From January 21 to 24, the 2016 Winter NAMM Show welcomed a record number of exhibitors and registrants to Anaheim, CA. And while entire sections of the rest of the country were snarled in blizzards and ice storms, the sunny skies of Anaheim shone on, as a record 1,726 exhibiting companies (including 409 new exhibitors) brought the entrepreneurial spirit to life. Meanwhile, this year’s NAMM netted 101,736 registrants — a 2 percent increase over last year’s record-setting event.
“As we look at the record number of exhibiting brands, influx of new entrepreneurial spirit and attendance from 125 countries, the industry seems poised for vital growth and breakthroughs,” said NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond. On the show floor, there was plenty of action in terms of new products for the sound reinforcement professional. Here are just a few that caught our eyes… and ears.
MICS, MICS, MICS
Arriving on the 50th anniversary of the legendary SM58, one of the most talked about products at NAMM was Shure’s (www.shure.com) new KSM8 Dualdyne dual-diaphragm dynamic handheld vocal. (See related Road Test). The KSM8’s design provides nearly no proximity effect, excellent off-axis rejection and a minimal presence peak for condenser-like performance. It’s offered in a head for compatible wireless bodies or as a standard handheld starting at $499.
CLICK TO SEE THE FOH-TV VIDEO OF THE SHURE KSM8
As part of its 85th anniversary celebration, CAD Audio (www.cadaudio.com) has reissued the classic (originally Astatic) A77 vocal mic with a ribbon or dynamic element. In addition to its stylish “retro” look, the A77 delivers a high-powered, articulate sound that can cut through the mix. CAD also expanded its CADLive mic line with the D88 kick mic — a dynamic design with a TrueFlex diaphragm, PowerGap neodymium magnet and high SPL handling and a tight supercardioid pattern.
CLICK TO SEE THE FOH-TV VIDEO OF THE CAD A77 AND D88
Speaking of kicks, the Morton Microphone Systems (www.mortonmicrophones.com) KickTone mic uses a 4-inch hemp diaphragm with excellent damping characteristics and a second, co-axial dynamic structure to pick up the higher-frequency transients. Price is $399.
Audio-Technica (www.audio-technica.com) showed two new dynamic drum mics. The ATM230 is a hypercardioid with a low-profile design with a $139 street price or $349 as a three-pack. Intended for drums, brass or guitar, the cardioid AE2300 has a double dome diaphragm and a low-pass filter that can roll off hiss when used with guitar amps. Street is $239.
CLICK TO SEE THE FOH-TV VIDEO OF THE A-T AE2300 & ATM230
The Mojave Audio (www.mojaveaudio.com) MA-50 large-diaphragm cardioid uses the same capsule as the MA-200 and MA-201fet models for fast transient response and high SPL handling for amp miking, horns, drum overheads, etc. MSRP is $495.
Telefunken (www.telefunken-elektroakustik.com) debuted two new drum mic packs. The DC7 has seven mics: M82 (kick), M80-SHB (snare), three M81-SH (toms) and two M60 FET condensers for overheads. The DC7 ships in a hard shell case and includes drum mic mounts and XLR cables with right-angle female connectors. The DC6 drum pack is similar, but has two tom mics.
DPA Microphones (www.dpamicrophones.com expanded its d:vote instrument microphones with three new mount options: a Microphone Stand Mount, an Accordion Clip and a versatile, strong Clamp Mount to anchor to every instrument possible, along with music stands, etc.
Audix (www.audixusa.com) released its Performance Series pro wireless system with a simple Scan, Sync, Play feature that scans and locks in on open frequencies within 20 seconds, and eight systems can be used simultaneously. It’s offered in two performance levels: the 40 Series and the full-diversity 60 Series, both with a choice of single or dual channels.
CONSOLES, LARGE AND SMALL
DiGiCo (www.digico.biz) announced its upcoming Stealth Core2 release, which will add additional processing from the audio core of every DiGiCo SD console, taking the complete range to new levels in terms of additional processing channels and functionality, and can be fitted to all existing SD mixers. Added features include dynamic EQ on every channel and bus. Meanwhile, channel counts take a mega jump, such as the SD9 going from 48 to 96 channels at 96kHz. The SD7’s total 96kHz processing strips goes to 600 and the SD5EX system can match the current SD7 in terms of connectivity and audio processing. DiGiCo also previewed a new version of the SD5, the SD5cs, which will offer the same specification as the current SD5, in a MADI-only format.
Mackie (www.mackie.com) debuted the DC16 control surface for its DL32R 32-channel digital mixer. The combination of the DL32R digital mixer and new DC16 control surface delivers a scalable system, with multiple iPads showing mix functions on the controller, 32 remote-control Onyx+ mic preamps, 16 outputs, onboard DSP and Dante communication between the DL32R mixer and DC16 control. Users can grab an iPad from the DC16 and head out to tune the room or dial in monitors and the Master Fader control app knows to switch it to the view that makes the most sense for the user.
