NAMM swings back into Anaheim, CA with the annual gear expo slated for Jan. 23-25, 2025. There’s a lot to see — and hear — of course, so we’ve assembled this guide to 50 not-to-be-missed new products and technologies debuting at the show. Don’t miss it!
Mojave Audio MA-D Wireless Capsule; mojaveaudio.com; NAMM Booth 15513
Adamson Systems’ VGs is a flyable / ground stack subwoofer built on the foundation of its E-Series E119 sub, with 6 kW Class-D amplification, onboard DSP, cardioid array presets and a long-excursion 19” SD19 Kevlar neodymium driver. Max SPL is 139 dB; weight is 160 pounds. Connectivity includes analog and redundant daisy-chainable Milan AVB.
www.adamson.ai; NAMM Booth 18501
Allen & Heath’s CQ firmware V1.2 takes that ultra-compact mixer line to the next level with DCAs, mute groups and more. Meanwhile, the dLive V2.0 update enhances features, improves performance and streamlines workflows, while a RackUltra FX card opens dLive to next-gen onboard effects like vocal processing, reverbs, distortion and intelligent harmonies.
www.allen-heath.com; NAMM Booth 17910
Aston Microphones’ Apex dynamic cardioid handheld has two different voices (taken from the Aston Stealth) selectable via two signal paths. Also, in passive mode, Apex operates as expected; but applying phantom power engages a discrete Class-A preamp with +20 dB of boost. Choose from black, chrome and gray, priced from $149 to $169, depending on finish selected.
www.astonmics.com; NAMM Booth 10902
Audio Technica’s ATM355VF cardioid condenser clip-on mic is designed for violins, violas, flutes and woodwinds. Stats include 148.5dB SPL handling, switchable 80Hz LF filter, locking 4-pin cW-type connector for A-T cW type wireless, a 3-pin XLR-M output for wired use, and versions for A-T systems using the ch-type connector and select Shure and Sennheiser systems. Violin and flute mounts are optional, as are interchangeable omni and hypercardioid elements.
www.audio-technica.com; NAMM Booth 15313
Austrian Audio’s Hi-X20 headphones deliver precision sound in a compact, affordable form factor, with balanced mids and HF paired with a powerful, controlled bass response for fast transients and minimal distortion. Street: $149.
www.austrian.audio; NAMM Booth 16102
Avid’s VENUE version 8.0 for S6L live consoles adds powerful new features. These include AutoMixer audio management for consistent sound levels, “Any Mix to Monitors” for gain flexibility in monitoring, improved operational efficiency, new metering options, a reorganized triggers / actions list and new Milan workflows with virtual soundchecking using the MLN-192 option card.
www.avid.com; NAMM Booth 15000
Burl Audio’s new Burl Black ADC and DAC daughter cards for its B80 and B16 Motherships offer pristine performance at a lower price than the flagship Burl Green line. The BAD16 card has 16 channels of all-discrete Class-A, transformer-coupled ADCs, and in a B16 chassis, is an ideal 16-channel input solution, while eight BAD16s in a B80 chassis offer 128 max input channels when using a BMB2-MADI or BMB3-Dante at 44.1 or 48 kHz. Likewise, a 64-in x 64-out B80 can be realized in one B80 chassis using any B80-BMBx Motherboard and the BDA16.
www.burlaudio.com; NAMM Booth 14720
Calzone IP Rated Cases feature moisture management technology designed for IP65-rated lighting fixtures and chain motor hoists, outperforming accident-prone meat racks and standard road cases that can develop musty smells after storing wet gear. An innovative drainage and ventilation system prevents condensation with strategic drain points and vents. Available in custom configurations with precision-cut water-resistant foam and limited lifetime warranty.
www.calzoneanvil.com; NAMM Booth 10616
Celestion’s CF1230BMB 12” driver is suited for bass and mid-bass applications, with a ferrite magnet, cast-aluminum frame and a longer throw than conventional mid-bass speakers for more LF when used in two-way enclosures or compact subs. Features include a 3” copper-clad aluminum voice coil, 700W continuous power rating, 96dB sensitivity and a 50 Hz – 3,000 Hz bandwidth.
www.celestion.com; NAMM Booth 6602
d&b audiotechnik will spotlight CCL (Compact Cardioid Line Array), a new system that’s ideally suited for smaller house of worship, theater, corporate, rental and regional sound applications. Details were incomplete at press time, but stop by during the NAMM Show, check it out and hear it for yourself.
www.dbaudio.com; NAMM Booth 17104
dBTechnologies will unveil a groundbreaking new product series, along with its Opera REEVO, the VIO X205 and VIO X206 loudspeakers and VIO W10. The company will also demo its Aurora Net Software using a VIO L1610 system.
