The MLGI is a multi-laser gestural controller built and designed by Meason Wiley at California Institute of the Arts.

The controller uses Dan Overholt’s CUI interface along with an array of photocells and laser modules to send out control data, which can be converted to OSC or MIDI using various programming platforms such as ChucK and Processing.

This video demonstrates the MLGI working with ChucK, which is sending OSC to a custom built live instrument created using Native Instruments Reaktor Software. The controller is still in it’s development stages, but will be featured at the NIME conference at Carnegie Melon in June.

More info here.

IndaMixx has introduced a cheap Linux-based audio production laptop. 

The IndaMixx Laptop features:

• Fast Intel Atom based Netbook (1.6Ghz)
• Transmission 2.1 OS 
• Pre-bundled software with award winning energy XT
• First solution to feature ArdourXchange.
• Over 2900 drum sounds
• More than 350 classic sample and scratches
• Over 260 Plugins and effects
• Complimentary Software Support

For $499, you get:

• Indamixx Laptop
• Carrying case (bonus)
• 1GB SD card (bonus)
• Free Software Support (first 30 days)
• Free T-shirt
• Free Fedex Shipping (USA only)

My first reaction is that your music computer is the wrong place to cheap out. IndaMixx doesn’t list full specs on the laptop, but what they do list is unimpressive.

A more thoughtful take, though, may be to wonder what things a $500 audio workstation makes possible. 

What do you think? Is there a place for a $500 Linux audio laptop?

via CDM

Rain Recording, creator of purpose-built computer systems for audio production, has introduced an new mobile audio workstations – the LiveBook Zephyr mobile songwriter laptop.

While Apple systems have become the first choice of many audio producers, the LiveBook Zephyr looks like a great alternative for those that prefer Windows or have to work on Windows.

LiveBook Zephyr is an ultra-portable songwriter’s notebook. At 4.3 pounds, Zephyr is the lightest and smallest LiveBook ever.

Here are the specs:

• CPU: Intel Core Duo 1.66Ghz T2300 2MB L2 667Mhz FSB
• Chipset: Mobile Intel 945GM & ICH7-M
• Video: Embedded Intel 945GM (GMA 950)
• Sound System: Built-in Intel HD, Built-in Stereo Speakers and Microphone
• Memory: 1.5GB DDR2 533MHz
• Display: 13.3″ WXGA (1280×800) TFT LCD Color Shine and Crystal Shine Technology
• Storage: 100GB PATA 8MB Buffer 5400RPM
• Optical: CD-RW / DVD-RW +/- Dual Layer
• Modem: 56k V.90/V.92 Modem RJ-11
• WiFi LAN: Integrated mobile Intel Pro Wireless 3945 a/b/g
• Wired LAN: 10/100/1000 built-in/Realtek Fast Ethernet Controller
• Input Devices: Touch pad with 2 click buttons, Desktop-Like Ergonomic Full-Size 83-key
• Battery: Li-Ion 6 cell: 4800mAh, 53W/Hrs battery pack Battery Charging time, 2hrs quick charge (power off), 4hrs (power on)Run-time: 4.8 Hrs
• I/O Ports
  • 3 x USB 2.0 ports
  • 1 x IEEE 1394 port (1x 4-pin internal + 2x 6-pin w/ TI Chipset on PCIe card)
  • 1 x VGA port/MiniD-sub 15-pin for external monitor
  • 1 x S-Video Composite (TV-Out)
  • 1 x Card Reader (MMC/SD/MS/MS-Pro)
  • 2 x Audio jack: Audio out (SPIDIF)/Mic-in
  • 1 x RJ11 connector for Modem
  • 1 x RJ45 connector for Ethernet
  • 1 x Express Card Slot
• Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.9 x 1.4 inch (WxDxH)
• Weight: 4.3 lbs. w/ 6 cel battery

The Livebook Zephyr is priced starting at $1,500.

Also now available is the RainPAK counterpart to LiveBook Zephyr called ZPAK. ZPAK is a complete songwriter digital tool-kit including LiveBook Zephyr, the Tascam US122L audio interface, a Tascam LD-74 microphone and even a mic cable and desktop mic stand. ZPAK also includes copies of Cubase LE and Gigastudio 3 LE, the light versions of two industry-standard audio production software titles for recording, editing and mixing digital audio, loops and samples.

ZPAK, the first RainPAK (Professional Audio Kit) is designed to give the modern, budget-minded songwriter everything he or she needs to make high-quality recordings, demos and sketches at home or on the road. ZPAK is completely set up for plug & play when it arrives with drivers installed, cables included and every component tested and optimized for performance including a copy of Windows XP specially tuned for audio production.

“ZPAK with LiveBook Zephyr is very much a Rain product in that it provides a complete solution for a specific purpose”, says Rain President Bill Paschick. “Our mission is to provide transparent technology so our customers can get right down to the job of creating – which is why they got a Rain computer in the first place. When you have a great idea for a song, the last thing you want to do is sit on the phone with tech-support”.

