Gen16, the new technology division of the Avedis Zildjian Company, has been awarded the “Best in Show” award at this year’s winter NAMM Convention.
Seven music retail experts toured the Convention Center for three days to select the best of this year’s offerings, and selected Gen16’s Acoustic Electric (AE) Cymbals as one of the breakout hits of NAMM 2011.
Unlike MIDI trigger pads, Gen16’s AE Cymbals are real acoustic cymbals that sound and respond just like a traditional cymbal, but play at less than a quarter of the volume.
A patented dual microphone system and digital signal processing enables the AE Cymbal to create a range of natural cymbal sounds without the use of sampling or MIDI.
“The AE Cymbal represents a true paradigm shift for musicians,” said John Roderick, Zildjian’s VP of New Business and Product Development.
“It’s an entirely new instrument, much like the Fender Rhodes was to the acoustic piano, or the electric bass to the upright bass, and we believe it will have a comparable creative influence on musicians and their music.”
The AE Cymbal was one of several products introduced by Gen16 at NAMM.
Other Gen16 products on display included the AE Rack, a new hardware system for acoustic and electric drums and percussion, the Digital Vault library of high-quality samples of Zildjian’s cymbals, the interactive Groove Player app for iPad and iPhone, and the new Gen16Grooves.com online store.
“The Zildjian company has been making cymbals since 1623, making us one of the world’s oldest family-owned businesses,” said Zildjian CEO Craigie Zildjian.
“With Gen16, we’re making a bold and definitive statement for Zildjian in the 21st century.”
