SoftStep Foot Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)This thing is amazing! It's is a huge step beyond what has been available 'til now (FCB-1010, etc).
The Max5 based software still a little buggy (as of Jan-2011, V.1.03) and could be better, and hopefully will be soon if the quality of the pedal is any indication.

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SoftStep is a leap forward in foot controller portability and functionality. Weighing in at just over a pound andfitting into many laptop and guitar cases, SoftStep has unparalleledflexibility compared to exisiting foot controllers. Whether used with an effects rack or with popular software programs, SoftStep is the most affordable, versatile and expressive controller available. Stage- Virtual Pedalboard - connect to your MIDI hardware to switch programs, control parameters, trigger samples and loops. Guitar/Bass players - control your MIDI FX hardware or software apps such as Guitar Rig and AmpliTube. Laptop musicians/DJs - trigger and process loops/FX in Live, Reason and Traktor. Keyboardists - keep both hands on your keys while switching patches, sweeping filters and tapping tempos.Studio-Control punch-in/out, levels, jog wheel, panning and transport functions in Digital Audio Workstations/MIDI Sequencers. Control multiple DSP plug-in parameters in real-time. Map each of ten multi-touch keys to six unique notes, CC\'s, program changes or OSC in your studio apps. Silent switching - click-free control of program change, patches, FX while recording. SoftStep MIDI Expander (sold separately) is a must have add-on that enables you to control your MIDI world. Program with our easy to use control mapping software, plug in your MIDI rig, and you\'re ready to use Softstep with or without a computer.

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Akai APC40 Abelton Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been drooling over this since it was announced, and I am so happy that I finally broke down and bought one. It's a shame that there are no reviews up yet, so let me be the first to say that this controller is amazing. Make sure that you erase any previous midi mapping that you've done and then restart Ableton, and you'll find that it has perfectly automapped itself. At first I thought that it was a little strange that there's no manual included... but after five minutes, I realized that it DOESN'T NEED A MANUAL. That's just how intuitive it is, from top to bottom.
The hardware itself is up to usual Akai standards: the knobs and faders feel weighty and responsive. This thing is both larger and thinner than I thought it would be, but after playing around with it the size feels perfect. The two-way communication is killer- just drop an audio clip into Live and it will instantly appear on the grid, color-coded to match its status. Recording and triggering loops couldn't be easier, and the entire interface perfectly emulates what you're used to seeing on the screen.
In the upper right-hand corner you have control over the pan and sends A through C for tracks 1-8, which is really nice. My only complaint is that I would have preferred to have it become all the sends for whatever track is highlighted, but I'll get used to the new workflow. Part of what makes Ableton Live great is that it accommodates so many different styles of music, so making a universal controller for the program was a bit of a challenge. Akai really stepped up and once you get your hands on it, you'll see what all the hype is about: this really is the be-all and end-all of hardware for the program.
One downside I've found is that navigating the plugins can be sort of clunky. First you highlight a track and then the knobs in the lower right are assigned to the first plugin you've placed there. Then you use the left and right buttons to scroll through each unit, and when you do the knobs reassign themselves to control the appropriate effects. I find that having to click through them all is sort of difficult, but there's nothing stopping me from using the mouse like I used to. I guess the only thing that is stopping me from handing out a 5-star rating is that the APC40 sort of forces you to use the workflow they've designed. Remapping the controls isn't difficult, but everything is laid-out and labeled in such a way that it sort of corrals you into getting used to doing things their way.
This review is starting to look a little long, so I'll just sum it up: I absolutely love this thing. I wish I had picked it up sooner and if you are AT ALL considering this purchase, just do it already. Well-constructed, well-programmed, and absolutely worth the money. Like me, you're probably used to using an assortment of controllers and you're wondering if you need to spend the cash. Well, this thing will replace all of those and more, and you'll quickly get used to the layout. Just do it!

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Working in partnership with software developer Ableton, the Akai APC40 Performance Controller offers a control surface that's specifically designed for performance with Ableton Live software. Designed to be a powerful, intuitive controller for electronic music performance artists, DJs, hip-hop producers and traditional musicians using Ableton Live on stage and in the studio, the Akai APC40 transforms your experience from one of constructing tracks with software on a computer to one of fluid, effortless, musical creation.

