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Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Singer-Songwriter Jackson Browne to Receive Les Paul Innovation Award at 33rd Annual NAMM TEC Awards


Photo by Danny Clinch
Carlsbad, Calif. (December 20, 2017) – The NAMM Foundation has announced that singer-songwriter Jackson Browne will receive the prestigious Les Paul Innovation Award at the 33rd Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards (NAMM TEC Awards), being held Saturday, January 27, 2018 in Anaheim, CA. The award is given on behalf of the Les Paul Foundation to honor individuals that have set the highest standards of excellence in the creative application of recording technology in the spirit of the famed audio pioneer, inventor and musician, Les Paul.

Browne has written and performed some of the most iconic and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion, and personal politics. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007. His debut album came out on David Geffen's Asylum Records in 1972. Since then, he has released fourteen studio albums and four collections of live performances, and has sold over 18 million albums in the U.S. Browne will be on tour in the spring of 2018. Tour dates can be found here.

“Jackson Browne’s success as a singer, songwriter and guitarist has had a prolific impression on the music industry throughout his successful career,” said Michael Braunstein, Executive Director of the Les Paul Foundation. “Like Les Paul, Jackson has never shied away from expressing his emotions or thoughts through his music. I have no doubt that Les would have liked to share a few jams with Jackson along the way.”

Dubbed the “Knights of Soft Rock” by Rolling Stone, The Section will also be honored during the evening event as the newest inductees to the NAMM TEC Hall of Fame. Reaching their height in the 70s playing alongside the biggest names in the business, including James Taylor, Carole King, and Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Section also released three of their own imprints and toured and recorded with Jackson Browne in earlier years. While no longer recording collectively, each artist now actively works in the studio and on tour and consists of Danny Kortchmar (guitar), Craig Doerge (keyboards), Leland Sklar (bass), and Russ Kunkel (drums). They’ll reunite on stage for a rare performance of some of their best-known hits in support of the evening’s celebration.

The NAMM TEC Hall of Fame award was started in 1988 to honor pioneers of audio technology, as well as the music industry’s most accomplished producers and audio technicians. In 2017, legendary Aerosmith engineer and producer Jack Douglas was inducted into the NAMM TEC Hall of Fame, and joined luminaries Skunk Baxter, Ed Cherney, Hal Blaine, Nathan East and others. 

The NAMM TEC Awards, held during the global gathering of music, sound and event technology at The NAMM Show, are bestowed annually in honor of the many individuals, companies and technical innovations used in sound recordings, films, broadcast television and video games. Nominees were announced earlier this year. Purchase tickets on site or in advance here FOR $65 (General Admission) or $195 (VIP). The show begins with a VIP-only reception at 6PM, followed by the awards ceremony at 7PM, held in the Hilton Anaheim Hotel’s Pacific Ballroom. Stand-up comedian and entertainer Demetri Martin will host the ceremony.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

New: VIMANA from Glitchmachines

Our latest sci-fi sound effects pack is available now!

Vimana features 4,083 designed sound effects with a high-tech extraterrestrial aesthetic.

Sound designer Ivo Ivanov brings us a massive collection of brand new science fiction sounds including high-tech UI effects, mutated biomechanical organisms, morphing flybys, shape-shifting dimensional rifts, twisted humanoid articulations and ancient alien artifacts that defy categorization.

Vimana comes with 4.7GB of 24bit/96kHz .wav audio content that is equally geared toward music production, game audio and multimedia applications. Whether you’re working on a blockbuster sci-fi shooter game, a modern electronic music album or a high-tech multimedia project, you will undoubtedly find this collection to be an indispensable resource.

While our sound effects are carefully designed to work with your favorite samplers and DAWs, they pair up particularly well with our own brand of audio contortion devices. Vimana brings Polygon and Cataract users a massive selection of fresh ingredients.

www.glitchmachines.com

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Next up: our latest flagship plugin!
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Happy Holidays from the Glitchmachines Team

Eight Groundbreaking Products to be Inducted to NAMM TECnology Hall of Fame

-Hosted by NAMM’s Museum of Making Music, products span period from late 1800s to 2000s-
 
CARLSBAD, Calif. – December 15, 2017 – At the 33rd Annual NAMM Technical Excellence and Creativity Awards (TEC Awards), eight products and technologies inspired by a series of global sound pioneers will find their place in audio history when they are inducted into NAMM’s prestigious TECnology Hall of Fame. The ceremony, and later the awards show, will take place Saturday, January 27, as part of The 2018 NAMM Show.

A history lesson in breakthrough products in sound and production are included on the list, which spans a world of innovation from the late 1800s to 2000s. The honorees include: 

The earliest known device for recording sound through transcribing soundwaves, the Phonautograph (1857). Initially used in the study of acoustics, the Phonautograph could be used as a visual study of soundwaves, including the measurement of amplitude and wave forms of speech or other sounds. While the Phonautograph had no playback mechanism, the product, created by French scientist Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville, was considered the precursor to the phonograph.

