NAMM New
Gear for 2003!! by djnn from Mobile Beat
The NAMM Show 2003 just wrapped up in Anaheim,CA,
here’s some of the information we found there:
 Speeding
Into the Future
Building on the technology in the Pro Scratch 2,
American Audio has debuted the powerful new Velocity
Professional Dual Deck CD player. The rack-mountable
Velocity is sure to open up new creative avenues.
Features begin with Tempo Lock (Master Tempo), ±4, 8,16
and 100% pitch control, BPM counter, seamless looping,
reverse play, 9 combinable onboard effects, and Real
Time Scratching. The Velocity's most distinguishable
attributes are its Dual Power Touch™ interactive jog
wheels. They employ a patent-pending system that is
responsive to fingertip pressure. Other features include
true instant start, anti-shock memory (10 seconds per
drive), and Fader Q Start (with American Audio Q-Series
mixers). The 4-space controller comes equipped with
rubber feet, making it useable either in a rack or on a
tabletop.
Two Effects In
One—American DJ Does It with Mirrors
American DJ revealed a mirror trick that will allow DJs
and clubs to get more versatility and value out of their
lighting effects by introducing the Roller Tron and Scan
Tron, two new 2-in-1 special effects that feature a
removable X/Y mirror head. This allows each effect to
quickly convert from a scanner to a color changer.
With the X/Y head on, they function as scanners that
make broad, sweeping movements across the dance floor.
Off, they become color changers. Each effect can be used
with one of 14 exciting gobo patterns or with the spot
gobo to produce 11 different colored spotlights (plus
white) with no pattern.
The main difference between the Roller Tron and the Scan
Tron lies in the number of beams. The Roller Tron is a
barrel mirror scanner that produces multiple beams,
while the Scan Tron produces a single scanning beam.
The Roller Tron and Scan Tron are intelligent effects
that can be used with a DMX controller. Both also offer
sound-activation mode with sensitivity control. Multiple
effects can be linked master-slave via XLR cable to run
in sync.
DJ Headphones from
Nady
Nady Audio introduced four new models of professional
DJ/remix headphones. The line includes the following
models: DJ-1 single-sided; DJ-1M single-sided with boom
mic; DJ-2 double-sided mono/stereo; and DJ-2M
double-sided mono/stereo with boom mic. Each model
shares high-efficiency 50mm neodymium drivers and a
crisp 20Hz-20KHz response. The units feature a
closed-ear, folding design, high power handling and
10’ cords with gold-plated mini connectors and locking
1/4” adaptors.
American Audio DX-5R Takes a Turn
You can take your turn at going retro with the DX-5R
Rotary Mixer from American Audio. A four-channel 19”
rack-mount unit, it features large silver rotary knobs
on each of its channels and master volume control,
giving it the appearance of a mixer from the ‘60s or
‘70s. Knobs aside, other features are 21st-century:
Feather Fader; Fader Q Start; 4-band master rotary EQ;
channel gain controls and LEDs; separate balanced
outputs (master, booth and subwoofer); and adjustable
subwoofer frequency control. Inputs include 8 lines, 2
phono and 2 mics. Weight: 7 lbs.
Numark Shows Next-Gen
Player
On display at NAMM was the CDN90, Numark’s most
advanced dual CD player ever. Starting with a control
module encased in a super-rigid aluminum extrusion, the
CDN90 delivers bombproof construction for mobile
professionals, studio and club installations. The
user-upgradeable CDN90 integrates real time scratching,
multiple simultaneous effects, MIDI in/out for
unprecedented creativity and control, user updateable
firmware, and digital output. Other features include: a
built-in Beatkeeper™ with auto-mixing and
synchronization; 3,000 cue points in memory,
transferable to compatible units; ±6, 12, 25 and 100%
pitch control; ±100% KEY LOCK with key control; 2
complete seamless loops with 3 hot stutter starts; CDR
compatible; fader/remote start and relay; 48 seconds of
buffer memory for Anti-Shock™; and more.
JBL Brings Complete
Sound with E-Systems
The new E-Systems, launched at Winter NAMM 2003, offer
users sound reinforcement systems incorporating products
from three industry-leading Harman International brands.
