interface for your computer that delivered excellent sound quality and performance. So hwo did MOTU up their game for the new version? It is now a 4-in/6-out, giving you mich more recording flexibility. It also has an enhanced USB 2 connection, and rather Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/27/mark-of-the-unicorn-introduces-the-microbook-ii-audio-interface/feed/ 0 And For My Next Trick … Watch Me Stick an iPad in My Guitar!http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/26/and-for-my-next-trick-watch-me-stick-an-ipad-in-my-guitar/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/26/and-for-my-next-trick-watch-me-stick-an-ipad-in-my-guitar/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:30:36 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=180658

Last year we were amazed at iTar concept that promised to turn your iPad into a guitar. While that product has yet to ship, in the fall the concept was made reality by the cool and innovative Misa Kitara Synth Guitar - which is a fully digital instrument that utilizes the iPad as a core part of the instrument. So naturally there was a line forming to This year at NAMM we had not one, not two but THREE eerily similar new iPad-based guitar instruments. None have strings, all stick the iPad in the string area, and are functionally fairly similar. Here we go! ION Audio Announces the iPad-Based Guitar Apprentice Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/26/and-for-my-next-trick-watch-me-stick-an-ipad-in-my-guitar/feed/ 0 Case-Mate iPhone 4S Case Rundown- a Video Lookhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/26/case-mate-iphone-4s-case-rundown-a-video-look/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/26/case-mate-iphone-4s-case-rundown-a-video-look/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:00:26 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=180700 Carly is loving the Case-Mate Phantom. Judie stole the first Case-Mate DIY iPhone case with the words "I'm on a Deadline" and is still using it (although her iPhone isn't seeing much use right now). The bottom line is this, when it comes to cases for the iPhone 4S Case-Mate has a great lineup this year. Here's a video look at some of them and then more detailed descriptions of each. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/26/case-mate-iphone-4s-case-rundown-a-video-look/feed/ 0 Make Your iPhone 4S Case mykase with Bodyguardz New Case Offeringhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/26/make-your-iphone-4s-case-mykase-with-bodyguardz-new-case-offering/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/26/make-your-iphone-4s-case-mykase-with-bodyguardz-new-case-offering/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:45:08 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=180713 Bodyguardz has come up with a great way to change-up and/or customize your iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S case in seconds. The mykase line offers a base case in black or white as well as interchangeable back plates that can reflect your mood or dress. They'll even be rolling out an easy-to-use engine for making your own customized back plate. It is pretty ingenious and definitely worth a look. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/26/make-your-iphone-4s-case-mykase-with-bodyguardz-new-case-offering/feed/ 0 Mackie Brings 16-Channel iPad Powered Mixer to NAMMhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/25/mackie-brings-16-channel-ipad-powered-mixer-to-namm/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/25/mackie-brings-16-channel-ipad-powered-mixer-to-namm/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:30:48 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=180490

Each year when I check out the news from NAMM I look at cool new stuff as well as what is happening with companies I already known and love. Mackie Designs is one of those companies. For a long time they were a mixer-only company, and about 20 years ago when I was transitioning from trying to use my Tascam Portastudio as a pseudo-mixer into having a real home studio, the Mackie 1202 provided everything I need in a well made, high quality package at a budget price - and it is still going strong today for myself and my son! At Winter NAMM they introduced a great looking new mixer based around Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/25/mackie-brings-16-channel-ipad-powered-mixer-to-namm/feed/ 5 Fender and Roland Team Up for the G-5 Stratocaster with COSM Technologyhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/25/fender-and-roland-team-up-for-the-g-5-stratocaster-with-cosm-technology/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/25/fender-and-roland-team-up-for-the-g-5-stratocaster-with-cosm-technology/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:15:32 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=180414