CLICK TO SEE THE FOH-TV VIDEO OF THE MACKIE AXIS SYSTEM
PreSonus (www.presonus.com) unveiled its StudioLive AVB Mix Systems, which combine one or two StudioLive RM-series rack mixers, a StudioLive CS18AI Ethernet/AVB control surface and integrated control, recording and production software. Scalable, fully recallable and networked over AVB Ethernet, the AVB Mix Systems provide an advanced FOH control surface with 18 touch-sensitive, motorized faders and 4×2 I/O.
Soundcraft (www.soundcraft.com) is now shipping its Si Impact 40-input console with 32-in/32-out USB Interface and iPad Control. Features include a FaderGlow system, 26 motorized faders, 5-inch touch screen display, onboard DSP, 32 mic inputs and a 32-in/32-out USB audio interface.
Allen & Heath (www.allen-heath.com) showed the DX32 I/O expander/stagebox, with four slots capable of up to 32 I/O options for any dLive series console. The unit handles any combination of analog or digital I/O modules, redundant Cat-5 connection to dLive MixRack or surface and dual hot-swappable power supplies.
Next month, Yamaha (www.yamaha.com) is slated to begin shipping the long-awaited Tio1608-D Dante-equipped I/O Rack and the NY6 4-D Dante I/O expansion card for its popular TF Series digital mixers. This Cat-5e digital snake solution allows for fast, easy setup and eliminates the need to use a network switch. The 64×64 NY64-D expansion card increases the capability of the TF series to route audio over a Dante network.
Waves (www.waves.com) is now shipping the eMotion LV1 software-based live digital mixing console that provides real-time audio mixing for FOH or monitor applications. Based on Waves SoundGrid technology, each mixer channel has its own plug-in rack capable of running up to eight Waves and third-party plug-ins.
SPEAKERS: LOUD & PROUD!
RCF (www.rcf.it) kicked off with an evening concert spotlighting its large-format HDL50-A active three-way line array modules. Equipped with two 12-inch woofers, four symmetrical 6.5-inch mids and two 2-inch HF drivers, it offers high SPLs with 4,400 peak watts of onboard Class-D amplification. With neodymium drivers and a hybrid lightweight plywood/polypropylene enclosure, it has a low weight of 106 pounds.
Designed for high-level dance venues, the Sound Force Series from D.A.S. (www.dasaudio.com) offers four models. The SF-112 is a powerful mid-high 3-way cabinet with twin bullet-type tweeters. The SF-215 bass system has two 15-inch loudspeakers and can be stacked or flown on both sides of the SF-112 to form a 4-way array. Subwoofer options include the double-21 SF-221 and the SF-30A with a 30-inch push-pull moving magnet.
Verity Audio (www.vaudio.fr) was showing its IWAC210 2-way, double-10 line array cabinets, which combine a pair of 10-inch neo woofers with a 1.4-inch exit neo HF driver for up to 130 continuous dB SPLs and 100° by 15° dispersion. A matching, flyable 118S single-18 sub is optional.
Omnisistem’s (www.omnisistem.com) OmniSound R6 line array pairs two 6.5-inch woofers with a 6.5-inch cone mid and a high-power ribbon HF drive. A typical system has four of the 45-pound R6 enclosures with the matching double-12 R12a subwoofer — all powered via a 3,000-watt amplifier module.
QSC (www.qsc.com) launched its E Series range of passive loudspeakers. When used as the complete E Series Entertainment System with the company’s PLD and GXD amplifiers and TouchMix digital mixers, these speakers can take advantage of advanced DSP settings for an even higher level of performance. The line includes two-way 10/12/15-inch fullrange speakers and an optional E18SW, a high-performance subwoofer.
CLICK TO SEE THE FOH-TV VIDEO OF THE QSC E-SERIES
It took a while, but Mackie (www.mackie.com) finally created a dedicated subwoofer to complement its bestselling SRM450 and SRM350 powered loudspeakers . The all-new SRM1550 powered sub features a 1,200W amplifier, custom 15-inch woofer and the instantly recognizable looks of the legendary SRM series.
Designed by WorxAudio, the PreSonus (www.presonus.com) ULT series includes the ULT12 and ULT15 full-range systems and the ULT18 subwoofer. The 2-way, fullrange ULT12 are biamped by a 1,300W (peak) Class-D amp. The 18-inch ULT 18 sub has 2,000 watts of onboard powering.
Peavey (www.peavey.com) is shipping its Dark Matter speakers, with four models: the two-way, full range DM 112 and DM 115 and the DM 118 Sub and DM 115 Sub — all with onboard DSP-driven powering. The subs also feature Peavey’s KOSMOS bass enhancement.
FBT’s (www.fbt.it) VERTUS CLA 406A/CLA 118SA column line array can be used for portable applications or for fixed installs. The CLA 406A column has four custom 165mm woofers and a 1.4-inch neodymium compression driver. The CLA 118SA subwoofer has a 1,200-watt Class-D power amplifier plus onboard DSP.