The Tape Echo Slap (1954): Developed by the legendary Sam Phillips of Sun Studios, the tape echo slap offered previously-unheard echo and delay effects on many of the studio’s recordings from the 1950s which gave a new texture to popular music of the day. 

When it launched 50 years ago in 1968, the Shure Vocal Master PA was considered the “first complete portable sound system.” Featuring a combination of control consoles, mixers, amplifiers and microphones, multiple components and systems could be combined to expand the system.

In 1971, Eventide introduced the 1745 digital delay which offered two channels of independent delay from a single input. Initially designed for a Maryland-based public broadcaster, the product would offer 0 to 200 million seconds of delay through a hundred shift registers. The invention gave birth to several other models including the 1745M, one of the first uses of RAM memory in an audio product.

The Deane Jensen 990 Discrete Op-Amp redefined the op amp market in 1979. A discrete separate component, the 990 quickly surpassed other amplifiers in terms of distortion, slew rate, stability, and output drive. The 990 continues in production in its third generation 990C made by the John Hardy Company, and today, Jensen Transformers are manufactured as a subsidiary of Radial Engineering.

It wasn’t until 1992 when L-Acoustics introduced the V-DOSC, the first line array loudspeakers, and changed the industry forever. Designed by founder Dr. Christian Heil and his team, the system was based on the company’s Wavefront Sculpture Technology (WST) theory, which offered the first high-frequency device capable of creating a constant-phase planar output.

In 1998, the Line 6 POD revolutionized guitar tones with its digital amp modeler, which quickly found its way into personal and professional studios. The first of its kind, the POD was easy to use and affordable, and would go on to spawn multiple iterations, becoming a staple for guitarists in the studio or at home.

In more recent years, the 2004 debut of the Solid State Logic AWS900 forever changed what a console could be. At just 56-inches in length, the AWS900 studio console redefined the traditional console design. Featuring a DAW controller and HUI-compatible control surface interface, the AWS900 provided everything needed to record, edit and mix professional audio in a revolutionary small desk set-up.

“The technological advancement that each represents was unparalleled at the time of debut,” said Carolyn Grant, NAMM Museum of Making Music Executive Director and host of TECnology Hall of Fame. “Each product was carefully selected based on a variety of factors, but one thing all the products share is that each represented a shift culturally in the ways by which many listened to and made music.”  

The Hall of Fame was established in 2004 to honor and recognize products and innovations that have made a significant contribution to the advancement of audio technology. This year’s eight products were chosen by a panel of more than 50 recognized audio and sound production experts, including authors, educators, engineers, facility owners and other professionals. Products or innovations must be at least 10 years old to be considered for induction.  Previous inductees include some of the earliest expressions of audio production including the cylinder recorder from Thomas Edison (1877) to more recent inventions, including Pro Tools (2001), the Neumann U67 (1960), the WahWah pedal (1966), the API Lunchbox 500 Series module housing (1985) and others.

The TECnology Hall of Fame event will take place on Saturday, January 27 at 4:00 p.m. inside the San Simeon Room at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel. The event will be moderated by Front of House magazine Editor, George Petersen, and Audio Engineering Society President, David Scheirman.

Following the ceremony, the NAMM TEC Awards will commence in celebration of companies and technical innovations behind today’s sound recordings, live sound, films, television and video games in two categories: Outstanding Technical Achievement and Outstanding Creative Achievement.  In addition to the products and projects, a recipient of the The Les Paul Innovation Award will be honored. The award is annually bestowed to individuals who have set the highest standards of excellence in the creative application of recording technology in the spirit of the famed audio pioneer, inventor, and musician, Les Paul. The Les Paul Innovation Award has been presented at the NAMM TEC Awards to remarkably-distinguished and accomplished

individuals from the music industry, including such legends as Sir Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Slash and last year's recipient, Joe Perry

Along with the Les Paul Award, one individual will be inducted into the NAMM TEC Hall of Fame. The NAMM TEC Hall of Fame award was started in 1988 to honor pioneers of audio technology, as well as the music industry’s most accomplished producers and audio technicians. In 2017, legendary Aerosmith engineer and producer Jack Douglas was inducted into the NAMM TEC Hall of Fame, and joined luminaries Skunk Baxter, Ed Cherney, Hal Blaine, John Meyer and others

Tickets can be purchased on site or in advance here for $65 (General Admission) or $195 (VIP). Recently announced, the show will be hosted by musician and comedian, Demetri Martin

For access to previous TEC Award highlights, media coverage opportunities, and hi-res artwork, please contact NAMM@lippingroup.com.

