Today's Top Stories:

  We Were Thinking
Yesterday we reported that the brand-new PreSonus INSPIRE 1394 had already arrived into stock - amazing, given that the product was just announced at the AES show a few weeks ago! In our item yesterday we mentioned that you can daisy-chain up to four INSPIREs together for a total of 16 inputs. This is pretty cool in itself, but it occurred to us that using four INSPIREs gives you even more flexibility: Each member of the band can have one, use it at home for tracking and writing, then bring it into the studio or rehearsal room to give you the added inputs you need to record the whole group at once. Pretty neat.

  A New Gold Standard
Ribbon mics are seriously hot. They've always been popular among studio pros, of course, but lately, even some home and project studio owners have started to catch the fever. Trust us, nothing will raise temperatures like the 18-carat gold-plated Royer Labs R-122V Vacuum Tube Ribbon Microphone, which combines the warmth of a tube mic with the sweet frequency response of a ribbon mic. The R-122V has an output of -29dB, about 25dB hotter than an R-121, and its ability to withstand high SPLs makes it suitable for applications that were previously considered off-limits to ribbons. The R-122V's active electronics utilize a NOS (new old stock) U.S.-built military 6AU6 vacuum tube and Royer's proprietary toroidal ribbon-matching transformer. A Jensen output transformer with an 8:1 ratio allows the R-122V to drive virtually any preamplifier and handle long cable runs with ease. The R-122V goes through an extensive burning in process to assure proper settling of the vacuum tube. The Royer Labs R-122V ships with a dedicated power supply and a cable set equipped with military-grade locking XLR connectors.

  New In Stock At Sweetwater

• Numark iDJ - The explosive popularity of Apple's iPod has now spread to the DJ booth! Numark's iDJ is a sleek, blue-on-white, 2-channel mixing console with two universal docking stations for all iPods with a bottom connector, which includes all second generation units like the iPod Mini, 20GB, 30GB, 40GB, 60GB, and iPod Photo. A special adapter is included to assure a perfect fit. The iDJ even charges your iPods while it's playing and older iPods can be used via RCA jacks. Other brands of MP3 players will interface using the headphone jack. Once your iPods are in place, you can access your music library via the large, onboard iPod controls. The iDJ even includes a 3-band EQ with gain control on each channel, a dedicated mic input and there's even a built-in USB port for quick and easy computer interfacing!
• M-Audio ProKeys 88 - Since the dawn of time...well okay, since about 1985, keyboard players have searched for the perfect 88-note MIDI controller. The ProKeys 88 is a killer digital stage piano with 14 world-class sampled sounds, but it also doubles as a great MIDI controller thanks to the 88-note hammer-action keyboard that delivers a realistic piano feel to satisfy even the most demanding pro. A built-in USB MIDI interface is included for easy direct connection to your PC or Mac, plus MIDI in and out jacks to communicate with other MIDI gear, pitch and modulation wheels, transport controls, and more. The ProKeys 88 pulls out all the stops in creating the ultimate playing experience by combining 64 megs of onboard samples (including a stellar stereo Yamaha C7 grand) with a weighted-action keyboard and a head-turning low price.
• Apple iMac 17 G5 - Apple's iMacs have been a huge hit since their initial introduction. But today's iMac is faster and more affordable than ever. In fact, the new 1.9GHz 17-inch iMac G5 sets a lofty new performance-to-price standard. Yet the new iMac G5 is housed in an even slimmer, more attractive package with a remarkably compact footprint. The 17" flat-panel display shows text and graphics with dazzling brightness, clarity, and color saturation, while the 1.9GHz G5 processor blasts through data at blinding 64-bit speed. Hidden behind the display, you'll find the entire iMac computer: Central processing unit, logic board, hard drive, optical drive, speakers, microphone, and power supply.
• Fender Hot Rod Deluxe LTD - Since its introduction, the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe has been one of the world's best-selling tube amps. Now Fender has introduced the Limited Edition Hot Rod Deluxe "Emerald!" The 3-channel Hot Rod Deluxe tube preamp is coupled to a matched pair of Groove Tube 6L6s to deliver 40 watts of tough tube tone. What makes the Limited Edition different is its Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, which delivers a warm, crunchy tone. Then Fender wrapped it in a "British Emerald" covering and faced it with a Cyber-Twin SE grille cloth. The ivory Pointer knobs add a touch of distinction, while a special Limited Edition badge lets the world know this is no ordinary amp. But don't wait too long to get your own Limited Edition Hot Rod Deluxe, because only 400 of these amps will ever be built!

  Guitar Of The Day
One day nobody had ever heard of Brian Setzer. The next, thanks to a modern rockabilly hit single by the Stray Cats, he was practically a household name. Even before he was famous, Brian's guitar of choice was a Gretsch 6120. Today, the updated Gretsch Brian Setzer Signature Edition Nashville has been tweaked to Brian's exacting specifications. Upon reviewing his killer vintage guitar collection, Gretsch rebuilt the trestle bracing to match his favorite '59, giving it a more solid feel with tons of sustain. It comes factory-equipped with the new TV Jones Classic pickups, Sperzel locking tuners, pinned Adjusto-matic bridge, and finally, it wouldn't be a Gretsch without the Bigsby B6CB Vibrato tailpiece. Other features include a special-formulation, thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish, white dice control knobs, polished aluminum and nickel-plated hardware, neo-classic "thumbnail" inlay position markers, horseshoe headstock inlay, bound fingerboard, multiple body bindings, and oversized f-holes. The gold plexi pickguard features Brian Setzer's signature, and Setzer's name appears on the truss rod cover. Schaller straplocks and an adjustable truss rod complete this outstanding guitar.