Two different E-System configurations will be available.
Each includes JBL EON G2 powered speakers, a Soundcraft
E-Series mixer, AKG microphones, and required XLR
cables. Musicians, DJs, other performers and presenters
looking for the convenience of a pre-configured system
can choose which system is right for them.
For those who perform at higher volumes or in larger
spaces, and with more inputs, the E-System 15 includes
(2) JBL EON15 G2 speakers; (1) Soundcraft E8 mixer with
eight microphone inputs and two stereo, line inputs; (1)
pair of AKG D2000S microphones; and (4) 25 ft XLR
cables.
When the application requires lightweight, compact size,
and more moderate performance levels, the E-System 10
will fit the bill. This system includes (2) JBL EON10 G2
speakers; (1) Soundcraft E6 mixer with six microphone
inputs and two stereo, line inputs; (1) pair of AKG
D2000S microphones; and (4) 25 ft XLR cables.
MP3 the Easy Way with
Gemini’s MP3000X
The new MP-3000x will allow DJs to walk into a gig with
just a couple of CDs—no laptop is required Giving them
fingertip access to 300 songs without changing discs.
Showcased at NAMM, this new unit (3 RU controller and 2
RU player) can play not only standard audio CDs, but
also CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and most notably, computer-burned
MP3 CD-ROMs. All the usual CD mixing features are
available with the MP3 files. It offers frame accuracy,
instant start, anti-Shock buffer memory, and a blue LED
display. Pitch bend buttons and pitch control with
selectable 4%, 8%, 16% ranges are included. A search
mode selector and inner/outer jog wheel allow music
search or track search. Robo-Start is also included for
relay play.
Crown Mobilizes XLS
Amps
Crown International is offering lighter, smaller, more
affordable versions of its popular XLS Series power
amplifiers (XLS 202-145W/ch, XLS 402-260W/ch, XLS
602-370W/ch, all at 8?). Each 2-U model (reduced from
3-U) features an all-steel chassis and forced-air
cooling fans. Front panels sport dual, precision-detented
level controls, power switches, and LEDs indicating
clipping per channel, power, and fault conditions.
Connections include two balanced XLR inputs as well as
touch-proof binding post and Speakon® outputs. Output
current limiting, DC protection, circuit breakers, and
special thermal protection are standard. The amps are
covered by Crown’s three-year, no-fault, fully
transferable warranty.
Denon debuted an exciting new DJ product, the DN-S5000
professional tabletop single-disc CD player. Its
revolutionary new feature: an active analog turntable
platter with real-time user interaction. The live
motor-driven “active platter,” seven inches across,
can be used to scratch, backspin, brake, search, and
otherwise manipulate as if the compact disc is a vinyl
turntable. To complete the authentic vinyl feel of
analog scratching, Denon adds a real vinyl record on top
of the included slip mat and slip sheet, so the vinyl
jock is right at home.
Denon Comes to the
Table
Of special interest to mobiles, the DN-S5000 includes
the newly developed Alpha Track capability (perfected
for Denon’s recently released DN-D9000), enabling
independent playback of two tracks from the same disc at
the same time, with the ability to manually mix with a
single drive, just as you would with two discs.
Additionally, with its “Mirror Mix” function, you
can also select the same track in both main and Alpha
and play the Alpha track after a specified time delay at
1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1/1, or 2/1. The effect is as if you had
two copies of the same record.
The new “Hot Disc” 35-second memory feature allows
you to eject the disc during playback and have play
continue for up to 35 seconds; you can also loop within
the Hot Disc memory for seamless beat mixing with a new
disc.
The DN-S5000 is packed with additional features. You can
scan with the Fast Search lever, and manually input BPM
tempo values as well as tap the tempo or use the Auto
function. Pitch control and pitch bend are possible in
multiple ranges at up to +/-100%, and there is a 16
second anti-shock memory on both main and Alpha tracks.
Gator Doubles Your
Carrying Power
If you have always found yourself lugging around LPs and
CDs in separate containers, that no longer has to be the
case with the new GDJ-Caddy-100 from Gator Cases.
