(Source: AmpliTube 2)

IK Multimedia recently launched a full demo of its sequel to the award-winning amp modeling and effects software, AmpliTube.

Although the demo only works for owners of the iKey or any other Syncrosoft USB dongle, it will function with all the same features as the full non-demo version of the software. Of course, there is a restriction of 30 starts and 10 days, but that’s more than enough time to sample the 80 modeled amps, cabinets, stops and rack effects covered by AmpliTube 2.

To download the demo, visit the AmpliTube 2 website.

[News via Harmony Central]

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Few gamers on any side of the Earth haven’t heard of Guitar Hero, i.e. the first guitar game to gather such a large fanbase. And few from such a large fanbase haven’t heard of its sequel, Guitar Hero II, which is due for a US tour on the PS2 platform in November 2006.

Anyway, enough of my crap and back to the point. RedOctane, Guitar Hero’s publisher, has launched Be a Guitar Hero II – the second installment of a worldwide competition that offers musicians a chance to have their song featured in Guitar Hero II. And in featured, I mean that gamers will actually be able to play that song on their PS2s as part of gameplay.

But a couple of requirements first. Songs submitted for the competition must be original and must fall in the hard rock or heavy metal genres. That’s about it. Now all that’s left to make sure of is that your song gets submitted by 11:59pm PST on the 30th of June, 2006.

So… to aspiring winners, good luck and have fun!

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(Source: foxtrot_xray:software)

While we are pinpointing foxtrot_xray:software’s Tutor 1.0 as a guitar training software, it is actually more of a general instrument training software for older children or adults. You could probably use it to “revolutionize” your piano practice just as well, but you might prefer Piano Wizard Premier if your “tutee” is a young child.

Among Tutor 1.0’s primary features are pitch training and integrated tuning. In layman terms, this means that you can use Tutor 1.0 to gauge whether or not you are hitting exactly the right note, or help keep your instrument in tune without expensive equipment.

But overall, I don’t see enough features to justify the US$50 price tag. At the very least, I would expect the software to be able to help train pace as well. However, a demo is provided, so you can actually try it out to see whether it’s good enough to spend your money on. For more information, check out the Tutor 1.0 website.

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 (Source: Piano Wizard)

This week’s InformationWeek Personal Tech Guide features the Piano Wizard Premier Software-Game hybrid. It allows “gamers” or rather, learners, to enjoy the “…fun of a video game…” and yet, still develop their piano playing skills through the “…fundamentals of lessons…” provided by the Piano Wizard Premier software-game.

Apparently, you can adjust what skill level and speed the software-game is played at, as well as choose between four “worlds” to play in. In my opinion, all this makes the Piano Wizard Premier look somewhat like O2Jam, but I’m sure it should be more beneficial than such arcade-style games.

The software comes in a US$199.95 bundle – which includes an M-Audio 49e MIDI piano keyboard, a USB cable to connect to your Windows PC, some stickers, as well as the software itself. However, if you already have a MIDI keyboard, you can choose to purchase an alternative kit without the M-Audio MIDI keyboard at a price of US$139.95.

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