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This year’s NAMM Show, once againheld at Anaheim Convention Center,offered a unique opportunity to explorethe latest offerings in live-productioncreativity, with more than 1,621 com-panies—a 6% increase over 2014—exhibiting their assorted wares to areported 99,342 registrants.

“In an unpredictable and chaoticmarketplace, the NAMM Show hasbecome the reliable and predictableplatform where our members cancome for business, education, andinspiration,” stated NAMM presi-dent/CEO Joe Lamond. “From fledg-ling entrepreneurs to the most estab-lished brands, everyone here has anequal shot.”

What follows are details of some ofthe myriad new offerings to be seenacross the various convention hallsand hotel ballrooms at the 2015NAMM Show.

Derived from the popular DMS700V2, AKG (www.akg.com), a Harmanbrand, introduced the new DMS800wireless microphone system, whichfeatures two digital outputs in Danteand AES/EBU formats, plus inter-changeable microphone heads. Inaddition to the DHT800 digital trans-mitter, the system includes theDSR800 40-channel receiver and theDPT800 body-pack transmitter. Otherfeatures include low-cut filter, three-band equalizer, dbx compressor, and

dbx limiter.ATC (www.transaudiogroup.com),

distributed in the US via Trans AudioGroup, unveiled the new SCM45A Prothree-way compact active monitorspeaker, featuring a dual-wooferdesign with 6.5" drivers for enhancedLF bass response and increased SPL.The firm’s new dual-suspension tweet-er is said to add increased resolutionin the high-frequency band. The unit ispowered by ATC’s proprietary activeTri-Amp Pack, a three-channel discreteMOSFET Class A/B design.

Allen & Heath (www.allen-heath.com), distributed in the US viaAM&S(www.americanmusicandsound.com),

New at NAMMBy: Mel Lambert

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www.lightingandsoundamerica.com • March 2015 • 79

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has extended its Qu range with thenew Qu-Pac compact digital mixer,which includes both a built-in touchscreen and iPad control app.Designed for freestanding or rack-mount situations, the mixer features16 mono inputs, three stereo inputs,and 12 rear-panel mix outputs,expandable to 38-in/28-out by con-necting to the firm’s AudioRacks viaCat5 links. Total recall of settings andpre-amps is offered, with multi-trackrecording to USB.

American DJ Products(www.adj.com) demonstrated severalfixed and moving lights, including thenew Illusion Dotz 3.3, a moving washfixture with nine 30W controllable tri-color LEDs, 360°/540° pan and 270°tilt. The Inno Pocket Wash is a mini-moving head that creates colorwashes from a 28° beam angle.Features include four 10W RGBWLEDs controlled by sound activationwith four built-in shows; an IR wire-less remote, and DMX port enablesexternal control.

Antelope Audio(www.antelopeaudio.com) demonstrat-ed the new Pure2 mastering converter,MP32 microphone pre-amp, Satorimonitoring controller, and Zen Studio,which features 20 analog inputs, 12pre-amps, A-to-D conversion, onboardeffects, multiple monitor mixers, andlow-latency USB plus Mac/PC controlsoftware. The dual-channel Pure2offers 24kHz/192kHz A-to-D/D-to-Aconversion with the firm’s high-endTrinity master clock.

Audio-Technica (www.audio-tech-nica.com) introduced the System 10PRO rack-mount digital wireless sys-tem for the 2.4GHz range. A choice ofone or two receiver units can beoperated locally within the chassis orremoved and mounted remotely up to300' away via an Ethernet cable; upto five systems—10 receivers—canbe linked together to create a multi-channel system. Other featuresinclude 24-bit/48kHz operation, easysetup, clear sound quality, and three

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levels of diversity.Auralex (www.auralex.com) show-

cased an upgrade to its HoverDeckISO Series drum and percussion isola-tion, which is said to reduce colorationfrom floor resonance by decouplingthe drum or percussion setup from thestage or studio floor, resulting in a“tighter, purer sound.” The V2 upgradefeatures individually black-Ozite-wrapped panels that provide a non-slip surface to hold drums and hard-ware from migrating or slipping.

