NAMM 2012 Round-Up Part 1

here’s our first report from the annual NAMM show which specializes in the newest from the MI / Pro-Audio world.

we’ll start out Akai, which introduced 3 of the show’s most impressive products. the next generation MPC, the MPC Renaissance, is a beast of a machine that is the first MPC to be really designed for full integration with your computer (previous MPCs always kept elements of the hardware-based workstation). I didn’t get to check out the new MPC program (useable as standalone or plug-in) itself, but judging by the screenshot, it looks like they kept the MPC’s sequencer spirit alive. There’s also Vintage Mode which changes sound character to MPC3000, MPC60 and more. Makes me want to go make a jazz-loop downtempo album…

you can also use the new MPC software with the portable MPC Studio. while the trend is to make controllers cheaper and more plastic-y, the MPC Studio had some heft and even a metal faceplate. love the throwback silver colorway too.

my favorite piece from the show was Akai’s MPC Fly controller. this controller / case / app combo turns your iPad into an MPC. Now imagine making beats on the plane with this thing.

Numark continues to be the leader in terms of new features (needed an un-needed). Here’s the MPC DJ, which fuses MPC controls and their NS series of DJ controllers.

a big theme of the show was iPad integration. Numark’s IDJPRO goes as far as using the iPad as the central display and processor.

legendary synth builder, Buchla & Associates, were showing their modular synths on the main floor this year, but with kits that will put you in the thousands… it’s only for the hardcore.

I love me some Teenage Engineering OP-1 but I always found its price-point a hindrance ($849.00)… but you know what? good design has a premium… or it used to…

Teenage engineering introduced the Oplab, which may look like an Ikea desk drawer organizer, actually functions as a DIY-style interface for connecting your electronic music hardware collection. judging by their booth setup (3 OP-1s connection to the Oplab, connected to a Moog synth), it works great with their OP-1. those Flip and Tap controls can be used to control different parameters…

PART 2 coming soon…