Skip to main content

NAMM 2020 Recap

Didn't make it to the NAMM Show in Anaheim this year? Have no fear, we've got you covered. Read below to see the coolest and newest products in Pro Audio and Lighting. 


The Buzziest Items

DiGiCo: The new Quantum 338 was a big launch, with a very large crowd around the DiGiCo booth on the first day of the show at exactly 3:38 pm. This item is expected to start shipping in February. From the DiGiCo announcement:

"Quantum338 is based on seventh generation FPGAs and includes 128 input channels with 64 busses and a 24 x 24 matrix, all with full channel processing. There is a new look and feel dark mode application and three 17 inch 1000 nit, high brightness, multitouch screens, allowing both the meter bridge and soft quick select buttons to be displayed on each screen. There are also 70 individual TFT channel displays and the floating Quantum chassis features 38 x 100mm touch sensitive faders laid out in three blocks of 12 fader banks, plus two dedicated assignable faders, each complete with high resolution metering."

Chauvet DJ: The new GigBar Move was a big new release at the show and is expected to ship this Spring. This is an all-in-one solution for a tight space, and even has a wireless foot pedal to change the lights.  The Hurricane Bubble Haze Machine caught our attention immediately. Though it was technically released prior to the NAMM show, it was the first time we had seen it in action. Once it was turned on at the Chauvet DJ booth everyone in the nearby vicinity was drawn to the spectacle. This is a unique piece that could take the place off or work in harmony with a traditional haze machine (see left below for a video demonstration). A cool item we saw that is a great option for the wedding rental industry is the Freedom Centerpiece. Though this item isn't brand new, the growth of the wedding industry makes this a no-brainer for rentals (pictured below, right). 

Behringer: A console that has been buzzy for awhile, we finally got to see an in-person look at the Behringer Wing. The design is beautiful and we will have them in stock soon. The lights on the back of the console was particularly cool to see in person (pictured below).

The Problem Solvers

Ultimate Support: Check out the video below to see the new JS-MCH-102 telescoping mic stand that also contains a boom mic stand. This will be available in Q2 of this year. Another cool item we saw was the LT-48FP Fly Point lighting bar. This is an excellent solution for Mobile DJs, where space is limited and you need to be compact. This product is available now.

Radial: The new USB-Mobile is a digital interface for mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other media players. You can connect using a USB cable and the box provides you with two channels of balanced analog outputs over XLR connectors to feed the PA system or a set of powered speakers. It also charges your device while using it for audio playback. The BT-ProV2 is an updated version of the popular BT-Pro stereo Bluetooth receiver, providing two channels of wirelessly-accessible high quality analog audio outputs to feed a PA system or a set of powered monitors. Each BT-Pro V2 has a unique identifier, allowing multiple units to be used within the same building. The latest model of the BT-Pro can also be powered via 48V phantom from a mixing console and can be used up to 100 feet. There is also new rack mounted power distribution (shipping in March) that previewed at the show and is pictured to the right. These units will offer superior thermal protection and have a much longer lifespan than the alternatives, and a high-rejection RF interference filter is use to keep high frequencies and AM radio signals out of the power line. Also comes with a USB charging port for convenience. 


Harman: For the NAMM show Harman had lots of products that erred more to the consumer side, starting with the JBL EON One Compact. This item is portable, sounds great, and has a good price point. Another interesting new product was the new AKG Podcaster Essentials. Not only does this package have the basic equipment necessities for content creation, but it also comes with four-part Berklee Online course provides a broad introduction to audio production, from microphones to multitracking including recording gear and techniques, working with digital audio, critical listening, polishing your mixes and much more. Another new NAMM release from Harman is the IRX 100 Series (IRX108BT & IRX112BT) which are portable, bluetooth enabled, and a great price point. 

ProCo: A good solution that is an effective price point for in-ear monitors is the WIEMS from ProCo. This will be available in March and are a simple, compact solution. We had a chance to hear them at NAMM and the sound was surprisingly clear. 

