Blue Mic – Nessie
For those looking to get quick audio while avoiding interfaces altogether, Blue has introduced Nessie. The condenser mic has a single cardioid capsule with a zero latency headphone jack. Featured earlier this year in MC’s New Toys, audio expert Barry Rudolph breaks Nessie down like this, “All is well with Nessie adapting to whatever you’re recording automatically by applying studio processing and relying on built-in pop filter and internal shock mount to produce a finished sound. Nessie is a USB, point and record system with built-in EQ, de-esser, and level controller and three recording modes optimized for vocals, instruments or basic raw audio capture applications.” Retail Value - $99 http://bluemic.com/nessie
PreSonus – Studio One
A DAW specifically for musicians/composers, the Studio One 2 - Artist edition has expanded its features without making a mess of things. Being compatible with any ASIO-, Windows Audio- or CoreAudio-compliant audio interface makes set-up smooth. The software stores I/O configurations with each song, for each computer and for each device driver. The drag-and-drop function allows users to drag an audio clip, effect or a virtual instrument from the Browser directly onto a track in the Arrange or Console view (allowing a novice to get a grip on advanced editing features). Additional Studio One 2 versions include Professional, Student and Crossgrade. Retail Value of Artist - $99. http://presonus.com/products/studio-one
Mesa Boogie – Tone-Burst
Mesa Boogie has released the 4 on the Floor series of guitar pedals equal to the quality of their hand-crafted amps. The Tone-Burst (pictured) is one of those pedals, offering a transparent gain range normally found only in “clean” boost pedals. The Tone-Burst lets you push your guitar level to its threshold (and a bit beyond)—great for boosting the output of single coils to match a humbucker or as a subtle overdrive when a standard overdrive may be too much. Includes true on/off Bypass Switch, Bass & Treble Controls (+/- 12dB of EQ boost or cut), Master Level Control (variable signal control of up to +20dB) and Gain Control. Required 9V battery. Other pedals in the 4 on the Floor family include Grid Slammer, Flux-Drive and Throttle Box. Retail Value - $179 http://mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/pedals/pedals-main.html
War Machine – Personalized Action Figures
These custom figures are a great gift idea for band members and fans alike. More of a “unique” item than one to be mass-produced, the personalized action figures are built from the person’s hobbies/interests and a high-res photo of their face. Each model is then placed on a custom standing plate with the character (or band member’s) name. Average Figure Price - $150 each (price will vary on case-by-case basis). This could make for a great KickStarter/Indiegogo perk/gift. Contact Ro at War Machine Marketing directly: [email protected].
Strobel Guitars – Rambler Classic
No, those shrooms from the Dead tour aren’t showing a long-term effect, those are tuning pegs you see at the base of this guitar. The Rambler Classic was built off the idea that a travel-sized guitar shouldn’t just be for the bus, but the stage as well. The Strobel Rambler portable guitar breaks down to separate the neck and body so the components fit in a briefcase or computer bag—no more fighting with the Southwest Flight Attendant on your way to SXSW! With its newest design, the Rambler Classic is a 21-fret neck axe complete with dual-humbuckers and separate tone and volume controls. The guitar features a tuneOmatic bridge, locking tuners and custom thumbwheels complete with a recessed pick-up selector graced by a maple top. Color choices include Tobacco and Cherry Sunburst. Retail Value - $599 (includes travel bag) http://strobelguitars.com
