Month: January 2025

NAMM 2025 has come and gone, and it was a whirlwind of exciting new product announcements! Here’s a rundown of some of the most interesting gear that was showcased, drawing on a series of interviews with various manufacturers. Soundtoys A new plugin called Space Blender was unveiled. This is an algorithmic reverb with a lot of delays and no feedback, meaning it has definitive starts and ends. It features an interface that allows users to create shapes, with options for nonlinear, gated, and swell effects. The plugin can do reverses and warp effects. It can turn simple sounds into "amazing soundtracks". The amount of delays is described as "outrageous". It is already running in an effects rack. PMC PMC launched a limited edition Result6 monitor, with only 125 pairs being made. This model has the characteristics of their larger models, and is aimed at people entering the PMC family. They also showcased their popular PMC 6-2 three-way speaker, which is designed for Atmos environments, but also performs well in stereo. PMC built a Dolby Atmos music room on the show floor, featuring presentations from various engineers and producers. They partnered with SSL, Audio Movers and Universal Audio for this setup. Audio Movers They have released Omnius for Windows, which supports WASAPI, ASIO, and NDI networking. A new plugin called minius transmits audio over NDI protocol, with a free two-channel version and a multi-channel version for up to 16 channels. Their new ListenTo standalone application now supports talkback functions and features an ABCD player for comparing different versions of a mix. The software now supports up to 128 channels, allows connection to multiple sessions, and includes a built-in mixer. It also has synchronization functions and a video player. WOLFF Audio They showcased an immersive board for Sony 360 demos, which can also do simultaneous stereo mixes. It uses discrete analog with no metadata attached. They also have a new collaborator mixer, with eight mono channels, two stereo channels, tilt EQ, panner, level control, and two headphone amplifiers. It also has a talkback mic and compressor. They also have a new patch bay that uses relays to eliminate frequency response, noise floor and headroom issues. It can save setups and run as a plugin inside a DAW. It also has an AB group function. The patchbay can also include 16 channels of conversion. Shure Microphones Shure is celebrating its 100th anniversary. They released the MV7 I, which is a two-channel interface with a built-in microphone, as well as an XLR input. It uses the same capsule as the MV7 plus. It also features a smart de-noiser. They also featured the KSM 313 ribbon microphone, known for its durability and bidirectional pattern with distinct front and back characters. Shure also highlighted their Axient Digital in-ear monitors and the SXD quad four-channel wireless system. Genelec Speakers Genelec displayed a 7.1.4 immersive system, featuring a range of presenters. They showcased their new personal reference monitoring solution (PRM), which includes the 9320 speakers and headphones as a matched pair. The serial number is loaded into the box to match the speakers and headphones. Musik Hack They launched a new plugin called FUEL, which is designed to add instant energy and punch to tracks. It allows users to quickly select settings with colour-coded buttons. Dreamtonics They showcased Vocal Flex, which can be used on background vocals or live performances. They are releasing Synthesizer V Studio 2, which allows users to change the characteristics of their singers and create retakes. Audient The discussion touched on the importance of balancing the technical side of mixing with the feel, and not getting caught up on endless recalls. The advice given was to understand the technical aspects first and then focus on the creative feel. Radial They introduced new Highline and Highline stereo line isolators, designed for pedalboards. These feature Jensen transformers and offer options for summing to mono, with XLR outputs and ground lift. Audeze The discussion focused on the experience of creating records with a group of musicians, rather than solo, and how that can elevate the production and inspire creativity. KST They introduced the Line Master main monitor, which is a fully active digitally controlled system, with two 12-inch or 15-inch drivers, and an extension module. The system utilizes line source radiation principles, and the speaker drivers are recessed within the cabinet. The high-frequency driver is not a ribbon, but a proprietary technology to KST, designed for a wide dispersion pattern. Marani They are importing a range of amplifiers into the USA including 10,000 watt 4-channel amplifiers and installation processors. Their amplifiers feature speaker calibration, routing and processing, and can be controlled via an app. Artnovian They offer a range of acoustic treatment products, including absorbers and diffusers, with custom options available. They use a combination of science and art to ensure rooms behave audibly as needed. sVision Works A new company that helps brands with marketing, distribution and sales, including brands like WOLFF Audio and KST. Focal They unveiled their Main Utopia 112 and 212 main monitors, with single and dual driver designs. These are fully active speakers with external amplifiers, and feature the latest in Focal's driver design and speaker technology. Neumann They won a tech award for their KK 105 Universal capsules. They emphasized that while they are known for recording mics, they are now innovating in live mics, monitors, and interfaces. They are also working on incorporating AI into their products and are exploring recording in different environments. Suhr Guitars They showcased their customisable guitars with a focus on light weight and playability. They use their own brand of pickups called Spectron. Roland The company highlighted their seamless preset switching on their keyboards, with Ed Diaz providing tutorials on how to use their products. ASI Audio Their DB Check Pro measures the output of any headphone, earphone or in-ear monitor. Their 3DME in-ear monitor system has built in active ambient microphones that can be controlled using a body pack. Apogee They are now shipping all Symphony Studio configurations and have added room simulation software, and have also released a new set of podcast kits. Doix Pedals They are a guitar pedal company based in Florence, Italy and use original circuits in their pedals. They have a range of pedals including a compressor, two overdrives, and an analogue tremolo. Rupert Neve Designs They showcased the CMBT which allows for simultaneous silk red and silk blue processing. They also unveiled the Newton Channel, a more affordable channel strip with zero compromise on components, with features of their Shelford Channel. Their new microphone pre is based on the 5211 and has variable silk red and blue, and detented pots. RTM They are manufacturing and selling high-quality tape for reel-to-reel recording, and making cassettes with high-output tape. Waves They released Sync VX, an AR-based plugin to synchronize multiple vocal tracks by time and pitch. Mog Audio They have a new plugin called eq4 MS, a mid-side EQ with a tight and wide band selection, as well as TMT technology. They also launched the 3Q2 microphone preamplifier, which has line-level inputs, a variable high-pass filter, and an instrument input. Phoenix Audio They showcased their Ascent 500 series mic preamp, with a more coloured sound with transformers and a variable highpass filter. They also introduced their Scion summing mixer, with 16 channels and three different tonal options. G Lab They manufacture guitar effects and are focused on preserving the original signal. They are due to release a new compressor called a trim. This is just a small sample of the many new products that were showcased at NAMM 2025. It’s clear that the industry is continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of audio technology.

Month: January 2025

NAMM 2025: A Round-Up of the Hottest New Gear

AVALON AD 2077 / AD 2055 NATIVE PLUGINS