Attendance at the annual summer event is in freefall, with only 12,845 people attending. This is a significant drop from 2006, which had a much lower attendance than 2005.

NAMM is putting a positive spin on it, noting that fewer people and fewer exhibitors meant that there was still a decent buyer-to-seller ratio.

“For the thousands of NAMM Members that made the commitment to come to Austin this year, most reported a positive business experience,” said Joe Lamond, NAMM president and CEO. “Many dealers told us they enjoyed the slower-paced quality time with their suppliers and peers to build relationships that are important and necessary for future business endeavors.”

Lamond continued, “NAMM remains true to our guiding principle that as long as there are NAMM Members who want and need this show to keep their businesses strong and growing, NAMM will continue to provide the venue. For us, producing this show is a service decision, not a financial decision. NAMM will announce the timing and location of the 2008 Summer NAMM event in August.”

A few years ago, NAMM switched from holding its Summer Show in Nashville to moving it around, which may have hurt attendance. Some people are more comfortable returning to a place that they know already, instead of having to make their way around an unfamiliar town.

Summer NAMM in Austin suffers from the fact that the weather is usually very hot, and Austin’s not at its peak because school isn’t in session.

The biggest thing hurting Summer NAMM, though, is the small number of interesting introductions. Much of the news from the show is that companies are shipping the items they introduced at the Winter NAMM Show.

We’d like to see NAMM work harder to get new, smaller companies to the Summer Show, to make it more of an alternative to the larger show. Unless NAMM makes some changes, it’s likely that its Summer Show will fade away before too long.

The new POWERkits Volumes 1, 2 and 3 libraries from Larry Seyer Digital, focus on providing high quality musical instrument drum sounds with very low computer processing power requirements. POWERkits is the first plug-in library to be released in a new series of plug-ins from Larry Seyer Digital’s POWER line.
Packaged in groups of 10 drum kits per library, the POWERkits instrument series offers the same sound quality as the original Larry Seyer Acoustic Drums library which used to require a dedicated computer and GigaStudio 3.

“Now in a stand alone software product and Powered by GVI to function, POWERkits drum libraries provide the musician and producer with a sound palette of uncompromising quality while requiring very little processing power,” said Johnny DeLeon Tascam’s Musical Instrument Channel Manager.

POWERkits are priced at $99.00 each, and will be released this month.

“Tascam’s family of MP3 trainers is the world’s first music player for musicians, and we’ve completely designed it to fit your instrument,” said Johnny DeLeon, TascamProduct Channel Manager. “The new MP-BT1 for bass players and MP-VT1 for vocalists and other instruments gives musicians, students, and teachers, the ability to play and learn their favorite songs by slowing down the song without changing the pitch.”

With an aluminum enclosure available in 3 versions, Guitar, Bass, Music/Vocal, there’s an MP3 trainer to match everyone’s individual style. The Intuitive design give musicians the features they look for. The MP-BT1 Bass trainer comes with a Hi-Z Bass input, multi effect for Bass, 7 bands Graphic EQ, Bass cut on MP3 Playback, and Bass range Booster & Enhancer on MP3 playback and more. The MP-VT1 Music/Vocal trainer features a Microphone input, Built-in reverb & echo on input, Input for mic volume and more.

Each TascamMP3 trainer supports 1GB memory (up to 240 songs), Key control, Seamless IN-OUT Loop, Instrument cancellation with selectable pan point and frequency band range, chromatic tuner, and more. By connecting to any Mac or Windows computer using the USB port the MP-BT1 and MP-VT1 features a drag and drop song folder to import your songs and a Lithium Ion rechargeable battery (8 hours of playback time).

Summer NAMM: Roland introduced a new desktop hardware synth today, the SonicCell. According to Roland, the SonicCell puts the power and legendary sound quality of a Roland hardware synthesizer on your desktop. According to us, it’s the most hideously ugly synth we’ve seen in a long time.

Here’s the details…..