Congratulations to the 2018 TECnology Hall of Fame Inductees

1857 Phonautograph - first audio recorder (Leon Scott)
1954 Tape Echo Slap (Sam Phillips, Sun Studios)
1968 Shure Vocal Master PA system
1971 Eventide Model 1745 Digital Delay
1979 Jensen 990 discrete op amp (Deane Jensen)
1992 L-Acoustics V-DOSC (first line array)
1998 Line 6 Pod guitar processor
2004 Solid State Logic AWS900 studio console

First Ever Pensado’s NAMM JAM Announced for The 2018 NAMM Show


 
LOS ANGELES – December 18, 2017 – Pensado’s Place, the hour-long weekly web series co-hosted by legendary mix engineer Dave Pensado (Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey, Elton John, Michael Jackson and others) and show creator, Herb Trawick, will host the first-ever Pensado’s NAMM JAM at The 2018 NAMM Show (January 25-28) in Anaheim, California.

Alongside the famed co-hosts, Pensado’s NAMM JAM will feature a string of audio and recording luminaries as they discuss techniques, products, and projects in hour-long interview sessions live from The NAMM Show floor. Set in the show’s livestream hub against a backdrop of leading pro audio brands, the segments will dive into a series of hot topics in production today, and their wellsprings of creative inspiration.

“Herb and I consider NAMM our winter home,” says Dave Pensado. “We look forward to it every year but this one is going to be special.” Herb Trawick adds, “We’re super excited to partner with an organization and team that we really admire. NAMM JAM is going to be the place to hang, meet your heroes, win stuff, to learn and for fellowship - every day of the convention!”

Attendees at The NAMM Show will be able to witness and participate in NAMM JAM as the show films each day starting at 4:00 p.m. in the Livestream Hub, located on the second floor of the Anaheim Convention Center North (Booth #17510). The show will also be available to fans around the world through the show’s website, www.pensadosplace.tv with special guests to be announced in the weeks to come.

“Herb and Dave have created something very special with Pensado’s Place,” commented Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO. “We share a common vision of what ‘community’ really means and there is no place like The NAMM Show to see this all come together.”

For additional details about The 2018 NAMM Show or to register to attend, please visit www.namm.org

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Syntronik™ - the legendary synth powerhouse is now available for both iPhone and iPad

December 12, 2017 - IK Multimedia is pleased to announce the version 1.1 update of Syntronik™, the legendary synth powerhouse, is now available for both iPhone® and iPad® from the App Store®.



Syntronik now also supports Audio Units plug-in compatibility for host applications like GarageBand®, Cubasis®, Auria™, AUM™ Mixer and others, allowing users to easily record multitrack projects on the go using their favorite synths from the collection.

Syntronik offers the largest and best-sounding collection of classic synthesizers in a virtual instrument for iOS devices. This is achieved via a new hybrid sample and modeling synthesis engine, an arsenal of high-quality modeled effects and innovative instrument features that offer unparalleled flexibility and sound quality. Syntronik includes 17 amazing Synths covering a wide selection from 38 of the most iconic to ultra-rare classic synthesizers and string machines of all time:

99 - Based on the Yamaha SY99; Blau - Classic sounds of the PPG Wave 2.3; Bully - Iconic bass sounds of the Moog Taurus I, II and 3; DCO-X - Based on the Roland JX-3P, JX-8P and JX-10 classic synths; Galaxy - Iconic sounds of the Alesis Andromeda; Harpy 260 - Classic sounds of the ARP 2600; J-8 - Iconic sounds of the Roland Jupiter 4, 6 and 8; J-60 - Based on the Juno 60, including analog modeled chorus; Minimod - Based on the Minimoog, Modular and Voyager synths; Noir - Based on the Moog Prodigy, Micromoog and Multimoog; OXa - Classic sounds of the Oberheim OB-X and OB-Xa; Polymorph - Based on the Polymoog, Opus 3, Rogue, and Concertmate MG-1; Pro-V - Classic sounds of the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10; SAM - Iconic sounds of the Oberheim SEM synthesizer; String Box - Based on ARP, Elka, Hohner, and Roland string machines; T-03 - Iconic bass sounds of the Roland TB-303 and the V-80 - Classic sounds of the Yamaha CS-80, GX-1 and CS-01.

Each of the 38 synthesizers in Syntronik for iPhone and iPad was painstakingly multi-sampled using the most advanced techniques available to capture the "DNA" of the hardware and accurately reproduce the real sound of the classic synthesizers. Adding even greater realism, IK's proprietary DRIFT™ technology varies the phase, color and pitch of the sampled oscillators in a subtle fashion to keep them moving just like real analog oscillators.
The unique hybrid synthesis engine provides ultimate sonic authenticity thanks to its modeled filter section built by IK, the company that pioneered virtual circuit modeling. Syntronik offers 7 filter types including 4 of the best sounding analog filters of all time: the Moog transistor ladder, Roland's IR3109 chip, the famous Curtis CEM3320 chip and the Oberheim SEM state variable filter. Also included is a Classic low-pass filter and powerful digital filters like Formant and Phase. Plus, all 7 filters can be selected within each Synth, enabling users to mix and match them - like using an Oberheim filter with Moog oscillators for new and totally unique combinations.

