Audio Interfaces

Music networking startup MusicianLink has introduced the jamLink – an Internet audio interface enabling musicians to play in sync from multiple locations across town or hundreds of miles apart.

The jamLink delivers CD-quality audio and works with guitars, bass, keyboards, drums and vocals – basically any instrument or mic that has a 1/4” instrument output.

Here’s how it works:

The jamLink requires a high-speed Internet connection, a web browser and headphones. There is no software to install; It was designed with plug and play ease in mind.

The jamLink is equipped with an Ethernet port that connects it to your network and is controlled by software hosted by your computer’s web browser. Once users log into MusicianLink.com, they can manage and initiate the jamLink sessions as easily as starting a chat session.

MusicianLink.com is a social network for jamLink users. Like other social networks, you can find and make friends, and connect with other musicians of similar talent and interests. Each jamLink user creates a profile and is able to search for compatible partners based on music style, instrument and ability. MusicianLink.com friends can share MP3 files, chat, and post messages.

The jamLink is now available directly from MusicianLink.com for $244 (introductory pricing) or save up to 25% when you purchase three or more.

If you’ve used jamLink, leave a comment below about your experiences with it!

More details and a demo below. Read more…

Native Instruments has announced availability of the AUDIO 2 DJ, an ultra-compact 4-channel USB 2.0 audio interface for digital DJing.

Description:

Delivering the exact same audio quality and performance as the acclaimed AUDIO 8 DJ and AUDIO 4 DJ interfaces that are used by professional club DJs worldwide, the AUDIO 2 DJ offers users of TRAKTOR and other DJ software a unique new balance of quality, size and price. Read more…

CDM’s Peter Kirn has put together a very nice look at the new Cakewalk V-Studio 100, an example of a new class of all-in-one computer music devices. .

The Cakewalk V-Studio 100 features:

• High Speed USB 2.0 Audio Interface
• Universal DAW Controller
• Personal Digital Mixer
• SD WAV Recorder
• VS Production Pack suite of virtual instruments and effects (Mac/Win)
• SONAR VS digital audio workstation (Win)

About the V-Studio 100, Kirn says:

At US$699 street, there are cheaper options around, but by the time you add a control surface, a mobile recorder, a mixer, and an audio interface together, it’s a different picture. There are also other control surface-mixer-interfaces out there, but some skimp on audio quality while others lack the VS’ elegant compactness.

The VS still counts as the most control, mixing, and audio functionality I’ve seen in any backpack-friendly box. And as such, for the laptop music production warrior wanting to maximize space and power, it’s part of a handful of essential gear to consider.

If you’re a Sonar user, checking out the Cakewalk V-Studio is a no-brainer. The V-Studio offers Mackie Control support, though, so it’s an option to consider for use with other apps, too.

See CDM’s coverage here.

Image: Perez Fotos

Saturday Synth Porn: Audio interfaces and computers aren’t high up there on the list of sextacular music gear – but this Line 6 UX2/Macbook electronic music setup looks better than it has a right to.

Thanks to all the designers out there making their gear look as good as it sounds!

Native Instruments has announced that the Audio Kontrol 1 audio interface is now bundled with an extended software package at no further cost. All purchases of the interface now include a download of either ABSYNTH 4, FM8, MASSIVE, or PRO-53 depending on the user’s choice.

Audio Kontrol 1 combines a 2-in/4-out USB 2.0 audio interface with assignable control surface elements in a rugged, compact aluminium enclosure. Emphasis has been placed on high-quality audio conversion and low-latency driver technology.

Other software bundled with AUDIO KONTROL 1 includes the GUITAR RIG 3 LE amp emulation suite, the TRAKTOR LE DJ software, the KORE PLAYER software instrument and the Cubase LE 4 sequencer.