Winter NAMM 2001 Report
Part 7
We’re still not done with all the new products and updates manufacturers were showing at Winter NAMM 2001, so let’s get right to the gear.
Roland had a host of new goodies for showgoers to see and hear, but then, they had a 600 foot long display to fill. The SRJV8019 House Card, taken from Ueberschall’s acclaimed “Houseworx” and “Jambox” CD-ROM’s, is the latest in the series of expansion boards for the JV, XP and XV series instruments. This new card fills the void left by the discontinued SRJV8006 Dance card. The VPZ05 Solo Sax and VPZ06 Solo Trumpet and Trombone discs further broaden the choices for owners of the VP9000 Variphrase processor. The RS9 88 note and RS5 61 note performance synths are Roland’s latest entries in affordable, high-quality keyboards. With waveforms derived from the acclaimed XV series and SRJV expansion boards plus some all new waveforms, these easy to use synths have a number of features that will make them popular for live and studio musicians. The SPD6 percussion pad has 6 individual pads which can be played either with sticks or by hand, thanks to a convenient toggle switch. With 113 onboard sounds, 2 footswitch inputs, and the ability to be powered either with an AC adapter or 6 AA batteries, the SPD6 is a compact, affordable, easy-to-use addition to the Roland line of digital percussion.
Beyerdynamic expanded its popular line of Opus microphones with two new drum/percussion mics. The Opus62 ($199) is a high performance, low profile clip on dynamic mic with its capsule extended on a 1/4″ gooseneck. The Opus66 ($259) comes with a new universal drum mount. Both of these high quality mics feature neodymium elements for high output, low noise performance.
Emagic had a number of cool new things to check out at their display. The EMI 2/6 is the first truly mobile multichannel audio interface for USB. Delivering 6 playback and 2 recording channels on analog, plus S/PDIF I/O, and taking its power directly from the computer, this diminutive interface offers plug and play functionality for laptops, or any USB equipped computer. They were also demonstrating the EVP88 Emagic Vintage Piano software instrument. Not a sample playback instrument, the EVP88 uses real time tone generation to create all the expressive nuances of real Rhodes, Wurlitzers, and other electric pianos. Already garnering praise from such luminaries as Herbie Hancock, the EVP88 does for vintage electric pianos what the Native Instruments B4 did for the Hammond organ. Last but not least, Logic 4.7 was being previewed. This new update to Logic’s flagship digital audio/sequencer software will include such features as support for surround and I/O inserts on Mac TDM systems, support for the EVP88 virtual instrument, addition of hierarchical flip menus, extended zoom functionality, etc. They’re definitely not resting on their laurels in the further development of their software.
Yamaha’s new 9000Pro takes the stunning sound engine of the PSR9000 keyboard and puts it in a professional instrument. Sporting 76 synth-weighted keys, the 9000Pro delivers top notch sound quality with its sets of Cool, Live and Sweet voices, plus a brand new digitally modeled vintage organ. The 9000 can play sequences and styles directly from disc, so there’s no wait time for loading. With 2 expansion slots for additional voices, and pro performance features like the built in BNC lamp sockets, Yamaha has revamped the king of the PSRs into an instrument any pro would be happy to play. It’s about time too, as we were all blown away by the sound quality of the original PSR9000 when we first heard it, but wished that with that level of quality, the instrument could have been aimed more at the pro market.
Gibson had a few new high end models to fill a guitarist’s heart with lust. Among them was the L5 Signature, a beautiful archtop with maple back and rims and a carved spruce top. Drawing on the legacy of the Classic L5, the Signature brings all the tone and vibe of a large jazz box to a smaller, more compact instrument that’s easier to manage and play. Another stunner was the Les Paul Acoustic. With its highly figured maple carved top, hollow one-piece mahogany back and sides and no pickups except for the LR Baggs piezo under a unique bridge carved right into the top, the Les Paul Acoustic is at once a bold new instrument and an instant classic.
Digitech introduced a new line of guitar processors, using a modeling technology called GeNetX. Going beyond merely modeling existing amps, this new system allows the user to create entirely new sounds and unique individual tones. With the ability to alter even cabinet resonances, and create multiple generation “hypermodels” the GeNetX processors have virtually unlimited tonal possibilities. The GN1X ($499.95) and GN2X ($599.95) are floor boards complete with expression pedals and tons of classic Digitech effects, while the Genesis3 ($499.95) is a tabletop unit.
Soundcraft was heralding the introduction of the Spirit M Series of compact mixers. With 3 frame sizes, having 4,8 and 12 mono mic/line inputs respectively, plus 4 stereo inputs and 4 stereo returns, the M4, M8 and M12 deliver Soundcraft quality in a sleek, new, compact package. With the same preamp technology used in the revered Ghost console, inserts and direct outs on each of the mono channels, 100mm faders and great “British” EQ, these small format mixers will fit the bill for a number of users. With ingenious integral rack mounting hardware, hidden under the side panels, the Spirit M Series will be equally at home in the studio or on stage.
Universal Audio had their new 2-610 Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifier on display for viewing and listening pleasure. Based on the pre’s from the classic UA 610 rotary knob console, known for its signature sound on countless classic recordings from Sinatra to Pet Sounds, Van Halen and the Doors, the 2-610 remains true to the classic circuit while adding more boost/cut settings, phantom power, direct inputs and impedance controls. Having had a chance to hear it in action, this reporter can tell you it is warm, creamy, detailed and musical – full of that 3 dimensional sound that only a really well-designed tube circuit can deliver.
That’s it for today’s NAMM roundup, but we still haven’t covered everything. The next inSync segment will be the last NAMM report, but I’ve saved a few really cool products for the final installment. Until then, this is David Klausner, guest inSync reporter, signing off.