Syntronik lets users shape sounds in a myriad of ways with 37 professional effects ranging from dynamic processors to amps, filters, EQ's, modulation effects, reverbs and more. 5 effects can be simultaneously inserted on every instrument via an attractive "lunchbox-style" interface that allows for immediate visualization and editing of every parameter from a single screen.

The 17 powerful Synths in Syntronik for iPhone and iPad are easily recognizable by their elegant interfaces with consistent controls for ease of use. Sounds can be loaded into 4-part layered "Multis" with each part containing its own instrument, key splits, arpeggiator and dedicated 5-slot effect section for ultimate sound design flexibility. With 1200 stellar sounding instrument presets, 200 carefully programmed Multis, (available in the full version or with all 17 synths), and 129 compelling arpeggios, Syntronik provides ultimate inspiration covering any genre or style of music.

Pricing and availability
Syntronik version 1.1 is now available for free on the App Store and includes 25 instrument sounds from 17 synths. Please download it on the App Store.

Syntronik Full offers a more comprehensive experience for only $79.99 MSRP, available as an in-app purchase.

Individual synths are also available via in-app purchase for just $9.99 MSRP each.

For more information, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/syntronikios

Isotonik Studios Chiptune Dreams - Novation Circuit Pack from Yves BigCity & Erin Ramona Martinez


RELEASE: OUT NOW
PRICE: £12.99 / €16.00 / $19.00
LINK - CLICK HERE 

Chiptune Dreams is a Novation Circuit Pack & collaboration between Erin Ramona Martinez and Yves Big City featuring patches, samples, and sessions inspired by the chiptune scene. If you were ever a fan of the music found in many classic 8-bit games then this pack is for you!

32 patches from Erin painstakingly recreate the sound of the NES and Gameboy. Her macros are designed to give you an extreme amount of control over the patches and welcome newcomers to synthesizers. Her layout is Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release, Filter, Portamento, Speed, and Intensity.

32 Patches from Yves were designed to quickly inspire you and represent the modern electronic music scene. His set of macros give you an astonishing amount of tone shaping options and are as follows. Filter, Release, Magic Movement(3-6), Portamento, and distortion.

Together the patches show off an amazing amount of sounds that will work in a wide variety of genres and offer the kind of flexibility that musicians crave when performing live.

64 Samples were lovingly crafted from classic hardware such NES, Gameboy, Commodore 64, PO-20, and many classic drum machines! All samples have been processed to cut through any mix and will save you valuable time in post production.

MORE DETAILS - CLICK HERE 

Friday, December 8, 2017

Isotonik Studios Double Free Friday - Art Frequencies - MicroChaosDelay


RELEASE: OUT NOW
PRICE: FREE
LINK - CLICK HERE 

First up for this double Free Stuff Friday is a fun new MaxforLive Audio Device from Art Frequencies.

You'll have already no doubt seen their excellent DekobokoFXLite & DekobokoFXPro devices, MicroChaosDelay builds on this pedigree which in their own words is "Tiny, Funny and Forever Free"

You can watch the walkthrough video on the page and jump right in manipulating audio with the X/Y pad control within the device!

MORE DETAILS - CLICK HERE 

 

Jim Drones - Ill Circuitry

RELEASE: OUT NOW - PRICE: FREE - LINK -  CLICK HERE

The ill Circuitry Samplepack from Jim Drones is a compact collection of 74 free WAV sample files for use within Novation Circuit, or any other sample playback capable instrument or DAW.

This assortment of audio production tools feature a selection of signature sounds contained within his Origins Beyond, Stratospheric and Cataclysmic Impact patchbanks for Circuit, along with sonic creations from a variety of analogue synthesizers and custom-modded Texas Instruments Speak and Spell, Speak and Read, and Speak and Math glitched out Incantors.

MORE DETAILS - CLICK HERE

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Moogfest 2018’s First Talent Announcement includes Chelsea Manning leading Female and Transgender Lineup


Durham, NC, [December 6, 2017] –  Today, Moogfest unveils a festival lineup led by female, non-binary, and transgender artists, including a keynote conversation with privacy rights and political transparency activist Chelsea Manning on The Future of Creativity. The announcement is celebrated by ‘Always On’, a 50-hour livestream presented in partnership with Tom Tom Magazine from Today at 12:00 pm ET to 2:00pm ET on December 8, 2017.