The Newest Sound 

dbTechnologies: One of the most exciting things we saw was the extremely low profile Vio W10 Stage monitor (pictured below). The user can easily adapt the wedge performance to the application in use and to the speakers' needs, choosing among 4 different options: default, close narrow, close wide, far.  See the below right picture for a closeup of these options. 

The new Vio C Series (C12, C15 C212) is a complete series of 2-way active line-source speakers designed for the widest range of venues and applications, from installed PA systems to sound reinforcement for touring. See below for a video that looks at all 3 of the models, including a picture of the C12s in a cluster. These dbTechnologies products are expected to available in March. 





RCF: The brand new immersion software and rackmount engine called D3PTH was particularly impressive. This creates an immersive audio sound field that allows the listener to perceive an expanded stereo image, with increased transparency and intelligibility. Suggested configurations feature between five and nine line-array clusters, set up over the performing stage. While many immersive audio softwares are overly complicated, we think this is something many of our customers can utilize.  See below for a breakdown of how the system works from their listening session at NAMM. 



EV: They have launched the Evolve 30M (Black shipping now, white shipping in March) which is the little brother to Evolve 50 and very portable. The Evolve 30M includes an eight-channel digital mixer (designed by sister company Dynacord), studio-quality onboard effects, and remote control of all audio, effects and mix functions via the next-generation Electro-Voice QuickSmart Mobile application. The system includes a speaker array, a two-piece pole connector, an array and pole backpack carry case, and a powered subwoofer – all made to pack up and assemble quickly.  Also launched is the PXM-12MP stage monitor, a small footprint with solid, consistent coverage.

DAS Audio: Later this Spring the company is set to bring what looks and sounds like a very impressive line array. The EVENT-26A is a two-way, symmetrical, ultra-compact, lightweight, self-powered line array in a double 6.5” “v-shaped” configuration that provides an impressive and uniform 100⁰ horizontal coverage. It is pictured below. 




If you have any questions about anything you've seen on this recap, please call us at (770) 945-1028 or email us at info@peachstateaudio.com. One of our sales associates will be happy to answer any questions you may have. 




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Georgia Film Industry and the Freedom of Digital Wireless

Filming is big business, and few places showcase that more than the state of Georgia. "The Hollywood of the South" or "Yallywood" are names attributed to a massive industry that had an economic impact on the state of $9.5 Billion in 2017 alone ( source ).  The industry in Georgia was boosted substantially by tax incentives introduced in 2002 and bolstered again in 2008. While we hear about the flashy movie stars and studio executives flying into the Atlanta Airport and spending money, we don't often think of the economic impact that benefits established local companies. A great example of this is longtime Peachstate customer In Concert Productions.  In Concert Productions (ICP) is a production leader in the Atlanta, GA and Southeastern US markets. Founded in 1977, ICP’s core business has always been as a full-service audio company, serving Fortune 500 corporate, theatrical, and other industrial and special events. Film and TV credits include “Hollywood South” pr

An Outdoor Christmas Kickoff

There's no denying that celebrating for Christmas this year is a little different. While we can't gather together in large crowds inside, many organizations and local governments are finding ways to create Christmas cheer in a COVID safe manner. Peachstate Audio customer Fusion Light & Sound was able to put together a festive atmosphere in Jacksonville at Seawalk Pavilion for Deck The Chairs , a nonprofit that focuses on fostering art and community in the area.  Deck The Chairs in Jacksonville, FL using dbTechnologies IG4T and JBL Control 28-1 for sound With sleek dbTechnologies  INGENIA IG4T  Active Column Arrays paired with VIO S118R Subwoofers on the stage, they were able to achieve far throwing sound in an unobtrusive manner from the stage. Hidden behind simple pop-up banners, it's hard to believe such strong sound could be achieved outdoors from such a small package.  Can you spot the db Technologies IG4T Columns? For central sound from the grounds, Fusion Light