I think this is certainly more than a novelty; seeing as how the iPod is really just a conveniently accessorized hard drive, the audio recorded on this mixer should be decent. The Belkin TuneStudio is a 4 channel mixer that records directly to your [5th generation] iPod. You can use USB to pass the audio through to a computer if you don’t have an iPod, and it records in CD quality (16bit, 44KHz). If you do use it with an iPod I can see it becoming a really sweet way to record your demo for Indie 103.1; all you need is the mixer, an iPod, instruments, a wall socket, and talent. As long as you have that last one, you’re set anyways, so maybe this is more of a novelty. $250, available this summer. Additional deets from the manufacturer’s site:

• Streams audio through built-in USB interface to and from a PC or Mac® computer
• Each channel is equipped with 3-band EQ, pan and level controls
• Phantom-power-enabled XLR inputs provide up to 60 dB of microphone gain
• High-quality stereo compressor with makeup gain enhances audio dynamics and keeps audio levels within recording limits of the iPod
• Features one-knob compression control
• LEDs indicate master audio level, power status, peak indication, compressor activity, and recording status