StudioConnect
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Griffin updates its PowerMate and StudioConnect hardware for 2014
If you think that the best part about making music is twiddling the knobs, then Griffin's CES announcements will be right up your alley. You see, the company is updating both its StudioConnect portable iPad studio and the PowerMate jog dial for movie and music editors. The StudioConnect HD now features a pair of XLR inputs, USB and five-pin MIDI support, dedicated monitor controls and can handle both 30-pin and Lightning-based iPads. The PowerMate Bluetooth, unsurprisingly, breaks free from the tyranny of cables, offering iMovie and GarageBand users the chance to cycle through files without the need of a mouse. Naturally, the clickable wheel is also highly customizable, enabling you to craft a wide variety of utilities that can use the hardware. The StudioConnect HD will, a little annoyingly, not arrive until the fall, where it'll set you back $200, while the PowerMate will be here in the summer, priced up at $60.
Griffin launches MicConnect XLR microphone adapter, refreshes StudioConnect with Lightning connector (update: hands-on!)
It wouldn't be a CES without accessory mavens Griffin launching a small armada of products. This year, the company is launching a revised version of the StudioConnect that's compatible with Apple's Lightning connector. It'll go on sale in the Spring, and 4th Generation iPad and iPad Mini owners will have to stump up $150. It's also pushing out MicConnect (similar to MIDIConnect), an XLR-to-3.5mm connector that lets you hook studio-level microphones into mobile devices and can even supply phantom power. While it's not due to make it onto store shelves until June, it will only cost $40, which might soften the blow for impatient musos everywhere. Update: We've just spent some time with both of Griffin's new peripherals and we were quite impressed (although not completely surprised) at how light they felt in our hands. That being said, we weren't so fond of how much of a fingerprint magnet the StudioConnect was, however it's nothing a cleaning cloth (or a shirt) can't easily fix -- otherwise the main change in the new revision is the obvious inclusion of that Lightning connector, which in itself may make the upgrade all worthwhile. The MicConnect, on the other hand, didn't appear to suffer from any of these nitpicky issues, and its materials felt solid enough that potential users won't be worrying about it breaking in their backpack, messenger bag or, heck, even pockets -- yes, it's that small. Want to see for yourself? Then be sure to gawk at our hands-on galleries after the jump. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub. Edgar Alvarez and Alexis Santos contributed to this report.
Griffin announces StudioConnect Audio/MIDI interface for iPad
Musicians have another audio and MIDI interface to choose from when they're looking for a way to connect a guitar, bass or MIDI instrument to an iPad. The new StudioConnect Audio/MIDI interface for iPad (US$149.99) was announced by Griffin Technology today, and it adds a sleek looking dock to the current options available. StudioConnect can be used with the optional GuitarConnect Pro analog to digital interface ($79.99), Griffin's Guitar Cables ($19.99), and the DJ Cable ($19.99) and a host of music applications on the iPad platform. The video below shows the StudioConnect being used with Garage Band by musicians TJ Daly, Jaren Johnston and Katie Herzig. Several other videos are available here, showing Griffin employees demonstrating the StudioConnect with guitar, bass, and MIDI keyboard. It looks like a pretty cool accessory for the musically-inclined, and we'll try to get a unit to our resident musicians for a followup review soon.
