Just got back from Summer NAMM in Nashville. It was surprisingly busy, especially since the show ran back-to-back with InfoComm, causing several manufacturers to opt out. The show's focus really was on musical instruments, so there's not a whole lot of pro audio news to report. However, a few cool new products were in evidence:

Sensaphonics was showing the dB Check, a handheld level meter that actually measures A-weighted SPL reaching the ear. You just plug it in between your IEM source and any Sensaphonics custom earphones, select model and duration, and it tells you the average level AND recommended daily exposure limits on both the OSHA and NIOSH scales. Very cool.

API introduced a new line of analog signal processing gear called Arsenal Audio. Initial models include: the Arsenal R20, a two-channel mic preamp; the Arsenal R24, a two-channel, 4-band EQ; and the Arsenal V14, a 4-band EQ with parametric modeled on the classic 562.

Tascam previewed its SD-01U surround decoder, a rackmount device that accepts Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS signals for a 5.1 surround output. It includes a measurement microphone for system alignment and onboard DSP to handle lip sync delay for plasma monitors plus 11-band EQ, delay, phase and trim for each speaker output.

Numark came out with a couple products designed to help transfer vinyl LPs into digital storage. The PT-01USB is a portable turntable that can run on battery power, while the LP 2 CD system sports a 1GB flash drive onboard. the LP 2 CD offers high-end (24-bit, 192 kHz) digitization and the ability to output archive-ready uncompressed WAV files. Both systems are supplied with appropriate software for both Mac and PC environments.

Interestingly, Abbey Road Studios (yes, THAT Abbey Road) has entered into the plug-in market with the release of its Brilliance Pack, which provides authentic emulations of vintage EMI presence EQs for both Mac and PC-based DAW systems. These plug-ins were designed using the original EMI analog schematics, retain the same operational characteristics, and are offered in TDM, RTAS, AU and VST formats.

Z Right Stuff showed a potentially useful product, the Z-Bar -- an amplifier miking bracket that replaces floor stands by suspending the microphone in front of a guitar amp. Those who regularly record or broadcast rock bands might find it useful to have a few of these in their kits. Savagely simple and effective.

I'm sure there was plenty more of interest, but I got distracted... by the stunning Moog Guitar, by the Robot Les Paul and Robot SG self-tuning guitars from Gibson, and by all the other fun and shiny toys...