www.dbtechnologies.com; NAMM Booth 17220
DiGiCo’s Quantum326 console packs the punch of its Quantum338 in a compact footprint for spaces and tours with tight logistic constraints. It has 128 input channels, 64 buses, a 24×24 matrix, 24 100mm faders, two 17-inch, high-brightness multi-touch screens, 58 TFT channel displays, Ultimate Stadius 32-bit ADC / DAC conversion and more. A theater-specific Quantum326T version is also available.
www.digico.biz; NAMM Booth 17901
Digital Audio Denmark’s (DAD) AX32 is a versatile 8-48 channel AD/DA converter, digital audio matrix and routing centerpiece in a single scalable unit with a versatile I/O structure and IP Audio via Layer 3 Ethernet (Dante). With all I/O card and options installed, users can control 1,500 x 1,500 matrix of audio channels, with operation and functions managed via DADman control software. Eight I/O cards and two I/O modules can be installed with sample rate support from 44.1kHz to 384kHz/DSD.
www.digitalaudio.dk; NAMM Booth 14716
Direct Out Technologies expands the flexibility of its popular (and powerful) PRODIGY mainframe with new Milan/AVB (MILAN.I/O) and Ravenna (RAV.I/O) input / output modules that join the company’s existing line of Dante and MADI I/O modules.
www.directout.eu; NAMM Booth 18503
DPA’s 2061 Miniature Omni Lavalier is designed for theater venues and houses of worship with a natural sound. Their durable, IP57 certified design helps them perform despite exposure to moisture, dust and makeup. Response is 50 Hz-16k Hz, with a soft +3 dB 8k-16k Hz boost to enhance vocal clarity. Black, white, beige and brown colors are offered.
www.dpamicrophones.com; NAMM Booth 18206
Ear Trumpet Labs, known for high-performance, vintage-look microphones, debuts Wanda, a mid-century-inspired medium-large diaphragm condenser for vocals, stringed instruments and high-SPL sources such as drums, percussion, horns, guitar amps, etc. Made in the USA, Wanda features multilayer foam, silk and metal mesh breath protection, a roadworthy cast all-brass body and a versatile swivel mount. MSRP is $525.
www.eartrumpetlabs.com; NAMM Booth 14117
Fourier Audio’s transform.engine v1.2 lets users easily recall Cues over a MIDI connection from either a mixing console or show control software, and also support multiple Cuelists, to run VST3-native plug-ins at low latency in live environments.
www.www.fourieraudio.com; NAMM Booth 17901
Hear Technologies’ free PRO Connect desktop app for Hear Back PRO Mixers and PRO Hubs enhances HB PRO personal monitoring system functions with web-based control, matrix mixing and submixing, multiple user mix controls via Wi-Fi, channel and mixer naming, improved metering, compressor/limiter on each mixer and more.
www.heartechnologies.com; NAMM Booth 10708
KLANG:technologies’ software upgrade for its :vokal immersive 3D in-ear monitor mixing system can transform an existing :vokal processor into a :vokal+, increasing the product’s input channel count from 24 to a full 64 channels for all 12 binaural mixes.
www.klang.com; NAMM Booth 17901
König & Meyer expands its line of heavy, flat-base stands. Small, medium or large bases can have one or three M20 female threads for versatile placement on the same base for speakers and lighting distance rods in various heights. These solid-steel stands also offer integrated cable management, carry bags and extra weight plates if additional security is required. MSRP: $199 to $399.
www.k-m.de/us; NAMM Booth 14708
Lawo v12.0.0 software for mc² consoles offers significant improvements in channel management, Waves integration and system security, along with native support for the HOME mc² DSP App that runs on generic CPU platforms using cloud-native technologies. Coming just days after the Version 10.12 release, v12.0.0 also increases the processing channel count of the mc²36 MkII console to 384 (previously 256) channels with up to 256 buses and more.
www.lawo.com; NAMM Booth 17306
LD Systems’ ANNY Series are battery-powered P.A. systems (ANNY 10, 10” woofer + 1” tweeter; and ANNY 8, 8‘’ woofer + 1‘’ tweeter) with integrated digital mixers, effects and optional wireless mic systems.
www.ld-systems.com; NAMM Booth 17102
Link USA’s LKG armored locking connectors are ideal for multiple Cat-6A + power connections. With one to six Cat-6A connections and power (single-phase 20A to 3-phase 30A), LKG is ideal for FOH and cross-stage connections requiring hybrid power + data. The LKG 24/2E10 shown here has two Gigabit contacts, three size-12 pins for AC powering, a size-16 pin and six size-18 pins for DMX or analog / digital audio signals. Custom configurations are also offered.
