Belkin's TuneStudio is cute and compact, but it's legit

(Credit: Belkin)

So maybe you don't have a recording studio in your basement. But if your musical ambitions go beyond playing "Freebird" on Guitar Hero, you might be interested in this new product from Belkin that's making its debut this week at CES. The TuneStudio, as it's called, might look like something like a Fisher-Price "My First Recording Studio" with its compact size and bright colors, but it's actually a pretty hardcore piece of equipment. You can plug in up to four audio sources (you know...mics, guitars, old-school beat boxes). There's a three-band equalizer, a set of controls for each source, and a set of LEDs to provide feedback on everything from recording status to master audio level. Plus, your masterpieces can easily be transferred to your Mac or PC via a USB port. U.S. customers will be able to get a TuneStudio this summer for $179.99; overseas, the wait will be a little longer.

One small caveat: You've got to have a fifth-generation iPod; no Nanos or older models.

Via CrunchGear.

[MelodyChalaban]

A couple additions

The TuneStudio will actually work with the nano 2nd generation, but the nano just won't dock as securely into the TuneStudio.

Also, you can use your iPod or computer as a 5th channel via USB.

[MelodyChalaban]

A couple additions

The TuneStudio will actually work with the nano 2nd generation, but the nano just won't dock as securely into the TuneStudio.

Also, you can use your iPod or computer as a 5th channel via USB.