The Top 5 Products of Summer NAMM 2012

As the sun sets down on Summer NAMM 2012 in Nashville we decided to take a closer look at a short list of products that made some noise.

Traditionally smaller, more guitar oriented, Summer NAMM 2012 did not offer any ground breaking news. Maybe it is the summer heat and its ensuing lethargy that made everyone walk a little slower and talk a bit softer. While there were many interesting products displayed and lots of new manufacturers present, there were no big software news, and alot of products were not officially what we can call Summer NAMM launches. Hence, we decided to offer a mini-version of our famous Top 10 of NAMM list: our Top 5 list in no particular order…

TC Electronic BH250

TC’s new BH250 is a bass head that uses the TonePrint concept, with 250 watts of power and a built-in bass tuner that works on anything from 4 to 6 strings, according to TC Electronic. The TonePrint concept allows for loading signature bass effects: Chorus, Flanger, Vibrato, Sub’n’ Up Octaver, SpectraComp or Bass Drive. Players can choose from a list of signature artist TonePrints available for free on TC’s website or via the TonePrint App for iPhone and Android. Price: $299

MXL V89

Announced at $300, the MXL V89 is a low noise large diaphragm condenser microphone with a capsule size of 1.26 inches. It can equally capture instruments as well as vocals.

M-Audio Axiom A.I.R.

Axiom A.I.R. controllers feature HyperControl automatic control mapping technology and Ignite music creation software. Each Axiom A.I.R. controller has its own characteristics, giving musicians a choice between four music creation solutions designed to be optimized for different creative preferences. The Axiom A.I.R. Mini 32 features 32 velocity-sensitive mini keys, eight trigger pads and assignable knobs; the Axiom A.I.R. 25 is a hybrid keyboard/pad controller, with 16 backlit drum pads, illuminated knobs and synth-action keys; the Axiom A.I.R. 49 provides control over a DAW for musicians with an expanded layout of long-throw faders, illuminated buttons, backlit pads and 49 synth-action keys; and the Axiom A.I.R. 61 delivers the same expanded features as the Axiom A.I.R. 49 but with 61 keys featuring TruTouch semi-weighted action.

Korg Kronos X

The new Kronos X features a boost in the internal memory capacity and the size of its SSD, plus enhanced sampler functionality, according to Korg. The Kronos X doubles the PCM RAM capacity to approximately 2GB and the SSD capacity to 62GB. In addition, Kronos X contains Korg’s EXs 10–13 expansion sample series of Kronos Sound Libraries pre-installed in its demo mode.

Electro Harmonix Talking Pedal

As expected, Electro Harmonix unveiled some new pedals. The one that we immediately took a liking to is the Talking Pedal. While info on this product is still scant (hot off the press!), this video below should demonstrate why we developed a certain affinity for this pedal. But- does it really talk? See for yourself.