Issue #B
Boss SP-202 Dr. Sample
So now there are a million samplers. But finally we have one
that doesn't require you sit for hours, editing loops and tweaking
it to death. Designed with the live dj in mind this box has it all.
Not only does it have your basics but they've thrown in filters,
delays, ring mods, and the grand daddy of them all, pitch changers.
The pitch changer allows you to change the pitch without
slowing or speeding up the sample. The filter sweeps give the
coolest in analog feel and the ring modulator will fuck the finest
of sounds.
As an extra bonus you can use this as an effect, running live signal
through and processing. At under $400 this is the box of the year.
Philips OMNIwriter
Want to burn CDs of your own music, steal software, or just make a
backup of everything you own. Well with the price of a CD burner
now at around $400 dollars what are you waiting for.
Ramp Networks "WebRamp"
This box is for the small office that wants multiple easy to use
internet connections or the home user that wants more bandwidth
without the hassle of ISDN. It combines an 8 port hub with 3
outputs for standard modems. With one person connected you can
dial out on all 3 modems for triple the bandwidth. For multible
users you can set it up so the bandwidth is devided among those
connected.
ReBirth RB-388 v1.5
Techno Micro Composer
The folks at Propeller Software have come up with probably the most
ingenius toy in the computer age. All you need to run this is a good
soundcard and some free time. Containing 2 synths and a drum machine
you can compose until your brain hurts. Who needs techno records after
getting this.
Alesis DM5 Drum Module
First of all don't call this a drum machine because you need another
device to trigger it. But it contains so many great sounds that it
makes every drummer I've worked with cringe. Using a Roland Octopad
and a standard footswitch you can blow the room apart. I have
particular fondness for the "Sonar" kick drum. and the "Flange"
cymbols.
Iomega CLIK!
This is not out yet, but it will revolutionize every small piece of
gear you'll ever own. Samplers, digital cameras and PDAs currently
have up to 4Mb of disk space. This little box will give them 40Mb in
the space of a postage stamp. If you've ever hesitated about buying
possibly obsolete gear this is a good reason to wait until next year.
The Gang Of Five
The Gang of Five were first produced in the mid 1950's to the early
1960's by the Masudaya Corporation of Japan. Now Rocket USA is
recreating these classic tin robots although in miniture size. They
run at about $20 each. Rocket USA has other cool tin toy reproductions,
so check them out at www.rocketusa.com