The NAMM Show was back on its regular January schedule, from Jan. 23-25 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The highlight for most of this year’s 63,000 attendees was checking out new gear, so here are our picks of some of the coolest new products and technologies for sound reinforcement professionals from the show.
Console News
Allen & Heath (www.allen-heath.com) unveiled SQ-Rack, built on 96kHz XCVI SQ core, delivering 48 input channels in a compact rack-mount version of its popular SQ consoles. It features local I/O and a SLink port to integrate with A&H’s Everything I/O ecosystem. Option cards add Dante, Waves, MADI or additional SLink capabilities; and multichannel USB support enables easy recording and playback.SQ-MixPad, SQ-4You and SQ-Control apps offer remote control from anywhere. Allen & Heath also won the NAMM TEC Award in the “Small Console Category” for its CQ Series mixer.
Avid’s (www.avid.com) VENUE version 8.0 for its S6L live consoles adds new features, including AutoMixer audio management for consistent sound levels; “Any Mix to Monitors” for gain flexibility; new metering options; and new Milan workflows with virtual sound checking via the MLN-192 option card.
DiGiCo’s (www.digico.biz) Quantum326 console packs the punch of its Quantum338 in a compact footprint for spaces and tours with tight logistic constraints, with 128 input channels, 64 buses, 24×24 matrix, 24 100mm faders, two 17-inch, high-brightness multi-touch screens, 58 TFT channel displays, Ultimate Stadius 32-bit ADC / DAC conversion and more. A theater-specific Quantum326T version is also available. The DiGiCo Quantum326 also won the coveted Parnelli “Indispensible Technology” award.
Lawo’s (www.lawo.com) v12.0.0 software for its mc² consoles offers significant improvements in channel management, Waves integration and system security, along with native support for the HOME mc² DSP App that runs on generic CPU platforms using cloud-native technologies. Coming just days after the Version 10.12 release, v12.0.0 also increases the processing channel count of the mc²36 MkII console to 384 (previously 256) channels with up to 256 buses and more.
Mackie (www.mackie.com) expands its DL Series with the Mackie DL16SE (16-input, $899) and DL32SE (32-input, $1,499) digital rack mixers with control via the Master Fader SE app. Standard are Onyx+ preamps; 8-10 separate outputs; four stereo FX; and EQ, compressor, filters and RTA/Spectrograph on each input / output, and 16×16 or 32×32 USB for multi-tracking shows, or virtual sound checking.
Solid State Logic’s (www.solidstatelogic.com) Live V6.0 software for its SSL Live console range adds Dante routing enhancements, remote control updates and acclaimed studio processors used on countless hit records. Meanwhile, Sourcerer and Blitzer effect rack modules can now be controlled directly from the TaCo app.
Waves’ (www.waves.com) eMotion LV1 Classic integrated live console combines the LV1 mix engine with hardware workflows, 64 stereo channels, 44 buses, Waves’ 32-bit floating-point mix engine, built-in Waves processing, 21” touchscreen, 17 physical 100mm faders and seamless integration to Waves plug-in catalog. The scalable design lets users expand I/O, DSP and its 16 onboard preamps are expandable via Waves’ Ionic stageboxes. Its 38-pound weight is fly-date friendly.
Yamaha’s (https://usa.yamaha.com/products) DM7 Series of digital consoles — consisting of the 72-channel DM7C compact and the 120-channel DM7 — now with firmware V1.60 keep getting better. The update provides support of the PY64-D audio interface card, 5.1 surround panning and surround monitoring, and a host of new Dante Tricks, including improved stability of Dante Device Mounting on the Dante Primary Network and control of Dante devices from a DDM domain. Meanwhile, Waves Audio announced the Waves WSG-PY64 I/O Card for integrating Waves plug-ins in low- latency from the DM7 console.
Speakers… Loud Speakers!
Adamson Systems’ (www.adamson.ai) VGs is a flyable / ground stack subwoofer built on the foundation of its E-Series E119 sub, with 6 kW Class-D amplification, onboard DSP, cardioid array presets and a long-excursion 19” SD19 Kevlar neodymium driver. Max SPL is 139 dB; weight is 160 pounds. Connectivity includes analog and redundant daisy-chainable Milan AVB.
d&b audiotechnik’s (www.dbaudio.com) CCL System (Compact Cardioid Line Array) offers cardioid directivity in a compact, lightweight (18 kg) system — ideal for installs in theaters, auditoriums, houses of worship and acoustically challenging spaces such as sports arenas or reverberant rooms. Systems will be available in both mobile (CCL) and install (CCLi) configurations, as well as 80° (CCL8) and 120° (CCL12) horizontal dispersion versions, as a versatile, easy-to-rig solution for corporate rental, regional tours, festivals and larger events, where it can complement SL Series arrays as a side- or in-fills.
dBTechnologies (www.dbtechnologies.com) launched the Ingenia Subs family, designed to complement its Ingenia range of column loudspeaker systems, enhancing LF and providing increased scalability for the series. The 1,600W IGS1 has a single 18″ woofer, while the IGS2 is equipped with two 18″ neodymium woofers and 3,200 watts of onboard power. Both systems are equipped with RDNet, for real-time monitoring and control through Windows / Mac Aurora Net software.
L-Acoustics (www.l-acoustics.com) had a busy show, kicked off by the news that former Group One president Bryan Bradley came aboard as CEO Americas to oversee all of the manufacturer’s North, Central and South American operations. Their demo room was packed by attendees wanting to hear the power and precision of its L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound technology, in a captivating aural atmosphere delivered by coaxial X8 and X12 speakers and Syva Sub and SB18 subwoofers. L-Acoustics also garnered a TEC Award for its LA7.16 amplified controller.
