As NAMM 2016 draws to a close, the annual tradeshow rolled out the latest instruments and equipment associated with the music industry. If you’ve been following our coverage, we have already published detailed descriptions of some the items listed below. Here is a quick overview of the products now available to order through Adorama.
Audio-Technica
The audio equipment brand made a strong showing in Anaheim, CA this year. What with a new series of microphones headphones and other gear, recording professionals have a lot to look forward to.
Headphones
ATH-M50xMG ($189.00) available in limited edition matte gray color is an upgrade from their M50x sonic signature model.
Microphones
ATM230 Hypercardioid Dynamic Drum Mic and ATM230PK 3 pack ($139.00 with a suggested retail price of $349.00 for the 3 pack) were developed for high-SPL applications including the miking of percussion instruments. Includes AT8665 drum mount and a protective pouch. Read more about them here.
AE2300 Artist Elite cardioid microphone ($269.00) captures sound from guitar amps, bass and percussion instruments. Another high SPL recording microphone, low pass filter removes high-frequency hiss without affecting tone. Minimal off-axis coloration allows consistent frequency response at 0, 90 and 180 degrees. Includes AT8471 isolation stand clamp and a soft protective pouch. Read more about it here.
Wireless Boundary and Base Transmitters
ATW-T1007 and ATW-T1006 System 10 Wireless Boundary and Base Transmitters ($349.00 and $399.00 respectively). This pairs with any System 10 or System 10 PRO digital wireless receiver. 3-pin XLRF-type input, digital 24-bit/48 kHz and operates in the 2.4 GHz range – free from TV interference. Also contains three input gain levels (-6 dB, 0dB and +6dB) and automatic frequency selection. Read more about them here.
E Series In-Ear Monitor Headphones
ATH-E40 ($99.00). Dual push-pull drivers provide accuracy and clarity for monitoring applications. Flexible cable loops over ear for custom fit, has a detachable cable and is designed for maximum isolation of outside noise. Comes with carrying case and silicon ear tips
ATH-E50 ($199.00) The single balanced armature provides accurate full-range response. A more versatile headphone built to accommodate on-the-road music producers. Includes the usual case and silicone eartips
ATH-E70 ($399) Touted as the flagship model of the series, the E70 contains a triple balanced armature detachable cable. It combines the best aspects of both the E40 and E50 whether for monitoring on stage or mixing in the studio. Includes the usual carrying case and Comply Foam eartips.
You can read more about the E Series here.
Fender Guitars
The name “Fender” is practically synonymous with rock legends all over the world. Going strong for many decades (the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation will be celebrating their 70th anniversary this year), guitar enthusiasts awaited the company’s NAMM announcements with eager anticipation.
The American Elite Series
American Elite Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker ($1799). Combines Fender’s trademarked Shawbucker open-coil humbucking bridge pickup with the new 4th generation Noiseless pickups. This offers hum-free vintage style sound while the Shawbucker midrange creates pristine cleans and huge overdriven tones resulting in that classic Stratocaster sound. Also: push-push switching that instantly reroutes to your bridge pickup signal. Designed for fast playing and position changes. Includes a redesigned Elite Molded Case.
American Elite Stratocaster ($1799). Contains the same capabilities as the HSS version but without the Shawbucker component. Both guitars will be available in either 3-Color Sunburst, Mystic Black, Olympic Pearl or Autumn Blaze Metallic versions. And you will have a choice of either a Rosewood or Maple fingerboard.
American Elite Stratocaster Left-Hand ($1799) Available in 3-Color Sunburst only. But you do have the option of purchasing either a Rosewood or Maple fingerboard edition.
2016 American Elite Telecaster ($1799) and American Elite Telecaster Thinline ($1899) The original electric guitar redefined for the modern era. The American Telecaster Thinline features a screwless mount that increases the vibration transfer. Unlike the Elite Telecaster, this has a semi-hollow design.
The American Elite Telecaster is available as 3-Color Sunburst, Mystic Black, Aged Cherry Burst, Tobacco Sunburst (ash), Butterscotch Blonde (Ash), Autumn Blaze Metallic and Rosewood and Maple Fingerboard editions. The American Elite Telecaster Thinline is available as Natural, Mystic Ice Blue and 3-Color Sunburst editions with Maple fingerboards only.
The American Special Series
American Special Stratocaster, Stratocaster HSS and Telecaster ($999), The classic, no-frills series is also one of their most affordable. The difference between the HSS version and its other sibling is in the pickups: the non-HSS version contains a Texas Special Single-Coil strat (bridge, middle and neck) whereas the HSS version combines that with an Atomic Humbucking design. All three guitars are available in 3-Color Sunburst and either Maple or Rosewood fingerboard editions.
You can read more about Fender’s latest series of guitars here and here.
Focusrite Clarett 4pre ($699.99)
This Thunderbolt interface has four XLR/TRS ports and preamps. Each input offers 48v of phantom power and gain control, LED metering and individual volume control. Compact in design, it’s perfect for home studio use.
Additional specs:
• 24/192 precision digital conversion
• Line level inputs for synths and more
• Gain Halo metering
• Dual high-power headphone outputs
• Software mixer for maximum control
• Processor bundles included (Softube’s Time and Tone plug-ins and Focusrite’s Red 2 and 3 Plug-in Suite)
Samson Expedition XP800 ($599.99)
This portable PA sound system provides 800 watts of power, an 8-channel powered mixer and dual two-way 8” speakers. Designed for optimal transport, users can set it up quickly and conveniently. Also contains monitor outputs for signal expansion, 16 preset digital effects and 2-band EQ on all input channels. Can be used as either stage monitors or attached to 1 3/8” speaker mounts. The mixer is removable and can be attached to any standard mic stand.
Other specs:
• Lightweight Class D amplifier produces 2 x 400 watts of stereo power.
• Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly stream music.
• Four Mic/Line inputs (XLR and ¼”)
• Hi-Z input for guitar connections
• USB Wireless port for use with Samson’s XPD Digital Wireless Systems (sold separately)
• Footswitch jack for remote FX control
• Phantom power for condenser microphones
• Two 25” speaker cables included.
