New from Cakewalk, the V-Studio 20 is an all-in-one package that combines a portable hardware recording system with convenient computer-based recording tools.

It comes with a software-based V-Studio 20 Effects Editor, which provides guitarists with control over a number of onboard Boss-powered COSM DSP effects and amplifier models. Also included is a stereo USB audio interface (Mac / Win), a sleek-looking control surface (Mac / Win), and Guitar Tracks recording software (Windows).

Let's look at the V-Studio 20 hardware first. The hardware combines a USB audio interface, stereo microphones, and a basic universal DAW controller that supports all major digital recording software via Mackie control protocol. Check the specs:

• Stereo USB 24-bit, 44.1 kHz audio interface
• COSM DSP chip providing zero-latency direct monitoring
• 8 dedicated channels with volume and track select
• Track bank controls
• Full Transport controls
• One-touch access to the VS-20 Effects Editor
• One-touch access to the chromatic tuner in the VS-20 Effects Editor
• Controls for browsing presets in the VS-20 Effects Editor
• Input selection and input sensitivity controls
• Dedicated volume controls for DAW output, VS-20 Effects, and Main Outs
• XLR mic input with phantom power
• Hi-Z instrument input
• 1/4-inch stereo line inputs
• Built-in stereo microphone
• 1/4-inch headphone output
• Stereo RCA Line Out
• Two independent 1/4-inch Footswitch and Expression Pedal jacks
• ASIO, WDM, WASAPI, and Core Audio support

The VS-20 Effects Editor features the following:

• 12 COSM modeled amps (classic tweed to rectifier)
• 4 virtual pedal modules (compression, overdrive / distortion, chorus / mod, and delay) plus master reverb, and noise suppressor
• Vocal processor module with harmony and real-time pitch correction
• Vocal processing, which can be combined with other virtual pedal effects for custom sounds
• 50 custom presets optimized by Boss for direct recording to a computer
• Ability to create and save your own presets
• Built-in Boss chromatic tuner
• Zero-latency direct monitoring
• Re-amping mode to apply Boss effects, amp models, and vocal processing to pre-recorded tracks
• Effects editor runs standalone for use with included Guitar Tracks software or other DAWs
• Support for Boss footswitches and expression pedals, available separately

Guitar Tracks recording software is provided for recording, editing, mixing, finalizing, and sharing music. Guitar Tracks features:

• 32 audio tracks and MIDI backing track
• Each track has 2-band EQ, Reverb, and Echo Sends, plus the ability for additional FX inserts
• Master FX section has 2-band EQ and stereo limiter for mastering
• 11 classic audio effects and support for additional VST effects
• 1 GB of audio loops and MIDI files for drag-and-drop backing tracks in many styles
• Full song arrangements in styles ranging from classic blues to anthem rock
• Integrated CD burning and full MP3 encoding, WAV, and Windows Media file export

Cakewalk expects to ship the V-Studio 20 package in May, 2010. For more details, visit cakewalk.com.