Special Report:
Great New Gear From Winter NAMM
By A-J Charron
It’s a brand new year and that means brand new gear
from the NAMM Winter session in Anaheim, California. From January 19 to January 22, over 80,000 registrants browsed the hottest new gear from nearly 1,500 of the largest music gear and instrument manufacturers. The showroom floor of the Anaheim Convention Center was abuzz with excitement as companies from around the globe previewed and displayed everything from guitars and keyboards to recording software and hardware, microphones, headphones, PAs and power amplifiers. This month we bring you the most exciting discoveries from the show.
QSC HPR152F 15” 2-Way
Powered Loudspeaker
QSC’s new bi-amplified 15” loudspeakers are extremely versatile and can be used in a large number of live performance situations. The 1.75” compression driver creates a very accurate high-end with its 90x60 degree horn. The new loudspeaker can also extend down to 50Hz with its powerful low-frequency driver. Subwoofer-equipped sets include a 500-watt power module with a 100-Hz high pass filter. This addition to the QSC speaker line provides strong, steady, accurate sound.
www.qscaudio.com
Audio-Technica Import Series Headphones
Audio-Technica’s Import Series made its U.S. debut at NAMM, having previously only been available in Japan. This extensive line of fifteen headphones is broken down into audiophile, DJ, and portable categories and ranges from titanium ear-buds to professional monitor headphones. The ATH-AD700, one of three open-air dynamic headphones offered, is designed to reduce strain on the user’s ears and forms to fit their head comfortably. The ATH-PRO700 DJ headphones cancel out ambient noise to ensure a clean listening experience and can handle up to 5,300 mW.
www.audio-technica.com
AT2041SP Studio Pack
$249
Made up of two cardioid condenser microphones, Audio-Technica’s Studio Pack is ideal for a variety of recording situations. The AT2020, intended for vocals and larger instruments, has a wide dynamic range and flexible frequency response. For the more delicate pick-up of hi-hats, piano and the like, the AT2021 provides excellent acoustic replication. The pack also includes a stand mount for the AT2020, a stand clamp for the AT2021, and two storage pouches.
www.audio-technica.com
Electro-Voice ZX1 speakers
$315-$460
The ZX1 portable speaker model features integrated pole mounting, a built-in handle pocket, and removable rubber feet with four M8 mounting studs for all of your performing and rehearsing needs. This compact speaker delivers exceptional low-end sound with an 8” high-power woofer. The built-in DH2005, a 1” exit true compression driver, ensures dynamic frequency response. Designed to be extremely durable and space-saving, the ZX1 is a speaker with excellent fidelity for those musicians looking for a cost-friendly option.
www.electrovoice.com
|MXL 2010 multi-pattern microphone
$199.95
The MXL 2010, Marshall Electronics’ newest introduction, is designed to handle extensive studio applications with its interchangeable cardioid, figure eight, and omni polar patterns. High sound pressure levels can be controlled by the 2010’s -10dB attenuation switch while its selectable low frequency roll-off capability cuts down on proximity effect and wind noise. Featuring a one-inch gold sputtered diaphragm, this well-designed microphone can be used effectively on both vocals and acoustic instruments and includes a high-isolation shock mount and a carrying case.
www.mxlmics.com
Lexicon Lambda USB Interface
Lexicon’s new USB interface, Lambda, features two XLR mic inputs, two 1/4” inputs, two line outputs, and a headphone output jack. Included with the interface is the Cubase LE music production software, featuring forty-eight audio tracks. In addition, the interface also comes with Lexicon’s Pantheon Reverb plug-in. Lambda stands as a solid and practical option for home recording.
www.lexicon.com
Alesis MultiMix FireWire mixers
Alesis has released a line of eight, twelve, and sixteen channel mixers that include a 24-bit FireWire interface. While the MultiMix FireWire series can be used effectively just for mixing purposes, its FireWire compatibility converts each channel into aninput on your computer with two availabl outputs. With Steinberg Cubase LE music recording software included, the user has access to 100 28-bit preset effects. Each mixer/interface also features a 3-band EQ for every channel. Competitively priced with standard audio interfaces, the cost-efficient MultiMix FireWire series stands as a vital dual home recording and performance tool.
www.alesis.com
Peavey Tour Series Bass Amp Heads
$ TBA
Peavey’s brand new Tour Series 700 and 450 bass amplifier heads give very special attention to the low-end. The series features an analog octave synth/divider that allows for the addition of an extra note one octave lower than the original note. Engineer-adjusted EQ centers and Peavey’s patented SmartRail technology greatly enhance low-frequency efficiency and power without compromising integrity. High and low shelving controls, pre and post-gain control, EQ contour control and a post-EQ effects loop provide the musician with nearly unlimited creative boundaries. Both sets come with a nine-band constant-Q graphic equalizer and XLR-equipped direct outs. Peavey’s new bass heads are defined by serious power and small size.
www.peavey.com
Shure KSM9
$1,968 with wireless system
The KSM9 boasts a handheld wireless dual-diaphragm condenser design that brings studio quality sound to live performance. It has variable cardioid/supercardioid versatility and a full-range frequency response, allowing for clear and natural sound from a wide array of vocal ranges and types. The KSM9 also comes with two-stage shock suspension that limits the amount of noise resulting from handling the microphone. Built to work exclusively with Shure’s UHF-R wireless system, it succeeds in faithfully capturing live vocal performances.
www.shure.com
