The doors have closed for another year on the NAMM expo
and, while the biggest announcements came early on (the Auria app
and UA Apollo Thunderbolt interface, we're looking at you), there
have been some interesting audio nuggets over the weekend too.
Here's our final roundup from Anaheim, CA...
Alesis DM DOCK
2012 has really been the
year of the iPad at NAMM, with some of the most talked about
releases coming in the form of iOS apps or hardware accessories for
the tablet. Alesis also jumped on board, unveiling the first ever
drum module available for the iPad. The Alesis DM DOCK includes 13
separate TRS jack trigger inputs, which let you use your iOS device
to control MIDI for a whole host of apps, including GarageBand. At
around $250, some have commented that it's quite a lot on top of
the initial outlay for the iPad, but when you consider the cost of
good quality drum modules, the DM DOCK is quite an attractive
prospect for bedroom drummers who already use an iPad.
Akai MPC Fly
Controller kings Akai also introduced new hardware
at this year's NAMM with the MPC Fly. Based on their well-loved MPC
series, it features 16 velocity-sensitive touchpads, on a hinged
surface designed specifically to house the iPad 2. The MPC Fly will
let you sequence four tracks simultaneously and it comes packed
with an expandable library of sounds too - you can add samples via
the 3.5mm socket. The case acts as an all-in-one production system,
meaning you don't need any extra wires unless using it as a live
controller, and at under 1kg, this will be great for making beats
on the go. The estimated £159 UK price tag isn't bad either!
MOTU Digital Performer 8
Digital
Performer has always been an interesting option for editing,
mixing and mastering, but now with version 8, MOTU are hoping to
build on the cult Mac following by opening up the software to
Windows users. This could mean MOTU are gearing up for a more
concerted push into post-production, and the new features certainly
sound like it. The new video playback engine allows full-screen
viewing of full 720 or 1080 HD video clips on a primary or
secondary computer monitor, or on a conventional HDMI or SDI video
monitor connected to a MOTU video interface such as the HD Express
or HDX-SDI. The interface, which could be confusing at times, has
also been improved, and now includes a variety of skins to choose
from. MOTU Digital Performer 8 will be available in spring, and
we'll have news on pricing soon.
Roland TD-30KV
Lastly, the latest electronic drum kit from
Roland looks like it should be handy for schools where performance
space is a premium. As well as improved triggering and sound
modelling, the TD-30KV can also be played silently so won't
interrupt other classes nearby. We recently went into the nearby
Djanogly City Academy to see if we could help the music department
with their problem of rehearsing next to the exam hall. Armed with
the JamHub silent practice mixer, we showed how it was possible to
carry on rehearsing. The Roland TD-30KV also provides built-in
silent rehearsal features like this.
For more information on any of the news from NAMM, call
us on 03332 409 306 or email audio@Jigsaw24.com.
You can also keep up with the latest audio news and offers by
following us on Twitter
(@JigsawAudio).
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