LD Systems’ (www.ld-systems.com) new ICOA series combines coaxial P.A. speakers and a 21” subwoofer. Onboard control includes SysCore DSP with FIR/IIR filters and advanced limiters for distortion-free sound, even at maximum volume; a free remote adjustment app for smartphone and tablet; and Bluetooth connectivity.
Meyer Sound (www.meyersound.com) is shipping its Ultra-X80 concentric-driver point-source design speakers, with two 12-inch neodymium drivers on a rotatable 95°x40° waveguide coupled to a 4” comp. driver with Class-D amplification delivering 141 dB peaks in a 130-pound cabinet. Meyer Sound also took home a NAMM TEC Award for its 2100-LFC dual-21” powered subwoofer and a TECnology Hall of Fame Award for its Constellation system.
PK Sound’s (www.pksound.live) Tx14 and Tx26 intelligent point-source modules complement PK’s robotic line array systems. The Tx14 has a 14” woofer with a 3” diaphragm HF on a 50° x 70° horn. The Tx26 pairs two 6” drivers with a 1” diaphragm HF handling high frequencies. All have onboard DSP, 1,400-watts of power and networking, with control via PK .dynamics software.
QSC’s (www.qsc.com) KC12 3-way, 3,000-watt / 132 dB SPL loudspeaker system redefines the modern column speaker column loudspeaker. The system consists of a ported 12” subwoofer, with a mid/high enclosure featuring a 1” compression driver and two high-excursion 4” midrange drivers. Thanks to this 3-way design, the system provides full-range horizontal coverage of 145 degrees, and 35 degrees of audience-directed vertical coverage, with clean and natural sound at all output levels.
RCF’s (www.rcf.it) NXL 14-A compact point-source speakers offer 128dB max SPL from 2,100W of Class-D bi-amplification with a 70 – 20k Hz linear response. Two 6” neodymium woofers and a 1.75” PKX driver on a rotatable 100°x70° waveguide with onboard FiRPHASE and Bass Motion Control DSP yield definition, power and portability, whether paired with SUB Series subwoofers, in immersive setups or as fill speakers.
Studiomaster (www.studiomaster.com) spotlighted its V6 (dual 6.5” with 3” diaphragm HF) and V26 (dual 6.5” LF with eight coaxial 1” HF drivers) compact line arrays with onboard DSP and Class-D powering and complementary subwoofers.
TT+ Audio’s (www.ttaudio.com) 48 dB GTX 12 3-way line array module is designed for large-scale applications (flyable in arrays up to 24 modules); with its compact GTX 10 two-way line array module for mid-large scale and installed indoor / outdoor sound applications.
Yorkville Sound (www.yorkville.com) launched its most powerful DC-operated P.A. speakers to date. The 1,900-watt EXM Pro12 is a three-way system with a 12” neodymium woofer and 6.5”/1” coaxial high-frequency driver. The EXM Pro10 has a 10” woofer and 850 watts of peak power. Both models have an onboard 3-channel mixer and built-in effects. Using Bluetooth connectivity, two cabinets can be paired wirelessly for stereo playback.
Mics, Mics Mics!
Audio Technica’s (www.audio-technica.com) ATM355VF cardioid condenser clip-on mic is designed for violins, violas, flutes and woodwinds. Available are connectors for wireless and wired use and optional omni and hypercardioid elements.
Audix’s (www.audixusa.com) OMX Series of handheld hypercardioid dynamics are offered in wide, tight and medium pickup patterns to suit different vocalists. Also new is the DX6 update of the classic D6 kick mic, but now with three switchable frequency response profiles. Price is $299.
CAD Audio (www.cadaudio.com) showed the WX19 a miniature earworn mic and the CAD GX18VP 18-inch gooseneck mic with a continuously variable pickup pattern.
DPA Microphones’ (www.dpamicrophones.com) new CORE+ technology neutralizes distortion across a mic’s entire dynamic range, making residual noise virtually unmeasurable. DPA’s roll-out has the first going to its omni 5mm headsets and lavaliers, including its 4060, 4061, 4071, 4661, 4066, 4266 and 4466 models, followed by its miniature cardioid solutions. Also new is a robust, locking MicroLock connector that builds on the strengths of its existing MicroDot connector.
Ear Trumpet Labs (www.eartrumpetlabs.com) debuted Wanda ($525), a mid-century-inspired, medium-large diaphragm condenser for vocals, stringed instruments and high-SPL sources with an all-brass body and a swivel mount.
Microtech Gefell (www.microtechgefell.de) expanded its small-diaphragm Generation 4 modular interchangeable mic system with a new M 41 supercardioid model, joining the cardioid, wide cardioid and omni models in the line.
Mojave Audio (www.mojaveaudio.com) showed its MA-D Wireless ($179), a capsule-only version of Mojave’s popular MA-D cardioid dynamic, designed for 1.25” screw-mount handheld wireless transmitters
sE Electronics (www.seelectronics.com) expands its handheld vocal mic line with V7 Red and V7 White versions, in addition to the Charcoal Gray, Black and Chrome variants. The new models also include a black windscreen, so users can customize the mics’ look. All utilize a rugged supercardioid dynamic capsule. Street is $99.
Shure (www.shure.com) expanded its Nexadyne line with three new instrument mics: the Nexadyne 2 kick mic, Nexadyne 5 guitar amp mic and the Nexadyne 6 tom/snare microphone. Each offers authentic clarity while minimizing unwanted noise.
More to Come
There was a lot more to see — and hear — and we’ll be covering more cool offerings from NAMM on fohonline and in future issues of FRONT of HOUSE magazine.