Key Features
Designed in partnership with Ableton for Ableton Live
Unique clip matrix with multicolor lighting displays current clip status
No mapping required; every knob, button, and fader is customizable
Bidirectional communication between APC40 and Ableton Live
Solid, professional feel with rugged, metal chassis and premium controls
Comes with Akai APC40 edition of Ableton Live Lite, free upgrade patch for full versions of Live
Works with standalone editions of Ableton Live
Works with most MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software
USB plug-and-play connection for Mac and PC
Premium controller with rugged, metal chassis

Direct Design Because Akai Professional and Ableton designed the APC40 specifically for Ableton Live, you don't need to map its controls to talk to the software. Just connect your laptop to the APC40 via USB--thanks to its plug and play capabilities, you won't need to install any drivers. It comes pre-mapped for instant use with Ableton Live software, so if you're new to it, you'll find using the APC40 to be easy to get around on. And if you're an experienced Live user, you'll be happy to note that you can custom-map every single knob, button, and fader on the APC40 to completely customize the controls for the way you like to work.
Virtual View Because of the bidirectional communication between the APC40 and Ableton Live software, the APC40 can receive feedback from the software and display it on its clip matrix of 40 triggers and on LED rings surrounding each knob. The clip matrix gives you an instant view of clip status: what's loaded, what's playing, and what's being recorded. Each state displays on the matrix in a different color so you can get a quick picture of clip state. You can shift your clip focus and get an overview of the clips you have loaded for your set.
The APC40 has 16 knobs, each surrounded by a ring of LEDs. These LED rings make it easy to see your settings on dark stages, indicating the currently selected parameters' values.
Premium Feel The APC40 is built with a rugged, metal chassis and slip-proof rubber detailing. All of the knobs and faders are solid and precise for pinpoint performance. It even features a high quality, replaceable crossfader for transitioning between clips and loops assigned to "A" or "B."
Creative Control The APC40 comes with Ableton Live Akai Professional APC40 Edition software, which is fully functional for performance and production. Owners of standalone editions of Ableton Live 7 or 8 can also work seamlessly with the APC40. Live 7 with the latest automatic update has full support for the APC40 and all versions of Live 8 are APC40-ready.
The APC40 has two banks of eight knobs. The first set controls Global parameters so you'll always have instant access to your main sends, pans, and other essentials. The second bank of eight knobs is dynamically reassigned to the Track you select. You can control eight track parameters at a time, and as you switch channels, the Track knobs follow your focus. For example, you might be working with the Beat Decoder on track two. When you switch to track four, the eight Track knobs that you had been controlling the Beat Decoder with are now controlling the Flangeverb on track four. You'll even notice that the settings for each knob load on the light rings so you'll immediately see each knob's status.
The APC40 also enables special clip-status views and feedback that only the APC40's matrix can display. The matrix is not limited to only 40 clips: you can scroll and shift, enabling you to access, control, and perform with an unlimited number of cells.
The APC40 has a wide range of controllers. The eight Global knobs can access four banks of controls; the eight Track knobs control nine different track parameters each. This gives you a massive total of 72 controllers that are dynamically reassigned each time you switch tracks. Channel faders, bus faders, and a crossfader give you smooth control of key values. You have even more control power with special controls including Tap Tempo, Tempo Nudge, record enables, solo/cues, and two assignable footswitch inputs.
Specifications
Dimensions: 16.88 x 13.13 x 2.62 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 5.8 pounds
Power supply: 12V 2.0A pin-positive, included
Communication: USB-MIDI with proprietary hardware/software handshake
Inputs: USB, Two assignable footswitch inputs
Mac system requirements: G4 or faster/Intel Mac recommended, 512 MB RAM/1 GB recommended, OS 10.3.9, 10.4 or later. recommended, QuickTime 6.5 or higher, DVD-ROM drive, USB port
PC system requirements: 1.5 GHz or faster, 512 MB RAM/1 GB recommended, Windows XP or Vista, Windows-compatible sound card/ASIO driver support recommended, QuickTime 6.5 or higher, DVD-ROM drive, USB port

