Guitarists who have affection for the Mac probably has a must-have list of things needed to create the ultimate Mac guitar rig. Let's see now; for starters, you should have a Mac in hand with Logic Studio installed, maybe a couple of tube amp sims and effects, and probably your output monitor/s. So I suppose you're ready to go, right? Wrong! Haven't you noticed your foot tapping in anxiety? Pushing the keyboard and dragging the mouse around doesn't really cut it and it's downright inconvenient, especially when you're out to rock out live. Apogee Electronics GiO is that missing link in your Mac rig.

The GiO is a USB guitar interface and controller for Apple's new Logic Pro 9, MainStage 2, and GarageBand '09, delivering amplifiers, effects, and even recording options for the Mac Guitarist. With the GiO, you can perform hands-free amp/effects control and recording in one package. Just like using your analog pedalboard, you can audition and manipulate your effects without ever approaching your Mac to click that mouse. You also get to stay clear off the space bar with the GiO's transport "buttons", allowing you to play, record, stop, as well as quickly navigate through your track while having that guitar in your hands. Auditioning and toggling between your various guitar amps and effects presets in Logic and GarageBand is handled by the previous and next preset select buttons.

Connections include the following:

• A standard 1/4" instrument input, which features Apogee's instrument preamp and converters.
• The MIDI Expression pedal input for adding an optional expression pedal for control over, wah-wah, volume pedal, tremolo, and other parameters.
• USB connection to your Mac, which eliminates the need for an external power source as well provide that all important link between the GiO and your software applications.
• A 1/4" stereo output jack for headphones, monitors, or instrument amplifiers.

The Apogee Electronics GiO will be available by September 2009 and will carry a price tag of 395.00 USD.