NAMM 2012 is over, and now it is time to make sense of what over 95,000 attendees experienced: the all-you-can-eat buffet of musical gear. Hence, without further ado, and in no particular order, here is Audiofanzine’s Top 13 list for NAMM 2012...
Universal Audio Apollo
It is designed to combine UA’s analog design with UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a recording system for Mac and PC. Music producers and performers can track through UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time, via a 18 × 24 FireWire/Thunderbolt-ready audio interface designed to deliver 24-bit/192 kHz sound quality.
RME UCX
Equipped with a new 2011 A/D and D/A converter design all I/Os operate at up to 192 kHz. The AD/DA conversion as an 114 dBA dynamic range on both record and playback. All analog I/Os use a converter design designed to reduce the overall latency of timing critical applications, in live situations, and in computer-based recording studios. The Fireface UCX works with Apple’s iPad and iPad 2, offering stereo up to 8 channel recording (tested with MultiTrack DAW and Music Studio), stereo playback up to 96 kHz 24 bit, microphone preamps with EQ, dynamics, balanced line outputs, a headphone output and a Sysex-capable double MID I/O port.
Line6 StageScape M20d
Featuring a touchscreen visual mixing environment, StageScape M20d features multi-channel recording and remote control capabilities via one or more iPad devices. A visual mixing system replaces the traditional mixer channel strip with touchscreen control. In Perform Mode, a graphic display of the stage setup uses icons to represent each performer or input. Colour-coded encoders provide access to level control. A touch on a performer’s icon is designed to give access to all parameters relating to that channel, “from basic tweaks through deep effects editing, ” according to Line 6.
Arturia MiniBrute
Coming with a two-octave keyboard, this true analogue hardware synth sports a multiwave oscillator, classic multimode filter and a range of modulation options. Other feature include the Brute Factor, which is designed to add saturation and rich harmonics; the Ultrasaw, which generates “shimmering” sawtooth waveforms; and the Metalizer, for triangle harmonics. An arpeggiator has been thrown into the mix too, as has CV, Gate, MIDI and USB MIDI I/O.
Two Notes Torpedo CAB
Torpedo CAB has the main features of Torpedo Live in a pedal format with an input stage specifically designed to work with guitar and line levels. The Torpedo CAB will provide power amp simulation (thanks to its component-based modeling algorithms) as well as cabinet + microphone simulation, powered by Two Notes’ exclusive Torpedo technology.
Fender Mustang Floor
The Mustang Floor is a floor unit designed for a variety of applications that puts about three dozen digital effects at your feet. The Mustang Floor is also a modeling preamp with low-impedance speaker-emulated outputs for running direct to a PA system, a modeling preamp with line-level outputs for use with a power amp and speakers, a silent practice system with stereo headphone output and auxiliary input perfect for playing along with an iPod or other media player, and a tone machine for direct-to-digital USB recording.
MOTU DP8
Usually Mac OS X only, the next version of Digital Performer will be available for Windows and in 64-Bit for both operating systems. New features in version 8 include new skins, new effects, including emulations of Electro-Harmonix models and the Vox AC30.
Feeltune Rhizome LE
Feeltune announced the next generation of it’s computer-based groove Machine with two new products : Rhizome SXE & LE. Both Rhizome share the same workflow. They feature the new version of Rhizome OS, with Sampling, Virtual mixing desk, Multi-effects and real time or step sequencer. Rhizome is also a VST host for your VST effects or instruments. Rhizome LE is the controller-only version of the Rhizome, and requires a connection to your Mac or PC, making it a hybrid groove station.
Eventide H3000
The H3000 Factory Ultra-Harmonizer native plug-in is a harmony plug-in that gives you the sound of Eventide’s Mod Factory 1 and 2, as well as their Patch Factory algorithms from the H3000 D/SE. It includes all original presets, plus new ones, including presets by Richard Devine.
Behringer iAxe
The iAxe is an electronic controller and user interface for the iPad, which sits inside the body of the guitar. Designed around a system of apps, the iAxe Guitar is based on Behringer’s concept of “progressive discovery” to unlock “the joy and fun of making music without the frustration that many beginners experience.” Behringer explains that the iAxe is designed to bridge the gap between games such as Guitar Hero and a real guitar, turning in into an entry point for aspiring guitarists.
Peavey AT-200
The new Peavey AT-200 is designed to allow guitar players to create music “in perfect tune and with perfect intonation.” The Peavey AT-200 utilizes Auto-Tune for Guitar to work behind the scenes to perfect the pitch. The AT-200 with Antares’ Solid-Tune Intonation system constantly monitors the pitch of each individual string and makes the necessary corrections to ensure that every note of every chord and riff is always in tune, regardless of variables like finger position or pressure.
Mackie DL1608
The Mackie DL1608 combines a digital mixer with an iPad. It features 16 Onyx mic preamps and 24bit Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters. Wireless iPad control lets you mix from anywhere in the venue. This also gives you plug-ins like EQ, dynamics, effects and more. The DL1608 can support up to 10 iPad devices.
Wavemachine Labs Auria
Auria is a 48-track iPad music production app which, with USB audio interface, enables you to record up to 24 tracks. There’s multitrack editing, AAF support (so that you can move session files to your main DAW) and VST plug-in support. Not bad for 50 bucks!
Check out all NAMM 2012 news here: https://en.audiofanzine.com/shows/Winter-NAMM/2012/