The 2023 NAMM Show in Anaheim last week presented the annual TEC Experience, which celebrated 21 technical achievement products and technologies and a studio design project as a part of the NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Awards.
Hip Hop 50 was a highlight of the evening’s celebrations, which honored the career and legacy of Chuck D, the leader of Public Enemy, a social activist, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Musician, producer, songwriter and bandmate Brian Hardgroove presented Chuck with NAMM’s Impact Music & Culture Award.
DJ Jazzy Jeff presented Rock Walk of Fame inductee, GrandMixer DXT with the Hip-Hop Innovator Award for his contribution of innovating the turntable as a musical instrument. In addition, artist and producer Lord Finesse, a member of the hip-hop crew Diggin’ In The Crates (D.I.T.C.) gave a special performance to open event, while Resonant Alien featuring Hardgroove and DJ Johnny Juice of Public Enemy capped off the celebration with a performance.
The 2023 TEC Awards recipients were selected by a panel of industry voters from pro audio publications and members of professional music, technical and creative organizations. Recipients include:
Amplification Hardware – Studio & Sound Reinforcement
L-Acoustics, LA7.16i Amplified Controller
Audio Apps & Hardware / Peripherals for Smartphones & Tablets
Universal Audio, Volt 2 USB Audio Interface
Audio Education Technology
Mix with the Masters
Computer Audio Hardware
Universal Audio, Volt 276 USB Audio Interface
Console Technology
Solid State Logic, ORIGIN
DJ Production Technology (Hardware / Software)
Roland, SP-404MKII Creative Sampler and Effector
Headphone / Earpiece Technology
Neumann, NDH 30 Open-Back Studio Headphone
Microphone Preamplifiers
Rupert Neve Designs, 5025 Dual Shelford Mic Pre
Microphones – Recording
Mojave Audio, MA-37
Microphones – Sound Reinforcement
DPA Microphones, 4055 Kick Drum Microphone
Musical Instrument Amplification & Effects
Universal Audio, UAFX Dream ’65 Reverb Amplifier
Musical Instrument Hardware
NORD, Piano 5 88
Musical Instrument Software
Universal Audio, Opal Morphing Synthesizer
Production Essentials
Genelec, GLM V4.2 GRADE Report
Signal Processing Hardware
Solid State Logic, THE BUS+
Signal Processing Software (Dynamics / EQ / Utilities)
Eventide, SplitEQ
Signal Processing Software (Effects)
FabFilter, Volcano 3
Sound Reinforcement Loudspeakers
Meyer Sound, PANTHER Large-Format Line Array
Studio Monitors
Genelec, 6040R Smart Active Loudspeaker
Wireless Technology
Sennheiser, XS Wireless IEM
Workstation Technology – Recording Devices
Universal Audio, LUNA v1.2.5
Studio Design Project
Spotify at Mateo, Walters-Storyk Design Group
The TEC Awards will return with The NAMM Show in January 2024. Go here for more information.