Constructed with a plywood frame covered in 20mm foam,
the outer shell is made of durable 600-denier ballistic
nylon. The interior of the case is soft, protective
tricot. 100 LPs can be accessed easily in the zippered
top section of the caddy, while a zip-opened slide-out
drawer can hold nearly 300 CDs. The case includes roller
blade-style wheels and a pullout handle for easy
transport of your music. Webbed side carrying handles
are also included, making it easy to lift the entire
case.
Party-Starting Options
from MBT
MBT Lighting and Sound debuted the Crazy 8 effect, Disco
Party Pak and the Max Strobe. The Crazy 8 is
sound-activated, with 8 colored bulbs that chase to the
best of the music, lighting up in pairs of red, blue,
green and yellow. The Disco Party Pak contains four
disco lights: a 25-lens spinning light, 20-watt strobe,
18-inch fluorescent blacklight, and a red police beacon.
Max strobe is a round, plastic strobe light with a
45-watt lamb, on/off switch, flash speed control knob
and hanging bracket.
New DJ Mixers from
Behringer
With the Pro Mixer DX626 and the Pro Mixer DJX400,
Behringer released the newest members of its already
popular line of DJ products. These mixers mixers
demonstrate an attractive price-performance ratio.
The DX626 is designed as
a professional 3-channel stereo club mixer with
intelligent dual auto-BPM counter and 3-band kill EQ for
smooth transitions from one track to another. One
channel is additionally switchable to a studio-grade ULN
microphone input. The Master/Cue fader allows control of
volume ratio between the input channels’ signal and
the master signal at the headphone output. A manual
talk-over function, peak-hold level meter with dedicated
bargraph and a connector for commercially available
12-volt BNC lamps were thrown in to make the DX626 ready
to handle any job.
The DJX400 is a professional house or mobile 2-channel
stereo DJ mixer with BPM counter. The unit features two
dual stereo channels with gain and 3-band kill EQ and an
awesome adjustable XPQ 3D surround effect. Add one
microphone input with studio-grade ULN technology, a
2-band EQ, a PFL function with split option and an
extremely precise assignable level meter with peak hold
function to round out the comprehensive feature set.
Both mixers feature gold-plated RCA connectors.
Luna and Racklight Hook Up
Racklight, a division of RPM Optoelectronics, has
appointed Luna Pro Lighting as their U.S. and
international distributor, the companies announced at
Winter NAMM.
Luna will handle the sales and marketing of all of
Racklight’s products including the new Power Racklight
and Power Racklight Plus power conditioning models.
“We feel it’s a great fit for both of us” says
Luna Pro Lighting CEO Sal Irigoyen, “the majority of
the customers that we surveyed felt that Racklight was a
great product that needed the right people to create a
sales buzz around it.”
Luna plans to distribute the products through its
already existing rep force in the U.S. and select
distributors in South America and Canada. “Our rep
force is a highly diverse group of sales professionals
that are not only in touch with the DJ and MI markets
but also have close ties with the contracting, recording
studio and touring sound companies throughout the
world,” states Luna President Rich Turin, who will be
handling the Marketing for Racklight, PVDJ and Luna Pro
Lighting.
With new product, lower prices and proper sales and
marketing in place, Racklight plans to more than triple
their business in the year 2003, “a challenge that is
not easily accomplished in these slumping economic
times” remarks Racklight Vice-President Chris Phipps,
who will oversee the general operations of the division.
Grandmaster Flash at Rane
Stargazers at NAMM got more than just a musical treat at
the Rane booth this time around. Grandmaster Flash,
whose input has resulted in the company’s new Empath
DJ mixer, was on hand to demo his signature device. A
founding father of the modern DJ community, the
Grandmaster, shared some of the backstory that lead up
to his collaboration with Rane, before launching into a
mixing tour de force. The
Empath incorporates many features that are a result of
the wish list and frustrations Grandmaster Flash has
accumulated over 25-plus years of performing—and
customizing whatever technology he had on hand.
Also appearing at the Rane booth was a representative of
the latest DJ generation, Z-Trip. He put his Rane mixer
through its paces as he combined classic rock tunes with
club beats for a fresh yet familiar sound.