Avid (www.avid.com) announced

new licensing models for Pro Toolsplus Cloud Collaboration and newservices in the Avid Marketplace. ProTools 12 can be licensed for as little as$29.99/month, or bought outright from$899; new options will allow users tostay current with future softwareupdates as soon as they are releasedvia the cloud, at no additional charge.Avid Cloud Collaboration, initially to beaccessed by Pro Tools users, willenable users to record, edit, and mixsessions working with other Pro Toolsusers in the cloud. Also to be seen:

the free-of-charge Pro Tools First,which offers a smaller I/O format andjust three online cloud-based sessions.

Behringer (www.behringer.com), aMusic Group brand, unveiled the wire-less, remote-controllable X AIR Seriesof consoles. All four models—X18,XR18, XR16, and XR12—featureMidas-designed mic pre-amps, anintegrated tri-mode Wi-Fi router andfour stereo X32 effects processors.Select models feature multichannelUSB audio/MIDI interfaces andUltranet digital network for the firm’sP-16 personal monitoring system andTurbosound networkable speakers.

Chauvet Professional(www.chauvetlighting.com) demon-strated several new moving lights,including the Intimidator Spot 255 IRC,which boasts a 60W LED and built-inautomated programs plus move-in-black capabilities and selectable panand tilt ranges; the Intimidator SpotLED 150 is powered by a 25W whiteLED and includes nine gobos and ninecolors on separate wheels. Built-inautomated and sound-active programsare said to make programming as easyor complex as necessary.

Countryman Associates(www.countryman.com) unveiled the I2instrument microphone, with polar pat-terns ideal for X-Y, M-S, and othertechniques that rely on accurate coin-cident positioning and consistentresponses. Of small size, the I2 offersa 20Hz – 20kHz frequency response,making it suitable for timpani, stringbass, and low brass through piccoloand violins. Four polar patterns areavailable: omni, cardioid, hypercar-dioid, and bidirectional/figure-8.

Crown (www.crownaudio.com), aHarman brand, is now shipping thenew XLi Series of entry-level poweramplifiers for live and installed-soundapplications. The Crown XLi3500,XLi2500, XLi1500, and XLi800 deliver1,000, 500, 330, and 200W/channelrespectively into eight ohms; all mod-els feature user-selectable input sensi-tivity via balanced XLR and unbal-

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anced RCA inputs. Systems can beoperated in stereo, parallel, orbridged-mono mode with binding postand speakON connectors.

DAS Audio (www.dasaudio.com)launched the new Aero 20A compactpowered line array system, which issaid to incorporate the firm’s latesttechnical achievements in transducerdesign, power electronics, and systemmanagement. The unit incorporates anew 12" loudspeaker “optimized toprovide high output and reliability,”plus an aluminum voice coil bonded toa new fiberglass-reinforced cone, anoptimized magnet circuit, and a newsuspension design.

Now available from dbx (dbx-pro.com), a Harman brand, the 500Series processors comprise five half-rack signal processors that includesthe 560A compressor/limiter withOverEasy mode, 530 three-band para-metric EQ, 580 mic pre-amp, 520 de-esser, and 510 subharmonic synth.The Model 530 EQ features selectablebell- or shelf-type filters, withadjustable Q, while the Model 580 micpre provides up to 60dB of gain, andthe Model 520’s control range is800Hz – 8kHz.

DPA Microphones(www.dpamicrophones.com) show-cased the latest versions of its d:factovocal, d:vote 4099 instrument, andd:dicate recording microphones.D:facto is said to offer high separationand extreme SPL handling, with achoice of a wired handle or an adapterfor wireless systems; the triple-stagepop filter is available with black, gold-en, and nickel grids. The d:dicate 2011twin-diaphragm cardioid mic is opti-mized for use on stage.

Elation Professional(www.elationlighting.com) showcasedan array of fixed and moving instru-ments, including the Platinum FLX650W moving-head luminaire, whichfeatures spot, beam, and wash capa-bilities together with CMY color mix-ing, animation, DMX, and other func-tions. The Platinum Profile LED pro-

file/framing shutter LED spot luminairefeatures an 180W LED engine, 6,500Kcolor, greater than 85 CRI, 9,000 totallumens, and an 18° beam angle; sevendichroic colors are provided, includingUV and white.