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M Audio X Session Pro Mixer DJ Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, first off, I'd like to share just a short bit of hell that I went through to get this item, and NOT because of Amazon (they were excellent). I did my research for a good 2 weeks trying to find exactly what I needed for the software I've been using. Currently I've been spending every night after work enjoying my X-Session Pro with PropellerHead's Reason 4.0. Anyways, after doing my research I knew exactly what I wanted and needed. I ended up going to 2 different guitar centers in Manhattan, one of which told me they didn't even carry the item (even though I had the printed item from guitar center's website in my bag). Anyways, after a long drawn out battle with Guitar Center, including an online order which after a week of not shipping, I had to call THEM, only to find out that GC no longer would carry the item.. absolutely stupid.Ok, I'm finished complaining, but I only wanted to share this because I finally just got onto Amazon, ordered my X-Session Pro, and BEFORE Guitar Center had even removed the charge from my credit card, my X-Session was waiting for me at my house...
So Cheers to Amazon and it's excellent Vendors. (this was free standard shipping as well)
As for the Product. What I like? It's VERY VERY light. I can easily take this anywhere I go. Although it's a bit of an awkward shape..the knobs are kind of tall, over all, I'd consider it fairly portable. I would recommend, however, simply throwing in a shirt or some soft cloth material on top of it (that's not going to get fuzzies in the controls) just for some extra padding.
The response is very smooth! I use this with Reason and find the delay time to be very minimal, especially for something that's working with USB.
No power supply needed! This is one of my favorite features for at the home. It's powered through the USB bus. HOWEVER - LAPTOP USERS beware! That means it will drain battery quicker of your laptop when in use, but I can't imagine running any audio software / doing anything serious with this without being stationary / plugged in to your power supply.
Nice Variety of controls. I love my knobs..ohhhhh I love my knobs...I wish I could have 400, but I do like having 12 knobs and 4 faders or whatever. Another note is that the beauty of this USB device is simply being able to program the controls to your likings. For instance, you can program an oscilator to a fader... if that suits your style... so basically you can adjust tempo / levels with knobs or sliders... it's kind of nice to have that kind of variety and freedom.
Overall, there really isn't anything I don't' like about this so far. I don't use the play/stop buttons, perhaps because Reason simply does not support them, but I'm not upset. The reason I bought this was to use the control nobs and sliders and it's perfect for what I wanted.
I am for sure a novice at this stuff, but this is certainly an excellent edition to studio. I'd recommend it to anyone who already owns a keyboard with usb/midi support etc, and doesn't want to pay a ton of money to build their own work station.
:)

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The M Audio X-Session Pro USB MIDI controller is the easiest way to bring traditional DJ mixer-style control to the world of computer DJing and live performance. With a single USB connection, you get dedicated tactile controls for volume, pitch, EQ, cueing, transport and a crossfader. As a class-compliant USB MIDI controller, you can use it to control applications like Ableton Live, Traktor DJ Studio or any software that supports MIDI Learn, enabling you to bring DJ-inspired crossfades and filter sweeps into your live performances as well as studio productions. M Audio X-Session Pro Features USB MIDI controller with DJ mixer-inspired layout - perform using a single interface 27 MIDI controllers - tactile control of DJ applications, soft synths and DAWs works with any software that supports MIDI Learn - use on stage and in the studio class-compliant MIDI device under Mac OS X or Windows XP - no drivers, no complicated set-ups powered via USB - goes everywhere your computer goes Plays Well with Others The X-Session Pro brings DJ mixer-style tactile control to any software that supports MIDI Learn. The unit is a class-compliant MIDI device under Mac OS X and Windows XP, so you'll never need extra drivers to make it interface with your favorite DJ applications, soft synths or DAWs-from Ableton Live and Traktor DJ Studio to Pro Tools M-Powered and more. For example, you can easily assign the crossfader on the X-Session Pro to the crossfader within Ableton Live and add a new dynamic to your live performances or studio work. With a digital DJ application like Traktor, you can assign the various level, EQ and crossfader controls to the X-Session Pro. The possibilities are virtually endless. Built to Rock Today's powerful laptop computers have brought near limitless options to DJs and performing electronic musicians. But the combination of a mouse and keyboard is not the most natu

