The theme for today’s NAMM coverage is MORE! More Roland, More BOSS, more Samson, more cool gear.
We kick off with Roland. Parents, roommates, and neighbors all around the world will welcome the RMP-1 Rhythm Coach Pack just as much as drummers will. It’s an electronic practice pad system which lets fledgling drummers practice with 28 different drum sounds only they can hear. The Rhythm Coach Pack consists of a mesh V-Practice Pad (RP-2) and Rhythm Coach sound module (RM-2) with everything hard-working percussionists need to work on their technique and hone their chops – privately. With a built-in metronome and battery or AC operation, you can practice anywhere.
In other electronic drum news, Roland also revealed that the V-Session V-Drum kits are now available in white, purple, and red.
The XV-5050 64-voice synth module packs all the sound patches from their monster XV-5080 synth into an affordable rackmount unit. You also get a selection of Fantom synth patches, plus many brand new patches, and it’s expandable via SRX-Series expansion boards. You also get three independent effects processors, digital outputs, and a USB port for easy PC connection.
And speaking of expansion boards, we heard Roland’s new SRX-05 in action. This is a must-have sound collection for dance music, featuring more drums than any previous expansion board.
More big news: the legendary AX-1 is back, new and improved in the form of the AX-7 MIDI controller keyboard. Keyboardists can strap on the AX-7 and stalk the stage wothout giving up an ounce of control. A host of controllers – including a D-Beam – let you experience a brave new world of dynamic performance.
For those of you who prefer a more traditional keyboard approach, you’re sure to like the VK-8 combo organ. Soundwise, it doesn’t get much more traditional than the VK-8, with plenty of classic organ sounds, as well as the virtual ToneWheel sound of the VK-77 combo organ and rotary speaker modeling (thanks to Roland’s COSM technology). The same is true with performance and playability. The waterfall keyboard of the VK-8 has velocity-sensitive keys and plays just like a “real” organ. But you also a range of features NOT found on classic organs, like high-quality instrument sounds such electric and acoustic pianos, brass, and even “scat” voices and synths, plus a D-Beam controller and MIDI inputs.
Their new MMP-2 two-channel desktop microphone preamp with 24-bit/96kHz A/D conversion boasts some awesome features you won’t find on any other preamp. You get COSM Mic Modeling, 4-band parametric EQ, modeled tube compression, an enhancer, a de-esser and control software for a Mac or PC. You can even download new effect plug-ins to the MMP-2 though USB.
Bass players have something to be happy about with the release of the new V-Bass. Designed by bassists for bassists, this floor-based processing/modeling system combines COSM Bass technology and a new GK-2B Divided Pickup for Bass to model the world’s most popular basses, from classic electric to upright acoustic bass, fretless bass and more. You also get modeling of a suite of tube and solid state bass amps and producing versatile polyphonic bass effects.
More from BOSS! BOSS unveiled the latest addition to their BR Series of super easy-to-use digital recording studios, the BR-1180. Actually, the BR-1180 comes in two versions, a “regular” version and a version with an internal CD burner (the BR-1180CD). Both feature a 20GB hard drive, onboard COSM effects, and a separate rhythm track with great drum sounds. You can record on to 10 primary tracks, but each of these primary tracks has 8 virtual tracks (I’m no math genius, but I think that comes to a whopping total of 80 recording tracks). BOSS’ BR Series of digital studios made their mark among guitarists and songwriters by being incredibly easy to operate, and the BR-1180 continues that tradition, offering a host of pro features that users can figure out in a snap.
This being BOSS, we’d be disappointed if there weren’t some more great guitar effects pedals on offer, and sure enough, BOSS comes through with two new additions to their Twin Pedal Series. The OD-22 Drive Zone delivers all your favorite overdrive/distortion sounds via advanced COSM technology. You get 22 models, including 6 all new tones, plus “Attack Shape” and “Heavy Octave” knobs to adjust your tone and overall sound to your taste. The other Twin Pedal, the CE-20, brings the same sonic excellence to famous chorus effects. You get a great selection of world-class chorus sounds, plus 6 new chorus effects you’ve never heard before. There are even chorus effects for bass and acoustic guitar. “Brilliance” and Ambience” controls let you tweak and add extra spice to your overall tone.
Now, more from Samson! We’ll start it off with the CO1, a large diaphragm condenser recording mic great for capturing vocals and instruments in the studio. It also makes an excellent overhead mic for recording drums.
The Expedition Express is a complete and completely portable, all-in-one PA system, for easy, dependable sound reinforcement. It consists of a Samson dynamic mic, 4-channel mixer with DSP and two-way loudspeakers (cables, storage bags and slip cover included), all in a sturdy, stackable, easy-to-transport package with telescoping handle and wheels.
Their DB500 monitor system delivers studio-quality sound in a durable, powerful stage monitor. It combines 500 watts of power advanced active processing, and high-quality speaker and cabinet components. The wedge-style monitor features angled sides for different dispersion pattern options.