By Tom Terranova

Last month we explored some innovative ways to make electronic music, but this month it’s all about nostalgia. Read on for some cool gadgets that will help you to rediscover the warm, organic sound of classic vinyl records — and new ways to bring that nostalgia into the digital age.
M-Audio Sputnik - $999 Multi-Pattern Large Diaphragm Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone
If you’re an aspiring DJ — or you’d like to start doing an Internet podcast — a good microphone is crucial. A lot of beginners choose inexpensive headsets — which work — but the quality is nowhere near a professional level. The next step up in quality and price would be an entry-level dynamic mic, but usually the ideal choice for vocal podcasts is some type of high-quality condenser microphone. Decent ones typically start at around $100.
The M-Audio Sputnik is a multi-pattern, large diaphragm, vacuum tube condenser mic. The price is high — especially for beginners — but it’s actually an incredible value. The main housing consists of a precision-machined vacuum tube that’s been polished to a mirrored finish. It offers amazing reproduction and the kind of warmth that is usually found only on models costing much more. If you’re serious about your audio and you can afford to think long-term, the Sputnik is an investment that will serve you well for years to come.
VINTAGE RECORDS - $1 AND UP
Once you’ve got your turntable, you’ll want to start collecting some vinyl. If you know where to look you can always find something interesting. Vintage records are getting more popular, so it helps to visit lots of garage sales, estate sales, and thrift shops. If you’re patient, you can occasionally score vintage records for next to nothing. If you’re an electronic musician, vintage records can be a priceless source of undiscovered sample material as well as inspiration.
NUMARK TTI IPOD TURNTABLE - $449
If you’re looking for an easy way to get your existing record collection onto your iPod, try Numark’s iPod turntable. You just drop your iPod into the built-in dock, start up a record, and then sit back and listen through the TTi’s built-in speaker as your record is converted into mp3 tracks. You can also connect the TTi to your computer via USB if you’d like to edit the audio.
VINTAGE PORTABLE RECORD PLAYERS
If you’d prefer a vintage player, check out the gallery of stylish mangiadischi (slot-loading record players made in Europe during the 70s). Interesting portables pop up on Ebay daily, so keep your feelers out if you’re in the market for one.
EVOLVE WIRELESS SOUNDSYSTEM FOR IPOD - $250
Griffin Technology has finally created an affordable wireless audio system that comes with no strings attached. The only part of the Evolve system that plugs in is the base station. You can drop your iPod into the dock, pick up a wireless speaker, and take the wireless sound into your bedroom, kitchen, or back yard — anywhere within 75 feet. The speakers run for ten hours, after which you simply drop them back into the base to recharge.
VESTAX HANDY TRAX PORTABLE RECORD PLAYER — $130
This sturdy portable turntable is light enough for picnics in the park and sturdy enough for marathon vinyl-hunting expeditions downtown. Some used record stores don’t have public listening stations anymore, making the Handy Trax a godsend for avid crate diggers. Six D-cell batteries keep the music playing for 65 hours or you can use the included AC adaptor.
NUMARK iDJ 2 – $600
If your expansive mp3 collection has you thinking that you were born to be a DJ, why not give it a shot? The iDJ2 is a complete DJ System built around a single iPod. You can also plug in USB thumb drives, hard drives, mics, and external audio sources. Two record-style turntables allow you to cue up songs and adjust the playback speed of your mp3’s. You can also monitor the bpm, create seamless loops, fade in and out, scratch, and more – just like you’d do with a traditional two-turntable, one-mixer DJ setup. You can even play two mp3’s simultaneously from the same iPod.
THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE – SENSORY DEPRIVATION TANKS
Sometimes the most wonderful sound in the world is simply silence. We live in a world of constant sensory overload where we’re constantly pressured to “tune in” and focus our efforts — but sometimes it’s healthier to do the exact opposite. Need some true down time? Try a sensory deprivation tank from Samadhi, Think Tank, or Float Tank.
We haven’t heard much about sensory deprivation (now called “floatation” to make it sound less creepy) since Altered States was in theaters. In reality, it’s had a small but dedicated following for decades. When it’s not being used for political torture, small doses have been credited with an increased sense of well-being and significant personal breakthroughs. If you’re not ready to invest in a tank of your own, you can visit a floatation center. The oldest one in NY is Blue Light Flotation and you buy tank time there just as you’d pay for tanning sessions at a salon.

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