Suite Software & Rockin’ Shirts
VOX
JamVOX
Vox‘s acclaimed JamVOX practice module and software suite includes recreations of 19 famous guitar amps and 54 classic effects. This lets aspiring guitarists reproduce their six-string heroes’ tones while playing along to the supplied 28 classic rock-song soundtrack, including The Beatles’ “Day Tripper,” Pearl Jam’s “Alive,” and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.” A dedicated, full-range interface and USB-monitor speaker connects directly to your PC or Mac. The Vox JamVOX lets you extract the guitar track from any MP3 with Vox’s Guitar XTracktion (GXT) technology, letting you create instant jam tracks from any song and play lead backed by the original band. Users can also isolate parts, slow down backing track tempos, and practice any style of music without changing the pitch. Guitars and a microphones connect directly to the JamVOX module. JamVOX can be used on used on recent MAC (G4 or newer) or PC (Pentium 4 or newer). List price is $329. Visit www.myjamvox.com for more more details and a full demo.
CARL MARTIN
Rock Bug Simulator
The Carl Martin Rock Bug looks like a guitar pedal, but it’s actually an amplifier/ speaker simulator and headphone amp that recreates the tones of playing through a fine tube amp while operating on a single 9-volt battery. Featuring a dramatically simple control board, guitarists can adjust their instruments’ volume with the guitar knob, select an open or closed cabinet simulation with the mini-toggle switch, and turn it up to bone-jarring levels while connected to the 1/4-inch headphone jack. Available AUX stereo inputs makes adding an MP3, CD, or DAT player a user-friendly exercise for those wanting to play along with their favorite tunes. Rock Bug’s onboard master volume makes adjusting levels for practicing and recording a breeze. List price is $199. Check out www.carlmartin.com for an online demo.
RØDE
M1 Microphone
We love previewing Røde microphones because they not only supply a good value to their user base, they also have one of the best PR departments in the music business. Here’s a sample of Røde’s M1 Mic press release: “The new Røde M1 is built for late nights, crowded stages, and long tours . . . you can be sure that in choosing the Røde M1 you are investing in a microphone that not only looks and sounds rock ‘n’ roll, but will be a part of your kit for a long time to come.” Couldn’t of said it better myself daddy-o, though it is worth mentioning the M1 includes gold-plated XRL connectors, low-handling noise, feedback-rejecting pickup pattern, a heavy-duty metal body, plus a lifetime warranty. List price is $199; www.rode.com.au. offers full details.
THINKGEEK
Electronic Drum Kit Shirt
If you want to let the world know what a kick-arse drummer you are, there’s no need to drag your kit out to the street corner. Just throw on ThinkGeeks’ Electronic Drum Kit Shirt and you’re rockin’ those block-rockin’ beats at your local supermarket or coffee shop. This 100-percent black cotton T-shirt (what else!) uses raised drum decals, a speaker, and four AAA batteries to kick out the jams. Also included is an onboard volume control so you don’t keep your roommate up at night. After five consecutive days of wearing the same shirt, you may want to get the funk out, though. Thankfully it is washable in cold water – after you break down your kit. List price is $29.95. Visit www.thinkgeek.com for all the info.
– David Gedge
