2008 Summer NAMM Show: Alesis has introduced the ProTrack, a device that turns an iPod into a professional handheld digital stereo recorder.

Two high-quality condenser microphones are built-in, fixed in XY stereo configuration. ProTrack also offers users a pair of combination XLR – 1/4-inch inputs for connection for external microphones and line sources. When running on plug-in power using the included AC adapter, ProTrack supplies 48V phantom power so that it can power condenser microphones.

ProTrack’s exterior contains a Universal Dock for iPod, LED signal indicators, and controls for 48V phantom power, limiter, and volume. Four AAA alkaline batteries provide four to five hours of operation. A threaded mount is integrated for tabletop use on a camera tripod.

The Alesis ProTrack will be available Q3, 2008. No pricing has been announced.

Key features

• Integrated iPod design
• Records to iPod (Classic or 5th Generation), or iPod nano (2nd or 3rd Generation)
• Professional connectors: two combination XLR – 1/4-inch inputs, 1/8-inch stereo output
• Supplies 48V phantom power to inputs when wall-powered
• Records 16-Bit, 44.1kHz or 22kHz stereo
• Two built-in condenser microphones for detailed recording
• Built-in microphones in XY configuration for optimum stereo image
• Switchable limiter ensures overload-free recordings even in unpredictable aural situations
• AC power adapter included
• Four AAA batteries provide up to five hours of operation
• Tripod stand mount for placing into ideal recording conditions

At the 2008 Winter NAMM Show, Alesis introduced the iMultiMix 9R Mixer with Universal Dock for iPod.

The rack-mounted mixer with integrated iPod player features 5 mic / line inputs with inserts to allow for external processing of incoming channels or for iPod audio playback.

The iMultiMix 9R also features 2-band per channel EQ, Mic/Line inputs and iPod playback in a single, intuitive package. The iMultiMix 9R can playback music from the iPod and mix your live performances.

iMultiMix 9R features:

• Integrated Universal Dock for iPod
• Five high-gain mic/line preamps (XLR and ¼” balanced)
• 48V phantom power
• Aux sends and returns
• Two band per channel EQ with High/Low shelving

The iMultiMix 9R will be available Q1-2008 with a suggested retail price of $399.

At the Winter NAMM Show, Alesis introduced the iMultiMix 16 USB Mixer.

The iMultiMix 16 USB is a mobile recording mixer with iPod transport controls and a control wheel built right into the surface for complete control of the iPod while it is being docked in the mixer. The mixer features a universal dock for iPod that lets you record directly to any iPod Classic, 5th generation (video) and 2nd or 3rd generation iPod nano.

The USB connection transfers tracks into iTunes upon connection to a computer. Files recorded into the iPod are CD quality, 16-Bit, 44.1 kHz .wav files.

iMultiMix 16 USB features:

• Integrated recording for iPod
• Four high-gain mic/line preamps (XLR and 1/4″ balanced)
• 48V phantom power
• Built-in limiter to avoid distorted recordings
• 16-Bit / 44.1kHz and 48kHz recording to computer
• Two guitar mic/line inputs
• Aux sends and returns
• 100 on-board, 28-bit digital effects – Reverb, Chorus, Flange, Delay
• 3-band per channel EQ with high/low shelving and mid band pass/reject Steinberg Cubase LE recording software included

Mac OS and Windows users can connect to the iMultiMix 16 USB using USB for direct to computer recording as well. In addition to its computer connectivity, the iMultiMix 16 USB offers eight analog inputs, one hundred 28-Bit effects, phantom power, and 2 switchable mic/line/guitar inputs.

The iMultiMix 16 USB also features built-in audio effects. Vocalists can add professional quality reverb and guitar players can create flange effects, all of which are mixed and recorded to the iPod with ease. iPod owners will find this mixer the perfect compliment for a wide variety of recording needs thanks to its natural merging of the control wheel and traditional mixer knobs.

The iMultiMix 16 USB will be available Q2 – 2008 with a suggested retail price of $799.

Numark has announced that it’s shipping the world’s first iPod DJ mixing console that lets you scratch, control pitch, key-lock, and simultaneously play two songs from a single iPod.

