NAMM 2016: Merging Technology the next evolution of the music industry

Michael Hepworth

These new products will shape the next evolution of the music industry

31^st Annual NAMM Show 2016:

By Peter Peterson

NAMM Show Media Event

Anaheim Convention Center, CA (PerfectMusicToday) 01/20/16 — Media day Southern California is filled with sunny skies and the hustle and bustle of exhibitors scrambling to get all things set up on time.  It is expected that over 100,000 exhibitors, music merchants and guests from all over the world will be ascending on the Anaheim Convention Center for the 4 day NAMM Show.

For new gearheads who may not be familiar with NAMM, the annual convention is the epicenter of the music industry. NAMM is only open to people in the music industry and this show allows musicians and merchants to gather and see the latest in music technology.

Wednesday’s media preview demonstrated the newest items that will be unveiled exclusively at NAMM 2016. Here are a few exhibitors that really got my attention.

AERODRUMS

Aerodrums.com — If you’re a drummer we all have had to deal with trying to play without pissing off the neighbors. Aerodrums, based out of England has solved this unfortunate problem. The kit includes sticks, stick tips, reflective strips, light and software. The software allows for complete flexibility when creating your virtual drum set. Areodrums can output MIDI notes as you drum, enabling you to trigger any MIDI compatible sampler. The cost is a very affordable $199.00 us. The only thing you will need to purchase is a common “Playstation” video camera. They run about $10 on Amazon. This allows you to see your virtual drum set on a computer screen as you play.

But, for a well spent $699.00 dollars Aerodrums supports the OCULUS Rift VR goggles. The Rift is a virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Oculus VR. These googles allows you to see and feel the drum kit right in front of you. With very little practice you will be able to play the drums and forget you don’t have a kit around you. I was able to try Aerodrums with the Oculus VR goggles and with a quick tip I was banging the skins! Visit them at the NAMM Show booth 2885 Hall D and experience Aerodrums for yourself.

Fender Guitars

Fender.com — Fender has fine-tuned its American Stratocaster collection for 2016. Changes include a reshaped neck that starts as a C and gradually changes to a D at the base. Add the new unique neck mount cutaway and you can now comfortably play the 22 fret.   Fender has simplified how to adjust the neck. No more need for a specific tool to make the adjustment. Any tool that fits in the adjustment slot will work.

Also new for the Stratocaster are the 4^th generation pickups. The engineers at Fender have completely redesigned for sound and speed. Easy adjust control knobs allow quick, precise adjustments while rocking. The new guitar colors are beautiful and with Fenders new redesigned guitar case, showing up in style just comes with the gig. Be sure to visit them at NAMM.

Vinyl Recorder – Home of the new vinyl recorder T580

— With the huge rise in collecting vinyl records, Live Vinyl Records has developed a machine that cuts custom vinyl records. This machine actually cuts your own custom vinyl record right in front of you! This unit would be great for DJ’s, educators and special events. Seems like a complex machine but Vinyl Recorder says it’s very easy. Just to satisfy your vinyl curiosities stop by their booth and check this machine out.

Martin & Co Guitars

Martinguitar.com — Martin Guitars is presenting for the first time at the NAMM Show the exclusive presentation of “The Ballad of the Dreadnought” The story traces the rise of the Martin Dreadnought from its slow start to eventually becoming a musical icon in almost every genre of music.   Be sure to enjoy this very special event. The show starts Friday, January 22, 2016 – 1-2 pm at the TEC Track Master Class Room 202-A, 2^nd Level above Hall A.

TEC AWARD SHOW

The NAMM TEC awards show celebrates the pro audio community by recognizing the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind today’s sound recordings, live performances, films, television and other media. The TEC award show will be held at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel, Pacific Ballroom,2nd floor. The event doors open at 6:00pm and the awards show starts at 7pm. Space is limited.

The Industry has evolved so much in the last few years. Technology advancement and affordable recording and production equipment is allowing musicians to create new and unique sounds.  The 2016 NAMM Show will introduce over 5000 new industry items to the music industry. These new products will shape the next evolution of the music industry. It’s gonna ROCK!