NAMM: StealthPlug, Digital Guitar Cable (1/4″ to USB):

When is a digital cable better than a digital guitar? When it actually solves a problem guitarists have. We’re still not sure what’s so great about Gibson’s Digital Guitar, even after hearing it played at NAMM but we immediately grasped the utility of IK Multimedia’s new StealthPlug. It’s a compact audio interface built into a cable that makes it dead simple to plug a guitar into a computer and take advantage of software-based amp and effects modeling.

One side of the StealthPlug has a standard 1/4″ jack, while the other has a USB plug. It also includes volume adjustment buttons, an indication LED, and a 1/8 stereo output for headphones, powered speakers, or an amp. Ed: note that the headphone amp makes this a great practice amp — or an in-ear monitor feed. -PK

The StealthPlug includes AmpliTube Live and LE, with  guitar amp and effects models based on modern and vintage classics. It is expected to ship first quarter for a price yet-to-be determined.

Even I could be persuaded to pick up a guitar if I had one of these to plug into garageband…  please oh please <$100…