Chelsea Manning’s keynote conversation will explore how technology enables radical disruption in the personal and political spheres, framing the technological future as a new creative landscape. Since its introduction in 2014, the Moogfest keynote has unearthed new perspectives on the future of creativity – tackling questions about how creativity will evolve and what tools will shape creative expression in the future. Like the festival’s namesake, Dr. Bob Moog, these world-renowned thinkers and futurists bring to life the tools and ideas that deepen our existence. Manning follows in the footsteps of other groundbreaking thinkers; past Moogfest keynote speakers include: transhumanist Dr. Martine Rothblatt, VR pioneer Jaron Lanier, Dr. Kate Shaw from the CERN Large Hadron Collider, Harvard’s Dr. Joe Davis, and philosopher Nick Bostrum.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

HyVibe Audio Introduces Smart Acoustic Guitar



Record, perform, compose and playback - all on the world's first 
connected smart acoustic guitar
Paris, France (November 29,2017) - HyVibe Audio, a sound technology company that uses vibration technology to create the purest possible sound from any object, announces the world's first smart acoustic guitar. The HyVibe Guitar uses this proprietary vibration technology and a wireless Bluetooth connection to become its own connected speaker, multi-effect processor, recorder, and amplifier, without all the cables, amps, or pedals.

"Acoustic guitar players have high standards for natural sound, but also want the features and flexibility of digital," said Dr. Adrien Mamou-Mani. "We address these needs by using the natural vibration of the guitar to create the best possible sounds and add digital control and connectivity to give the player effects, recording, and playback - all within the guitar itself."



What is a Smart Acoustic Guitar?
The HyVibe Guitar begins with a solid AA spruce top for the best natural vibrations and custom-built specs for the ultimate in playability. HyVibe then introduces their proprietary algorithms and multiple actuators to transform the natural vibrations of the guitar from the top plate, by the bridge where the instrument performs best to add high quality effects. Digital recording and looping features are included for convenient songwriting, performing, and practice. Finally, wireless Bluetooth technology is embedded as well as an Android and iOS App, connecting the guitar, and it's player to the world.

Musicians have been songwriting, recording and performing with prototype HyVibe Guitars since 2011, providing valuable feedback from real-world use. Watch videos here.
"Based on years of research, our technology fuses the world of acoustics and digital in a way that has never been done before. Since we excite our guitar by the bridge, the origin of the digital sound is practically the same as the natural excitation by the strings. When the live sound, the effects, and the backing tracks are all coming from the guitar itself, it's a unique experience that the player can really feel," added Dr. Mamou-Mani.
Features:
  • A responsive and dynamic acoustic guitar built with a solid AA spruce top and excellent craftsmanship, natural feel and a rich range of tones.
  • Multi-effects from the body of the guitar: chorus, reverb, delay, distortion, phaser, tremolo, boost and more.
  • Mobile App Control for Android and iOS: change the effects on the guitar, share effect setting, and recording with friends & the world
  • Record, loop and share instantly
  • Bluetooth connectivity: use the body of the guitar as a speaker for backing tracks or song playback
  • Output and input jacks to connect to an external amplifier or connect pedals
  • Built-in tuner, metronome, and EQ
Price and Availability:
The HyVibe Guitar is available for pre-order on Indiegogo:

Monday, December 4, 2017

A2IM Looks Forward to an Indie-Packed 60th Grammy Awards

As the 60th Grammy Awards approaches, this year's list of nominees features a wide range of well-known and up-and-coming artists. Many of these artists have broken free from the mainstream music machine to present their work via independent labels.
 
Independent artists make up 55% of nominations in all non-producer and non-spoken word categories, with 43 of the 81 categories being a majority of independent nominees. In the Jazz field, independents comprise a whopping 92% of artists nominated, and take home 80% of the nominations in both the American Roots and Composing/Arranging categories. Special congrats to A2IM members Concord Music Group (12 nominations), Mack Avenue (8 nominations), Naxos (7 nominations), Beggars Group (5 nominations), Ninja Tune/Counter Records (4 nominations), and to Big Machine, Compass Records, Eleven Seven Music, Numero Group, and Sub Pop, who are all bringing home 3 nominations this year. You can find the full list of independent nominations here, including even more from A2IM members.
 
A2IM, the advocacy group for independent labels and their artists, is excited to see such a large number of independent artists being recognized by the Recording Academy.
 
"Independent music is doing better than ever with a record global market share of 37.32% according to Billboard. Last year more than two-thirds of Grammy nominations were independent releases. Independent music's authenticity, vitality, and genre diversity ensure its keystone role in the recording industry and American culture. A2IM thanks the Recording Academy and its members for its inclusiveness." says A2IM CEO Richard James Burgess.
 
