Apogee debuts GiO USB guitar interface and controller for Macs
By Donald Melanson 
posted Jul 24th 2009 4:57PM
posted Jul 24th 2009 4:57PM
You're going to need to practice on a lot more than Rock Band or Guitar Hero to fully make use of this rig, but Mac users looking to go a step beyond basic GarageBand recording may want to consider Apogee's new GiO guitar interface and controller, which is fully compatible with GarageBand 09, as well as Logic Studio 9 and MainStage 2. Designed to more or less give you full hands-free recording, the device packs five Stompbox buttons that are dynamically color coded to match software effects, plus five Transport control buttons that are dynamically lit when engaged, not to mention all the ports you'd expect, including a 1/4" instrument input, a 1/4" MIDI Expression pedal input, a headphone jack, and that all-important USB port, which just so happens to also conveniently power the device. You're still going to have to make do with your current setup for a bit longer, however, as this one's only set to launch sometime in September for a fairly reasonable (as far as Apogee products go) $395.
2nd?
second to what ? to replying in a blog what absolutely nothing intelligent nor relevant to say
and prove how pathetic your life must be if such an insignificant feat brings joy to it?
i don't pity you,... i pity your family for having such an idiotic relative
@Makavre
that was harsh and uncalled for. further, I pity your family for having to deal with someone so outwardly abrasive...
lolumad
Is not harsh and uncalled for, im just tired of these STUPIDLY IDIOTIC posts that bring NOTHING, and are probably generated by the same type of people behind the senseless replying to the Recession Antidote contests.
You want sympathy ??? Go hug PedoBear !
Yep, You're 2nd!
No, you're second.
Was getting slightly envious that it was Mac-only until I realised it had a price to match. Could probably get the Korg Nano series to do the same job.
You're going to step on a Korg Nano?
That'll last.
No but you could get a boss, NI, beringer, waves, etc controller!
I really do like Apogees gear. Some of the best sounding DACs around. Worth every penny if you are in the market. headed to the website now to what just what this is all about.
when it comes to this stuff you really do get what you pay for.
I've been waiting for something like this for my recording but honestly can't imagine paying $395. maybe half that at best.
Mac users get all the sexy toys! The rest of us are stuck with our plain ol' MIDI foot controllers:
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/FCB1010.aspx
Sure but that thing is about $150.
It says it has jacks but I don't think it's a comparable device.
oh wow i didn't know that was the only controller that's windows compatible...
http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/?content=856
im particularly into the guitar peripheral from this company
although it may be a bit pricy, but it has several of its own softwares that are incredibly intuitive with many features that are absolutely astounding for recording and superb control over the tone of your instrument. me likey =]
FCB1010 is a great controller.
But, there's no display on this Apogee GiO?!
IK multimedia make a good controller, Waves make some real quality stuff too. I've used both and used NI guitar rig. Waves is the best, IK multimedia is a close second. BTW I only use PC's so I won't get to try this one. But I'm pretty sure that Wave's is the best, most of their stuff is real studio quality and you can hear the difference. I have a vintage Fender amp with some red hot tubes, I usually play an American Series Strat or a '61 Gibson SG and I honestly can't tell the difference when I use Waves.
I've been waiting for something like this too
about time
Likewise... although I don't own a Mac. I hope this will work with a Mac Mini, that's all I could afford right now.
what a ripoff why would you buy this just no just no ill stick with my zoom gfx3 thanks
Oh man I have RSI and would kill to have that as a standard input device for my hotkeys.
i'm assuming this is for a real guitar. But that's seems expensive for what doesn't seem to have any actual effects. Maybe i'm misunderstanding that point. But when you can just go buy a Vox Tonelab LE or some other Boss or Digitech multieffect board i don't see why you'd buy just an interface for that price. now i acknowledge maybe i'm not understanding exactly what this is, does, or is capable of.
I think many people (aka poor people like me) use software-based VST effects in programs like Cubase and Reason.
I assume the point of this interface is to work with Garageband and Logic Pro. I mean, both softwares has guitar amps and stompbox effects. The point of the buttons that are pressed by the feet (as shown in the Image above) is to activate the effects, which really can be useful, seeing as you can turn it on or off during play. If this interface was Firewire 800 (or even 3200 ready), that would be sweet (although that would jack up the price).
Dang, why am I "Anonymous!" this sucks........:(
ok that's what i though "anonymous" but don't software like Amplitube (outstanding i use it) and guitar rig have these with included and rather well respected effects at less or the same price. Plus if a real box is cheaper why not get that? I guess that was my point.
I'd love to have this! But me own no mac :(
Apogee usually makes real sexy stuff, but that does look a friggin Rock Band peripheral. It better be built as solid as their other stuff or they lose big points in my book.
But Macs can have their exclusive interface and I'll take the Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 Kontrol Edition, so I don't have to worry about if it's compatible with my computer or my buddies studio or whenever music may take me. Plus NI is proven for having phenomenal sounds on their stuff, I don't know about the sounds of the Apogee(even if they do have great sound converters in all their products).
VST all the way.
Stop right there. Do not fall for Swoopo.
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/001196.html
Well, I just read the whole page now. I have read things like "Swoopo is a scam and here's why" in other places, too, you know. But basically, it's your loss if you are an idiot who bids 1000 times in an auction, isnt it? Thats why you have to be smart.
If Steve Jobs says it cool then all the fanboys will have to get the checkbook out! Even though there have been better controller/interfaces out there for years!