Back in the early 90's object-oriented technology was a happening buzzword, and Roland introduced COSM - Composite Object Sound Modeling - with their next-generation guitar synthesizer system, the VG-8. But rather than just a guitar synth, it introduced the concept of a 'virtual guitar'. The thought was that rather than just playing Pat Metheny-esque lead lines, guitarists would be better served if they had a system that provided maximum flexibility of sound. COSM allows string-by-string tuning, processing, and pitch shifting. This allows for on-the-fly tuning changes, virtual capos, and the ability to emulate nearly any other guitar sound from a single instrument ... although the results now sound more quaint than realistic. Now more Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/25/fender-and-roland-team-up-for-the-g-5-stratocaster-with-cosm-technology/feed/ 0 Seagate Thunderbolt Adapter Speed Comparison with USB 2.0http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/24/seagate-thunderbolt-adapter-speed-comparison-with-usb-2-0/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/24/seagate-thunderbolt-adapter-speed-comparison-with-usb-2-0/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:59:17 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=180427

We told you about Seagate's new Thunderbolt adapters last week. Yes, we are finally seeing products come to market that take advantage of the speed increases offered by Thunderbolt. But how fast IS Thunderbolt? Sure you can see lab testing but that doesn't necessarily tell you about using it at home or work. We shot a video of moving 2.5GB of data from a MacBook air to an external drive using both USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt. This is a normal use-scenario for something like this so the speeds you see here are what you might expect if you get one of the adapters.

See for yourself…

Click here to view the embedded video.

Want to know more? Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/24/seagate-thunderbolt-adapter-speed-comparison-with-usb-2-0/feed/ 10 Mark of the Unicorn Brings Digital Performer Audio Software to Windows!http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/23/mark-of-the-unicorn-brings-digital-performer-audio-software-to-windows/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/23/mark-of-the-unicorn-brings-digital-performer-audio-software-to-windows/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:15:21 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=180055

Way back at the dawn of MIDI in the very early 80's, I started learning about controlling digital instruments using arcane control bits using the fresh communications standard called 'Musical Instrument Digital Interface'. The following year I took my first class in 'computer music'. The studio setup was a massive mess of wires and re-tooled Prophet V's and so on ... and one little Macintosh computer. The program? Performer by Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU). Through the years Performer has been a constant companion - it was the one thing that kept me on the Mac in the mid-90's until CakeWalk matured enough to be a workable PC solution ... and one of the Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/23/mark-of-the-unicorn-brings-digital-performer-audio-software-to-windows/feed/ 1 Moog and Arturia Bring Mini-Monster Analog Synths to NAMM!http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/23/moog-and-arturia-bring-mini-monster-analog-synths-to-namm/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/23/moog-and-arturia-bring-mini-monster-analog-synths-to-namm/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:15:00 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179757

NAMM 2012 just keeps rolling ... and more and more great products are appearing. Given that I grew up with analog synthesis and all of the good (the sound) and bad (everything else) that went along with it, I have always been amused by the fascination younger folks have with analog synthesizers. I still have a 90's sound module that used a combination of digital sampling and waveform manipulation to provide analog-like sounds, but recently we have seen and heard much greater use of the massive bass waveforms by artists in electronica and dance music. This week at NAMM we have seen two awesome analog syths for under $750 that take different approaches Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/23/moog-and-arturia-bring-mini-monster-analog-synths-to-namm/feed/ 0 Griffin and Behringer Also Bring iPad ‘Studio’ Docks to NAMMhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/23/griffin-and-behringer-also-bring-ipad-studio-docks-to-namm/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/23/griffin-and-behringer-also-bring-ipad-studio-docks-to-namm/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:30:55 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=180061

