[NAMM] Zildjian's Gen16 Launched

The company describes as “Intelligent Percussion” the array of currently available and upcoming products being displayed and demonstrated at Gen16's Booth 3050, directly adjacent to the main Zildjian booth, as well as the new App and Gaming Pavilion, located in Hall E.

Gen16's Digital Vault series features acoustic samples of Zildjian’s master “reference” cymbals, along with limited edition cymbals never made available to the public. Three current and four new releases in the growing Digital Vault collection will be available to audition at the Gen16 booth.

Also at NAMM will be the unveiling of Gen16's Acoustic/Electric  (“A.E.”) technology products. The A.E. Cymbal system is a hybrid acoustic/electric cymbal, combining low-volume acoustic cymbals with microphone, signal processing and tone modeling designed to “create a paradigm shift that promises to upend the notion of both electronic and traditional cymbals.”

Also debuting is the A.E. Drum Rack, a modern percussion hardware system that complements both acoustic and electronic drum setups. Designed around a pending hinge system that allows for fast setup, transport and maximum functionality, the A.E. Drum Rack is described as “lighter and stronger than conventional drum racks, transports easily and supports a wide range of electric, acoustic and hybrid drum and percussion setups.”

Gen16 will also be showing the new Groove Player app for iPhone and iPad, with thousands of beats and percussion patterns. Featuring an interactive user interface, the Groove Player app delivers control over tempo, time signature, drum and cymbal sounds. It also allows users to play and program beats and post them to their favorite websites.

And the Gen16 booth and Apps kiosk will also be taking the wraps off the new Gen16 Groove Tracks Site. The Groove Tracks Site offers downloads of thousands of multi-format beats, drum grooves and fills played by drummers and percussionists, including Kenny Aronoff, Alex Acuna, Marco Minnemann, Wolf, Eddie Bayers, Danny Seraphine, Billy Martin and other world-class players. Each groove is searchable by style, tempo, artist, and genre, and can be auditioned using several different drum set configurations.

The Gen16 booth will be hosting showcases and performances to demonstrate these  new technologies throughout the NAMM show. Visit Gen16 at booth 3050, or log on to www.gen-16.com for more information.