Electro-Voice(www.electrovoice.com) introduced theEKX series of portable loudspeakers,available in four powered and fourpassive models, as 12"/15" two-waymodels and 15"/18" subwoofers. On-board QuickSmartDSP processingoffers single-knob control and four

presets, sub/top system-matchcrossovers, and three-band EQ.Subwoofer features enable output tobe steered towards the audience withup to 35dB on-stage reduction.

Focusrite (us.focusrite.com), dis-tributed in the US via AM&S, show-cased the Clarett range ofThunderbolt-capable interfaces, whichare said to offer a latency of less than1mS at 24-bit/192kHz sample rates.Integral mic pre-amps are said to repli-cate the impedance and transformerresonance of the firm’s original ISA

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models, resulting in “exceptional clari-ty and the signature sound for whichFocusrite has become famous.”

Fostex (www.fostex.com), distrib-uted in the US via AM&S, launched theModel RM-3 rack-mount poweredmonitor speaker with auto memory ofI/O status for video monitoring, surveil-lance, and mobile/stationary controlrooms. The system features a built-in10W class-D amplifier with elongated-shape speakers, and accepts bothanalog/digital inputs. Also to be seen:the new PX-5HS planar-type monitorheadphones.

Grund Audio Design(www.grundaudio.com) showed GPSeries loudspeakers, which featurelightweight injection-molded enclo-sures available in four models: GP-08A, GP-10A, GP-12A, and GP-15A.The two-way systems feature a 1"compression driver mated with an 8-, 10-, 12-, or 15" weather-treated LFtransducer; integral power ampsrange from 200W – 700W andaccept XLR mic- and line-levelinputs with individual level and mas-ter EQ controls.

Hosa Technology (hosatech.com)has expanded its Mogan microphoneseries with the addition of earset andlavalier models, including the EliteICE omni short boom earset, Eliteomni lavalier, and standard omnilavalier. The Elite ICE features thefirm’s Invisi-Clear Earpiece (ICE),while the Omni short boom provideslow visibility on stage, with a 2.5mmomni condenser element; two boomlengths are available.

iZ Technology (www.izcorp.com)unveiled RADAR Studio, a multichan-nel hard-disc recorder that now runsDAW software, and ships with pre-installed Avid Pro Tools and HarrisonMixbus. Key features include near-zerojitter, latest-generation converters, andthe ability to track, mix, and automate,using current plug-ins and features ofnative DAW software. An enhancedwork flow integrates the iZ sessioncontroller and MeterBridge, with con-figurable I/O, drive bays, externalmedia, and DSP cards.

JBL Professional(www.jblpro.com), a Harman brand,introduced the SRX800 Series ofportable powered loudspeakers withintegral Crown DriveCore amplifiers,

comprising the 12" two-way SRX812P,15" two-way SRX812P, dual 15" three-way SRX835P, 18" SRX818SP, andSRX828SP dual-18" subwoofers. HFwaveguides are said to provide accu-rate horizontal and vertical patterncontrol, with smooth frequencyresponse over a wide coverage area.And for the third year, HarmanProfessional provided a sound andlighting system for the NAMM 2015Center Grand Plaza Main Stage,

including JBL VTX line arrays, Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers, and MartinProfessional lighting.

KRK Systems (www.krksys.com), aGibson brand, demonstrated theROKIT G3 studio monitor series, whichis available with 5", 6", or 8" driversand a single HF tweeter. A unique tun-ing process is said to treat the LFwoofer, cabinet, and port as a single,integrated whole that provides“extreme vocal clarity with extendedbass response.” The bi-amplified sys-tem has also been optimized to “maxi-mize headroom with very low distor-tion.”

Littlite (www.littlite.com) show-cased a number of gooseneck tasklights and accessories, including the

Anser Series, which is said to takeadvantage of the flexibility and energyefficiency of LED technology. Availablein dimmable spot- and floodlightdesigns, a warm light output—approxi-mately 3,000K—mimics the warmth ofa traditional incandescent lamp, whilea unique hood is designed to minimizeoperating temperature.

Mackie (www.mackie.com), aLOUD Technologies brand, unveiledthe new DL32R 32-channel wireless

Focusrite Clarett 8PreX interface withThunderbolt I/O.