Dancefloor Devastation from EV
EV (Electro-Voice‚) introduced the 15-inch two-way
full-range Gladiator G115 loudspeaker and the 18-inch
G118 subwoofer at this year’s Winter NAMM. Designed to
reproduce modern dance music, the Gladiator is the
perfect system for the DJ, what with the Gladiator’s
extended LF response coupled with EV’s great high
frequency and vocal clarity due to RMD™ (Ring-Mode
Decoupling).EV (Electro-Voice‚) introduced the 15-inch
two-way full-range Gladiator G115 loudspeaker and the
18-inch G118 subwoofer at this year’s Winter NAMM.
Designed to reproduce modern dance music, the Gladiator
is the perfect system for the DJ, what with the
Gladiator’s extended LF response coupled with EV’s
great high frequency and vocal clarity due to RMD™
(Ring-Mode Decoupling). The newly developed EV-Series
woofers and crossover networks reliably produce very
high SPLs. RoadWood™ enclosures, steel grilles, high
impact corners, and comfortable handles complete the
package for years of reliable sound quality.
Used together, EV’s unique system design allows one
amplifier channel to drive the sub’s built-in
crossover that provides the full-range output. No
additional crossovers or amps are required for this true
3-way system. The EV Q66 amplifier – with up to 850 W
per channel – is the perfect drive for a stereo 3-way
rig with one G118 and one G115 per side.
Samson Rolls Out Wireless
Samson debuted the Stage 5 and Stage 55 VHF wireless
systems. Stage 5 is based on the VR5 Super Heterodyne
receiver, which boasts great RF reception and
interference-free performance. The system features
front-mounted, tuned antennas; tone squelch control;
half-rackspace design, 1/4” and XLR outputs; and easy
to read meters.
Peavey Committed to DJs
At this year’s NAMM Convention, Peavey revealed a
wider focus on the pro audio and DJ markets.
“What Peavey has done over the years is look for
ancillary avenues of growth,” said company president
and founder, Hartley Peavey. “At this show, we have
taken our DJ Division and slit it out with separate
representation. It is a fast-growing area and we just
introduced our DJ program last year.”
In addition to new gear in its core combo product
offerings, the company is placing an added emphasis on
its Peavey DJ and Crest Audio divisions this year.
“With Crest Audio, we are introducing Crest
Performance products that we aim at the music store
market. Crest never focused on music and audio
retailers. They aimed at touring, concert sound and huge
installations. Most of Crest’s competitors get the
bulk of their dollar and unit volume not from the
contracting industry but music and sound retailers. At
this show, we are introducing the first of a whole range
of Crest Performance products, and they will be sold, in
many cases, by a different sales force.
Shure to Rock the Hall
Shure made a number of exciting announcements at this
year’s winter NAMM show. The Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame and Museum (www.rockhall.com) has named the
Evanston, IL-based company as the Official Microphone of
the Museum in a three-year pact. As an official
supplier, Shure will donate audio equipment in support
of the Museums’s mission. Additionally, the two
organizations plan to work together on educational
programming to inform music fans about the importance of
hearing conservation. As part of the relationship, Shure
has donated wired and wireless microphone systems, PSM®
personal (in-ear) monitoring systems, phono cartridges,
mixers, and other audio electronics for use throughout
the Museum.
Shure will soon announce the winner of the DJ Biology
Contest. DJ Biology has been seeking to uncover and
recognize the artistry that is emerging from today’s
club/party scene by giving amateur DJ/Producers a chance
to showcase their original work. The winner will enjoy a
pressing of their own white label record, a meeting with
John Acquaviva and a trip to the Winter Music Conference
in Miami, Florida. Shure will also outfit the artist
with phono gear, featuring their new Shure Whitelabel
cartridge.
QSC Tackles Speaker Market
QSC’s AcousticDesign series AD-S82 loudspeakers
incorporate the company’s IntelliDock intelligent
docking system with the Advanced Directivity 60-degre by
90-degree rotatable waveguide.
The AD-S82 is a two-way system housed in a ported
enclosure made form high-impact polystyrene. The
enclosure combines an 8-inch weatherproof LF transducer
with a heavy-duty double-roll cloth surround.
High-output versions employ a 1-inch titanium dome
tweeter.
