Ion bridges analog and digital
Ion's digital turntables, which let you convert LP records directly to digital files, aren't new--I first saw them at the 2006 CES--but the company is showing more sophisticated equipment each time I stop by their booth. This year, they're showing off their LP Dock turntables, which not only feature a USB connection out but also a dock for selected iPods (5th gen and Classic and 2nd and 3rd gen Nano). This lets you record directly to the device via Voice Memo mode.
But I hadn't seen their URecord before--it's like their digital turntables but more versatile, letting you connect any audio source via RCA cables. The iCUE also looks cool--it's a two-channel mixer for digital audio files on your computer.
Ion's iCUE lets you mix digital audio files from your computer.
(Credit: Matt Rosoff)At their CES booth, they'll be showing off their electronic drum kits in conjunction with an Xbox 360 playing Rock Band. And right across the aisle, the folks at Peavey will be showing their guitar controllers with Guitar Hero. It's a virtual rock-a-thon! Check it out, about halfway back in the main hall at CES.
Matt Rosoff is an analyst with Directions on Microsoft, where he covers Microsoft's consumer products and corporate news. He's written about the technology industry since 1995, and reviewed the first Rio MP3 player for CNET.com in 1998. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network. Disclosure. You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattrosoff. 