For years, A2IM's mission has been to take independent music "beyond the gatekeepers," allowing independent artists the same opportunities, media attention, and airplay as the biggest players in the music industry. Through its advocacy efforts, the organization has fought to ensure that independent artists are paid the money they deserve. A2IM has also taken independent music international, promoting artists in places such as Latin America and Asia. In addition to this, A2IM's annual Indie Week gives artists and labels a forum to gain insight into best practices while providing a space to network with those who have experience in traversing the music scene.
 
A2IM currently boasts 511 label members - the highest since its inception - and with its rapidly growing numbers, the organization continues to impact the music scene at the Grammy Awards and beyond.
 
If you're a member of the Recording Academy, A2IM encourages you to vote independent. You can check out the A2IM Independent Voter Guide for final round voting here. Final-Round Voting begins on December 7 at 9:00 AM Pacific Time, and closes on December 21 at 6:00 PM Pacific Time.

Demetri Martin Named as Host of the 33rd Annual NAMM TEC Awards Showcasing the Best In Professional Audio & Sound Production


Former Contributor to “The Daily Show,” Martin to Host Ceremony Held during Global NAMM Show Saturday, January 27
 
Carlsbad, Calif. - December 4, 2017The NAMM Foundation has announced stand-up comedian and entertainer extraordinaire Demetri Martin as the host of the prestigious 33rd Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards (NAMM TEC Awards), Saturday, January 27, 2018 in Anaheim, CA during The NAMM Show, the global crossroads of the music products, pro audio and sound, and event technology industries

The in-demand and unconventional humorist, who is traversing major cities in America on his Let’s Get Awkward tour, will host the show for the first time. Martin is known for his deadpan delivery style and also as an audiophile and multi-instrumentalist who regularly incorporates music into his comedic repertoire, having played everything from the piano to guitar, harmonica, the ever-popular ukulele, and even the electronic keytar at his shows.

Of the awards, Martin offered a humorous quip: “I am looking forward to hosting the NAMM TEC Awards! As a mediocre, amateur musician who knows very little about professional sound and audio production, I feel uniquely unqualified for the gig - it should be fun.”

As a writer, actor, and director, Martin’s career has included many high-profile appearances and collaborations, including his notable early work as a contributor to “The Daily Show” and his own TV series for Comedy Central. He can now be heard as the voice of Ice Bear in Cartoon Network’s “We Bare Bears” and will release his third book this fall called “If It’s Not Funny It’s Art.”

The NAMM TEC Awards are bestowed annually in honor of the many individuals, companies and technical innovations used in sound recordings, films, broadcast television and video games, with nominees announced earlier this year here. On the evening of the awards, the winners in 31 categories of products and projects in the areas of Technical or Creative Achievement will be announced.

See Demetri Martin and winners of the 33rd NAMM TEC Awards Saturday, January 21. Purchase tickets on site or in advance here for $50 (General Admission) or $175 (VIP). The show begins with a VIP-only reception at 6PM, followed by the awards ceremony at 7PM, held in the Hilton Anaheim Hotel’s Pacific Ballroom.

The TEC Awards are sponsored by Adam Hall GmbH, American Express, Baltic Latvian Universal Electronics, Broadjam Inc., Burl Audio, d&b audiotechnik, D’Angelico Guitars, Earbyte, Eventide, Genelec, Hal Leonard, IMSTA, IsoAcoustics, iZotope, Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear, LLP, L-Acoustics, Marshall Electronics, Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Meyer Sound Laboratories, NewBay Media, PreSonus Audio Electronics, Renkus-Heinz, Shure Incorporated, Slick Systems, Softube, Solid State Logic, Synchrony Financial, Taylor Robinson Music Company, Timeless Communications Corp.,Tracktion Software Group, TX Audio Americas, USPS, Warm Audio Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance, among others.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Pink Floyd Announce Rome as the Second City for The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains

The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains, the critically acclaimed major retrospective of Pink Floyd, one of the world’s most pioneering and influential bands, today announced, via a press conference with Pink Floyd founding member Nick Mason, that it will be opening at Rome’s Museo d'Arte Contemporanea di Roma (MACRO) on 19 January 2018. This will be the first exhibition to take place at the museum under its new management, Palaexpo. Following its highly-successful debut at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum earlier this year, which saw over 400,000 people tear down the wall, the exhibition moves to Rome as its first international destination on the global landscape. The exhibition continues the first collaboration in decades of Pink Floyd’s remaining members and is produced and promoted globally by Michael Cohl of Concert Productions International B.V. The Rome exhibition is produced in association with MondoMostre and Live Nation. Tickets are on sale today via Vivaticket.it, all Vivaticket outlet locations and by phone on +39.041.2719035.

Originally conceived by Storm Thorgerson and developed by Aubrey ‘Po’ Powell of Hipgnosis, working closely with Nick Mason (Exhibition Consultant for Pink Floyd), The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains features many previously unseen objects collected over the band’s eclectic history. It is an audio-visual journey through 50 years of one of the world’s most iconic rock groups, and a rare and exclusive glimpse into the world of Pink Floyd.

