Our team had a blast this year covering NAMM 2016 with Sweetwater and Worship Leader Magazine. In total we walked over 17 miles, recorded and edited over 40 videos and got to see some very cool gear. The goal was to try and “cut through the noise” and let you know about the gear we think will truly help you do your job better and serve your church well. Here's a quick recap of a few thing that really stood out to us.
In-Ears
This year was the unofficial year of "In-Ear" monitor releases. It seemed as if everyone was releasing in-ears or had a new product in this space. This is huge in the context of churches looking to switch from floor wedges and move to in-ear monitors. To have access to an even larger pool of inexpensive but well made universal in-ear monitors is a great thing for churches. Both Audio-Technica and Fender (yes-Fender) released universal fit in-ears. We were able to try on the Fender in-ears and were impressed with the sound and quality for the price point. Both Fender and Audio-Technica have 3 tiers of in-ears with more features as the price point moves up. The high end Audio-Technica ears included Comply tips-which in our opinion are the most comfortable feeling and fitting in-ear buds we’ve ever used.
In-Ears:
Live Sound and Audio Interfaces:
It’s an exciting time to be buying an Audio Console and Live Sound gear. Many churches have or are moving towards digital consoles at this point, and digital connectivity via ethernet makes it easier and cheaper then ever to connect your gear. Whether it’s AVB, AES 50, Dante, or MADI, almost everyone has multiple connectivity versions of their devices to fit into your current “networked” audio setup. Practically speaking, this means you can buy your sound system in pieces, typically starting with a stage box that you can control with your iPad. Then you can add more inputs by connecting another stage box via Ethernet, and eventually buy a “Control Surface” when you’re ready to move beyond iPad control. Most of these solutions also allow your band members to easily mix their own in-ear mix, or easily have someone mix ears for them from an iPad. Both Focusrite and MOTU have built entire product lines around networked interfaces with various I/O and connection possibilities. Gone are the days of having to completely replace your sound system when you need a few more inputs or need to connect more rooms. Networked audio is far from “new” technology but we’re really starting to see companies show off what they can bring to the networked audio game.
Live Sound:
Audio Interfaces:
Keys
We saw more in the way of keyboards than what we were physically able to cover. At the Korg booth we saw the Minilogue and the updates to their nano series of controllers. The microKorg was an introduction to synthesis and synth sounds for so many musicians. the monologue takes a lot of what Korg started with microKorg but adds so much more. A truly analog synthesizer for $499.99 is an incredible deal. We think it’s a great solution for people looking to get into and learn synthesis. Something as small as the oscilloscope display will help you see visually what changes you’re making. If you’re looking for incredible pads for worship you've probably heard of Omnisphere which we certainly recommend, but if you want a workhouse synth and can’t afford a vintage or updated vintage synthesizer then the monologue seems like a really great choice.
The updated nano controllers are a great solution for keys players looking for more control over their virtual sounds or wanting to add knobs and faders to their hardware keyboard. The Korg nano key studio likely won’t give you a lot of playing possibilities but for triggering tracks in Ableton it’s a great solution. Especially if you’re triggering lots of clips in session view and doing more performance, this is a great option. The nanoKontrol Studio is a great solution to add knobs and faders to your setup. Oh.. and bluetooth connectivity for both is fantastic. That’s going to make a lot of track rigs easier to setup and manage.
The new Nord Piano Piano 3 is a pretty amazing feeling keyboard. Nord has quite possibly taken the feel of their keys to a new level. If you can get a chance to try one out in person, you need to. If you’re looking for a keyboard for great Piano sounds and to use as a controller for all your other sounds, Nord has created one of the best options out there.
Keys:
Overall this year was an exciting NAMM show. It’s never been cheaper, easier, or more exciting to be running tracks and buying gear for your church. Expandability and affordability is a must and more and more gear manufacturers are including both in all their products. To see all the gear we covered at NAMM this year, head to our YouTube page and if you have any more questions or want to purchase any of the gear we covered at NAMM contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer or visit Sweetwater.com!
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