With its dual SRX expansion bay, built-in USB audio interface, and ability to play SMFs and WAV/AIFF/MP3 files, SonicCell is a dream for computer-based musicians and live performers who seek a compact, integrated pro sound module and USB audio-interface solution.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art sound engine, SonicCell delivers the pristine sound quality of a dedicated Roland hardware synth. A remarkable new waveform set has been created for SonicCell, including a world-class collection of acoustic instruments, drums, and percussion that are expertly programmed to provide the ultimate in expression and realism. SonicCell’s internal sound bank can even be expanded and customized via its two internal SRX expansion bays. Choose from a dozen of Roland’s famous SRX Expansion boards (sold separately) that cover a vast world of musical instruments and styles. Whether you’re driving SonicCell from a computer, another synthesizer, or a MIDI keyboard or guitar controller, you’ll enjoy unsurpassed sound quality, reliability, and flexibility.

SonicCell is ideal for musicians who use a PC as the core of their writing, recording, and performing universe. More than a mere sound module, SonicCell is equipped with a built-in USB audio interface. Simply connect SonicCell directly to your computer’s USB port, and you can record and create music with no additional hardware required. You can even plug a microphone, guitar, or other instruments into SonicCell and record your live audio tracks directly into your computer. And since SonicCell can help minimize the burden on the computer’s processor, you’ll enjoy more efficient and stable performance. As an added bonus, a free copy of Cakewalk’s Sonar LE recording software included with every SonicCell sold, as well as a full patch editor application that can be used as is a plug-in style PC software editor, which makes sound designing and effects programming fast and friendly. SonicCell is the perfect all-in-one solution for synthesis and recording.

In addition to its high-quality synthesis and audio-interface functions, SonicCell can be used as a virtual backing band. Simply create a playlist of your songs or backing tracks with the software Playback Editor (included free with SonicCell), and transfer the playlist to a commercially available USB memory stick. Insert the stick into SonicCell’s USB port, and it will become a stand-alone song player that you can play and control onstage or anywhere you perform. SonicCell can play back WAV, AIFF, and MP3 files. It evens plays Standard MIDI Files.

The SonicCell actually sounds like it could be a good concept, but its design is hideously ugly and it doesn’t offer the types of knobby hands-on control that other interfaces offer.

The V4 sound library for the NeKo LX in particular, features E-MU’s new Proteus X2 Streaming Sound Module V2.5 with over 5,500 instruments including the following:

• E-MU Proteus 2000
• E-MU Mo’Phatt
• E-MU Modular System
• ARP 2600
• ARP Axxe
• Roland JD800
• Roland Jupiter 8
• Roland JX-8P
• Roland TB-303 Bass Line
• Roland Juno 60
• Moog Memorymoog
• Mini Moog
• Moog Taurus Pedals
• Sequential Circuits Prophet 10
• Sequential Circuits Prophet 600
• Elka Rhapsody
• Mellotron Mark II
• Korg MS20
• Solina
• Oberheim OB & X
• Hammond B3
• Rhodes Electric Piano
• Hohner Clavinet
• Yamaha CP-70
• Wurlitzer Electric Piano

The 25GB NeKo LX V4 sound library features 22,784 high quality presets.

The street price for the bundled software and sound libraries is $3,003, which includes $487 worth of Open Labs Special Edition plugins, optimized by the software developers for use with the NeKo LX.

Similar upgrades are available for other products from Open Labs including: NeKo SE, MiKo SE, MiKo LX and the new Timbaland Special Edition MiKo.

“Given the fact that we have by far the most powerful processors as well as the ability to install up to 4 terabytes of storage in the NeKo LX currently,” said President of Open Labs, Victor Wong, “we are able to do things that are simply not possible with any other keyboard workstation, but then the NeKo LX is really a replacement for an entire studio and not just a part of one.”

“E-MU is excited to provide the core instrument of Open Labs’ powerful NeKo and MiKo keyboard production stations,” said E-MU Senior Product Manager, Ichi Nagai. “The quality and performance of these systems really allows users to get the most out of Proteus X2, both live and in the studio.”

