M-Audio on Monday introduced three audio input devices aimed at consumers: iControl, a controller designed for use with GarageBand; JamLab, a USB audio interface that replaces a guitar's amp and effects pedals; and Fast Track Studio Podcasting Edition, a package that contains an audio interface, microphone and software for creating podcasts. iControl and JamLab will ship in July for US$179 and $79, respectively, while Fast Track Studio Podcasting Edition will be on store shelves in September with a $179 price tag.

iControl features dedicated transport buttons for recording and playback functions, with a jog wheel that can scrub to a specific position in the recording and a master volume fader. It also includes a bank of controls for working with eight tracks simultaneously, with dedicated buttons for solo, mute and record. iControl connects to a Mac via USB and includes a 5-pin MIDI input for hooking up a MIDI keyboard. It works with GarageBand 2.0.1 and will be supported in upcoming updates for Logic Express 7 and Logic Pro 7.

Additional information about JamLab and Fast Track Studio Podcasting Edition was not available as The Mac Observer posted this article because M-Audio had not placed product pages on its Web site yet. The company said that its new consumer-oriented products will be available at CompUSA, Fry's Target.com and other retailers.

M-Audio's iControl