Last week I wrote about the cool looking series of iPad music docks from Alesis introduced at the NAMM trade show, and now over the weekend we got news of competing iPad IO docking systems. Both offer a variety of cabling interfaces to get the most out of that powerful iPad in a musical setting! Let's take a quick look! Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/23/griffin-and-behringer-also-bring-ipad-studio-docks-to-namm/feed/ 3 The Droid Motorola RAZR MAXX and Droid 4 Were Worth a Look, but They Didn’t Steal the Showhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/the-droid-motorola-razr-maxx-and-droid-4-were-worth-a-look-but-they-didnt-steal-the-show/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/the-droid-motorola-razr-maxx-and-droid-4-were-worth-a-look-but-they-didnt-steal-the-show/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:00:27 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179962 Motorola stole the show last year at CES 2011. The Moto Xoom and the Atrix with its web top keyboard dock... oh my! They were pretty amazing to see. Francis and I even had a chance to remote log into my iMac in New Jersey using the Atrix smartphone as the "computer" powering the remote access. Sadly, the actual experience of using the Xoom and the Atrix left a good deal to be desired. Judie, Thomas and I all bought one; we all returned them. Judie and I visited Motorola again this year at CES 2012, and while they didn't blow us away, the two smartphones we did see were pretty impressive in their own right. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/the-droid-motorola-razr-maxx-and-droid-4-were-worth-a-look-but-they-didnt-steal-the-show/feed/ 8 Corning Gorilla Glass 2 Is Impressive!http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/corning-gorilla-class-2-is-impressive/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/corning-gorilla-class-2-is-impressive/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:00:45 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179869 Corning Gorilla Glass. You know the name. You know it is strong. You know it is on dozens of smartphones and a growing number of notebooks. [600 different devices and 600 million total devices sport it!!] And you likely know that Corning announced Gorilla Glass 2 during CES. Geardiary ces2012 gorillaglass 004 But until you see it in action you can't really appreciate just what it is. Seriously, Judie and I were impressed, and we think you will be too! Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/corning-gorilla-class-2-is-impressive/feed/ 0 OpenLabs Brings Loads of New Features In Music OS 3.1 Update!http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/openlabs-brings-loads-of-new-features-in-music-os-3-1-update/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/openlabs-brings-loads-of-new-features-in-music-os-3-1-update/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:15:58 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179731

Open Labs makes products I drool over - they incorporate full-spec Sandy Bridge Core i5 and i7 computers (some with keyboards) into their music production systems ... and they are priced in accordance to their monster capabilities! One thing that has grown out of the awesome hardware and software they make is a product called 'Music OS' - a program with so many features and such flexible modularity it goes beyond the capabilities of most music apps. Now at NAMM 2012 Open Labs annouced a major new update:
SoundCloud™ Direct Integration – With SoundCloud undoubtedly the ‘cloud standard’ for millions of online music creators, Music OS projects and session files
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/openlabs-brings-loads-of-new-features-in-music-os-3-1-update/feed/ 0 A Visit with Gear4, and a Look at Their Current and Upcoming Prodcutshttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/a-visit-with-gear4-and-a-look-at-their-current-and-upcoming-prodcuts/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/a-visit-with-gear4-and-a-look-at-their-current-and-upcoming-prodcuts/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:00:27 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179859 Judie and I had a chance to visit with Gear4 in their suite at the Wynn. We've seen some of the company's products in the past, but I don't think that either of us realized how extensive their portfolio is. And it is going to get even larger in 2012. Needless to say, we came away impressed. Here's a rundown on the company and their current lineup ... Geardiary ces2012 gear4 014 Gear4 wants to "make things that are simple, enhance your life and are a pleasure to use." While all of that is highly subjective from what we saw they are doing everything possible to be true to their mission. Their docks look good, appear easy to use and, best of all, they sound excellent. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/a-visit-with-gear4-and-a-look-at-their-current-and-upcoming-prodcuts/feed/ 0 Tascam Introduces ‘Premium Quality’ iU2 Audio Interfacehttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/tascam-introduces-premium-quality-iu2-audio-interface/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/tascam-introduces-premium-quality-iu2-audio-interface/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:15:55 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179730