A detailed listing of the NeKo LX V4 sound library and software applications are as follows:

Software: Microsoft Windows XP Home, Open Labs Custom GUI (Graphic User Interface), Open Labs mFusion, Open Labs Karsyn, Open Labs MimiK, E-MU Proteus X2 Streaming Sound Module V2.5

PREMIUM Factory Sound Library V4: 22,784 presets (over 25GB of sounds) from over 60 virtual instruments including: E-MU’s Mo’Phatt X, Vintage X Pro Vol.1-3, Virtuoso X, Old World Instruments and the full X2 Production Library (with the 1024 original presets of the Proteus 2000), Truepianos, WusikStation V4, Extra Wusik Sound Libraries (Wusik Sound Magazine 1-13, HQ Strings, Choirs, GM), Purity, Sylenth 1, VB3 OL SE, Mr. Ray22, Mr. Ray73, Mr. Tramp, Organized Trio V3, Realguitar V2.1 OL SE, Discovery V2.10 OL SE, Vertigo V2.6 OL SE, HighLife V1.4, WIVI Trial Edt., Suburban Guitarist, Lollapalooza Lite OL SE, BB303i V2, Synth 1, Addictive Drums Demo, Ticky Clav, Delay Lama, Crystal V2.4, Sun RA, String Theory v1.5, Texture V1.2, Rez V2.0, Motion V2.8, Plugsound Free, Mini Dizi, Mini Erhu, EPiano Module, Rhodes Module, Bass Module, Rock, SFZ Player Free, Bass Line, UltraSonique V1.1, Syncoder 32-2, Spook Keys, Super Spook Keys, Cubix V1.0.1, Minimal V1.5, Optik v1.4, Pandemonium V2.0, X-Fortuna, Lazer Blade Free, Protoplasm 21 Free, STS-25 Free, Ph0ne, Rogue, MicroSynt, Artphase V1.5, Mr. Alias V1.02, Blood Bucket V1, Monolisa V1.12, String Synth, PhadiZ, Accordion

The upgraded models are scheduled to ship August 15, 2007. Open Labs will not be increasing the prices to any of their keyboard production stations. Prices are as follows:

NeKo LX 76: $7,399
NeKo LX 61: $5,999
NeKo SE: $3,999
MiKo LX: $3,499
MiKo SE: $2,999

Summer NAMM Show: The Roland RE-201 Space Echo has been reborn as the BOSS RE-20 Twin Pedal. According to BOSS, they’ve recreated every sonic detail and nuance of the original, providing users the warm, unpredictable and highly tweakable retro sounds of the RE-201.

Description:

The original Roland RE-201, commonly known as the Space Echo, was an analog delay effects unit produced in the 70’s. Despite its age the Space Echo is still widely sought after and used by many bands today. Now, thanks to new RE-20, Roland’s coveted 201 sounds are available to anyone.

This new twin-pedal features spot-on simulation of the famous Roland 201 with the spacious analog tone of the original Space Echo, including selection of the original 12 Space Echo modes. Faithful modeling of the 201’s tape flutter and magnetic head saturation give this new box an authentic tone while a tap input pedal allows guitarists to set the time by foot for ease of use.

The RE-20’s warm and gritty delay time is even longer than the original.

An optional expression pedal like the BOSS FS-500L allow users to control parameters such as REPEAT RATE, INTENSITY and more, all in realtime.

BOSS has expanded its ME series multi-effects family with the ME-20, a powerful multi-effects unit optimized for live performance.

Description:

The ME-20 provides overdrive, distortion, delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, tremolo, rotary, and EQ effects, taking BOSS’s performance-based philosophy to a very affordable price point.

The ME-20 features a newly designed super-rugged metal chassis complete with three footswitches, 5 real-time control knobs, and an expression pedal. The EZ Edit feature allows preset effect templates to be selected which call up entire effect settings with the turn of a single knob. The OD-DS solo function gives guitarists an additional punchy and high impact lead tone per patch.

In addition to the realtime performance-based operation, 30 user memory locations are available allowing players to store their favorite sounds for easy retrieval during practice and performance.

Battery or AC operated; the ME-20 Multiple Effects Processor allows musicians to take it anywhere, anytime.

NAMM Update: CME has announced that it’s now shipping its new line of master keyboards. The UF 50/60/70/80 range from 49 to 88 keys with semi-weighted and hammer action weighted keys and feature a wireless MIDI system and optional multifunctional expansion board.
Based on a quick view, the new line looks to be built like a tank and have a good selection of controllers.

