GDC: Eidos turns PSP into virtual music studio

New software will allow owners of Sony's handheld to mix and sample beats on the move.
A new piece of software developed by Definitive Software and published by Eidos will position Sony's PSP as a piece of professional music equipment.

Called Traxxpad, the software attempts to offer virtual sequencers, drum machines and keyboards that can be both used by professionals and consumers. A mixing and sampling element means users can record samples straight to the handheld and remix them on the go, and export their creations as MP3s or WAVs.

"It's one thing to make a powerful music device, but it is truly impressive to make an application that allows someone unfamiliar with music to make something that sounds professional," said Eidos' marketing manager Kevin Gill.

"That is where Traxxpad excels. This is a piece of software that appeals equally to both aspiring musicians as well as professional music producers."

Exec VP of sales and marketing at Eidos Robert Lindsey described the software as "It produces professional music, and makes it easy to do, providing an end result that is more fun and satisfying than completing a pre-defined task in a game."

via mcv

sounds good

this sounds bad ass. i found a write up with a lil more info than here..

Eidos Opens the Gateway to Creativity on the PSP(R) System With the Portable Music Studio Traxxpad



New Application for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) System Enables
Professional Grade Music Production On-the-Go

SAN FRANCISCO, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Eidos Interactive Ltd., one of
the world's leading publishers and developers of entertainment software,
today confirms that it will publish Traxxpad, an application which
transforms the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system into a powerful piece
of professional music studio equipment, in North America this spring 2007.
Traxxpad blends the power of sequencers, drum machines, and keyboards
while simultaneously making the equipment easy to use and accessible,
allowing anyone to create, mix and sample their own tracks at home or
on-the-go. Music making can be as fun and easy as simply pressing buttons,
or as in-depth and detailed as the user wants to make it.
"The PSP system is so much more than a gaming platform," said Executive
Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Robert Lindsey, Eidos, Inc.
"Traxxpad utilizes the PSP(R) system hardware to its fullest. It produces
professional music, and makes it easy to do, providing an end result that
is more fun and satisfying than completing a pre-defined task in a game."
The key to the intuitive design of Traxxpad is its utilization of
different high-end, music-making modules which focus on different aspects
of music making such as sequencing, song assembly, and melody creation.
Sounds can be assigned to specific buttons, and inputted into a sequence by
rhythmical button presses. To make the game accessible to people will all
musical skill levels, if a sound is off-beat, Traxxpad automatically
associates the sound to the nearest 16th note, allowing immediate,
great-sounding results.
"It's one thing to make a powerful music device, but it is truly
impressive to make an application that allows someone unfamiliar with music
to make something that sounds professional," said Marketing Manager, Kevin
Gill, Eidos, Inc. "That is where Traxxpad excels. This is a piece of
software that appeals equally to both aspiring musicians as well as
professional music producers."
Equipped with over 1000 stock sounds which range from drum samples to
exotic instruments, the extensive sound library ensures that there is
always variety to choose from. If more is needed, Traxxpad can also be
utilized as a Sampler, utilizing its compatibility with the PSP(R) system
microphone. Sample anything, anywhere, and then use the wave editor to
trim, adjust gain, normalize or reverse the recording. Most importantly,
Traxxpad allows users to export their songs to .wav or .mp3 files, enabling
production to be as easy as burning to a disc or transferring to a MP3
player.
With Traxxpad, players now have the ability to make a sick beat, the
perfect song, or the best ring tone -- the choice is up to them, and
creativity knows no bounds.
Developed by Definitive Studios, Traxxpad is set for release
exclusively on the PSP(R) system in North America this spring 2007.
About Eidos Interactive Ltd
Eidos Interactive Ltd is part of SCi Entertainment Group Plc (SEG) one
of the world's leading publishers and developers of entertainment software.
Eidos consists of publishing operations across Europe and the US and
several development studios including Crystal Dynamics, IO Interactive,
Beautiful Game Studios, Eidos Studios Hungary, Eidos Sweden and Pivotal
Games. The Group has a valuable combined portfolio of intellectual property
including: Tomb Raider, Hitman, and Just Cause.
About Definitive Studios, LLC
Definitive Studios is based out of San Francisco, CA and is dedicated
to creating innovative cutting edge titles.
NOTE: "PlayStation", "PS" Family logo and "PSP" are registered
trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo(TM) may be
required (sold separately).



SOURCE Eidos Interactive Ltd.

sounds cool, but it would never be used to create "professional songs"

Wow very cool.

why not, its all in the samples. this would be no different than any other drum machine, on a computer or real.


EDIT: yes there may be a homebrew alternitive. but if this program is better than it is worth it. there hasnt been a update to the drum machine tahts out there. and im sure it doesnt have control ability to the 16th note. and i know for a fact it dosnt have 1000's of samples, or sampleing ability. you can put in your own wavs, but you cant not record your own sample. this is more of a sampler, sequencer than a drum machine from the sounds of it. ill wait to see the product before i decide. would be nice if this gets a few programers to take a stab at making some new hombrew sampler, sequencer, drum machine.

Hmm sounds like someone is cashing in on what homebrew has been doing already...again...

PSPKick anyone? Or PSP Rhythm? Are we starting to see a trend here?

Not gona buy this theres good homebrew alteritives

We've got PSP Rhythm already. What can be better?