www.linkusa-inc.com; NAMM Booth 18101
Mackie expands its DL Series with the Mackie DL16SE (16-input, $899) and DL32SE (32-input, $1,499) digital rack mixers with control via the Master Fader SE app for smartphones or tablets. Standard are Onyx+ preamps; 8-10 separate outputs; four stereo FX; and EQ, compressor, filters and RTA/Spectrograph on each input / output, and 16×16 or 32×32 USB for multi-tracking shows, or virtual sound checking.
www.mackie.com; NAMM Booth 18714
Meyer Sound is now shipping ULTRA-X80 concentric-driver point-source design speakers. They feature two 12-inch neodymium drivers on a rotatable 95°x40° waveguide coupled to a 4” comp. driver with Class-D amplification, delivering 141 dB peaks in a 130-pound cabinet. An ULTRA-X82 variant offers a more tightly focused 50°x40° pattern. Come by and hear the first production models.
www.meyersound.com; NAMM Booth 17106
Neutrik’s powerCON TRUE1 TOP (Total Outdoor Protection) heavy-duty sealed single-phase power connector for rugged outdoor applications features a robust design with CBC breaking capacity, a latched fast-locking mechanism to prevent accidental detachments, the ability to plug in under load and Neutrik’s unique bushing and strain relief. Both male and female cable connectors offer certified UV light resistance and IP65 / IP67 ratings against particulate ingression.
www.neutrikgroup.com; NAMM Booth 14920
Peavey’s battery-powered Solo portable P.A. weighs just 15 lbs. yet boasts a 6.5” woofer and three 2.5” tweeters. Features include quick recharge and up to 10-hours of run time, Bluetooth stereo linking and Bluetooth audio input and a 4-channel mixer (two XLR mic ins and two 1/4” line ins), Peavey Kosmos C processing, vocal channel priority (ducking) and 120 VAC operation. Street is $299.
peavey.com; NAMM Booth 210A
Peluso’s Stage One PS-1 supercardioid vocal mic from master mic builder John Peluso delivers studio condenser clarity with high gain and feedback rejection. An -18 dB pad matches the gain to familiar dynamic mics, an LF rolloff switch reduces rumble, and a high-end rolloff switch reduces HF noise. Street is $699.
www.pelusomicrophonelab.com; NAMM Booth 14310
PK Sound’s Tx14 and Tx26 intelligent point-source modules complement PK’s robotic line array systems. The Tx14 has a 14” woofer with a 3” diaphragm HF on a 50° x 70° horn. The Tx26 pairs two 6” drivers with a 1” diaphragm HF handling high frequencies. All have onboard DSP, 1,400-watts of power and networking, with control via PK .dynamics software.
www.pksound.live; NAMM Booth 11313
QSC’s 4,000-watt LS118 18” subwoofer ($2,999 street) offers peak 138 dB SPLs, onboard DSP for ease in creating cardioid arrays and, like all L-Series speakers, compatibility with the new V2.2 SysNav (System Navigator) iPad and Windows app that lets L-Class users design, configure, control, monitor and apply DSP to individual loudspeakers or full arrays, with the SysNav AIM (Array Installation Modeling) prediction tool.
www.qsc.com; NAMM Booth 18703
RCF’s NXL 14-A compact point-source speakers offer 128dB max SPL from 2,100W of Class-D bi-amplification with a 70 – 20k Hz linear response. Two 6” neodymium woofers and a 1.75” PKX driver on a rotatable 100°x70° waveguide with onboard FiRPHASE and Bass Motion Control DSP yield definition, power and portability, whether paired with SUB Series subwoofers, in immersive setups or as fill speakers.
www.rcf.it; NAMM Booth 17410
ROQ Audio, a newcomer to NAMM, expands its mic and IEM offerings, featuring its flagship 5-driver EM9 universal earpiece with a 10mm dynamic driver. Also new is the MC4 cardioid condenser “pencil” mic with switches for onboard -10 dB pad and 100 Hz low-cut filter.
www.roqaudio.com; NAMM booth 17400
sE Electronics expands its handheld vocal mic line with V7 Red and V7 White versions, in addition to the Charcoal Gray, Black and Chrome variants. The new models also include a black windscreen that lets users customize the mics’ look. Like all V7s, the new mics utilize a rugged supercardioid dynamic capsule. Street is $99.
www.seelectronics.com; NAMM Booth 15116
Sennheiser’s Spectera bidirectional, digital wireless ecosystem uses WMAS (Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems) technology, offering low-latency bodypacks handling both digital IEM and mic/line signals at the same time. Instead of many individual 200 kHz narrowband RF carrier frequencies, WMAS uses a single wideband RF channel for bidirectional audio transmission. The single-rack 32-input / 32-output Base Station replaces a rack full of wireless mic receivers and IEM transmitters.