Features:

• The world’s first master keyboard with duplex wireless MIDI system
• The world’s first master keyboard with multifunctional expansion board
• Professional after-touch and breath control interface design
• Classic metallic panel

Specifications:

• 49-, 61-, or 76-key semi-weighted action keyboard with aftertouch (UF50 / 60 / 70)
• 88-key hammer-action weighted keyboard with aftertouch (UF80)
• Built-in duplex wireless MIDI interface
• Over 20 user template, non-volatile memories
• Pitch bend and modulation wheels
• 8 assignable control knobs, preset functions including Cutoff / Resonance / Attack / Release / PAN / Reverb / Chorus / Variation
• 9 assignable control faders, preset functions including volume for 1-16 channels and master volume, and drawbar for organ sounds.
• LED data display, control button including program, transpose, octave, channel, keyboard split.
• 6 assignable shortcut knobs
• 6 sequencer remote buttons, including REC, PLAY, STOP, FAST REWIND, REWIND AND RETURN TO START, etc.
• Panel page and layer button, data adjustment knobs.
• 1 MIDI-out port
• Adapter port_9V_1500mA_, power switch
• Breath controller port
• Sustain pedal and volume pedal jacks
• USB MIDI port, Class-compliant for Win Vista/XP and Mac OS X, Power can be supplied via USB
• Support and tested with most professional audio/MIDI sequencers
• U-CTRL mode
• Optional multifunction expansion board

WIDI-XU — Wireless MIDI Interface

• 2.4GHz ISM working band
• Duplex wireless MIDI data transmit (MIDI In/Out in same time)
• Maximum 80m(262 feet) wireless transmission distance without obstacle
• High speed (less than 3ms latency), powerful error correction with automatic notes-off and on-line detection, Low power consumption,
• USB <–> RF transmission mode
• Up to 64 radio channels for MIDI data transfer, with manual or automatic radio channel setting mode
• Manual switching for one-to-multi communication (auto finding and selecting)
• Automatic searching, manual or automatic channel setting and other system function can be controlled by the special MIDI SysEx command from USB
• USB class compliant for Win XP/Vista and Mac OS X, supporting hot plug. No driver needed
• Powered and upgrade program via USB

Pricing and Availability:

• UF 50 (49 key) – $389.00 US MSRP
• UF 60 (61 key) – $439.00 US MSRP
• UF 70 (76 key) – $549.00 US MSRP
• UF 80 (88 key) – $749.00 US MSRP

Description:

Created for DJs, loop based performers and sampler junkies alike, the SP-555 model offers users a simple and stress-free approach to beat-making. Whether it be the 555’s down and dirty sampling capabilities that allow users to assign samples directly to individual pads, or the dynamic new LOOP CAPTURE function that allows them to grab spontaneous, live performances this new sampler offers something for everyone looking to carve out their own unique style.

The new LOOP CAPTURE function allows users to sample live audio from the 555’s inputs, (you can also play loops from the pads of course), with real-time effects tweaks. Additionally, artists can connect a footswitch to the SP-555 to activate the LOOP CAPTURE allowing them to stack individual parts on top of one another. The SP-555 makes it easy to build-out phrase loops in real time by simply activating the Overdub Mode.

The SP-555 boasts an expanded internal memory with almost six minutes of stereo sampling time, or to compact flash cards up to 2 gigabytes in size, for a total of over 12 hours of sample time. Like all other SP models, the 555 streams audio in real-time directly from the Compact Flash card, preventing any irritating audio flow interruptions.

The 37 Fantom-quality effects make the SP-555 stand out from the crowd. Effects include classics like the Voice Transformer, Delay and Isolator, and brand new effects like Super Filter, Amp Simulator Step Ring Modulator and DJ FX Looper. The SP-555 can save custom effects settings to the Effect Memory section and recall patches directly from the pads.

In addition to an army of button and knobs, the new SP-555 also contains Roland’s proprietary V-Link and D-Beam technologies giving beat makers new and organic ways to tweak their samples in a live setting, or in the studio.

Thanks to the onboard USB-MIDI/AUDIO and bundled Cakewalk SONAR LE and Wave Converter software, users can fly beats and sounds back and forth from their laptops with  ease.

