ONE-SHOTS
Jun 1, 2004 12:00 PM, By Robert Hanson
CASIO WK-3500
PORTABLE KEYBOARD AND SEQUENCER
Everyone has his or her own way of writing music, and for some, an acoustic guitar or a laptop full of software synthesizers just doesn't cut it. If you're in the market for a compact songwriting tool, the Casio WK-3500 could be what you're looking for. The unit houses 76 full-size keys with aftertouch, 32-note polyphony, Smart Media, a floppy drive, 790 tones (566 factory presets), 140 rhythms, MIDI I/O and a lot more. The unit also includes built-in two-way ported speakers and standard stereo ¼-inch outputs, and it can run from a standard AC outlet or from D batteries. The WK-3500 includes some surprisingly good synth, bass and piano presets that will provide plenty of inspirational fodder, as well as prove usable on a finished track. The onboard sequencer allows users to easily create multitrack files, and its portable, stand-alone design makes it perfect for road trips and hotel rooms. The unit's sound set is also expandable via downloads from the company's Website.
Product Summary
CASIO
WK-3500 > $399
At a glance: Self-contained synthesizer and sequencer.
Contact: tel. (973) 361-5400; Web www.casio.com
ULTRASONE HFI-650
HEADPHONES
For the electronic-music crowd, headphones are one of the most important products that someone can own. But they are not just important for DJs; producers also use them to scrutinize pieces of audio, and many pieces of music can only truly be appreciated with a good pair of cans. Ultrasone recently made some waves with its new HFI-650 headphones, which feature many of the trimmings that DJs and producers consider essential, like a fold-up design, a carrying case and a screw-on ¼-inch adapter. Built around the company's S-Logic Natural Surround Sound technology, the drivers deliver sound to the ear in a more natural and less-fatiguing fashion. The cup design also provides a higher degree of isolation, allowing users to monitor at lower levels. Boasting a frequency response of 10 Hz to 25 kHz, the HFI-650s compared quite favorably to a number of high-end units that I use. And maybe it was a placebo effect, but the Ultrasones definitely seemed to be easier to wear in long late-night sessions, and they produced a more even and representative picture of the audio I played back. If you're looking for solid pair of headphones, the Ultrasone HFI-650s deserve a listen.
Product Summary
ULTRASONE
HFI-650 > $249
At a glance: Studio-quality headphones with a road-worthy design.
Contact: tel. (615) 599-4719; Web www.ultrasoneusa.com
APPLE iPOD MINI
DIGITAL MUSIC PLAYER
The venerable Apple iPod and its new diminutive cousin, the Mini, are easily the hottest consumer gadgets to hit the market in years. But these slick little digital-audio players can handle a lot more than simply consolidating your record collection. For the producer and DJ on the go, these tiny devils can easily double not only as your portable jukebox but also as an ultracompact external FireWire or USB 2.0 hard drive. Recently, I put the new 4GB iPod Mini through its paces on a demanding recording gig, and it performed famously. Connected to a 1GHz Mac PowerBook running Emagic Logic 6.3.3, the iPod Mini was able to record and play back six simultaneous audio tracks at 24-bit, 48kHz and 10 tracks at 16-bit, 44.1kHz. The Mini will also work wonders for DJs who use digital files: The Mini can store any variety of audio files, making it the perfect companion for a Stanton FinalScratch or Ableton Live performance rig.
Product Summary
APPLE
iPOD MINI > $249
At a glance: Portable music player and 4GB hard drive.
Contact: tel. (800) 692-7753; e-mail info@apple.com; Web www.apple.com
| Want to use this article? Click here for options! |  |
