2006 NAMM Show

NAMM 2006 Winter Show Update: Korg introduced the 61-key X50 synthesizer. It delivers high-quality sounds, a user friendly interface and computer connectivity, all in a streamlined package designed for performing and computer-based musicians.

The X50 features Korg’s HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis technology as found in the acclaimed TRITON series. Its 64 MB of PCM ROM offers a wide array of sounds, including a velocity-switched stereo piano, strings, guitar and synth timbres. The internal memory offers 512 Programs, 384 Combinations (each consisting of up to eight Programs) and 40 user (16 preloaded) drum kits — plus an additional 128 GM programs and nine drum kits. Read more…

NAMM 2006 Winter Show: Numark introduced the AVM02 Audio/Video Mixer. Designed for mobile DJs and clubs, the AVM02 offers a range of features for live audio/visual performances, including separate replaceable DJ crossfaders, a variety of video mixing options, two video effects sections, joystick control, multiple color background options, plus PAL and NTSC compatibility.

The AVM02’s inclusion of separate, user-replaceable DJ crossfaders for audio and video with linked mode operation and slope control provide DJs the ability to transition from song to song independently from the visuals being presented. Or if they prefer, the linked mode operation enables sound and picture to transition together. With the ability to define the fader’s slope, operators have tremendous control over every aspect of their presentation. Read more…

NAMM 2006 Winter Show: Numark showed the iDJ Mixing Console for iPod portable music players.

The iDJ enables mobile DJs and iPod enthusiasts to seamlessly integrate their portable music libraries with other music and sound reinforcement systems — transforming the iPod from a personal music player into a source playback device. With its compact form factor, comprehensive feature set, and a blue on white aesthetic appeal that blends perfectly with the iPod, Numark’s iDJ makes the music more accessible and the party better than ever. Read more…

NAMM 2006 Winter Show: M-Audio announced the availability of the Trigger Finger / Live 5 Production Bundle—a combination of M-Audio hardware and Ableton software in one package.

“We have so many customers using Trigger Finger and Live 5 together that we decided to bundle them as a special offer for a limited time,” says Adam Castillo, M-Audio’s marketing director. “The combined power of this hardware/software bundle has truly changed the way many electronic musicians work. The bundled price makes it possible for even more people to experience this new production paradigm.” Read more…

NAMM 2006 Winter Show Update: M-Audio announced shipment of the ProKeys 88sx digital stage piano. This new keyboard offers many of the features of the popular ProKeys 88 in an lightweight package.

“Many players need an ultra-lightweight stage piano without sacrificing great sound quality,” said M-Audio’s Adam Castillo. “The finely-tuned multi-velocity layered samples on the ProKeys 88sx deliver better sound than anything in this price range.”

The ProKeys 88sx features an 88-note keyboard with high-quality semi-weighted action, allowing the unit to weigh in at under 20 pounds—ideal for gigging musicians.

Where most digital stage pianos cram all their instruments—sometimes 128 or more—into as little as 16MB of ROM, the ProKeys 88sx employs a generous 32MB to do much better justice to 7 sounds players rely on constantly. The ProKeys 88sx’s multi-velocity layer stereo grand piano samples of a Yamaha C7 alone are 17MB—more than some units’ total memory for all sounds. Read more…