Both prototype products from Ion aimed for a Spring/Summer '07 release, the iCUE and iMX05 are amateur DJ gadgets that don't sound half bad. The iCUE, with the dual large knobs (and multiple smaller ones), sliders, and faders, let you "DJ" your digital files with a hardware interface.

Other than the cool scratching and fading effects, you can actually hit a software "SYNC" button when mixing tracks and the computer will sync up both the beat and frequency. This all looks real good when you consider that the price is only $149.

The other item, the IMX05, is a DJ gadget for people who don't want to DJ. Consisting of just a few knobs and a slider, the software suite lets you set up a timeline for fading in and out, syncing, all for the purpose of making one long seamless track from different tunes.

Once you're done, you can export the mixed "track" to a file or burn it to CD—cool for making workout tunes. You can even set the volume controls, say, for a five minute rest period, in the track, which will then get exported or burned.

We don't have the price for the IMX05 (it's cheaper than the iCUE), but both are expected for release mid-year.

– Jason Chen

Product Site [Ion Audio]

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