The RainPAK program is designed to provide a complete solution, tested and certified for optimum performance, for a specific purpose like songwriting, DJ’ing or mobile recording. Rain is in the business of making it easy for creative people to harness technology. Other RainPAK products including MixPAK, StudioPAK and GuitarPAK are scheduled for release in early 2008.

This is a quick look at the M-Audio Xponent DJ controller.

via eangolden:

Overview of a few features boasted by the M-audio Xponent controller and Torq software. Reviewed by Ean Golden from Remix magazine and www.djtechtools.com

“The MacBook is a huge hit with customers, and is one of the reasons that Mac sales are growing three times faster than PC sales,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “The new MacBook is faster, has even more memory and storage, and is an ideal notebook for customers’ growing library of digital music, photos and movies.”

The one-inch thick MacBook comes in three models: white 2.0 GHz and 2.16 GHz MacBook models, and a black 2.16 GHz MacBook model. The MacBook includes a built-in iSight video camera for video chatting on-the-go with friends or family using iChat AV, recording a video podcast or iMovie using iLife ‘06, or taking fun snapshots with Photo Booth. The MacBook includes Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter that magnetically connects the power cord to the MacBook and safely disconnects when under strain, and the latest generation of 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g.

At prices starting at $1,099 (less for students & teachers), MacBooks are an excellent entry level option for podcasters and musicians. They come with iLife ‘06, featuring iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb. The MacBook also comes with the latest release of the world’s most advanced operating system, Mac OS X version 10.4.9 Tiger, including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth.

Pricing & Availability
The new MacBook is available immediately through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

The 2.0 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,099 (US), includes:

* 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display;
* 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
* 667 MHz front-side bus;
* 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB;
* 80GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive;
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950;
* Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme® 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
* two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire® 400 port;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* Scrolling TrackPad;
* the infrared Apple Remote; and
* 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.16 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US), includes:

* 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display;
* 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
* 667 MHz front-side bus;
* 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB;
* 120GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950;
* Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
* two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* Scrolling TrackPad;
* the infrared Apple Remote; and
* 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.16 GHz, 13-inch black MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:

* 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display;
* 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
* 667 MHz front-side bus;
* 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB;
* 160GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950;
* Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
* two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* Scrolling TrackPad;
* the infrared Apple Remote; and
* 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Additional build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to upgrade to 120GB or 160GB (5400 rpm) or a 200GB (4200 rpm) hard drive, up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, Apple USB Modem, Apple Mini-DVI to DVI adapter, Apple Mini-DVI to VGA adapter, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan. Additional build-to-order options also include pre-installed copies of iWork ‘06, Logic Express 7, Final Cut Express HD 3.5 and Aperture 1.5.

*AirPort Extreme is based on an IEEE 802.11n draft specification. Actual performance will vary based on range, connection rate, site conditions, size of network and other factors.

**iChat AV and video-conferencing require broadband internet connection; fees may apply.

via Podcasting News

This video introduced Tom Cosm and his thoughts about live electronic music using a laptop, synthesizer and midi controllers.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Part 2 covers Cosm’s methods and techniques for performing live electronic music using a laptop, synthesizer and midi controllers.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Part 3

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tom Cosm on Live Electronic Music – Part 4

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tom Cosm on Live Electronic Music – Part 5

via cosmcosm

Apple

The affected batteries were sold worldwide from October 2003 through August 2006 for use with 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4 laptop computers.

Apple is voluntarily recalling the affected batteries and has initiated a worldwide exchange program to provide eligible customers with a new replacement battery, free of charge. This program is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other international safety authorities.

Apple has set up a page on its site to deal with questions about the recall.

A list of affected serial numbers is available at the site. According to Apple, replacement batteries will take 4 to 6 weeks to be delivered. Shipping time may vary due to availability of your battery model.

Description: The recalled lithium ion batteries are used with the following computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. The recalled batteries include those with model numbers A1061, A1078 and A1079 and serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507 or 3X446 through 3X510. Consumers should remove the battery from the computer to view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the unit. No other PowerBook or iBook batteries are involved in this recall.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge. After removing the recalled battery from their iBook or PowerBook, consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives.

Consumer Contact: Contact Apple at (800) 275-2273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Sunday or log on to Apple’s web site at www.apple.com/support/batteryexchange to check your battery’s serial number and apply for a replacement battery.

Name of Product: Rechargeable batteries for iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 computers.

Units: About 128,000 units (in the United States)

Computer Manufacturer: Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif.

Battery Manufacturer: LG Chem Ltd., of South Korea

Hazard: An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Apple has received six reports worldwide of batteries overheating, including two reports in the United States.

Computer model name Battery model number Battery serial number range

• 12-inch iBook G4 A1061 HQ441 – HQ507
• 12-inch PowerBook G4 A1079 3X446 – 3X510
• 15-inch PowerBook G4 A1078 3X446 – 3X509

Details are available at the CPSC site.

