This is a nice video that gives you a walk-through of the functions of the MBox 2, Digidesign's portable Pro Tools LE recording interface, From the Hal Leonard released DVD, Pro Tools LE 7 - Beginning Level.

The Mbox 2 lists for around $350 and is a USB-powered studio in a box that will work with Windows XP or Mac OS X. Pro Tools LE offers 32 tracks of simultaneous recording and playback, 128 virtual tracks, 256 MIDI tracks and tons of other features.

The Mbox 2 includes Pro Tools LE software, 37 DigiRack plug-ins, Pro Tools Ignition Pack, and 7 Bomb Factory plug-ins. Plug-ins like Moogerfooger Analog Delay, Joemeek SC2 Photo Optical Compressor, Joemeek VC5 Meequalizer, Cosmonaut Voice, and Digidesign Maxim.

The Mbox 2 has 4 simultaneous inputs and outputs, 2 analog inputs (XLR, 1/4",and DI jacks) and two analog outputs (1/4" jacks), phantom power, 24-bit/48kHz audio, MIDI in/out, Zero-latency monitoring and is 100% USB powered.

The Mbox 2 is a nice little addition to any home studio and a great way to experience Pro Tools LE for an affordable price.

This is a nice little video demo of the Tascam DP-01.

The Tascam DP-01 is an 8-track hard disk recording system with an easy-to-use surface based on TASCAM's Portastudios, which keeps you creative while writing new music. Streamlined one-knob-per-function design makes digital recording easy for all musicians. The DP-01FX/CD comes with a 40GB hard drive, phantom power, CD burner as well as a built in multi-effects processor. Each track has a 45mm volume fader plus dedicated controls for pan, effects send and EQ. Input includes 2 1/4" TRS, 2 XLR and Hi-Z for guitar and bass. Output includes RCA, headphone, S/PDIF, and a USB 2.0. The Tascam DP-01FX/CD lists for about $499.

This is a video created by Boss to demo the BR-600. It's only 5 minutes long so it doesn't get too in depth. It covers the basic features and functions of the BR-600. They show you the basics of recording a song on the BR-600. The demo actually does a good job of making it look very simple and fun. Kind of makes me want to buy a BR-600!!

I was wondering if anyone has had a problem with volume control after you bounce a series of track? For example- I laid down my drum tracks on tracks 1-7 and then set the volume levels, then bounced. When I recorded the next set of tracks and adjusted the volume, the volume from the drum track adjusted. I thought after a track was bounced it was pretty much set. Is there something I am missing? What ever help anyone can give will be greatly appreciate. Thanks!!!!!!

Vox created the amPlug, a headphone guitar amp that lets you enjoy serious guitar sound. Just plug Amplug into your guitar and play. The Vox amPlug is available in three different sound styles: Vox AC30, Classic Rock and Metal. amPlug comes with an AUX Jack that lets you play along with your MP3 player. You can get up to 15 hours of battery life with two AAA batteries.

In my studio, I like to have control of my volume easily. I use a volume pedal. That way when I'm rocking out, and it gets to that killer lead part that needs to be just a little louder, it's one louder. You may say, well it's a studio, why don't you just make that track one louder.  read more »

I have started a new site dedicated to Guitar Amplifier Reviews. Go ahead and check it out. I hope to turn it into a Guitar Amplifier community. You can sign up to become a contributor, as well as use the forum or comment on any articles.

My vision is a site where everyone shares their likes and dislikes about their favorite or least favorite guitar amplifier's. A one stop shop where people can do their homework before selecting an amp. Sign up and help out the community.

Technology is moving so fast, that if you are not online looking for deals...you are paying way too much. The great thing about the internet is you can read and interact with other people who have acutally used the product. Getting the opinion of someone who is un-biased and actually used a piece of gear can be extremely valuable.  read more »

A while back I blew the power supply on my DAW. This was extremely scary as I had almost a complete CD on the hard drive. Nothing was backed up.

I purchased a new power supply and slapped it in. Everything seemed to boot up fine, then I get a windows error. Ugh. I got into safe mode and was able to see that my songs were still there, whew.  read more »

It seems so obvious to back up your system. I hear it and think it all the time. But unfortunately, I didn't listen to the voices in my head. That's the thing with PC's, you know it's gonna fail, you just don't know when. And you better be ready for the when, I wasn't.

I live in Minnesota, and it is storm season. The other day I went to down into my studio to produce some music, and what do ya know, my machine is completely dead.  read more »

Last night I went down to the studio to do some rocking. I got everything hooked up to my mixer. I reached for my bass and what did I get...a huge buzzing sound, and no bass.

So after digging around and checking settings, I came to the conclusion it was my cables. So now I have to unplug a few things, grab new cables, etc. Really upset my productivity. I spent almost an hour troubleshooting this issue. Sure enough, it was just poor quality cables.  read more »

The new Boss BR-600 is a compact, battery powered, 8 track digital recorder that records to compact flash.

The Boss BR-600 includes:

• Built in drum machine with velocity sensitive pads
• Built in stereo mics
• 64 Virtual tracks
• Variety of effects

The BR-600 comes with adapters for XLR mics to its 1/4" input. This unit is so small there's not even room for a standard XLR input.  read more »

Open Labs showed their prototype of the New MiKo at NAMM 2006.  The MiKo is a self contained workstation with a Windows PC, touchscreen, 37 note keyboard, 4 in/6out audio interface, DVD burner, firewire, USB, ethernet, and an optional 64 bit dual-core AMD CPU. What? No 4 wheel drive?

Jeeze, the Open Labs MiKo sounds like an amazing little whatchamacallit. So will it do Excel spreadsheets too? The MiKo starts at around $2000.  read more »

The new M-Audio ProjectMix I/O is a control surface with motorized faders and 18 x 14 audio interface, 8 preamps and a LCD display.

The ProjectMix I/O boasts seamless integration with all major DAW software. All software? Hmmm. I wonder? ProjectMix should be compatible with Pro Tools, Ableton Live 5, Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer and SONAR. Any software that supports Mackie Control, Logic Control or HUI protocol.  read more »

The PreSonus Inspire 1394 is another portable recording solution. Everyone and their brother seems to have a portable interface now. Long gone are the days when you need a desktop, everything can be done on your laptop now.

The Inpsire 1394 has microphone, instrument, keyboard and phono (turntable) inputs as well as a complete suite of recording software included.

PreSonus boasts that each member of the band can have an Inspire 1394 for personal recording, and then later they can daisy-chain up to four units together.  read more »