The exhibition’s phenomenally successful and mammoth run at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, described by national British newspapers as “stunning”, “a real feast for the senses” and “almost as good as seeing the band live”, was the most successful exhibition of its kind. The run at Rome’s MACRO will be a continuation of this vast success. MACRO is located less than 1km from The Piper Club, which played host to Pink Floyd’s first shows in Italy in April 1968. The exhibition celebrates Pink Floyd’s place in history as the world’s cultural landscape changed from the 1960s. The band occupied a distinctive experimental space and were the foremost exponents of a psychedelic movement that changed the understanding of music forever, becoming one of the most important groups in contemporary music.

Pink Floyd have produced some of the most iconic imagery in popular culture: from cows, The Dark Side of the Moon prism, pigs flying over Battersea Power Station, and Marching Hammers to giant inflatable teachers; their vision brought to life by creative individuals such as modern surrealist and long-time collaborator Storm Thorgerson, satirical illustrator Gerald Scarfe and psychedelic lighting pioneer Peter Wynne-Wilson.

The flow of the exhibition, in chronological order, is enhanced throughout by music and the voices of past and present members of Pink Floyd, including Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, Richard Wright, Nick Mason and David Gilmour, talking about their musical experiences through their experiences and musical experimentation via sound specialist Sennheiser’s intuitive GuidePORT system. This culminates in the Performance Zone, where visitors enter an immersive audio-visual space, which includes the recreation of the very last performance of all four members of the band at Live 8 in 2005 with Comfortably Numb, specially mixed using Sennheiser’s ground-breaking AMBEO 3D audio technology, as well as a Rome-exclusive video of One Of These Days, taken from the band’s iconic live performance in Pompeii.

Michael Cohl of Concert Productions International B.V. said: “The fans’ reaction to the exhibition was even better than we expected. It’s two hours of pure Floyd music, spirit and excitement.” 

The Pink Floyd Exhibition is presented by Michael Cohl of Concert Productions International B.V., Mondo Mostre, and Live Nation. The exhibition is led by Pink Floyd’s creative director Aubrey ‘Po’ Powell (of the design partnership Hipgnosis) and Paula Webb Stainton, who worked closely with the Pink Floyd members including Nick Mason (Exhibition Consultant For Pink Floyd), with additional curation provided by the V&A’s Victoria Broackes. The exhibition is a collaboration with designers Stufish, the leading entertainment architects and the band’s long-serving stage collaborators, and interpretive exhibition designers Real Studios.
The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains opens in Rome on 19 January 2018. Tickets are available now.

NKRIOT: Amoeba Holographic Performance Recap

NKRIOT performed on the Ameba Hollywood Stage November 9th utilizing his new holographic visuals. Observe the video recap:

Ilumina Is The Most Recent Art Installation To Take The Burning Man World By Storm


At Burning Man this year, an interactive art installation by the name of Ilumina took on the playa for the first time and provided an unforgettable experience to anyone who participated. Conceived by Mayan Warrior and Sr. Pago founder Pablo Gonzalez Vargas, the 37-foot tall creation illuminated the Nevada desert and attracted visitors who were drawn to its majestic glow.

The true experience of Ilumina though extended well beyond just a visual experience to gaze upon. With Ilumina, guests are invited to take part in an immersive three-minute long meditation and flow exercise that ushers them into a state of coherence and deep harmony with themselves, fellow participants, and the universe through a proprietary merger of modern technology and ancient design wisdom.


To start, biometric sensors are connected to the earlobes of each participant, which measures their unique state of coherence and averages them together. Ilumina’s dazzling lighting design and moving soundscapes respond to this unique algorithm. As the group becomes more coherent, the sculpture glows brighter and the music swells, creating a shared experience for participants.
The design for Ilumina was inspired by an amalgamation of four key concepts. The first is Torus, which can be seen in the flow of electrons within an atom as well as the shape and flow of the greater universe itself. Next is the fibonacci sequence, which is a simple and elegant ratio that binds nearly all design in the living world, from the human body to leaves on a tree.

The third source of inspiration is a cutting-edge tool provided by the HeartMath Institute, which uses biometrics sensors to train oneself on the self regulation of emotional states to achieve coherence. Lastly, there is Metatron’s Cube, which contains all of the geometric shapes in existence and thus embodies the divinity of all potentials. These four concepts come together to create Ilumina.
“Ilumina was inspired by an experience I had using HeartMath Institute’s feedback software where I found myself in a state of flow,” says Ilumina founder Pablo Gonzalez Vargas. “I was inspired to create a piece for Burning Man that took this concept to a larger scale designed around collective coherence while bringing together the elements of flow, mathematics, and the fundamentals of sacred design.”

