DiGiCo Reveals SD12 Compact Multi-Application Digital Mixing Console
During NAMM 2017, in Anaheim, CA, British company DiGiCo had a somewhat understated presence, back to back with its strategic technology partner Waves and the joint-development company DiGiGrid. Still, everything was new in the booth, starting with the SD7 Quantum 7 Stealth Core 2 upgraded console, followed by the S31, basically an S21 with 31 faders, and three 10" multi-touch screens. The main highlight at the DiGiCo booth was the worldwide launch of the new SD12, affordable, multi-application digital console.
Neumann KH 80 DSP Aims to Raise the Standard in Monitor Sound
With the new KH 80 DSP, Neumann launched its first studio monitor with digital signal processing. “Our DSP engine is an in-house development that primarily takes a formerly unknown variable and makes it calculable: the room. Expect clear, high-precision sound wherever you are monitoring,” explains Wolfgang Fraissinet, President of Neumann. The two-way active bi-amplified near field monitor is now also the most compact in the brand's portfolio.
Cymatic Audio Adds Dante Compatibility to AudioLan Option Card
Following a series of interoperability demonstrations at previous trade shows, during NAMM 2017, Cymatic Audio announced the addition of Dante compatibility to the AudioLan option card for its uTrack24 multitrack recorder, player and interface. Cymatic also added an all-new Playlist feature ideal for “virtual sound check” purposes and/or enhancing live band performances with pre-recorded tracks, for its uTrack-X32 expansion card.
PreSonus Unveils Third-Generation StudioLive Series III Consoles
The result of nine years of R&D, PreSonus’ new third-generation StudioLive Series III digital console/recorders are fully recallable. At NAMM 2017, the new series launched with two models: the 16-channel StudioLive 16, with 17 touch-sensitive, motorized faders and 17 recallable XMAX preamps and the top-of-the-line StudioLive 32, with 33 touch-sensitive, motorized faders and 33 recallable XMAX preamps.
Celestion Introduces Impulse Responses of Classic Celestion Guitar Speaker Tones
In a very interesting development for the speaker industry, during NAMM 2017, Celestion announced their revolutionary new line of Impulse Responses (IRs), a collection of definitive digital representations of their renowned classic guitar speaker tones. With musicians and studios increasingly using digital representations of classic equipment and acoustic modelling, Celestion decided to take matters in their own hands, making the IRs available in a new dedicated website.
QSC Introduces K Cardioid Single-Box Powered Cardioid Subwoofer
As QSC approaches the celebration of nearly one million K Family loudspeakers sold since their introduction in 2009, the company announced the newest member of the family, the K Cardioid Subwoofer. Deploying QSC amplification and advanced DSP in a single, compact enclosure, the K Cardioid Subwoofer represents the world’s first-in-class single-box powered cardioid subwoofer solution for highly portable entertainment and installation applications.
Samson Introduces Zi100 and Zi200 Monitoring Earphones at NAMM 2017
Samson is a household name in MI and the portable sound technology space, in particular for wireless and monitoring products. At NAMM 2017, Samson introduced Zi100 and Zi200 in-ear monitoring earphones, which are described as “upgrade options for performances and personal listening.” The IEM/audiophile crossover trend might also explain why they look so similar to existing established products from other brands.
Sennheiser’s AMBEO Smart Surround Records Binaural Audio Directly to Smartphones
Seen for the first time at CES 2017, Sennheiser is now showcasing its new AMBEO Smart Surround solution – a compact earphone for immersive 3D audio recording - at NAMM 2017. Following the unveiling of Sennheiser’s AMBEO 3D audio technology program and the introduction of the AMBEO VR Mic, Sennheiser’s Smart Surround will be the brand’s first AMBEO consumer product, allowing anyone to capture and listen to binaural audio recordings on their smartphones with unprecedented simplicity.
Universal Audio Unveils New Apollo Twin MkII Desktop Audio Interface for Mac and Windows
First day of NAMM 2017, and Universal Audio unveiled its new Apollo Twin MkII desktop audio interface, a much improved version of the popular Apollo Twin, introduced in 2014. The new MkII version delivers next-generation 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA audio conversion with Unison Technology, Realtime UAD Processing, now up to UAD-2 QUAD processing, talkback functionality, and improved monitoring functions to Mac and Windows users over Thunderbolt 2.
Apple GarageBand and Apple Logic Pro X Get Major Updates and New Features
Just before the opening of another NAMM Show, Apple announced major updates to its music creation apps for iOS and MacOS. GarageBand for iOS 2.2 now features the powerful creative synthesizer Alchemy and a new sound browser that makes searching through instruments and patches easier than ever. Logic Pro X 10.3 becomes an even more powerful tool, with a modern interface, and new features for professional audio production as well as support for Touch Bar on the new MacBook Pro.