Harman Professional provided a sound and lighting system for the NAMM 2015 CenterGrand Plaza Main Stage, including JBL VTX line arrays, Crown I-Tech HD amplifiers, andMartin lighting.

TRADE SHOW REPORT

digital mixer for use with the firm’sMaster Fader iPad app, with flexibleDSP and multi-track record/playback.Each of the 32 inputs features Onyx+mic pre-amps, with remote control ofgain and phantom power. A total of 14XLR outputs are available, with a front-panel output for speaker processors. Anew DL Dante expansion card pro-vides 32 x 32 channels of network I/O.

Midas (www.midasconsoles.com),a Music Group brand, showcased thenew 40-input/25-bus M32R and M32Cdigital consoles, plus the DL32 32 x 16stage box. Features include Midas micpre-amps and rugged motorizedfaders as used on PRO Series con-soles. Ultranet connectivity enables fullintegration with the new Turbosoundactive loudspeakers and Behringer P-16 personal monitoring systems. TheDL32 stage box doubles the I/O in arugged 3U rack-mount chassis.

PMC (pmc-speakers.com) unveiledthe TwoTwo Sub2 active subwoofer,which provides enhanced headroomand dynamics compared to its smallersibling, the TwoTwo Sub1. Sub2 fea-tures the firm’s unique ATL bass-load-ing technology, Class-D amplification,and DSP-based filtering and bassmanagement, which is said to signifi-cantly extend bass output with negligi-ble harmonic distortion. The unit canbe deployed in a 2.1 configuration withTwoTwo Series near-field monitors to

secure extra bass extension. QSC (www.qsc.com) announced

upgrades for its TouchMix Series ofcompact digital mixers; V2.0 firmwareadds support for password-protected,multi-level security access, expandedWi-Fi options—including wired con-nection to an infrastructure router—and user button programming. TheTouchMix iOS app has also beenexpanded to include a personal-moni-tor mix, for both iPhone and iPodTouch, that lets operators limit accessof connected external devices.

Radial Engineering(www.radialeng.com) introduced theDecoder, a self-contained MS interfacefor combining a stereo microphonewith a second middle mic via threeXLR inputs; individual on-off switchesand level controls are provided for allthree sources. Phantom power also isavailable for condenser microphones,while a high-pass filter eliminatesexcessive LF rumble. Switches enablethe unit to be used with mics or line-

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level sources when applying MS imag-ing to pre-recorded tracks.

Sennheiser (www.sennheiser.com)unveiled the Evolution Series D12.4GHz wireless system for vocals orinstruments, with transmitters andreceivers that automatically pair andselect suitable transmission frequen-

cies; multiple D1 systems can auto-matically coordinate themselves. Toallow coexistence with Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, and other 2.4GHz systems,the D1 receiver continually scans theRF environment, and seamlesslymoves to another frequency if itdetects any interference.

Shure (www.shure.com) unveiledthe Design Studio Series, whichenables users of BLX and GLX-D wire-less systems to customize their hand-held microphones with a choice of sixstandard colors—white, silver, gold,pink, blue, and red, to replace thestandard black cover—and an optionto upload images/text for a one-of-a-kind design. A durable dye-transfertechnology enables users to wrap adesign around the entire microphone.

Solid State Logic (www.solid-state-logic.com) launched the HVD premodule for 500-format racks, whichincorporates the firm’s patentedVariable Harmonic Drive-based pre-amp technology, from the Dualitylarge-format console, to generate richharmonic distortion; as input gain isincreased, the process introduceseither second or third harmonic distor-tion or a blend of the two to sourcematerial. Also to be seen: the LiveL300 and L500 consoles withenhanced software.

Sonnox (www.sonnoxplugins.com)showcased the LIVE bundle of DAWplug-ins, designed specifically for usewith Avid Venue and S3L consoles.The five plug-ins support both TDMand AAX DSP formats: Oxford EQ five-band parametric EQ and filters; OxfordDynamics with side-chain EQ and“warmth” control; Inflator for“enhanced presence, loudness, andwarmth;” TransMod for ultimate tran-sient control; Oxford Reverb with para-metric EQ; and SuprEsser DS (AAXDSP only).