Artists that worked alongside Pablo to complete Ilumina included HeartMath Expert & Executive Producer Gaby Vargas, lighting design expert Paolo Montiel, who has worked closely on all of James Turrell’s projects in Mexico, highly experienced musician and performer Mendrix, Mexico-City based art studio Cocolab, renowned painter and sculptor Marco Kalach and many more.

This is the second piece the Pablo has brought to Burning Man, with the first being the multi-media arts vehicle Mayan Warrior. Since its debut in 2012, Mayan Warrior has brought musical performances, elaborate lighting designs, and painting by visionary artist Alex Grey. Mayan Warrior continues to be one of the most popular and dazzling experiences on the playa.

Since Burning Man, Ilumina has experienced a spread well beyond those who experienced its inaugural journey with over 500,000 views and counting on videos uploaded to social media. More news to be announced in the near future regarding next steps for Ilumina.
STAY CONNECTED: Ilumina
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Wednesday, November 29, 2017

A3E to Present The Future of Audio at The 2018 NAMM Show




CARLSBAD, Calif. – A3E, the Advanced Audio + Applications Exchange, will present a series of discussions dedicated to the future of advanced audio applications and new music technologies at The 2018 NAMM Show (January 25-28). The organization’s A3E Summit will feature 36 sessions, case studies and expert panel discussions delving into the developments transforming the music and audio industries, and the use of Audio + Applications in production and performance.

"A3E is honored to be once again bringing our education programs to The NAMM Show. NAMM's commitment to provide world-class education to its members and as one of the world’s top tradeshows makes this a very easy decision for A3E to host two of its A3E Summits as part of NAMM's offerings," says Paul Sitar, A3E show director. "A3E will be producing some 36 sessions covering innovation in music, technology, computer science, and manufacturing this year at the Anaheim Hilton as part of the new NAMM U Education Center."

Highlights from A3E’s schedule include:

The Future of Sensor Technology for Musical Instruments”: Sensor technology offers an array of capabilities for all types of musical instruments. From traditional orchestral stringed instruments to DJ tech gadgets, the future of sensor technology opens the door to advancements in performance, education, collaboration and creativity.

The Future of MIDI has Arrived”: MIDI is one of the longest-running and most critical communication protocols for musicians. This year, MIDI unveils a major upgrade, unlocking an array of new capabilities that will open the door to radical leaps in both innovation and product implementation.

Artificial Intelligence: Will Machines Replace Human Musicians?”: A3E dares to ask the question: Who will be leading the band in 2025? There are so many reasons to think that music may be so abstract that only the human mind can master its nuance as a language, but musical machines are emerging on the horizon.

VR and AR for Musicians and Audio Developers”: Today's technology giants and cutting-edge startups are all making huge strides toward bringing virtual reality and augmented reality to the mainstream. A3E explores the most recent advancements in the development of VR and AR for implementation in musical products and mobile applications.

Designing Custom Plug-ins for Your Production Workflow”: Plug-ins and virtual instruments have become part of the primary building blocks of computer-based production. An exciting trend is the emergence of design-your-own personalized plug-ins and soft synths. A3E explores the innovative companies that are providing this new method of sonic creativity for musicians, engineers and producers.

Doug DeAngelis, A3E conference chair, expands on what participants can expect: "A3E understands that a strong future for NAMM members requires a broad vision of the newest technology that is changing how music is made, as well as how products are designed and manufactured. Alongside the most innovative musicians and composers, the 2018 A3E Summit will showcase an array of companies, services, and products in the emerging fields of sensors, touchscreens, cloud, DSP, rapid prototyping, machine learning, wearable technology, and more. Expect a think-tank environment, where R&D executives and audio developers from the NAMM community can explore the next generation of tools and services to enhance their product lines. We anticipate a dynamic exchange of ideas and new business opportunities."

View the complete A3E schedule here: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2018/A3E
A3E is one of the programs from the suite of professional education opportunities at The 2018 NAMM Show, which also includes Audinate Dante Training and Certification; Music Education Days, GenNext career development and the Nonprofit Institute from The NAMM Foundation; AES@NAMM: Pro Sound Symposium Live and Studio, curated by the Audio Engineering Society; NAMM U; TEC Tracks; and event technology sessions curated by ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association), The Pro Production Sessions presented by Front of House and Projection Lights & Staging News magazines, as well as Lighting&Sound America/PLASA. These educational sessions will take place in the NAMM U Education Center at the Hilton Anaheim, located next door to the Anaheim Convention Center, and are open to NAMM members.

The 2018 NAMM Show will be held in Anaheim, California January 25-28 and annually welcomes more than 100,000 industry professionals from the crossroads of the music, pro audio and event technology industries. For additional information about The 2018 NAMM Show or to register to attend, please visit NAMM.org.