Tascam is a company I have loved for decades, working with their awesome PortaStudio cassette multi-track in the days before digital audio. While I bought and was disappointed when they brought a lackluster PortaStudio to the iPad in 2010, I am glad they have persevered - because now we get awesome products like the iU2 announced at NAMM 2012! Here are a few details:
TASCAM’s iU2 is a premium sound quality audio interface for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. It includes all of the features of TASCAM’s best-selling USB audio interfaces, including a pair of great-sounding microphone inputs. The XLR inputs have phantom power for use with high-quality condenser microphones. These feed an
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/tascam-introduces-premium-quality-iu2-audio-interface/feed/ 0 Teenage Engineering Announces the Oplab Musical Experimental Boardhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/teenage-engineering-announces-the-oplab-musical-experimental-board/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/teenage-engineering-announces-the-oplab-musical-experimental-board/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:15:59 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179732

The folks at Teenage Engineering gained fame a couple of years ago when they started showing their prototype OP-1 keyboard that looked more like one of those dinky Casio keyboards from the early 80's than a serious musical instrument. But when they finally showed fully functional systems ... suddenly they had legions of believers. So when they teased a modular music system ... people were intrigued. Now they have introduced the OpLab Musical Experimental Board. It is a bare bones breadboard design that allows you to hook up just about anything in any possible configuration. The website has amazing diagrams and details, here are just a few:
The Oplab Musical Experimental Board allows you
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/22/teenage-engineering-announces-the-oplab-musical-experimental-board/feed/ 0 JawBone JamBox: Out Since 2010 but Still Awesome- A Gear Diary Video Lookhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/20/jawbone-jambox-out-since-2010-but-still-awesome-a-gear-diary-video-look/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/20/jawbone-jambox-out-since-2010-but-still-awesome-a-gear-diary-video-look/#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:00:01 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179795 IMG 6713 1

The JawBone JamBox was released in November of 2010. Yes, that's almost a year and half ago... ancient by today's tech standards. So you might be wondering why we're covering it NOW. The reason is simple: although it was released almost a year and a half ago the JamBox is still the best portable Bluetooth speaker on the market and, thanks to updates and additional apps for it the speaker just keeps getting better and better. Thomas was quick to buy one when it was first released but I held back and only got one a few months ago. I wish I hadn't waited because it really is an incredible little device. I like it so much in fact that I purchased one for Elana to use when she is training clients. Oh, and there is another reason we shot the video now... it was the first time since I got JamBox-ified that Thomas and I were together. So here's a quick video of Thomas and me talking about the device and why it's become one of our favorite gadgets. Yes November of 2010 was quite a while ago but this is one piece of gear that isn't even close to becoming long in the tooth. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/20/jawbone-jambox-out-since-2010-but-still-awesome-a-gear-diary-video-look/feed/ 0 Sony Bloggie Live at Hoover Dam, a Video Demohttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/20/sony-bloggie-live-at-hoover-dam-a-video-demo/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/20/sony-bloggie-live-at-hoover-dam-a-video-demo/#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:00:29 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179773

Image taken with the Bloggie Live

Judie received a Bloggie Live video recorder last week at CES and we brought it along with us to take some images and video while at Hoover Dam. As the video demonstrates, this diminutive Bloggie Live takes some amazing video and is incredibly easy to use. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/20/sony-bloggie-live-at-hoover-dam-a-video-demo/feed/ 0 Happy Hour Bottoms Up Timepiece and Opener- A Gear Diary Video Lookhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/20/happy-hour-bottoms-up-timepiece-and-opener-a-gear-diary-video-look/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/20/happy-hour-bottoms-up-timepiece-and-opener-a-gear-diary-video-look/#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:00:29 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179608 Right before we left for CES we received a review sample of the Happy Hour Bottoms Up Timepiece. The Bottoms Up is a nice-quality watch with a large, impressive face, a wide, comfortable band and… a bit of a surprise. Here's a look with a video that will make clear what is special about this watch. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/20/happy-hour-bottoms-up-timepiece-and-opener-a-gear-diary-video-look/feed/ 8 Peavey and Parker Introduce ‘Auto-Tune’ Guitars Based on Antares Technologyhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/19/peavey-and-parker-introduce-auto-tune-guitars-based-on-antares-technology/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/19/peavey-and-parker-introduce-auto-tune-guitars-based-on-antares-technology/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:15:04 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179604

