Indy Summertime: Summer NAMM 2005

Aug 11, 2005 6:34 PM, by Geary Yelton

HARDWARE HEAVEN

More than anything else, Summer NAMM is a show that focuses on music and audio hardware. Roland has taken the SP-303 sampler and added more of everything to create the SP-404 ($449, slated for September release): more memory, more voices, more controls, more effects, and a much more up-to-date appearance. It has a CompactFlash slot and a built-in mic, and it can run on battery power. For practicing drummers, Roland's RMP-5 Rhythm Coach ($279, due in October) is a major step up from the RMP-3. In addition to all the RMP-3's features, the RMP-5 supplies 54 onboard sounds, advanced training modes, and a variety of metronome patterns. A dual-trigger input lets you add optional kick and cymbal pads to your practice setup; you can even work on perfecting your double-kick technique.

Hidden from most of the floor traffic, Line 6 had an out-of-the-way room set up with its new 5-string Variax Bass 705 ($1,399 black, $1,499 sunburst) and Strat-style Variax 600 guitar ($1,119) with a tremolo bridge for anyone who wanted to don headphones and play. The previously announced Variax Workbench ($139) was also on hand, providing software for designing your own hybrid guitar models and transferring them to a Variax.

Just next door, Waves had its new APA32 ($1,600) and APA44-M ($2,400) on display. These outboard DSP accelerators connect to your computer through Ethernet and can run several simultaneous copies of some of Waves' most power-hungry plug-ins.

Some impressive mics and preamps were on display in the ADK booth. The AP-1 ($1,199) is a unique open-architecture mic preamp with sockets that allow you to interchange op amps and input transformers from different manufacturers for different applications. Two new mics from ADK are the Vienna Edition ($595) and the Hamburg Edition ($595). Both are large-diaphragm cardioid models best suited for recording vocals.

Tascam has added a CD burner to its affordable digital PortaStudio to create the DP-01FX/CD ($799). This tabletop 8-channel multitrack recorder features internal reverb and effects and supports MIDI Time Code synchronization.

Alesis made a good showing at NAMM with several new hardware products. The company has expanded its line of portable USB/MIDI keyboard controllers with the Photon X49, a 49-note model that has all the features of the X25 as well as DAW transport controls, nine assignable sliders, and a ten-button keypad for entering parameter values. The USB-powered io|2 is a stereo audio and MIDI interface that supports 24-bit, 96 kHz audio. It has two XLR mic inputs with 48V phantom power, two balanced line inputs, and inserts on each channel. Alesis also debuted two powered studio monitors, the M1 Active 520 and the M1 Active 620. The 520 has a 5-inch woofer and is rated at 75W, and the 620 has a 6.5-inch woofer and is rated at 100W. Each has a 1-inch tweeter, a 1-inch-thick baffle, three EQ switches, and a low-frequency density switch for adjusting to the environment.

PreSonus announced that its long-awaited ADL600 ($2,295) will be shipping in August. This top-shelf, hand-built, 2-channel, Class A mic preamp was designed by Anthony DeMaria and contains three military-grade vacuum tubes, switched attenuators, and analog VU meters. PreSonus also showed the BlueTube DP ($229, shipping now), a 2-channel mic and instrument preamp for the rest of us. Each channel has a solid-state preamplifier and a tube preamplifier stage for optimum versatility.

Designed for mobile recording, the Fast Track Pro ($249, shipping in August) is a 24-bit, 44.1 kHz audio/MIDI interface from M-Audio. Two mic and instrument preamps are on Neutrik connectors with independent gain controls and TRS inserts. Also onboard are four unbalanced RCA outputs, S/PDIF I/O, and a 1/4-inch headphone jack with its own volume control. The JamLab ($79.95, now shipping) is M-Audio's new USB audio interface specifically for guitarists. It comes bundled with DSound GT Player Express (Mac/Win), which delivers amp simulation, a selection of virtual effects, and an audio player that handles MP3, WAV, and AAC files and includes 160 MB of ProSessions drum loops. M-Audio also showed the new BX5a ($399/pair), a near-field studio reference monitor with a Kevlar woofer, a silk tweeter, and a new cabinet design.

Radial Engineering showed its new Studio Guitar Interface (SGI, $199), making it possible for a guitarist to play and monitor his or her performance in the control room with the amplifier as far as 500 feet away. The system comprises a pair of modules, the SGI TX for transmission and the SGI RX for reception, connected by balanced studio wiring. Radial also showed the mono ProDI ($99) and the stereo ProD2 ($149). Both are passive direct boxes with custom isolation transformers that minimize noise and phase distortion.

Synth manufacturer Novation launched three new keyboard controllers. Scheduled for delivery by October, the ReMote LE is a downscaled version of the company's ReMote series. Available in 25-, 49-, and 61-note models, it features an x-y touchpad, a joystick for pitch bend and modulation, dedicated transport controls, and storage for 16 software templates. Novation's synth plug-in Bass Station will be bundled with the ReMote LE.

eBlitz Audio Labs, boasting an exhibit that exceeded the convention center's height restrictions, displayed a new line of instrument cases by Body Glove. The company has applied its experience manufacturing wetsuits, personal floatation devices, and snorkeling gear to making soft-but-durable cases for keyboard and guitar.

Several companies were demonstrating their products on computers made by Rain Recording. Rain targets musicians and audio professionals with its line of Windows PCs. The Element is a desktop model, and the LiveBook is a notebook model; both are priced at $2,295 and up. The company also makes two FireWire/USB hard drives, the StormDrive 300 GB ($499) and the StormDrive Pocket 100 GB ($549).