Belkin debuts TuneStudio four-channel iPod mixer

News

Belkin debuts TuneStudio four-channel iPod mixer

Belkin has introduced the TuneStudio, a four-channel audio mixer that allows users to create digital recordings directly to a fifth-generation iPod. The mixer accepts up to four different instruments or audio sources, and records the audio to the iPod in 16-bit, 44kHz stereo quality for instant playback; each source has a 3-band equalizer, pan and level controls, and the system offers microphone gain and makeup gain features attenuated to the iPod’s recording needs. According to the company, it can also serve as an external USB sound card for PCs or Macs, allowing PC source audio input and output to a PC from any of its inputs, as well as streaming audio over a USB connection.

“TuneStudio is compact, portable, and tough enough to withstand life in a rehearsal room or in a garage,” says Belkin. “Bands can easily attach instruments and microphones to TuneStudio and record jam sessions directly onto an iPod. Podcasters can also use this device to record their shows either in a studio or on location.” Belkin said the TuneStudio is expected to be released this summer, priced at $180.

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Comments

1

Has anyone ever bought one of these…? Ever…? If you have, I’d love to hear from you

Posted by Shivy on January 7, 2007 at 1:22 AM (PDT)

2

I officially rate this item “slicker than snot!”

BTWm it also comes in white.

Posted by Galley on January 7, 2007 at 6:52 AM (PDT)

3

That’s not a bad idea, though a very niche market. I’m still not sure what the advantage of doing something like this would be over running a regular board into a laptop and recording to that. You have more control as far as post-processing goes.

But for a garrage band or something I guess it’d work.

Posted by Josh Powell in VA on January 7, 2007 at 8:44 AM (PDT)

4

Ipods are a /lot/ quieter than laptops, so if this had decent audio quality it would be a great idea. As it is, I don’t think fan noise is really going to be a major consideration for their target market.

Posted by threemilechild on January 7, 2007 at 10:18 AM (PDT)

5

The advantage with this would be that you don’t need to have a laptop at all. You can just record into the iPod and then take it home to your desktop machine for editing.

Posted by wired in L.A. on January 7, 2007 at 10:39 AM (PDT)

6

I have to say it does look cool. the question is whether this baby can give you a professional sound quality - or it’s just a kids toy.

Posted by JerusalemFunkFactory on January 7, 2007 at 11:12 AM (PDT)

7

Unfortunately though, it doesn’t record seperate tracks, so all you get as a mixed down stereo track recorded.. not much in the way of post you can do when you get back home or to your studio or wherever… cool idea, but it’d be better if it could record seperate tracks.

Posted by kloan on January 7, 2007 at 12:09 PM (PDT)

8

Does anyone remember the iLounge contest from last year where you were supposed to create the best iPod Accessory?

Well, I actually came up with this exact same idea for that contest, and it’s now come to pass. Here’s the link:

http://gallery.ilounge.com/ipod/albums/userpics/PODSTUDIO.jpg

I wish I would’ve gotten a patent or something…

Posted by Dan on January 7, 2007 at 12:22 PM (PDT)

9

Nice work, Dan! But, knowing how long it takes to design and build a complex product like this, I bet Belkin were working on this well before you put together your concept.

Posted by wired in L.A. on January 7, 2007 at 4:23 PM (PDT)

10

Which color do you guys like better, the black and green, or the white and orange they show here: http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/belkin-makes-ipod-into-recording-studio-226614.php?

Posted by wired in L.A. on January 7, 2007 at 4:25 PM (PDT)

11

I’d have to go with white since there’s very few white mixing boards on the market.

Posted by Galley on January 7, 2007 at 5:30 PM (PDT)

12

I can see this being a good Dj tool, but, most dj’s use much better mixers. So with that stated, a better option would be a simple device to record high quailty audio directly to your iPod from a mixer you may already known. Hence, dj’s could easily just plug their iPod w/ recorder into the mixer and record their live sets. Then simply unplug and take their iPod back.

Posted by iScott on January 7, 2007 at 5:31 PM (PDT)

13

For a simple solution you could plug the line out from your mixer’s headphone jack in to the 3.5mm aux stereo input of the Belkin TuneTalk Stereo. I think this is more aimed at those who don’t already have the full DJ set-up…

Posted by pete on January 8, 2007 at 8:29 AM (PDT)

14

I hear this is featured heavily at Belkin’s CES show booth, so we might see some photos of the real thing later today!

Posted by quadcore on January 8, 2007 at 8:36 AM (PDT)

15

Hi from spain, i wanna get the Belkin Tunestudio… do u know how it cold be mine?

Please answer my message.

Bern

Posted by Bernhard Yanes on January 9, 2007 at 4:12 AM (PDT)

16

Check it out on video: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12760_7-9672200-5.html

Posted by wired on January 10, 2007 at 10:58 PM (PDT)

17

this is just a mixer that takes four individual tracks and creates a stereo file from them. Just get a mixer instead. (or a boss or fostex digital four track and actually be able to do something with the tracks). You could assemble the same functionality for half as much. soon to be on clearance at an urban outfitters near you.

Posted by Geoff on January 11, 2007 at 1:49 PM (PDT)

18

Great features and design for a compact 4 channel mixer - especially in this price range. Use it as a USB recording interface or a standalone recording application with an iPod. This is an ideal remote audio tool for our community radio station.

Posted by Pat Swonger on June 13, 2007 at 8:50 PM (PDT)

19

what format does it record to the ipod in? if its mp3 its useless. Also how many different tracks can be outputed to this unit rom a pc??

Posted by eh on August 23, 2007 at 11:37 PM (PDT)

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