New from Soundcraft(www.soundcraft.com), a Harmanbrand, the Signature Series of10/12/14/16-channel analog consoleswith two-in/two-out USB interface,plus the Signature Series multi-trackmixers available in 12-channel (14-in/12-out USB interface) and 22-channel (24-in/22-out USB) format.All models include the firm’s Ghostmic pre-amps and SapphyreAsymmetric EQ, plus built-in Lexiconeffects and dbx limiters. XLR andswitchable Hi-Z inputs enable con-

nection to stage instruments. Tascam (tascam.com), a Gibson

brand, unveiled the VL-S5 two-way,magnetically shielded studio monitorspeaker, which features a 5" curvedKevlar cone with a voice coil anddamped rubber surround plus a 1" silkdome tweeter. The active, bi-amplifiedpower section is said to produce 70Wper side: 30W to the HF section and40W for the woofer. Balanced andunbalanced XLR/1/4" inputs are fea-tured, with a trim control.

Turbosound(www.turbosound.com), a MusicGroup brand, demonstrated the newiQ Series of networked two-way loud-speakers—iQ15, iQ12, iQ10, and iQ8,designed for front-of-house and floor-wedge applications—which featuresfull integration with digital mixers andpersonal monitor systems via thefirm’s Ultranet technology. A speakermodeling capability lets users recallpreset contours that are said to emu-late the sound of 10 of the world’smost iconic loudspeakers.

Universal Audio(www.uaudio.com) showcased ApolloExpanded software for audio inter-faces, which will allow users ofThunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin,Apollo DUO, Apollo QUAD, and Apollo16 audio interfaces to freely combineup to four Apollos and six total UAD-2s. Console 2.0 software offersThunderbolt-equipped Apollo users anew Flex Driver to customize CoreAudio I/O and star clocking. Also tobe seen: Antares Auto-Tune Live plug-in with low latency for on-stage use.

Vue Audiotechnik(www.vueaudio.com) unveiled the h-Class dual 5" full-range loudspeakersystems, which feature dual 5" low-frequency drivers and a 1" compres-sion driver in a compact package forstage lip and under-balcony applica-tions. Low-frequency transducers useTruextent beryllium diaphragms, whileberyllium technology in the high-fre-quency driver is said to deliverimprovements in response linearity.

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Soundcraft Signature 32 console.

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The compression driver mounts on anew horn with 120 x 40° coverage.

Waves Audio (www.waves.com)unveiled Waves Tracks Live, a multi-track recording application for livesound engineers to capture perform-ances to their hard drives. Stereo- andmulti-out modes allow the user to tog-gle between recording and virtualsoundcheck; automatic multichannelre-routing adapts to any changesmade on the fly, streamlining largershows with hundreds of tracks.ASIO/Core Audio-compatible drivers

support 192kHz sample rates andpopular DAW file formats.

WorxAudio Technologies(www.worxaudio.com), a PreSonusbrand, introduced the TrueLine SeriesXL3i (installation) and XL3T (touring)line array systems; three modules cre-ate a 38° vertical system with a broad150° horizontal dispersion. Each mod-ule features a large-format compres-sion driver with a 3" diaphragm and1.4" exit coupled to a proprietaryFlatWave Former, paired with dual 8"LF transducers for a 55Hz – 20kHz

(3dB) frequency range.Yamaha (usa.yamaha.com)

unveiled the powered DBR Series andpassive CBR Series of portable loud-speakers, available as models DBR10,DBR12, and DBR15 with DSP; thefirm’s FIR-X tuning uses linear-phaseFIR filters for the crossover, achieving“more accurate and smooth responsefor outstanding imaging.” D-Contourdynamic multi-band processingapplies optimized settings for eitherfront-of-house or floor-monitoringapplications. The DBR Series feature a

50° wedge angle, while DBR12/15’ssymmetrical shape enables a mirrormode.

Mel Lambert has been intimatelyinvolved with production industries onboth sides of the Atlantic for moreyears than he cares to remember. He isprincipal of Content Creators, a LosAngeles-based copywriting and edito-rial service, and can be reached atmel.lambert@content-creators.com;818.558-3924. He is also a 30-yearmember of the UK’s National Union ofJournalists« Scan here to learn more.

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