Mixdown’s Guide To: NAMM 2016
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Mixdown’s Guide To: NAMM 2016

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Vox Starstream Type-1 Modeling Guitar

Vox has revealed their game changer in the electric guitar market with the announcement of the Vox Starstream Type-1. The uniquely shaped guitar looks to redefine the electric guitar market, incorporating the latest evolution in on-board guitar electronics with the AREOS-D system. The system integrates several essential elements: magnetic pickups for authentic and classic electric guitar sounds; a piezo pickup system for rich-sounding traditional and acoustic instruments; a powerful DSP engine; familiar volume, tone and pickup selector controls and a Control Module that provides instant access to important tone-shaping parameters.

 

Virtual Jeff

We all know that Virtual Jeff is the latest technology to blow our minds, and at NAMM 2016, Sydney-based company fomoFX are giving the world the first look at their digital whammy bar. Virtual Jeff isn’t what you’d consider as a mechanical vibrato system, it’s an electronic system. The Virtual Jeff processor massages the pitch data from the whammy – you can select exactly what pitch you reach at the end of a bend, up or down. Virtual Jeff also claims to have pitch-perfect bends every time. It also has proven versatility: there are two modes, selectable with a footswitch. Each of these modes can be customised by the player, which allows you to bend to different pitches. You can hit the footswitch at any time to instantly swap modes.

 

Although it isn’t reaching Australian shores until later this year, look out for more developments at NAMM over the weekend.

 

Pioneer XPRS Series Active Speakers

Pioneer is set to reveal at NAMM that they are entering the PA market with the XPRS Series. The XPRS Series is a new line of compact, versatile and powerful speakers that can deliver a massive 2,400 watts of output. Made from hardwood enclosures, the XPRS series are two-way full range speakers, which are available in 1×12, 1×15 and 2×15 versions respectively. New advanced protection features are also being implemented into the system to help prolong the speakers’ life. Thermal limiting, a voltage limiter, output overcurrent and DC offset removal are just some of the features incorporated into this system.

 

MONTAGE by Yamaha

Yamaha hasn’t revealed much about what they are releasing at NAMM, however rumours have been circulating around a possible new synthesizer. Yamaha have now revealed that this new flagship synth is in fact called MONTAGE, with a short video below giving us a little sneak preview.

 

PRS CE 24 bolt-on electric guitar

PRS are set to revive the CE 24 at NAMM 2016. Discontinued back in 2009, PRS are bringing back their much-loved bolt-on model, giving audiences an exclusive look at the Anaheim event. The CE 24 pairs PRS’s traditional body combination of the mahogany back and maple top with a bolt-on maple neck and rosewood fretboard. The neck sports a Pattern Thin carve and satin nitro finish for a natural, addictive feel. To further maximize the guitar’s inherent tone and clarity, the CE 24 features PRS 85/15 pickups, which Paul designed to have remarkable clarity as well as extended high and low end. The electronics consist of a volume and push/pull tone control with 3-way toggle switch for a total of six classic sounds.

 

Paiste Black Big Beat Cymbals

Paiste are set to release new cymbals at NAMM. Black Big Beat will mark the 45th anniversary of the legendary 2002 series. Big Beat cymbals are available in 18″, 19″, 20″, 21″, 22″ and 24″ singles, and 15″ and 16″ pairs. The set represents a modernised, yet timeless interpretation of the celebrated 2002 sound. Visually, the cymbals feature a distinctly new hammering pattern for the 2002 family, a slightly darkened, semi-matted finish and simplified black logos to distinguish the Big Beat set.

 

EarthQuaker set to unveil 8 new pedals!

EarthQuaker has released a short snippet video, revealing that at NAMM 2016 they will be releasing 8 new pedals to their line-up. These pedals are: Bows – Germanium Preamp Booster, Gray Channel – Dynamic Dirt Doubler, Spatial Delivery- Envelope Filter with Sample & Hold, Spires – Fuzz Doubler, Night Wire – Dynamic Harmonic Tremolo, Bellows – Fuzzdriver, Acapulco Gold – Poweramp Distortion, and the Avalanche Run – Stereo Delay and Reverb. RIP bank accounts. 

 

 

 

For more information about NAMM, head to www.namm.org.