Check out the new Alesis iO Dock for iPad2

Alesis has announced a new product designed to fill the gap in getting all of your music instruments connected to your iPad and providing the necessary outputs from your iPad so that you can get all that great sound out to your audience in a pro-audio format.

They are not shipping yet, but I sure would like to get my hands on one to test the sound quality in and out.

Suggested Price: $399 USD (but Sweetwater is listing it for $199)

Here are some links to additional information:

• Alesis iO Dock ProAudio Dock for iPad and iPad2
• Gearjunkies Alesis iO Dock Review
• Gear Patrol Alesis iO Dock Review
• iTech News Tech Alesis iO Dock Review
• UberGizmo Alesis iO Dock Review
• SonicScoop Alesis iO Dock Review

Here's a note for iPad2 owners, noting that it doesn't (currently) fit the iPad2 perfectly, and requires a (yet to be shipped) adapter for the iPad2: http://touchproducer.com/?p=1571

Update (6/28): iSoundDesign reports that the situation is now resolved.

The Alesis iO Dock features:

• The world’s first pro audio dock for iPad and iPad 2
  
• Connect microphones and instruments including guitar, studio monitors, PA speakers, headphones, and MIDI controllers
  
• Universal device works with virtually every audio and MIDI app in the App Store; Core MIDI compliant
  
• Perform, craft, create and play back music in virtually any conceivable manner or location
  
• Video output for connection to TVs and projectors
  
• Inputs: two combo XLR-1/4" for use with audio gear, instruments, and computer audio
  
• Input channel gain controls and switchable phantom power for use with condenser microphones
  
• Guitar-direct switch for use with amplifier- and effects-modeling app
  
• Outputs: pair 1/4" and 1/4" headphone with separate volume controls
  
• Control: MIDI In, MIDI Out, USB MIDI, and assignable 1/4-inch footswitch input
  

INCLUDES:

• iO Dock docking station for iPad
  
• Power supply
• Quick start guide

SPEC's INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING I/O PORTS:

AUDIO INPUTS

• 2x XLR-1/4"
• Individual gain controls
• Phantom power, switchable
• Guitar (high-impedance) switch on Input 2

AUDIO OUTPUTS

• 2x 1/4" Main
• 1/4" TRS Headphone
• Individual level controls

VIDEO OUTPUT

• RCA Composite (requires compatible apps)

CONTROL I/O

• MIDI In (DIN)
• MIDI Out (DIN)
• USB MIDI
  
• 1/4" Footswitch (function assigned by apps)

ZenDrum LT

From the ZenDrum website:

"The Zendrum Laptop (ZLT) is ergonomic, ambidextrous, worn with a strap orheld in a snare drum stand, on a desk, or in your lap. Same electronics andprice as a Zendrum ZX, with one extra trigger. Only 18" wide.
Standard accessories shipped with the Laptop include custom LT gigbag, strapwith straplocks, power supply/heavy-duty merge box ("Brick"), 15' and 3' MIDI cables, plus 1 extra MIDI cable (15' or 45', your choice), adapter for use on snare stand and instruction manual. International Merge Bricks are shipped with interchangeable power supply adapters for universal power requirements.
Zendrum Laptop Physical Specifications:

ZLT Dimensions:

W18" X D10" X H3.5"

Gigbag with Laptop inside: L19" X W14" X H~4.5"

Laptop shipping carton: L30" X W15" X H7"

Weight: 6-7 lbs, varies with wood used

ZenDrum Zap

From the ZenDrum website:

"The ZAP is a compact stationary MIDI controller designed with a smaller footprint specifically to fit in tight spaces and studio environments. Four adjustable threaded feet customize the playing angle for desktop workstation beats. It can be mounted to a snare stand (via optional universal adapter) for live playing situations. Solid heavyweight wood species were chosen for beauty and lasting value as well as for density and trigger isolation, even in the toughest onstage playing conditions. The ZAP features 19 triggers in five offset rows in a hexagonal cluster which can be played as a single instrument with many different articulations, or used as separate voices to be expressed individually or together with a minimum of physical effort. The ZAP is even more adaptable as a melodic instrument with the Zendrum default note map scales suggesting many pplications, playing techniques and creative possibilities. The ZAP uses the same proven electronics and trigger components as the Zendrum ZX and LT, with 3 extra 1/4" trigger pedal inputs and a 1/4" sustain pedal input for "drummer-friendly" footwork as well as the Zendrum momentary sustain button on the top that acts as a "choke" for longer sounds and MIDI effects.

Standard accessories shipped with the ZAP include direct-connect 12vdc power supply with locking connector, 15' MIDI cable, and instruction manual.

Current production time for the ZAP is 2 weeks from date of order.

ZAP physical specifications:

Dimensions:

W12" by D10.5" by H2.5"

Weight: 7 lbs

Cost: $999

The ZenDrum Zap is