While for many the term auto-tune brings up horrifying thoughts of T-Pain and Katy Perry's severe lack of natural talent, the actual applications are pretty cool when applied correctly. For example, I have been watching old rock videos a lot lately, and you know the biggest problem: tuning! You constantly see someone tweaking a tuner mid song trying to get things right - yet it seldom it. The other issue is intonation - making sure that the string length ratio is maintained over the entire fretboard. Applying electronics seems like a perfect solution - and that is what Antares has done! Here is their description:
- Instant String Tuning With Auto-Tune for Guitar
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/19/peavey-and-parker-introduce-auto-tune-guitars-based-on-antares-technology/feed/ 0 Alesis Brings a Trio of Awesome iPad Musical Extender Dockshttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/19/alesis-brings-a-trio-of-awesome-ipad-musical-extender-docks/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/19/alesis-brings-a-trio-of-awesome-ipad-musical-extender-docks/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:30:20 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179592

Alesis is a company that came out of Rhode Island in the digital boom of the mid-80's and after ups and downs continues to be a force of innovation in the music hardware arena. They have three cool new iPad-related products introduced at the Winter NAMM show worth highlighting. Alesis AmpDock
•The first professional guitar processor to use your iPad or iPad 2 for signal processing •Works with GarageBand, AmpliTube, JamUp, and virtually any audio or CoreMIDI app •Includes a rugged pedalboard controller with program, effect, bypass, volume and continuous controls •Guitar Input 1 and switchable Mic/Line/Guitar Input 2; professional outputs, and MIDI jacks •Kickstand allows for stable positioning on top of guitar
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/19/alesis-brings-a-trio-of-awesome-ipad-musical-extender-docks/feed/ 10 IK Multimedia presents iKlip Studio Desktop Stand for iPadhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/19/namm-2012-ik-multimedia-presents-iklip-studio-desktop-stand-for-ipad/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/19/namm-2012-ik-multimedia-presents-iklip-studio-desktop-stand-for-ipad/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:30:02 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179548

This week is the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) trade show, and as such a number of new products are coming out. Of particular interest are products that integrate highly functional musical capabilities and our everyday mobile products. Since that is what IK Multimedia does, I was not surprised to see some cool announcements from them again this week! After announcing the iRig Pre microphone interface, now IK is back with the iKlip Studio, a fully adjustable stand designed to help musicians. Here is some more info:
IK Multimedia is proud to announce iKlip™ Studio, the adjustable iPad desktop stand designed specifically for musicians. iKlip Studio holds the iPad firmly on studio
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/19/namm-2012-ik-multimedia-presents-iklip-studio-desktop-stand-for-ipad/feed/ 1 Buffalo Laughs at Your WiFi-N Router Capabilities, Doubles Down on Current Speedshttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/18/buffalo-laughs-at-your-wifi-n-router-capabilities-doubles-down-on-current-speeds/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/18/buffalo-laughs-at-your-wifi-n-router-capabilities-doubles-down-on-current-speeds/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:00:59 +0000 Francis Scardino http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179411

 

