Today's Top Stories:

  World's Smallest iPod Ships Today!
Without question, Apple's iPod and the iTunes Music Store have changed forever the way we buy and listen to music. Now the company's new iPod shuffle, the world's smallest digital music player, will be available in Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers (like us here at Sweetwater) this Friday, which is November 3. The original iPod was tiny, but this new version is even smaller — just half a cubic inch in volume and weighing just half an ounce! Even the price of the 1GB is diminuative! Featuring a miniscule aluminum design with a built-in clip, this is the most wearable iPod ever, while the 12-hour battery life means you can fly coast-to-coast or even overseas without the need for a recharge.

  SSL Introduces Multi-Channel Audio Converters
The Solid State Logic Xlogic Alpha-Link Audio I/O Product Range — or SSLXALAIOPR for short — is a new collection of flexible, full featured multi-channel audio converters for studio, live, and broadcast applications. There are three Alpha-Link models in the initial release, all featuring high-quality 24-channel SSL-enhanced AD/DA converter circuitry and a choice of digital audio format options. The Alpha-Link MADI SX is a MADI and AES/EBU based converter, while the Alpha-Link AX and Alpha Link MADI AX are ADAT lightpipe-based converters. All are stylishly designed, 2U-high rackmountable units with deceptively simple front-panel controls, a handy front-panel headphone connection, and a metering section for the analog inputs and outputs with an AD/DA selection button, mode indicator LEDs, and 24 tri-colour level LEDs. All Alpha Link units can be used as standalone format converters, or as a powerful, highly flexible IO solution for native PC-based audio workstations -- SSL's new Delta-Link MADI-PT converter even allows direct connection to a Pro Tools system. SSL expects the XLogic Alpha-Link range will be shipping worldwide later this month.

  New In Stock At Sweetwater

• Numark iCDX - With its extensive USB mass storage connectivity, the iCDX can be used as a vehicle to manipulate and store MP3 files, facilitating rapid access to a massive music library. It even comes complete with an adaptable docking station for your hot new iPod. When used with personal computers, the iCDX can interface with a wide variety of popular DJ software packages. With's an illuminated CD/DVD drive for playing multiple disc formats and support for MP3, including ID tags, hot starts, seamless looping, and scratching, the compact iCDX offers DJs a higher level of control for playing music. This performance-oriented media player includes DSP effects, a touch-sensitive scratch wheel, automatic BPM counter, a digital output, and a large LCD screen.
• Korg AX5G - The Korg's AX5G clearly stands out from the guitar multi-effects pedal market with a veritable feast of modeled amps (16 of them), cabinets (10 of them), and 58 effects that nail the sound of the most sought-after gear of all time for use on stage or in the studio. The AX5G uses Korg's REMS technology to provide modulation effects like chorus and tremolo, plus ambience effects including delay and reverb with the ability to stack up to six effects simultaneously. Additional effects such as feedback, acoustic simulation, a killer rotary speaker, and even tape echo are all reproduced with stunning realism. The Korg AX5G also has a built-in, assignable expression pedal that can control volume, wah, and most effect parameters. The unit ships with 80 programs with 40 presets and 40 user sound programs.
• DigiTech RP250 - The new RP Series effects pedals feature brand new models based on both vintage and modern amplifiers, distortion types, and effects, with up to 11 available simultaneously. The RP250 ships with 89 models of effects, amps, cabs, and more — four times as powerful as the previous DigiTech processors — plus 30 preset tone libraries and effects chains. There's even a drum machine onboard. Users can store up to 60 of their own presets and there are 60 onboard factory presets. Real-time control is provided by two footswitches, four buttons, four encoders, and an integral expression pedal. A 6-character LCD provides at-a-glance visibility under the most challenging stage conditions. USB connectivity provides 2-in/2-out recording capabilities as well as preset editing using the included X-Edit editor librarian software for PC and Mac.

  Guitar Of The Day
We haven't featured a Taylor guitar here for a while, mainly because they're all so good, it's hard to pick just one. Taylor's Jumbo Maple 615ce has been affectionately called a "guitar cannon" because of its amazing projection. It features a distinctive blend of choice big leaf maple back and sides and a Sitka spruce top to create a glossy, airy top end combined with complex mids and a thunderous bass. All this gives the 615ce a huge presence that's perfectly suited for aggressive strumming. The onboard Expression System utilizes patented Dynamic Sensors to accurately capture both top and string vibrations while onboard tone controls can be set flat for an exceptionally clean amplified sound or tweaked to match your own preference. The Taylor 615ce Jumbo features a full 17-inch body width, an elegant gloss/satin combination finish, and a Venetian cutaway for easy access to the upper frets. The Big Leaf maple back and sides and Sitka spruce top provide a beautifully balanced tone, while an abalone rosette, pearl "leaf" fretboard inlays, and gold Taylor tuners streamline the look. The finish used to create the 615ce's textured satin back and sides and lustrous gloss top was developed at Taylor for maximum durability and resistance to cold-checking. The ultraviolet-cured finish is also more environmentally friendly than traditional lacquer finishes. Finally, designed to faithfully reproduce the 615ce's acoustic tone, the Taylor Expression System utilizes patented Dynamic Sensors to capture top and string vibration like never before. Created in partnership with renowned audio pioneer, Rupert Neve, the Taylor ES is seamlessly integrated into the design of the 615ce from the ground up. Naturally it ships in a deluxe plush-lined hardshell case.