Mobile Mixing with TASCAM
TASCAM DJ featured their new X-15 and X-17 professional,
four-channel DJ mixers at Winter NAMM 2003. The newest
editions to the TASCAM DJ line, the X-15 and the X-17
offer excellent sound quality, TASCAM reliability and
are ideal DJ mixing solutions for the professional club
or mobile DJ.
Designed for professional club and mobile DJs, the X-15
and X-17 professional DJ mixers are rackmount-design
pieces, intended to easily fit into a compact mobile DJ
system or an installed setup in a club DJ booth. Both
mixers feature balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA master
outputs and can work with various combinations of stereo
input sources. While the X-15 can work with combinations
of up to eight stereo input sources (two phono sources
plus six line sources), the X-17 can handle up to twelve
sources (four phono sources plus eight line sources).
Plus, the X-17 offers additional convenience features
like front-panel aux input and output jacks with
individual level controls as well as crossfader reverse
controls.
The X-15 and X-17 both offer discrete three-band EQ
available on each channel, inputs for main and auxiliary
microphones and each mixer features fader start
capabilities. Moreover, the X-17 is the only DJ mixer to
add an onboard three-bank sampler with a Compact Flash
card input slot that can be used to store and play back
samples.
More Bottom from Bag End
Bag End unveiled the S15L-D and S15LX-D 15-inch bass
cabinets to provide enhanced bass response while
maintaining as small and light an enclosure as possible.
Each system weighs only 62 pounds. The S15LX-D is loaded
with a coaxial compression driver, giving it wider range
and greater high-frequency capability.
Versatile Player from Audio 2000’S
Audio2000’S had introduced the AVC7501 Karaoke Player,
a unit that plays just about any format you might need:
DVD, CDG, VCD, MP3, DVD-R, CD, CD-R, SVCD, and JPEG. The
AVC7501 features professional digital key controls,
digital echo controls, two microphone inputs,
multi-angle capability, multi-language selection,
bookmark and digest functions, JPEG reading, last screen
memory, video adjustment, and a high performance audio
equalizer 3D effect.
Priddis Improves Adaptation
In their quest to make DVD karaoke even easier to add to
your bag of tricks, Priddis Music has responded to user
feedback with some graphic and audio changes to their
miniature MORPH-1 karaoke adapter/mixer package. These
include double-microphone input capabilities, onboard
echo control, easier battery access, a power LED, a DC
adapter connection for an optional AC/DC adapter, and a
more user-friendly case. The unit is designed to adapt
any DVD player to provide output for karaoke DVDs,
making it a good option for adding karaoke to your show
with a minimum of expense. The MORPH-1 package also
includes a microphone, a new 15-song sample karaoke DVD,
cables, and instructions.
Tandem Drive Series Comes to Community
Comprising a pair of full-range cabinets and two
subwoofer systems, Community’s new Tandem Drive
product group brings power, clarity, and portability to
DJ, corporate, house of worship, and live performance
applications.
Building a Tandem Drive system is as easy as topping-off
either of two subwoofers (models TD2115 and TD2118) with
one of two full-range enclosures (models TD2212 and
TD2215) using steel mounting poles. Quick to set up and
just as simple to tear down, Tandem Drive systems offer
the versatility to accommodate virtually any audio need
with reliable and professional quality sound
reinforcement.
Constructed from lightweight Luaun core plywood, each
Tandem Drive loudspeaker enclosure features ErgoGrip
handles, and is painted with TufCoat™, a virtually
indestructible finish with an amazingly high resistance
to dents, dings, scratches, and other injuries. Inside
each box, proprietary low frequency drivers feature
Community's new, patented Cool-Coil technology. And to
keep you up and-running no matter how loud it gets,
every model is internally safeguarded with IntelliSense™,
a protective circuit that guarantees maximum output
minus the risk of speaker damage.
Ultimate Makes It Easier to Stand
Ultimate Support Systems has applied its years of stand
expertise to its new Thunder and Lightning Series of
booms and mic stands. As for innovative features, the
Thunder booms feature “4 Degrees of Freedom,” making
front-to-back, up-and-down, side-to-side and rotational
adjustment possible by tightening just one knob. The
Lightning stands feature the “Flash” base. Just
squeeze the lever to open and close all three legs in
one easy “umbrella style” motion; release the lever
to lock the legs in place in both the open and closed
positions. Plus, as with all Ultimate Support Systems
mic stands, an ergonomic clutch makes height adjustment
easy and comfortable. Thunder and Lightning Series
products were introduced at Winter NAMM for shipment in
late spring and will be sold as packages or separate
pieces. A variety of models and price points will be
available.