realtime throughput of their prototype AC routers on a large flat screen TV

I really don't know many (if any) people these days NOT running a WiFi network at home. Most Internet Service Providers (ISP) now provide a WiFi router or router/modem combo when you sign up for service. WiFi-N has pretty much become the standard over the past few years, with speeds capable of up to 150Mb/s and in almost all current electronics. The next standards have been announced and are called 802.11ac, which pretty much more than doubles WiFi-N on it's best day. If you have no idea what I'm talking about then pretty much what I am saying is Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/18/buffalo-laughs-at-your-wifi-n-router-capabilities-doubles-down-on-current-speeds/feed/ 0 Thomas Takes On the Wrapsol Non-Slip Grip Padhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/15/thomas-takes-on-the-wrapsol-non-slip-grip-pad/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/15/thomas-takes-on-the-wrapsol-non-slip-grip-pad/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:50 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179224 Every now and then you come across a product that, despite liking the company that produces it, you cannot help but wonder, "Why?" That's certainly the case with the Wrapsol non-slip grip pad. The product is designed for large tablets and adheres to the back of a tablet. From there its sole purpose is to allow the tablet to stay in position more easily when rested on, for example, your thigh. Don't get us wrong…. the product actually works as promised but we cannot help but think it is an idea searching for an application. I don't know of anyone who has ever been using their iPad and thought, "I wish I could have this stick to my thigh or arm without my having to hold it…" And then there is the biggest issue with it: even if it did fill a real need the product is not something you can remove and reuse. That means once you attach it to your tablet you cannot use a case.

Wrapsol Grip Pad Features:

  • Non-slip tactilla™ material
  • 100% Polyurethane
  • Micro-textured finish
  • 8.25 x 3.75-inch material size for Apple iPad 2 and similar size devices
  • Installs in an instant
  • Made in USA
  • MSRP $14.95
We used it a bit and came away scratching our heads. That did not, however, prevent us from creating a video look and having a little fun so without further ado we present to you "Thomas and the Tablet"... Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/15/thomas-takes-on-the-wrapsol-non-slip-grip-pad/feed/ 10 Seagate Showcases Speed, Updates and Innovationhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/15/seagate-showcases-speed-updates-and-innovation/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/15/seagate-showcases-speed-updates-and-innovation/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:00:56 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179152 We had a chance to sit down with Seagate earlier this week, and we liked what we saw. Geardiary seagate ces 004 We were glad to see an update to the GoFlex Satellite we had reviewed some months ago, we saw a product that is not yet shipping (but we WANT NOW), and we took some time to see the speed boost that Seagate's Momentus XT Hybrid Hard drive offers as compared to a traditional spinning platter. Here's a look. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/15/seagate-showcases-speed-updates-and-innovation/feed/ 2 North American International Auto Show: Now Open to the Publichttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/14/north-american-international-auto-show-now-open-to-the-public/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/14/north-american-international-auto-show-now-open-to-the-public/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:00:47 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179081

Hot Wheels Camaro Concept (All images by Author)

As the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit gets into the full swing of things I am still recuperating from the whirlwind adventure known as media days. NAIAS played host to more than 5,000 media representatives from all over the globe during the first two days of the annual event in Motown. Some 35 press conferences and many unofficial or private events highlighted the 48-hour blitz on D-Town.

Falcon F7 (VIA Motors VTRUX in background)

"The buzz is back," proclaimed Bill Perkins, chairman, NAIAS 2012. "Press Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/14/north-american-international-auto-show-now-open-to-the-public/feed/ 1 iOS, Android and Windows Phone… Where is the Market Headed? An Open Discussionhttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/14/ios-android-and-windows-phone-where-is-the-market-headed-an-open-discussion/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/14/ios-android-and-windows-phone-where-is-the-market-headed-an-open-discussion/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:12:22 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=179128 Judie and I both got HTC Titans the other day and have jumped into using them. Our initial thoughts? We both like them… a lot! We've been discussing a great deal of this behind the scenes. One discussion began with my posting
So I really have to say that I am loving the hell out of the HTC Titan (even with its now slightly dented corners):-] I'm still learning how to get around but it is polished, tight, and a pleasure to use. Best onscreen keyboard ever! No matter how good the hardware o do t think I would like an Android phone long term. Not do here. It needs more apps but Microsoft killed it with the OS.
It sparked a lot of private discussion that we will share soon. In the meantime Mike wrote/asked...
Along the WP7 lines ... here is my topic for debate: Android has almost no inherent loyalty base, and if WP7 and Nokia gets traction, we will see Android plummet almost as fast as RIM, while iOS hold happy at ~28%. Thoughts and comments?
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/01/14/ios-android-and-windows-phone-where-is-the-market-headed-an-open-discussion/feed/ 25