SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Beat Nuts

Think you're capable of cranking out some of that Just Blaze or Danja fire? If you've caught the producer bug (or if you just love any music-related gadgets), you're gonna go ga-ga over the Roland Micro-BR, a portable studio that's only a bit larger than an iPod (think Blackberry size). It offers four simulteneous playback tracks, 32 V-tracks (virtual tracks), 293 drum patterns, a dedicated guitar input, a built-in tuner and micropohone, a USB port and more. Plus, it loads and plays MP3 files (imagine the sampling possibilities!)

You can actually fit this baby in your pocket and build tracks while you're on the go. Or, you can just load your iTunes library up in here and use it as a regular MP3 player. Plus, bust this: you can mess around with any of the MP3s loaded by utilizing the time stretch feature, which allows you to alternate the tempo of any track without changing the pitch (yep, you can go all chopped and screwed and make every little syllable streeeeetch out).

The world's smallest pro studio retails for $319.50 (less than an iPhone, yo!). To cop it (or check out more details), visit http://www.rolandus.com

Hey, Mrs. DJ

 Earbuds are all the rage these days -- the tinier and more ergonomically advanced, the better (I mean, have you seen Altec Lansing's SnugFit inEar earbuds? They're literally have silicone padding to make sure they can sit comfortably in your ears while isolating all outside noises. Me, I'm an old-school type of chick -- I don't even like putting Q-Tips inside my ear canal (thanks, mom! I'm now officially paranoid about getting a doggone swab inside my ear). For me, it's all about big headphones with comfortable leather padding. But of course I don't want to look like an anime character (though some ARE pretty  dope looking come to think of it), so they have to be sleek and sophisticated.

These new "Stiloso" headphones, by Boost Mobile for Boosted, are designed to address the needs of DJs which, of course, means professional strength qualities -- they're compatible with the iPhone and have a profile answer/end call button, as well as an in-line microphone that can be used for phones. And of course, there's multiple adapters to fit any device (stereo systems, turntables, etc.) Stats don't mean much too me (anything with numbers is like mumbo jumbo unless it's a price tag! lol), but for those of you who are savvy in these matters, the driver diameter is 40mm and the frequency response is 5-20KHz.

This limited-edition headphone series is meant for female DJs (thus the ear cups' rounded design and the vintage look of the leather touches, not to mention the rich color schemes -- from the Stiloso Pepto set (clever name, right) with its pink ear cups and tan leather strap to the Stiloso Commodore set, with its mustard-colored ear cups and mahogany-colored leather strap). But the Stiloso Red set, which boast candy-apple red ear cups and a tan leather strap, steal the show. Whenever I look at them, I feel like putting on Lil Wayne's The Carter Vol. 1 and buggin' out to "Hey DJ"... Say "Hey, DJ! 'Cause that's my DJ!" Well, you get the point.

Visit http://www.boostedmobile.com

Making Beautiful Music

Whether you're a nostalgic musician who refuses to explore the wonders of beat machines, an OCD-style collector of music paraphernalia, a tone deaf geek with secret rockstar ambitions, or just a cool music lover, you'll dig this reissue of the classic 1960s Stylophone. This portable electronic keyboard is fashioned pretty much exactly like the original, but includes a handful of new features that address the needs of today's technologically advanced consumer (a built-in speaker, an MP3 plug so users can work the keys along to any song on their playlists,a Vibrato switch, and an Analogue tuning dial). Think about it: don't you wanna blow out a speaker playing the keys along to Kraftwerk cuts? Well, now you can. Work it out.

$29.95, visit http://www.firebox.com

Nature Sounds

Okay, so these aren't designed for those who want their music to blast through the whole neighborhood Radio Raheem-style, but if you need some affordable and cutesy speakers for your cubicle, these will do the trick. The schtick here is that they're eco-friendly (recyclable cardboard material) and that they're easy to carry (you can fold them flat and put them in your purse -- no extra bulk). The plus is that they're adorable and only $14.95/set.

Visit http://www.fashionationstyle.com