The Namm Show 2023 - what we liked the most

We have been recently attending the NAMM 2023. The first global audio show after Covid. The show was, as usual, a huge one and many exhibitors have been showing their new products.

Here is a brief report of the gear that has captured our attention.

Empirical Labs - PUMP

PUMP is a single channel, 500 series rack mount compressor loaded with the kinds of features and performance you’ve come to expect from Empirical Labs. Just presented at NAMM 2023,

this module has serious heritage and shares family DNA with notable ELI processors including the renowned Distressor, Arousor, and Mike-E.

Empirical Labs PUMP

The PUMP is destined to be a “go-to” processor for the creative audio pro that has a toolbox built around no compromise performance, quality, and value.

AEA - TRP3

The AEA TRP3 Ribbon Preamp provides two channels of high-output, high-impedance, and low-noise gain with a rich and natural sound that brings out the full potential of your microphones.

AEA TRP3

Specifically designed for ribbon microphones, the TRP3 excels at drawing out the warmth and lush sound that ribbons are uniquely known for. The 3rd generation circuitry is the cleanest and most musical design according to the maker.

The TRP3 offers all the classic features of the TRP and TRP2 with the added benefit of an up-to-date circuit design, upgraded components, more straightforward control markings and a dual-option high-pass filter for repeatable proximity effect taming.

AEA - RPQ3

The AEA RPQ3 Ribbon Preamp and EQ provides two channels of high-output, high-impedance, and low-noise gain with a rich and natural sound that brings out the full potential of your microphones.

AEA RPQ3

Specifically designed for ribbon microphones, the RPQ3 excels at drawing out the warmth and lush sound that ribbons are uniquely known for.

The RPQ3 is a powerhouse that provides unparalleled high gain with low-noise.

With 85db of JFET output, the RPQ3 gives enough juice to record soft sources without ever having to worry about noise.

The RPQ3 is the tool of choice for all microphones whenever a true and pristine signal path is desired. Our 3rd generation circuitry is the cleanest and most musical design we've done yet.

• Two channels with 4 more dBs of gain (85dB) over the RPQ2 of sweet, quiet, and mouthwatering JFET gain
• Higher input impedance over the RPQ2 (now we have 68k ohm) providing better overall transients, frequency response, and higher output sensitivity.

AEA - TRP500

The first product in the 3rd-generation of microphone preamps, the TRP500 leans on the side of neutral but is unlike other "clean" preamps because of its rich and musical tonality.

AEA - TRP500

It is optimized for ribbon mics and offers up to 85dB of effortless gain for any microphone.

Based on the circuit and topology of the company’s original AEA TRP preamp, the TRP500 has the low noise, musical sonics, and ultra-high gain and impedance (100,000 Ohms) that AEA is renowned for.

The TRP500 excels at drawing out the warmth and lush sound of ribbon mics as well as other top-level microphones. With up to 85 dB of quiet DC-coupled gain, minimal path architecture, and a gentle 115 Hz or 230 Hz high pass filter, this preamp puts as little as possible between you and your audience.

The ultra-high gain DC-coupled JFET circuit has two input impedances: 11,900 Ohms with phantom power “ON” and 100,000 Ohms with phantom power “OFF.”

The 100,000 Ohm mode brings out the best in passive ribbons and tube mics, and also provides a unique balanced input for vintage, high-impedance dynamic mics.

PMC - NAMM’s showcase for immersive audio

NAMM 2023 gave the perfect opportunity to showcase PMC’s role in the immersive audio market.

PMC showcase at NAMM2023

Maurice Patist, President PMC USA and head of Pro Global said: "There is no doubt that PMC monitors are now the de facto standard for Dolby Atmos facilities, not least because, as a technology partner of Universal Music Group and Dolby, we have been championing this format for music for more than five years.

A 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos enabled system in our NAMM demo suite will allow visitors to experience this exciting new format by hearing it demonstrated through PMC's world-class monitoring products."

PMC's demo suite was equipped with the company's large, active three-way PMC8-2 XBD monitors (left, right and center channels), six ci65 monitors, and four ci45 compact slimline monitors for the surround, rear, and height channels.

At NAMM 2023, PMC also showed its line of compact, state-of-the-art near-and midfield monitors.

These include the PMC6, PMC6-2, and PMC8-2, along with their associated subwoofers, the PMC8 SUB and PMC8-2 SUB.

Antelope - Atlas i8

Antelope introduced its first monitor speaker. A 3-way design with dual 8-inch woofers positioned back to back to achieve an isobar configuration.

Antelope Atlas i8 (source Antelope)

This to keep the overall size of the monitor quite compact for a three way assembly.

The mids and highs are provided by a coaxial driver to reduce the comb filtering effect.

A custom-designed low-distortion Class D amplifier provides 200 watts to the 8-inch woofers and 100 watts to the mid-tweeter. Maximum SPL delivered by Atlas i8 gets up to 117 dB.