www.sennheiser.com; NAMM Booth 17501
Shure’s Axient Digital PSM Wireless IEM System uses WMAS technology for low-latency with support of analog and digital input formats including AES3, Dante, AES67 and AES256 encryption. Single-rack transmitters include the ADTQ Quad Transmitter and ADTD Dual Transmitter, supporting up to 28 channels per 6 MHz band in wideband or 17 channels in higher-power narrowband.
www.shure.com; NAMM Booth 15608
Solid State Logic’s Live V6.0 software for its SSL Live console range adds Dante routing enhancements, remote control updates and acclaimed studio processors used on countless hit records (such as Fusion FX and Path Compressor Mix Control). Meanwhile, Sourcerer and Blitzer effect rack modules can now be controlled directly from the TaCo app.
www.solidstatelogic.com; NAMM Booth 18301
Soundcraft’sV6.4.7 software for its Vi Series (Vi1000, 2000, 3000, 5000, 7000 and Vi200/400/600 consoles adds major new VCA Spill functionality, editable control surface brightness presets and other new features.
www.soundcraft.com; NAMM Booth 11302
Sound Devices’ A20-HH digital wireless handheld mic operates in the worldwide SpectraBand 470-1,525 MHz tuning range (used in Sound Devices’ Astral system). Along with optimal audio and RF (10-hour runtime) performance, the A20-HH accepts either Shure or Sennheiser capsules and a standard NexLink function provides long-range remote access to all transmitter functions.
www.sounddevices.com; NAMM Booth 18103
Studiomaster will spotlight its V6 (dual 6.5” with 3” diaphragm HF) and V26 (dual 6.5” LF with eight coaxial 1” HF drivers) compact line arrays with onboard DSP and Class-D powering and complementary subwoofers.
www.studiomaster.com; NAMM Booth 17905
Telefunken’s M80-WH2 and M81-WH2 wireless capsules for Sennheiser transmitters offer the sound of its M80 and M81 dynamic mics. Featuring the low-mass diaphragm and custom output transformer as the hard-wired versions, the M80-WH2 and M81-WH2 provide the sound quality and reliability one expects from Telefunken’s dynamic series mics.
www.t-funk.com; NAMM Booth 14512
TT+ Audio’s 148 dB GTX 12 3-way line array module is designed for large-scale applications (flyable in arrays up to 24 modules); with its compact GTX 10 two-way line array module for mid-large scale and installed indoor / outdoor sound applications.
www.ttaudio.com; NAMM Booth 17410
Waves’ eMotion LV1 Classic integrated live console combines the LV1 mix engine with hardware workflows, 64 stereo channels, 44 buses, Waves’ 32-bit floating-point mix engine, built-in Waves processing, 21” touchscreen, 17 physical 100mm faders and seamless integration to Waves plug-in catalog. The scalable design lets users expand I/O DSP and its 16 onboard preamps are expandable via Waves’ Ionic stageboxes. The 38 lb. console is also fly-date friendly.
www.waves.com; NAMM Booth 18304
Wisycom’s MTH610 handheld wireless transmitter offers dual-band capability in the 470-1,260 MHz range, remote control via Bluetooth using the Wisycom app, an onboard 32-bit floating point internal micro-SD card recorder and adapters that accept a variety of interchangeable mic capsules. (Shown here with a DPA 2028 capsule).
wisycom.com; NAMM Booth 18410
Yamaha’s DHR series includes the DHR10 and DHR12 fixed install and utility speakers, DHR12M and DHR15M monitors and DHR15 FOH speaker. The new DHR15M is a 2-way, 1,000W biamped wedge with a 15” woofer and 1.75” HF driver in a space-saving coaxial configuration. Features include a plywood enclosure with polyurea finish and pole mount socket. Onboard DSP with proprietary FIR-X™ tuning offers FIR filtering and corrective EQ to minimize phase distortion. Street: $999.
https://usa.yamaha.com/products; NAMM Booth 300DE
Yorkville Sound’s NX8P and NX12P speakers feature advanced DSP, extended connectivity and exceptional sound. The 8” woofer NX8P ($799) has 2,600 watts of peak power; the $999 NX12P has a 12” driver and 4,850 watts. Ideal for FOH, monitors or side-fills, all feature onboard 3-channel mixers for standalone P.A. Bluetooth audio support includes wireless stereo playback between two cabinets.
www.yorkville.com; NAMM Booth 18306
For more info about the NAMM Show, visit www.namm.org. See you there!