2005 NAMM Show

Summer NAMM Update: Alesis has introduced the new F2 Expression Pedal. Unique it its ability to function as both an expression and volume pedal simultaneously, the F2 makes an outstanding choice for keyboard, guitar, and bass players.

Featuring a sturdy cast aluminum case designed to withstand the most tortuous road abuse, the F2 is designed to work flawlessly with products from virtually every instrument manufacturer. In addition to its use with numerous Alesis products such as the Fusion keyboards or XGuitar, the new F2 incorporates a built-in switch for setting compatibility among keyboard and guitar products from Yamaha™, Korg™, and Roland™. Additionally, the F2 features an adjustable range setting to completely shutoff all audio signal through the volume pedal or to allow limited amounts of signal. Read more…

NAMM Update: Alesis has introduced the updated M1 Active 520 and 620 studio reference monitors. Representing Alesis’ third generation of the M1 Active Series, the new M1 Active 520 and 620 offer definition and flat frequency response from their high-precision drivers and professionally crafted crossovers. With a bold new look, re-designed drivers, plus Bass Density control and EQ, these affordable, high-precision active reference monitors deliver superb sonic clarity that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

The M1 Active 2-way, nearfield reference monitors incorporate a 1-inch thick front baffle to minimize speaker resonance, and their visually stunning acoustic waveguide evenly disperses high-frequency program material throughout the sound field—facilitating superior imaging with minimal diffraction.

The M1 Active 520 features a 75-watt amplifier coupled with a 5-inch low frequency woofer, while the M1 Active 620 features a 100-watt amplifier and 6.5-inch low frequency woofer. Both models employ a 1-inch silk dome tweeter for pristine, crystal-clear highs. The M1 Active 520 and 620 are magnetically shielded for close placement to video monitors in computer-based music production environments and their rear port design provides deep bass extension and increased SPL. Read more…

Summer NAMM Update: Alesis introduced its new line of MultiMix mixers featuring FireWire data connectivity. Available in 8-, 12-, and 16-channel configurations, these compact tabletop mixers feature next-generation DICE II FireWire technology, low noise analog electronics, one hundred studio-grade 28-bit digital effects, and rock-solid construction.

The DICE II FireWire technology incorporated into the MultiMix FireWire Series provides for the transfer of multiple audio data streams from the mixer to one’s computer (PC/Windows or Mac OSX) using a standard IEEE-1394 FireWire interface. These mixers provide lightening fast, 24-bit stereo simultaneous input/output via the mixer’s FireWire connection to a wide range of computer-based audio production applications.

With their low noise analog electronics, the MultiMix FireWire mixers are cost-effective and highly versatile companions to the desktop recording environment. All three models feature high-gain mic/line preamps, 48V phantom power, auxiliary sends/returns, and an onboard effects engine encompassing one hundred 28-bit preset effects, including reverbs, delays, chorus, and flanging. Each channel provides 3-band EQ with high/low shelving and mid band pass/reject.

The MultiMix 8- and 12-channel mixers provide four high-gain mic/line (XLR and quarter-inch balanced) inputs with phantom power, two stereo balanced quarter-inch line inputs, an Aux send that can send to either onboard or external effects, and a stereo Aux return. The MultiMix 16 has eight high-gain mic/line (XLR and quarter-inch balanced) inputs, with the remaining I/O connectivity identical to its smaller siblings.

Additional features of the MultiMix FireWire Series include separate quarter-inch balanced main and monitor outs, plus headphone out. Plug and Play operation is available under Windows XP and Mac OSX—eliminating the need for special drivers or setup. Completing the system package is the inclusion of Steinberg’s Cubase LE recording software.

Alesis President Jack O’Donnell commented, “With the MultiMix FireWire Series, we’ve made multitrack recording to the computer a viable and affordable possibility for the modern artist/producer.”

