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NAMM is a somewhat genteel nuthouse. It can
be disconcerting to walk past neatly dressed zombies, I mean guitarists,
calmly playing the new wah-wah or fuzz box for eight hours straight.
In terms of manufacturers presenting new pro audio products, which
is what we here at ProSoundWeb.com are concerned with, it is quite
literally dizzying.
Special hi-hat mics. Inexpensive passive wedges, and expensive condenser
mics. Advanced digital consoles. In-ear monitors and wireless mics.
Networking software for real-time system control, and inventory
tracking. Recording devices for every level, from the bedroom hobbyist
to the most demanding post engineers. And a bunch of curious individuals
traipsing about in a hypnotic trance, with their inevitable carry
bags full of glossy four-color propaganda literature (and an autographed
swimsuit model calendar.)
This year I look forward to more CAT-5 digital snakes, to ever-more-efficient
amplifiers, and to EFX that you do not need to be a NASA scientist
to operate (take a hint from the synth manufacturers, that brought
back knobs, gang.) It is pretty obvious at this point that the race
is on to bring down the price points on digital desks, until decent-sized
clubs can afford them, not just major touring acts.
And of course, that dirty little secret that some of us have. Yes.
You know what I’m talkin’ about. Swag. How many of us
know somebody who has not one but four different baseball jackets
from different manufacturers? I just walked around my local farmer’s
market all warm and cozy in my superbly constructed sweatshirt from
a manufacturer who shall remain nameless. Look, just admit it. You
love that stuff. See? Don’t you feel better now?
See you in Anaheim!
- C.K.
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