Ahead of the official International CES 2014 show taking place next week in Las Vegas, tonight Griffin, alongside a number of other companies, debuted new products at the official CES Unveiled press event. We told you earlier about the company’s new Square card reader case (the first of Square’s partners for a new program that will see similar products released in the future), but Griffin also had other Apple related products on show tonight including new audio accessories, a bluetooth controller for Mac, and more.
Above you’re seeing the company’s new StudioConnect HD, an audio interface that marks a significant upgrade from the previous generation that we reviewed last year. Compatible with both Mac and iOS, the $199 interface includes two combo 1/4 inch/XLR inputs with separate gain controls, a pad switch, 48v Phantom Power, clip indicator, and two TRS 1/4 inch balance outputs for your studio monitors. Like the old version, it’s also built to dock and charge an iPad. The new StudioConnect is clearly aimed at more experienced musicians, and the solid metal construction for the first time makes it competition for other interfaces in its price category. The new StudioConnect lands in fall 2014.
Also on show was Griffin’s new PowerMate Bluetooth controller (pictured above), which is an upgraded version of the current wired model. The PowerMate is essentially a big hardware knob that can be mapped to any function within any app using Griffin’s software on your Mac. Make it a volume knob for iTunes, scroll through photos or a timeline when editing, the knob can be programmed to just about any function within any app on your Mac. There’s also a big community of hackers creating custom solutions using the hardware as a MIDI controller and more. PowerMate Bluetooth arrives in summer 2014 for $60.
Lastly, it’s also introducing the “GuiterSidekick,” a $20 clamp for your guitar that holds an iPhone on the headstock allowing you to easily view apps for tuning, lessons, and more while playing. Guitar Sidekick will be available in March.