Audio-Technica Gets Small
Audio-Technica showed its newest lavalier offering: the
AT899 Subminiature Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone.
Intended for high-quality, unobtrusive operation, the
AT899 provides maximum intelligibility and clean,
accurate reproduction for vocalists, lecturers, stage
and television talent, and houses of worship. The AT899
is a mere 5 mm in diameter, making it ideal for
applications requiring minimum visibility. It operates
on battery or phantom power and includes a complete
accessory kit.
The subminiature omni element is enclosed in a rugged,
low-profile housing with internal construction designed
to minimize noise from handling, clothing, and wind. The
microphone plugs into the included AT8537 power module,
which features battery/phantom power operation,
low-frequency roll-off switch, and an integral XLR3M
connector supplying a low-impedance balanced output. The
extensive accessory kit includes single and double
mounts, clothing clip, viper clip, magnetic clip, two
open-pore foam windscreens, and two metal mesh element
covers to protect the condenser element from moisture,
makeup, and other contaminants. Also included is a
convenient carrying case that holds the microphone and
accessories.
Allen & Heath Club Stylin'
Allen & Heath has added to its club mixer offerings
with the Xone:V6. It has six dual stereo channels, with
RIAA/line inputs on channels 1-4 and line/line inputs on
channels 5-6, which also feature valve (tube) preamps
for mellowing harsh digital sources.
Each stereo channel has a high pass filter (sweepable
from 30Hz to 600Hz), illuminating cue switch, precision
Penny & Giles rotary fader with conductive plastic
tracks and a custom molded eight-bar, peak reading LED
meter. Stereo insert points are included on all channels
for accessing external processing such as FX or
additional EQ. A mic input is provided on a balanced,
metal shrouded XLR featuring TRS insert point, ON switch
and two bands of EQ at 120Hz and 2.5 kHz. Phantom power
is enabled via an internal link.
With precise EQ and monitoring controls, a stylish
finish and a custom external linear power supply, this
new mixer benefits from Allen & Heath’s years of
experience in building large mixing consoles for stage
and studio.
EAW Displays Two-Way Flexibility
Designed for both portable and permanently installed
applications, EAW’s new JFX Series of 2-way multi-use
loudspeakers feature asymmetrical trapezoidal
enclosures, allowing them to work both as main channel
systems or as stage monitors. The JFX Series represents
the first all-new line of general purpose, 2-way
loudspeakers from EAW since the MK Series debuted in
1998. All transducers, crossovers, and enclosures are
newly designed.
The JFX88 is one of the smallest loudspeakers in the
series, using an 8 in LF cone driver and a 1-inch
exit/1.4-inch voice coil HF compression driver mounted
on a Wave Guide Plate. The system includes an internal,
passive crossover for full range powering without the
use of an external processor. The enclosure features an
integral pole mount cups as well as threaded mounting
points configured to accept a U-bracket or an Omnimount-type
bracket.
With a 10-inch LF cone driver and a 1-inch
exit/1.75-inch voice coil, the JFX100 is well suited to
a wide variety of portable and permanently installed
applications. The system includes an internal passive
crossover for full range powering without the use of an
external processor.
The JFX200 series models features switchable full
range/bi-amplified powering as well as a variety of
methods for mounting and suspending the loudspeaker. All
models use a 12-inch LF cone driver and a 1.4-inch
exit/3-inch voice coil HF compression driver with
neodymium magnet mounted on either a Wave Guide Plate™
(JFX200) or a constant directivity horn (JFX260,
JFX290). The JFX200 series are available in three
different coverage patterns: the JFX200 offers a conical
90°x 90° pattern; the JFX260 provides a 60°H x 45°V
pattern; and the JFX290 provides a 90° H x 45°V
pattern. All models feature passive or bi-amplified
operating modes and a variety of mounting options.
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