In addition to the newest enhancements, the SP-555 shares the same standard feature sets and functions found in the SP-404, including tap tempo, a low-fi sampling mode, and onboard mic and I/O.

Description:

Progression is designed to be a powerful, yet easy-to-use guitar application for creating, learning, and distributing music. Guitar tablature or standard notation can be entered with a keyboard and mouse, or played into the program with a MIDI guitar or MIDI keyboard.

Progression then plays back the music instantly with its extensive built-in sound library. Songs and ideas can be shared by creating guitar tabs, lead sheets, and standard sheet music or by simply exporting an audio file with a complete band backing track.

Progression features thousands of real electric and acoustic guitar samples from Neil Zaza, and electric bass and drums samples from Grammy Award winners Victor Wooten and Roy “Future-Man” Wooten. Also included are grand piano, upright bass, clavinet, and electric piano – all in high-definition audio. VST hosting capability enables the use of effects plug-ins and amp modelers and a built-in mixer give the user complete control over the rest of the mix.Features:

• Real sound samples from guitarist Neil Zaza and Grammy award winners Victor and Roy “Futureman” Wooten
• Features acoustic and electric guitar, electric and upright bass, drum kit, grand and electric piano, and clavinet
• Tablature and notation entry via keyboard, mouse or MIDI guitar/keyboard input
• Easy edit features
• Real-time dynamic linking between tab and notation staves
• Allows tab and notation for additional stringed instruments like banjo and mandolin, and alternate tunings
• Interactive chord library
• Lead sheet capability
• Real-time tempo control with NTempo feature
• Integrated audio mixer with volume, panning, and mute/solo controls
• Built-in guitar and bass amp simulator
• VST plug-in hosting capability
• MIDI file import and export
• Wav file export

Pricing and Availability:

Progression will be available in September, 2007 for $149.99

Alesis introduced the iMultiMix 9R, a pro mixer and audio player that features an integrated iPod dock and video output, at the 2007 Summer NAMM show.

Description:

The iMultiMix 9R is designed for studios and live venues where rack-based audio gear is common. The iMultiMix 9R is the first of its kind to provide mixing, iPod integration and video output.

iMultiMix 9R features:

• iPod dock integration
• 5 high-gain mic preamps
• 2 Stereo line inputs (one switchable from an external source or the installed iPod)
• 48V phantom power
• Aux sends and returns.
• 3-band per channel EQ with high/low shelving and band pass/reject

The iMultiMix 9R can display iPod video through a projector or TV by using the mixer’s composite video output. The iMultiMix 9R mixer delivers audio playback from 2nd through 5th generation iPods.

Pricing and Availability:

The Alesis iMultiMix 9R is due at music retailers late 2007 with a suggest retail price of $399. Estimated street price is $299.

Here are the details:

MixMeister Fusion

MixMeister Fusion is an all-new pro DJ software application designed to combine the spontaneity of live DJ performances with the pinpoint precision of the best studio production software.
Fusion lets you maintain two, three, even up to eight songs in a perfect beat mix at all times, so you’re free to improvise with effects and shape the music in a million ways. Fusion supports harmonic mixing, VST effects, intelligent looping, MIDI hardware controllers, and more. Fusion is designed to mix complete DJ sets from full-length songs to achieve the functionality of a loop editor or digital audio workstation, and can blend songs together to create stunning DJ performances.

MixMeister Studio

MixMeister Studio is a digital audio application designed for high-end mix production projects. Studio gives you the ability to make nanosecond tempo adjustments, shift the key of any song, add beat loops and plug-in special effects, and more.

MixMeister’s visual display allows you to zoom in on individual beats and measures, and make precise adjustments until your mix sounds exactly the way you want. With MixMeister Studio, you can create commercial-quality DJ mixes, and burn them to CD or stream them over the Internet.

“DJs will be very happy that Fusion is here because it’s really the ultimate live DJ performance tool, allowing listen-ahead features that are years beyond anything else.” stated Dave Sampson, Director of Marketing for MixMeister. “Studio brings the production studio an all-new way of creating remixes and giving producers amazing results.”

