Apogee introduces us to GIO. GiO is the complete guitar interface for Apple’s new Logic Studio 9, MainStage 2 and GarageBand ’09. Combining effects control, recording functions and amazing sound quality, GiO delivers total access to incredible sounding guitar amps and effects in a single foot controller and interface.

Designed to work with the new Logic Studio 9 and MainStage 2, GiO allows guitar players to control recording functions, preset changes and plug-ins like Amp Designer and Pedalboard, along with new Playback and Loopback features in MainStage. With GarageBand 09, GiO is truly plug-and-play and lets users quickly connect their guitar, select and control built-in Amps and stompboxes, and record.

The controller also houses a record button that allows users to record, stop, play and even navigate through the recorded tracks. Two preset buttons termed next and previous allows users to quickly toggle between guitar amps and effects presets.

The ports that the GiO incorporates include a ¼-inch instrument input port that assists in connecting the guitar to the controller. It also includes a MIDI Expression pedal input that allows access to traditional effects like wah-wah, and volume. Apart from this, the controller also houses USB and other output ports for connecting headphones, monitors or instrument amplifiers.

The Apogee GiO USB guitar interface and controller will be available from September and is expected to be priced at $395.