Antelope - Orion 32+ Gen 4

The Orion 32+ Gen 4 is the latest version of Antelope Audio's high-end AD/DA converter, with improved features over the previous model.

It offers increased connectivity, with 128 channels of I/O up to 192kHz over Thunderbolt 3, and 128 channels of MADI 1/O.

The new version has added surround and immersive audio monitoring as well as speaker calibration functionality for precise audio reproduction in multichannel studio environments.

The Gen 4 also has a refined software control panel, allowing for quicker access to key parameters and preset recall, which enhances the user experience.

Antelope - MRC

The MRC is a remote controller for Dolby Atmos systems to be coupled with Galaxy 32 or Orion 32+ Gen4 for a complete immersive sound system control.

Antelope MRC (source SOS)

It connects via USB and works as a remote for the control room allowing the user to isolate the channels and store up to 5 listening presets.

AVID - ProTools MTRX II

This is not a new product. On the other side, the possibility to insert an optional Thunderbolt 3 card is something not found on its predecessor. Designed for Pro Tools | HDX and other DAWs, Pro Tools | MTRX II builds on the versatility of its predecessor, offering greater I/O, routing, and monitoring flexibility.

AVID - ProTools MTRX II

Streamline your studio with a single interface that enables you to replace multiple devices, connect anything to everything, and tune any room in your facility to get the best sound possible.

Some features follow:

• 64 channels of built-in DigiLink I/O, 256 Dante channels, and 64 MADI channels, plus eight option card slots and a Thunderbolt 3 option slot in a single interface
• Capture and output audio without any coloration—exactly as the sources sound—with impeccably clean, transparent, and highly detailed AD/DA conversion
• Gain flexibility with integrated SPQ Speaker Processing, DADman Pro | Mon monitor control, and a 512 x 64 summing mixer for full Dolby Atmos theatrical monitoring
• Route, split, and patch audio across multiple devices and rooms in your facility with the massive 4,096 x 4,096 matrix router
• Work with multiple DAWs, connect to Pro Tools | HDX and/or a Mac or PC, route audio over IP with Dante, and add and reconfigure I/O as needed, enabling new creative possibilities

AVID - ProTools MTRXStudio

Pro Tools | MTRX Studio provides all the I/O you need in a fixed-format but fully loaded interface, enabling you to streamline and expand your workflow.

Some features follow:

• Connect all your gear to a single interface that provides ample I/O, including 18 channels of analog I/O, 64 DigiLink channels, 64 Dante channels, and 16 ADAT channels
• Capture and output audio without any coloration—exactly as the sources sound—with impeccably clean, transparent, and highly detailed AD/DA conversion
• Mix and monitor mono, stereo, surround, and Dolby Atmos projects with ultra-low latency, integrated speaker calibration, and a 256 x 16 summing mixer
• Route, split, and patch audio across multiple devices and rooms in your facility with the 512 x 512 matrix router
• Route audio over IP with Dante, work with multiple DAWs, and connect to Pro Tools | HDX and/or a Mac or PC (with the Thunderbolt 3 option), enabling new creative possibilities

Get the comparison chart here.

AMS Neve - 1073 OPX USB/ADAT Card

The 1073OPX USB/ADAT Card is a powerful digital expansion card for the 1073 OPX using the universally accepted ADAT protocol.

AMS Neve - 1073 OPX USB/ADAT Card

This digital option card includes two modes of operation:

• USB/ADAT Hub mode – Transforms the 1073OPX into an expandable USB Audio Interface, capable of connecting up to 16 inputs and 10 outputs through a single USB connection.
• ADAT standalone mode – Allows users to expand an existing ADAT-compatible audio interface digitally via ADAT optical connection, adding eight Neve 1073 preamps and additional stereo output to their existing audio interface.

MAAG Audio - PREQ2

Mäag audio’s newest creation is the Preq2™ dual mic preamp with eq.

The unit is a complete analog system for either recording or mixing housed in a 1u standalone unit.

MAAG Audio PREQ2

It comes with Cliff Mäag’s venerable Air band® shelving equalizer first introduced in 1993.

The PREQ2 will handle either line or microphone signal levels with two matched channels both with separate rear panel line level input and microphone XLR connectors and switchable +48-volt phantom powering.

The rear panel also has XLR output connectors for each channel and a mains switch. All switches on the PREQ2 have colorful leds to confirm their operation and all controls have detents with the exception of the continuously variable microphone gain.

The Mäag Audio Preq2 Microphone Preamp Has Up To 71dB Of Gain Split Between A Discrete Class-A Transistor Preamp Along With A Large, Nickel-Core Mäag Audio-Built Input Transformer (one per Channel).

This circuit offers a clean, detailed sound with +27dBu of headroom and an EIN Noise Level of -128dB.

The front panel Line Switch toggles the rear panel XLR Line Input in place of the Microphone Preamp’s Output.

The unit features a three band equalizer section and, as stated above, the Air band®.

Conclusion

More products drown our attention and the limited space we have doesn’t allow us to treat them all.

Stay tuned for more information and news about the new audio gear!