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Mixmeister Scratch brings scratching to the iPhone, vinyl still cooler
Among the items on the miles-long list of things made better (or at least more interesting) with a capacitive touchscreen, virtual vinyl scratching and beat juggling has to be somewhere on there. Physical records have a certain sexiness that'll carry on for many years to come, but you've gotta admit that there's an appeal to whipping out a couple iPhones (or iPod touches, if that's how you roll), plugging them in, and having an instant set of turntables at your disposal. We're not quite there yet, but MixMeister has taken the first step with a rudimentary scratch app that comes with a set of funky fresh samples and will also work with any music already loaded on your device. It's not released yet, but it looks like when it is, it'll work with all firmware versions -- jailbroken ones, we presume. Follow the break for a video demo.[Thanks, Chris]
Sony announces PS-LX300USB USB turntable, ready to fight next format war against 8-track
Apparently Sony found out they just don't make 'em like they used to and whipped up a belt-driven USB turntable: the PS-LX300USB. It'll export your 33s and 45s through Sound Forge Audio Studio (bundled) and has its own pre-amp, but Sony, you're living in the past, man. It'll go for $150 next month -- just sell off a Northern soul single or two to cover costs.
Numark's TTi turntable transfers vinyl to iPod sans a PC
Sure, there's a smorgasbord of products out there designed to transfer your precious vinyl recordings to a slightly more modern format, but few pack the cool factor that comes bundled in gratis with Numark's TTi. This newfangled turntable not only brings back not-so-fond memories of your second high school prom, but it also boasts an integrated iPod dock, USB interface, a metal platter and pitch control to boot. Besides ripping records directly to your 'Pod, the unit also features a line-level output and comes with versions of EZ Vinyl Converter software for the PC or Mac should you prefer vinyl-to-computer ripping. We know, it's tough to leave the 70s, but the TTi should make the transition somewhat less painstaking when it lands in Q2 for $449. One more angle's waiting after the break.
Teac's GF-650 tabletop player enables vinyl-to-CD transfers
It's been a hot minute since Teac introduced its first tabletop vinyl-to-CD sound machine, but the retrofied device is getting an appreciated upgrade in the GF-650. This unit touts an AM / FM radio, auxiliary input jack, wireless remote, CD player, and of course, a record player. As expected, users simply load in a CD-R / RW, queue up their favorite record, and walk away (or hang around, it's up to you) as the real-time transfer takes place. As for output, it's got a meager 3.5-watt x 2 amplifier, and it should be on sale right now in Japan for a staggering ¥83,790 ($740).[Via Impress]
Game-related record sleeve art hurts our brains
Video game soundtracks might be a big deal nowadays, but back in the '80s the video-game-related albums at the record store tended to be a little different. AZ Nighbuzz has assembled a collection of some of the wonderfully weird game-related album art from the golden age of the arcades.While various international versions of Pac-Man Fever clog up the list, the selections include everything from spoken word strategy to a Breakout backstory and even a Super Mario Land remix that was pressed onto vinyl as late as 1992. Our favorite, though, has to be the inexplicably weird cover for Scientist Encounters Pac-Man, in which a metal, piranha-toothed monstrosity devours a dark-skinned man (presumably the Scientist?) in futuristic skin-tight garb. They just don't make album art like that any more. Thank goodness.
Ion Audio intros two new USB turntables
If you're like us (and we suspect you are), you have huge stacks of obscure, 1970's prog-rock on vinyl that you're unable to enjoy while jogging, biking, or road-tripping to Bonnaroo -- and that's harshing your mellow. Well, harsh no more, friends, because Ion Audio is here to help. The hardware manufacturer has just released two new variations on its iTTUSB USB turntable, the iTTUSB05 (pictured, $149.99) and the iTTUSB10 ($249.99). Both models feature 33 1/3 and 45 RPM playback, Line-level RCA outputs (utilizing a built-in preamp), EZ Vinyl recording software, and plug & play USB connectivity. The iTTUSB10 can also convert 78 RPM records via software trickery, and can digitize other media through its 1/8-inch stereo input (finally, you can convert all those cassette mixtapes from your exes). Of course, there are more expensive or more confusing options for this sort of thing, and pricey add-ons you might want -- but for a cheap, fast solution, this is definitely worth a glance.
ELP Declicker cleans up your vinyl
We know how annoying it is when you're trying to bounce all of your old Rush LPs to FLAC (you know, so you can jam to Moving Pictures on the go), and your files are filled with ugly surface noise. Well, ELP (the company, not Emerson, Lake, and Palmer) feels your pain -- and it wants to help. For the low, low price of $2500 you can supposedly rid your music of pops and clicks (but not hiss, strangely) with the turn of a knob. Of course, there are much cheaper software options for this sort of thing, and you can't use it on 78s, but you probably won't be worried about that once you hear how good Tom Sawyer sounds.[Thanks, Matt]
SeaGrand's GENESOUND rips vinyl to CD / MP3
SeaGrand isn't exactly a well-known brand here in the US, but the company known for crafting nifty devices to rip one musical format to another is dropping one in for the retro crowd. Whether you've got 33s or 45s, SeaGrand's forthcoming GENESOUND should make ripping vinyl to MP3 a lesson in simplicity, and if you're stuck back in the days of compact disc, it'll burn to CD for you as well. The mini-system includes a pair of stereo speakers, brushed aluminum face, a hint of vintage styling, headphone out, CD / LP playback, and there's even USB / SD ports to carry your freshly ripped tunes on flash media. As expected, there's no word on how much this useful invention will run you, but folks in Japan can start ripping through that vinyl collection (and reminiscing about the days of DRM-free music) later this month.