HK Audio (www.hkaudio.com) expanded its LUCAS NANO portable P.A. family with the LUCAS NANO 608i, an ultra-compact, high-performance powered sub/satellite system with an iPad-enabled 8-channel digital mixer. Weighing in at just over 16 kg, it can be deployed as a slim mono column, a classic stereo setup or as a twin stereo system.
CLICK TO SEE THE FOH-TV VIDEO OF THE HK NANO 608i
Also in the grab-and-go category, is JBL Professional’s (www.jblpro.com) EON208P, a portable PA system with Bluetooth streaming, compact 8-inch two-way speakers and integrated 8-channel mixer.
IN-EAR EXTRAVAGANZA!
Jerry Harvey Audio (www.jhaudio.com) was showing new universal fit versions of its popular Siren Series custom earpieces, but the company is also now shipping the JH13v2, an improved version of its JH13Pro custom IEM. The new v2 model features six all-new balanced armatures, Moon Audio 4-pin connector and cable and 10 dB of adjustable bass per ear. Prices start at $1,175.
CLICK FOR THE FOH-TV VIDEO OF THE JH AUDIO UNIVERSALS
Westone (www.westone.com) launched its AM PRO line of IEM earpieces, with three models having single, double or triple armatures and priced from $189. All are universal fit and feature SLED technology, which allows for a controlled amount of stage ambience for a natural sound, yet without any loss of bass frequencies.
Audio-Technica (www.audio-technica.com) debuted its new E-Series IEMs. The flagship ATH-E70 is a three balanced armature design priced at $399/street; the ATH-E50 is a $199 single-armature model and the $99 ATH-E40 has a proprietary dual phase push-pull driver.
KLANG Technologies (www.klang.com), makers of the KLANG:fabrik 3-D in-ear processing system, showed KLANG:vier. It is a leaner version of KLANG:fabrik and creates four individual 3D In-Ear mixes for four musicians at once. KLANG:vektor is the motion tracker. It sends updated head-movement information to the KLANG:fabrik in real-time.
CLICK FOR THE FOH-TV VIDEO OF THE KLANG VIER & VEKTOR
In what may be a view of the future of headphone listening, Waves (www.waves.com is shipping its Waves Nx virtual mix room plug-in. Although designed more for the studio environment, the software’s ability to provide the optimal acoustics of a great mix room inside your headphones, with the same natural depth, reflections and panoramic stereo image you hear from speakers in an actual, physical room, might be an ideal adjunct for a stage in-ear rig. And Waves Nx’ real-time 3-D Head Tracker unit can take the illusion even further.
PRODUCTION ESSENTIALS
Designed to send audio signals to/from devices without long or complicated cable runs, XIRIUM PRO from Neutrik (www.neutrik.us) is a wireless (5 GHz band) cable replacement system, providing full 20 Hz to 20k Hz bandwidth, compression-free audio with extremely low latency. The modular system has input and output modules available for analog, AES and Dante, operating at distances exceeding half a mile line-of-sight. XIRIUM PRO works with mixed signal types, such as analog transmission to AES receive, Dante TX to analog recieve and so forth.
CLICK FOR THE FOH-TV VIDEO OF THE NEUTRIK XIRIUM PRO
The CATLink series from Klotz (www.klotz-ais.com) lets users send four audio signals (balanced analog or AES/EBU) or four DMX signals over a standard shielded Cat-5/Cat-6 network cable. These passive multicore systems comprise a rugged aluminum housing with integrated etherCON socket on one end and a 4-channel pigtail up to 1.5-meters in length on the other.
Whirlwind (www.whirlwindusa.com) was showing its Cyclone case series, which feature Colson casters, flush-mounted MOL latches and Marine grade HDPE panels, resulting in a roadworthy, rock-solid road case that won’t soak up water and rot like traditional plywood.
Calzone/Anvil Cases (www.calzonecase.com) launched a website dedicated to their distributed products at calzoneproducts.com. Along with custom options for Calzone and Anvil cases, visitors can order injection molded, roto-molded, thermoformed and other case types by Pelican, SKB, Bel-Air, Portabrace, Tenba and other manufacturers at the site. Calzone also announced the availability of a custom road case design for Yamaha’s upcoming RIVAGE PM-10 digital console.
SKB Cases (www.skb cases) debuted a line of cases designed to house wireless mic systems. Both the 3i-1813-5WMC and the 3i-1813-7WMC are tough, roto-molded designs that hold four or eight handhelds and bodypack transmitters plus accessories.
MORE TO COME
There were a lot more cool sound reinforcement products from NAMM. Look for more info as we present these online at fohonline.com and in future issues of FRONT of HOUSE. Meanwhile, Summer NAMM returns to Nashville’s beautiful Music City Center from June 23 to 25, 2016. Winter NAMM returns to Anaheim, January 19 to 22, 2017.
In 2018, the global music product industry will return to Anaheim with room to grow into the new, modern wing of the Anaheim Convention Center that is currently under construction. Book those Disney shuttle passes now!