Both MixMeister Fusion and MixMeister Studio MixMeister Fusion offer the ability to manipulate tempo, volume, and EQ in real time, on-the-fly. You can also add effects and experiment with looping features. Both also record all your actions (not just the resulting audio), so you can go back, listen to your mix, and make precise adjustments with studio-style editing capabilities.

Pricing and Availability:

MixMeister Fusion has a suggested retail price of $329.95; MixMeister Studio lists at $169.95

Alesis has introduced a cool new drum pad controller/drum machine, the Performance Pad. It’s a drum machine, an electronic percussion instrument and you can use it as a MIDI input device.

Performance Pad features eight velocity-sensitive drum pads and a built-in electronic drum machine with professional sounds and features.

Features:

• 8 natural feeling, velocity-sensitive drum pads with Dynamic Articulation
• Built-in professional drum machine so you can record and play back your own beats
• 50 Preset / 50 User drum kits with 233 sounds assignable to any pad
• Built-in rhythm patterns to complement your playing
• Large LCD display with easy-to-navigate interface
• Dynamic Articulation stereo samples with reverb and ambience for realistic playing
• 2 inputs for external kick and hi-hat pedals (sold separately)
• Stereo input to play along with your CD or MP3 player
• MIDI output to play external MIDI devices
• High-quality 24-bit stereo and headphone outputs
• Lightweight, durable enclosure

Performance Pad includes inputs for a bass drum pedal, hi-hat pedal, and a Line-level input to connect a CD Player, iPod, computer, or other audio device so that percussionists can play along with nearly any recorded mix. Built-in rhythm patterns are also included to compliment playing.

Dynamic Articulation technology is included to add nuance to the feel of every drum hit. In addition, there are industry-standard mounting holes on the bottom for easy attachment to an existing drum kit rack.

The 24-bit, high-quality headphone output on the Performance Pad insures a no-compromise playback experience without disturbing others. Connection to keyboards and sound modules is made simple thanks to the integrated MIDI output.

Pricing and Availability:

The Performance Pad is is due at music retailers late 2007. Suggested retail price is $399. Estimated street price is $299.

Numark is shipping its Numark TTXUSB turntable; a USB-capable version of its TTX professional turntable.

TTXUSB is a unique industrial-grade performance turntable that also makes digitizing your vinyl record collection a breeze by harnessing USB plug and play compatibility for both PC and Macintosh personal computers.

With TTXUSB, Pro DJs have a wealth of unique options available to them including the patented, interchangeable use of S-Shaped or straight tone arms, industry-leading variable torque, and flexibility to adapt the TTXUSB as a battle or club style configuration. The TTXUSB’s solid-core, reference-quality construction insures durability under the most demanding situations.

TTXUSB comes standard with all the necessary cables to interconnect with both a computer and has connectors for pro DJ rigs, along with software to remove clicks, pops, and other undesirable characteristics of vinyl, the TTXUSB is a comprehensive package that easily breathes new life into older recordings while maintaining its professional DJ lineage to the original TTX.

As an added benefit, the vinyl-to-digital conversion takes just a few mouse clicks thanks to EZ Vinyl Converter by MixMeister; a new program available exclusively to Numark that quickly converts vinyl tracks directly to iTunes.

Additional features include an adjustable anti-skating control for increased stereo balance, support for both 33, 45 and 78 RPM playback speeds, an adjustable pitch control (± 8%, 10%, 25%, and 50%), and switched Line/Phono output connectors for connection to a receiver or amplifier. A keylock feature is also included to allow DJs to adjust tempo without changing pitch.

Numark’s TTXUSB Turntable package includes the turntable, a USB cable for interconnecting with a computer, an RCA cable for patching into a stereo system, and an adapter for 45 RPM recordings.

According to Carl Marinoff, Ai’s Marketing Director, the systems are fully scalable, come pre-installed (no DVDs), automatically map all MIDI configurations on start-up and support multi-channel Surround Sound and sample rates up to 192 kHz out of the box.

Depending on whether you need to perform real-time theatrical and stage productions or create music for a score, Ai’s 70-piece DVZ Powered RT-STRINGS requires 3 Apple Mac Pro or Intel Core 2 Duo computers at 44.1-48 kHz operation. For higher audio resolutions, add more PC’s.