Rain Recording

The LiveBook is designed to handle sustained levels of intense hard drive and CPU utilization of 90%. Rain President Bill Paschick explained: “The system demands of multi-track audio production far exceed those of typical office and graphics applications for which most generic laptops were designed. The risk of overheating is compounded by the inferior conditions of typical mobile environments. Particularly with audio production, system failure carries a very high cost. By using properly balanced, low power components and generous convection cooling, the LiveBook provides the best performance possible while making stability a priority.”

The modularized component design offers generous airflow cooling through the LiveBook’s four vents, and also makes field serviceability a straightforward process. LiveBook components such as the hard drive, memory, keyboard, and CPU are easily user-replaceable. Bill Paschick commented: “Warranties are great, but when you need a system fixed in two hours, the modular nature of the LiveBook makes it possible to replace key components with readily available parts so that you can make it through a gig.”

The LiveBook’s 15.4″ widescreen offers almost as much screen space as a 17″ screen while allowing much better portability. The internal hard drive boasts an 8 meg buffer—four times the amount of most generic laptops, and a more important factor than just spindle speed in preventing audio engine bottlenecks that cause dropouts, stops, or lock-ups. Other features include wireless b/g, and a built-in 5-in-1 media card drive. To increase hard drive versatility, Rain also offers the Storm Drive Pocket external drive, which provides the same LiveBook hard drive performance in a shock- mounted USB 2.0/FireWire enclosure.

About Rain Recording

Rain Recording builds PC systems and peripherals optimized for high-performance audio applications, including recording, mixing, mastering, and DJ production and performance.

The DAWin 6400 is powered by a 32- and 64-bit capable AMD Athlon 64 processor for desktop replacement (DTR) notebooks and an ATI Mobility RADEON 9700 (M11-P) graphics accelerator chip with a 128MB DDR video ram. The 17.0-inch WXGA+ display with maximum resolution of 1680 X 1050 gives the DAWin-64M eye-popping visual characteristics rivaling those of high-end office-bound workstations.

Features:

• CPU – AMD Athlon 64 for desktop replacement notebooks
• Core Logic – VIA K8T800 + VIA8235CE
• Memory – 512MB on board; Expandable up to 2048MB 200-pin DDR400 SDRAM Dual Channel Memory Module x2
• ROM Drive – 24X24X8X24 Optical Combo drive or optional Super Combo 4X DVD-/+R/RW Optical drive
• Hard Drive – 2.5″ 9.5 mm height: 60/80 GB 5400RPM — 60GB 7200RPM – Ultra DMA 66/100/133
• Floppy Drive – Included external FDD w/ USB I/F; 3.5 Format for 720KB/1.2MB/1.44MB
• Display – 17″ WXGA+ TFT Display;
• Resolution: 1680X1050
• Video Controller – ATI M11P with 128MB External VRAM (Reserve for additional 128MB VRAM)
• Keyboard -Full size 85 keys with 101/102 emulation; supports “Windows” Key & Application keys including full size numeric keypad
• Button – 1x Wireless RF switch button with LED
• Pointing Device – Glide pad with 2x buttons and 4 direction scroll button
• PCMCIA – TypeII X1 without ZV -Cardbus Support
• Multicard Reader – 4-in-1 Card Reader
• Indicator – 3 LEDs for Power/Battery status (on display housing) – 1 LED for Radio wave status Power LED (with switch button) – 5 LEDs for HDD Access, ODD Access, Num lock, Cap lock and Scroll Lock – 1 LED for Card reader status
• Audio System – Sound Blaster Pro compatible – AC97 V5.1 Codec – Built-in Mono Microphone – 4X Speaker and subwoofer
• I/O Ports
• • Bi-directional Parallel Port (EPP/ECP) x 1
  • USB port (2.0, backward compatible with USB1.1) x 4
  • RJ-11 port x 1 RJ-45 port x 1
  • IR port x 1, complies with IrDA 1.1
  • DC input x 1
  • DVI monitor port x1
  • Audio-out x 1 (S/P DIF)
  • Mic-in x 1
  • Hardware Volume Control S VideTV-Out x 1 (NTSC/PAL)
  • IEEE1394a x 1
  • Mini PCI (type III B)
• TV Tuner – Built-in TV Tuner and Remote Control
• Digital Camera – Integrated CMOS Digital Camera
• Communication – Built-in 56Kbps V.90 modem – Built-in 10/100/1000 MB based-T LAN – One Mini PCI slot and one antenna reserved for wireless LAN (Type III B)
• Wireless LAN – 802.11g Ultra WiFi
• AC Adapter Universal AC adapter 150W (3 pins) / 120W; Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz AC (support power on charge)
• Battery – 8 cell (2200mAH/3.7V) Li-ion standard
• Dimensions (H) x (W) x (D) : 1.7″x15.5″x10.8″
• Weight – 9.15lbs. with Battery
• Accessories – Power Cord (3 pins), AC Adapter, RJ-11 Phone Cable, Manual, System Driver CD-Title, Notebook Carry Bag, Remote,
• Architecture – Support PC2001 Specification, Designed for Windows XP (driver ready for 98, ME, and 2000)

More information is available at http://www.digitalaudiowave.com.