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Fender Mustang III 100-watt open back combo amp w/ 1x12"?Celestion Speaker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Construction
This Amp certainly looks sharp. It is not nearly as heavy as I would expect a 100W amp to be, but seems well put together.
Controls
The III comes with a 2 button Foot Pedal which feels very solid and works perfectly. (You can expand to add an optional 4 button switch that Fender sells separately and also includes in the IV and V.)
On the amp, you have separate EQ knobs (Treble, Mids and Low) you have a gain, a volume, a Master Volume and a Reverb. Along with these, you also have an LCD screen that tells you which amp model you are using with witch pedals, presets, delays and reverbs. You also have separate buttons for changing Amp models, reverb, delays and modulation effects. The large knob on the top actually scrolls through presets, and once you press it, you can go into deep editing of the amp models, effects and presets.
The controls are intuitive and easy to use. It is a great mix of visual digital feedback as well as tactile knobs.
Comparing to other amps:
The Fender GDEC 3 does not have as much deep editing available on the amp itself. You need to use your computer to edit and download settings properly. But on the Mustang III, you do not feel that you are missing out on editing functionality by not keeping it plugged into a computer.
I don't know of another amp that has controls that are both as intuitive and as powerful.
The Sound (Most important)
Let me first compare this amp to what Line 6, Vox, and Peavy have offered in the past. All of the companies that have gone heavy into the amp modeling offer endless numbers of sounds and effects... BUT... How many of those sounds are useful for guitarists who are learning and trying to create sounds based on music that has inspired them? Line 6 offers tons of sounds... most of them are what I would call "niche" sounds that are only useful when recording a weird intro, or some crazy effects laden sound. What I find with Line 6 is that their vintage tones are very digital sounding and sound over processed. They don't sound overdriven, they just sound distorted. Also, Line 6 offers oodles of sounds for progressive rock, metal, and maybe even some weird jazz fusion. These sounds are unique and interesting, but the vast majority are of no use to someone like me who is learning to play the songs that I love and looking for useful rock, blues, and metal tones.
What I can say about the Mustang III is that the tones do not sound digital or overly processed. The Vintage amps have some great overdriven types of sounds. These are very passable sounds and fantastic models of the Real Thing. You can find the actual base amp models in memory banks 88-99. By playing these sounds you get a real feel of what you can do to the amps. A few of the sounds that are simply amazing to me are:
'57 Champ This amp model sounds so convincingly cool just like a little 8 inch Champ. Tons of character and tone. You can get some really cool vintage type blues sounds through this amp model. Think the Jimi Blues cd. The presets that use this amp that Fender created are all really fun and sound amazing.
Fender Bassman Wow! You can get some great bold rock sounds out of this amp model. It has the recognizable tone of the Bassman modeled really well. Big Bold bottom end with some singing highs.
'65 Deluxe is a fantastic all purpose amp model. Throw an overdrive pedal on there and play some great classic rock/blues. Or leave it alone for a beautiful clean tone.
The British Amps are all good models of Vox and Marshall type amps. They are all bold and in your face. Just play one ACDC riff into the 70's amp and you'll recognize the sound.
As far as the Vintage tones go...I dare you to find anything that models vintage tones this well anywhere. If you play rock, blues, Country, hard rock or Jazz, you have so many great choices. People who play in churches will love the variety of clean tones for your lighter stuff and good overdriven rock tones for faster paced songs.
What surprises me is that Fender has strongly marketed this amp for people who play heavy music. I was worried that the heavier amp models would not be nearly as good.
I was wrong. The 90's stack can get nice and grungy or crunchy as you like it. I'm pretty sure that this is a Mesa Boogie type of model. This is certainly your Metallica amp.
The 2000 metal is for all of your nu metal needs and can be pulled back a little to play some cool thrash sounds too.
The BIG bonus for heavy guitarists in my opinion though is the SuperSonic. This amp has a lot of great character and you can make it bluesy or really make it heavy and bold to play metal, thrash or whatever. If you overdrive it with a built in pedal, you can get some great raw and heavy tones out of this. I play some metal and hard rock as well as the classic and blues stuff that I like. I personally will play all of my heavy stuff on this SuperSonic amp.
The fact that you can take any of these basic amps and layer effects and pedals on them gives you absolutely infinite combinations of tones. You can have one guy who sets all 100 presets with vintage tones, and another guy who has all of the presets filled with metal and thrash. It is limitless.
I would, without a doubt choose this amp over ANY modeling amp out there for practice and fun.
I own a pimped out MIM Strat, and a off-the-rack Classic Vibe Strat and Tele as well as a Les Paul style guitar. They ALL sound very cool on this amp. The Classic Vibe 60's Strat really impresses me through this amp. So versatile with so many great sounds and such a high quality sound. I am really loving it!
This amp can play really really loud with it's 100 Watts, but you can also play it with great tone at very low volumes. (I have 4 kids and practice at night, and this amp is perfect.)
Fender Fuse and Ableton Software
I have to admit that I really don't feel a lot of need to dive too much deeper into sound editing than what I can do manually on the amp. However, You'll find amazing tones all over the Fender Fuse. The system is super easy to use and store on your amp. As with any open online forum, you will have to wade through tones that you don't love and aren't described well. But you will find some gems too.
I have not had time to dive into the ableton recording software yet, so I will have to save that review for later.
The FINAL WORD
I am a Father of 4 who needs an amp that sounds great at low volumes. I like Vintage tones as much as Heavy stuff, so I like a variety of tones. I hate overprocessed guitar tones. This amp is perfect for me. Perfect. The amp models are great, and the factory installed presets are a great variety of usable sounds. It comes with a built in tuner, tap tempo effects, a two button footswitch, an effects loop, a digital interface, deep editing computer software, a headphone jack, a usb port, recording software, and more
At $299 This amp costs less than effects pedals that friends of mine have purchased. I have a $300 strat that I love that sounds beautiful through it. After buying it, I have listed a Tube amp and several effects pedals that I have loved because I no longer will play it.
There is no better modeling amp for my needs!

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