With a suggested retail price of $599 (MultiMix 8), $699 (MultiMix 12), and $799 (MultiMix 16), Alesis’ new MultiMix FireWire Series represents exceptional value for the computer music enthusiast. The MultiMix FireWire Series will be available Q3 of 2005.

Alesis has introduced the Sumo 15 amplifier. A compact, versatile keyboard / PA amplifier with built-in effects, two channels (one for a microphone, one for a stereo keyboard), Stereo Link, and a headphone output, the new Sumo 15 is the ideal complement for keyboard players in search of a practice or monitor solution as well as for small PA applications.

The Sumo 15 offers a compact form factor housing an 8-inch full range driver powered by a 15-watt, 2-channel amplifier. The Sumo 15 offers a dedicated microphone channel with an XLR input and a second channel providing right and left quarter-inch inputs for accommodating keyboard instruments. Both channels provide post fader effects sends for use with the amp’s internal signal processing. With 2-band EQ in the Sumo 15’s Master section, this arrangement makes this amplifier a great choice not only as a practice solution, but also for the solo keyboard/vocal performer working an intimate room. And to further enhance its capabilities for small PA or monitor usage, the Sumo 15 incorporates a pole cup on the underside of the enclosure for use as a “speaker on a stick”—enabling the cabinet to be elevated for greater sound coverage.

With integrated digital signal processing (DSP), the Sumo 15 provides fifteen advanced, stereo effects. These include rotary speaker emulation for use with organ sounds, hall, room and plate reverbs, chorus, delay, flange, and two combination chorus/reverb settings. With all these great stereo effects, musicians will certainly appreciate the Sumo 15’s Stereo Link feature. Utilizing quarter-inch input and output connectors, this feature enables users to connect the Stereo Link output of one Sumo 15 to the Stereo Link input of a second unit and achieve true stereo via dual cabinets for a great, low cost stereo PA system. For enjoying true stereo effects with a single Sumo 15, there is a quarter-inch stereo headphone output incorporated into the Sumo 15’s rear panel.

Commenting on the capabilities of the Sumo 15, Alesis CEO Jack O’Donnell noted, “The Sumo 15 is a versatile performer and a noteworthy addition to Alesis’ Sumo line of keyboard/PA amplifier products. Its compact size and rich feature set make this amp a terrific choice for a wide range of keyboard performers.”

The Sumo 15 has a suggested retail price of $229 and will be available Q3 of 2005.

NAMM 2005: The SGI Studio Guitar Interface is a ’send & receive’ combo that allows a guitar signal to travel from the control room across balanced studio wiring to a distant amplifier as far as 500 feet away while retaining the natural tone of the guitar. With the Radial SGI connected, it allows the guitar player to monitor his sound in real time while recording so that he can hear what is actually going to tape without having to use headphones or be adjacent to the guitar amp.

The Radial SGI is a unity gain device that is made up with a combination ‘transmit & receive pair’ of modules. These feature 100% discreet class-A circuitry for fidelity. Class-A circuits are known for their low zero-cross distortion, which results in lower inter-modulation distortion and phase accuracy. The guitar connection is standard 1/4″. To ensure the natural tone of the instrument is transferred correctly, the Drag Control load correction circuit is provided allows the guitarist to introduce a load on the pickup to emulate the direct connection of his guitar to the amplifier.

A DC connection for the 15VDC supply is provided along with a power-on LED. To eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops, both the ‘transmit and receive’ modules are equipped with isolation transformers and ground lift options. A standard XLR connects the two devices allowing the signal to traverse balanced patch-bays and studio panels that are typical to most studios. The SGI receive module features an XLR input, ground lift and two outputs to allow two amps to be used at once.

As with all Radial products, the SGI is made from heavy-duty 14-gauge steel and features an internal I-beam frame that is virtually impossible to torque. A bookend outer shell provides a protective zone around the switches and connectors, thus allowing the SGI to be used in hectic environments.

For more information, visit the Radial Engineering site.