The Numark iDJ2 is the only iPod mixing console that provides music control with real-time scratching, pitch control, seamless loop, and full cueing. The iDJ2 features an new iPod docking system that lets you play two songs simultaneously from a single iPod, without the need for a computer. You can hook up multiple mass storage devices including additional iPods, thumb drives, and external USB hard drives through rear panel USB ports. In addition to USB connectivity with iPod docking and charging, the iDJ2 comes with line inputs for any audio source including a microphone, CD players and turntables, making it one of the most flexible DJ products ever produced.

You can manage your music library with visual track-profiling using the iDJ2’s graphic interface. The iDJ2 also lets you record musical performances to the iPod or any connected drive, in addition to offering full control audio play back.

While the first generation of iPod mixers were glorified toys, the iDJ2 looks like its moving the category into new territory.

iDJ2 also comes with Numark’s exclusive Crate feature. The Crate is a unique feature that allows you to hold music you expect to play in a waiting list on the top performance level. Music can be placed into the Crate at anytime from search results, browse results, or playlists. Music in the crate can then be managed by sending it to decks or reordering on the fly. All of this has been designed to work seamlessly while playing songs.

The Crate gets it’s name from the traditional function of a vinyl DJ’s record crate where DJs would often prop their records prior to placing on their decks. With Numark’s Crate feature, you can line up an entire Playlist, with the flexibility to swap songs or change their play order in seconds, without missing a beat. iDJ2 supports loading multiple file formats into the Crate including MP3, WAV, and AAC (non-DRM).

A special iPod Direct Mode function allows users to play all iPod-supported music including songs purchased from the iTunes music store. Numark’s iDJ2 is available now with a suggested list price of $799 and an approximate street price of $599.

The iDJ enables mobile DJs and iPod enthusiasts to seamlessly integrate their portable music libraries with other music and sound reinforcement systems — transforming the iPod from a personal music player into a source playback device. With its compact form factor, comprehensive feature set, and a blue on white aesthetic appeal that blends perfectly with the iPod, Numark’s iDJ makes the music more accessible and the party better than ever.

The iDJ features extruded, anodized aluminum panels, zero tolerance precision switches and knobs for a tight, precise feel, and a soft touch edge bumper that both protects and visually enhances the unit. This full-featured mixer with dual iPod docking stations incorporates a microphone input plus both quarter- and eighth-inch headphone outputs to complete the mixing experience. With USB connectivity to both PC and Macintosh computers, the iDJ functions as a music-loading base as well. Further, the iDJ supports the limited recording capabilities of the iPod—enabling the recording of voice notes for memos, etc. Combine all this with the thoughtful turntable spindle receptacle that enables placement of the iDJ on a turntable when space is limited, and the iDJ is ready to rock.

Numark’s iDJ features two universal iPod docking stations that accept all model iPods with the bottom connector. Featuring large iPod navigation controls, this two-channel mixer provides 3-band EQ with gain control for each channel and a dedicated microphone input with tone and level control. Each channel also provides phono/line inputs for adding additional devices such as CD players and samplers into the mix. With large knobs that are pleasing to the touch, the iDJ provides just the right feel for play control.

On the output side, the iDJ incorporates a master output LED meter for visual confirmation of one’s audio signals and a professional quality crossfader with fader start control for blending and alternating between the two channel’s audio signals. Additionally, the iDJ provides a cue tone and cue source selector for managing music sources. With both quarter- and eighth-inch headphone outputs, the iDJ is able to accommodate both consumer style headphones with minijack connectors as well as professional grade headphones with the larger connector type. To connect to sound systems and external recorders, the iDJ provides Master and Record outputs.

This mixer provides USB connectivity to both PC and Macintosh computers, facilitating convenient iPod docking to one’s personal computer. With the iDJ’s USB capabilities, music enthusiasts can mix music to their heart’s content while still having full interoperability with their computer for modifying/expanding their music libraries. And with an S-Video output (for iPod Photo model players only), the iDJ is ready to patch into video displays for complete multimedia.

“Most every DJ carries an iPod as both a backup tool and as a source of personal music enjoyment,” said Numark CEO Jack O’Donnell. “The new iDJ makes it easy to integrate the iPod into a working environment while circumventing the ‘band-aid’ approach of using multiple audio adapters. For college students and other iPod enthusiasts, this compact mixer is a natural extension of the iPod platform that makes enjoying music with others that much easier. ”

The iDJ has a suggested retail price of $249

More information is available at the Numark site.