You’d have to be living under a rock to not notice the impact Apple’s iPad tablet computer has had on day-to-day life, and I’m sure that most music technology enthusiasts have noticed that audio interface manufactures world-wide are embracing the iPad’s liberating functionality to bring new and exciting audio products to the market that promise to revolutionize the way we create music.

We here at Millennium Music pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the music technology world (since 1992 I might add) and thought we’d give our customers a roundup of the latest and greatest iPad audio interfaces available.  To make for easy reading, Part 1 of this blog will focus more on general iPad interfaces whilst Part 2 will concentrate on those dedicated for guitarist and bassists.

Tascam iXZ

Our first encounter brings us to the simple and incredibly affordable Tascam iXZ iOS Mic/Instrument Interface.  This small and extremely compact audio interface allows you to turn you iOS (iPod, iPhone and iPad) device into a portable practice, songwriting or live recording rig and comes equipped with a switchable mic/line/instrument input to suit a variety of needs.  The XLR microphone input found on the Tascam iXZ iOS Mic/Instrument Interface can even supply Phantom Power for those of us who wish to use our high-quality condenser microphones and also possesses a 1/8” headphone output for direct monitoring from your iOS device.

Our next item, the Lexicon Omega Desktop Recording Studio, is something many of us in the music tech world already know and love thanks to its high-quality converters and rich manufacturing pedigree.  However, whilst it was originally marketed as an audio interface for computers, the geniuses at Lexicon have taken full advantage of Apple’s USB Camera Connection Kit and have ensured that the Lexicon Omega Desktop Recording Studio is completely compatible with the latest generation of iPads.  With this new lease of life users are now able to record up to four channels of 24-bit / 44.1 kHz directly to their iPads via a wide variety of input connections and without the disadvantage of going through the iPad’s input jack connection.  As an added bonus, it even supports MIDI input to your favourite iPad music app.

Alesis iO Mix iPad Recorder

Setting the trend once again for things to come, the Alesis iO Mix iPad Recorder is the first device that turns your iPad into a powerful multitrack recording and mixing device.  With four XLR-1/4” combo input channels, each with trim, gain, pan and tone controls, along with switchable 48V Phantom Power for your condenser microphones and DI for recording guitars and basses without an amp, the Alesis iO Mix iPad Recorder offers a comprehensive solution for those looking to get the most out of their iPad.  Separating itself from its competitors, the Alesis iO Mix iPad Recorder also supports video output for connection to TVs and projectors making it perfect for VJs.  With a vast array of professional-standard connections, the Alesis iO Mix iPad Recorder fits perfectly into any studio or live environment and even keeps your precious iPad safe thanks to its hinged door.

Alto-Masterlink-Live-24

Our last but far from least item is Alto’s own contribution to the iOS world of audio.  The Alto Masterlink Live Series, available in 24 and 16 channels respectively, integrates a feature-packed standalone console with iPad recording, processing and analysis facilities to provide a mixing experience beyond any other mixer in its class.   Equipped with industry-leading Alesis DSP processing, low-noise preamps, three-band EQ on all mono channels and individual channel compressors, the Alto Masterlink Live Series has everything you need for live performances and rehearsals with or without an iPad.  Incorporating an iPad into this console allows users to gain access to a mass collection of software-based plug-ins via Alto’s own Live Drive App and control them intuitively thanks to the iPad’s beautiful multi-touchscreen display.  Once you’ve got everything set and ready to go, you can simply record the Alto Masterlink Live Series’ main outputs directly to your iPad.  Versatile, elegant and incredibly powerful, the Alto Masterlink Live Series brings the best of both worlds to your fingertips.

Call or email our experienced sales team and we’ll find the perfect audio-capable companion for your iPad.

Click links below for more product details:

• Tascam iXZ iOS Mic/Instrument Interface
• Lexicon Omega Desktop Recording Studio
• Alesis iO Mix iPad Recorder (link coming shortly)
• Alto Masterlink Live Series (link coming shortly)

The Steinberg CMC Series MIDI controllers have made a real splash for Cubase and Nuendo users in the short time they’ve been available.  Not only do they differ from 'typical' MIDI controllers by the fact that they are relatively low cost and also modular in nature, meaning that you can combine various units in any way you wish, but Steinberg have now added an extra incentive for you to delve into the potentials of the CMC Series MIDI controllers with a fantastic new offer!

Steinberg are giving you the chance to buy absolutely any Steinberg product over £80.00 from Millennium Music and get a CMC Series controller of your choice for just £80.00 to massively improve your production workflow.  That’s means you could buy one Steinberg CMC Series MIDI control module, such as the Steinberg CMC PD Pad Controller for just £135.99, and save more than £50.00 on another module of your choice!

Whether you’re looking for the highly innovative and precise Steinberg CMC-CH Channel Controller to gain direct access to a range of functions in Cubase's channel section, or maybe even the groundbreaking Steinberg CMC-AI Advanced Integration Contoller that provides instant and multifunctional control over anything your mouse clicks on, be sure to take full advantage of this incredible deal from Steinberg and make a recession-friendly saving that will not only save you a serious amount of money but will also improve your Cubase skills throughout.  From beat production to live performance, the Steinberg CMC Series offers hands-on USB control for just about any job imaginable.

Check out the entire Steinberg range here and decide which Steinberg CMC Series MIDI control module best suits you, there are six to choose from and they even work flawlessly alongside the flagship Steinberg CC121 Advanced Integration Controller.  Upgrade to the latest version of Steinberg's world-leading Cubase 6.5 and finish it off with the Steinberg CMC Studio Frame to give your controllers that extra touch of class.

This superb deal is available until 30^th June 2012; it’s not to be missed so call or email our friendly sales team now for more.

Check out the entire Steinberg CMC Series range:

• CMC AI
• CMC CH
• CMC PD
• CMC FD
• CMC QC
• CMC TP

**Offer applies to all Steinberg CMC Series except the Steinberg CMC FD, which will be discounted from £165.99 to £124.99 when you spend over £80.00 on any Steinberg products.

Native Instruments Studio Drummer is at an amazing price of just £61.99!

Get professionally produced drum tracks directly in your DAW - Offer ends 31st March.

Don't miss out!

http://www.millennium-music.co.uk/native-instruments-studio-drummer

Yes, protection, a subject often brought up by parents, friends, colleagues and technicians, but often ignored by people thinking "oh, it'll be fine, don't worry about it."

Don't ignore them......Your equipment NEEDS protection.

Be it guitars, keyboards, speaker cabs, amps etc, they all need protection from those little accidents that always seem to occur when you least expect it. If you've just invested your money on that piece equipment you have been lusting over, you should think about putting in a little extra cash for a flightcase or cover to ensure your item stays in the condition that made you buy it in the first place.

There is a reason you always see masses of flightcases and covers at proffesional venues and festivals, they have possibly learnt from thier mistakes and realised that a little extra investment will save a lot of money and hastle in the future.

Take this into account, think about it, and give Millennium Music a call on 08455557070 to discuss all your protection needs.