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.

Isotonik Studios - Cyber Monday Deal

PRICE: 25% OFF

So it's the second and final sale of the year, as with Black Friday this is a 24 hour sale that ends Midnight on Monday (UK Time)

Simply add the code cybertonic in the cart prior to checkout

MORE DETAILS - CLICK HERE

*November releases are excluded from the sale.

Ultrasound Production Studios Upgrades To Heritage

"I love this console so much, I told [my dealer] to get ready for a second order"

 

Hanover, MA (November 27, 2017) - An ASP8024 Heritage Edition console has recently been installed at Ultrasound Production Studios, a commercial venture owned by John Hanna and Joe Clapp.

 

Taking pride of place at the heart of the Massachusetts studio, the current Heritage replaced an ASP8024, which until then they were very happy with. "The Heritage has every upgrade I could ever want. It was like the designers read my mind. It was scary - I thought only my wife did that," laughs John.

 

Citing everything from the auxes to the dimensions: "I feel like I'm on a big board with this console, yet everything is right in front of me and always in reach," the layout, color scheme and split EQ to 24 busses and the mic pre: "It's natural. Pure - I like that." He can't praise the desk enough. "I have found that other than using my CAPI V28s and Dakings for certain tones, I am all ITB, meaning.... In The Board!" He confesses, "For me, the Audient is everything I need."

 

Hanna is in fact an attorney, leaving the day-to-day running of the studio to Clapp. "Joe handles all the sessions and we have a few independent engineers," he explains. An entrepreneur, audio engineer and musician himself, he also records his own material there. "At my age, it's pure self-enjoyment. I love the studio; I still record and get into the gear."

 

He certainly does. His 36-channel Heritage makes sure of that. "It's inspirational. No limitations, no restraints. Just great clarity and honesty in sound, combined with tremendous ease and flexibility that inspires me when I work. That's how I make a great product."

 

He admits that the arrival of the Heritage desk has even sparked new ideas for the studio. "Everyone is looking for that something that makes them better," he enthuses. Most recently he's offered the space to a well-known cable TV company who are struggling with streaming and recording live band performances, with an audience in the soundstage room. "Using the Audient we can do everything from one console. I can have an independent house mix, monitor mix, video mix, radio mix, recording mix and so on. You tell me one other console in the industry that can do that with one person all in arm's reach. It's this console that made it that easy! Flexible, yet complex, yet simple. The possibilities are endless."

 

Hanna is thinking big, and following the best advice he's been given to date: "Try! Don't be afraid to - and don't ever stop." He's certainly not doing that any time soon. "This is only the second console I ever bought brand new. I love this console so much that I have told Paul Savasta at Odyssey Pro Sound [his local dealer who supplied the Audient Heritage] to get ready for a second order, as I plan to install it in my house!"

 

To read the full feature head over to the Audient website.

New Drum Loop Collection by Dennis Chambers Now Available for DrumCore 4

LOS ALTOS, CA - November 21, 2017 - Master drummer Dennis Chambers' drum loops are now available for Sonoma Wire Works’ DrumCore® 4 AAX/VST3/AU plug-in. One of the world's most sought after drummers, Chambers is known for his technique and speed, and has played with Parliament/Funkadelic, John Scofield, Maceo Parker and many other famous artists.
First in a series of Chambers' GrooveSets for DrumCore, "Rosanna-ish" includes 62 audio loops and fills for $4.99. Chambers' audio loops are 24-bit/48kHz stereo grooves recorded at Secret Sound Studios in Baltimore by renowned engineer John Grant. Dennis played an acrylic Pearl Crystal Beat kit, including his signature Pearl snare.
See Chambers' full drum kit configuration.

Born in 1959, Dennis Chambers began drumming at the age of four, and was gigging in Baltimore-area nightclubs by the age of six. In 1978 (at 18 years old) he joined Parliament/Funkadelic, and stayed with them until 1985, when he joined the John Scofield band. He was recruited by Doug Wimbish in 1981 to be the Sugar Hill label house drummer. Since then, he has played with most of the major figures in jazz fusion music. He’s played with Stanley Clarke, Sly Stone, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Sugar Hill Gang, Santana, Steely Dan, Maceo Parker and many more. Despite a lack of formal training, Chambers has become well known for his technique and speed, especially his fast hands and triplets on the bass drum. Chambers is particularly regarded for his ability to play in the pocket, but can also stretch very far out of the pocket, which is a hallmark of his technique. Chambers exhibits a powerful style that is technically proficient, yet highly musical and groove-oriented. He can play a wide variety of musical genres, but is perhaps most known for his jazz-fusion, funk, and Latin music playing. He plays and endorses Pearl drums, pedals, hardware & racks, Zildjian cymbals, Zildjian drumsticks & general accessories and Evans drumheads.

Dennis Chambers’ multi-velocity sampled Drum Kit for DrumCore 4, and more new content by Chambers and other drummers are coming soon. More about Dennis Chambers and his content that can be purchased in DrumCore 4.3 or later.

The newly released DrumCore 4.3.3 update for Mac OS improves downloading, increases compatibility, and is recommended for all DrumCore users on Mac OS. The latest version for Windows is still 4.3.1. More DrumCore 4.3 improvements and update instructions are listed in the release notes.
DrumCore 4 Editions and Drummers:
 
DrumCore 4 is available in three editions that contain the same plug-in. The differences are how it is delivered to you (download, USB Flash drive, or Solid State drive) and how much content is included by famous drummers who have played with the bands listed below. All editions can be expanded with content by more than 25 drummers in DrumCore 4’s built-in store.

• DrumCore 4 Lite ($49) offers 4 GB of content, including 24 GrooveSets (1,400 audio loops and 800 MIDI loops) by 13 celebrity drummers, and 11 multi-velocity sampled kits. DrumCore 4 Lite is available as a download.
  Lite includes content by 13 drummers: Alan White (Yes, Lennon), Ben Smith (Heart), Jeff Anthony (Sheryl Crow), John Bishop (Bobby McFerrin), Lonnie Wilson (Brooks & Dunn), Luis Conte (Sergio Mendes), Matt Sorum (Velvet Revolver), Michael Shrieve (Santana), Ned Douglas (Dave Stewart), Sly Dunbar (Bob Marley), Terry Bozzio (Missing Persons), Tony Braunagel (Bonnie Raitt), and Zoro (Lenny Kravitz).
  
• DrumCore 4 Prime ($249) offers 20 GB of content, including 160 GrooveSets (10,000 audio loops and 2,000 MIDI loops) by 17 drummers, and 100 multi-velocity sampled kits. Prime Link is available as a download, and Prime Flash is delivered on a high quality 32 GB USB 3.0 flash drive for quick installation and easy portability.
  Prime includes all of the DC4 Lite content (more from many of them), plus 4 more drummers: Gregg Keplinger (Herb Ellis, Carter Jefferson), John Tempesta (The Cult, Testament), Matt Cameron (Sound Garden, Pearl Jam), and Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction, Porno for Pyros, Nine Inch Nails).
• DrumCore 4 Ultra ($639) offers 50 GB of content, including 265 GrooveSets (21,000 audio loops and 3,000 MIDI loops) by 18 drummers, and 139 multi-velocity sampled kits. Ultra's 50 GB content library comes preloaded on a silent and fast 120 GB USB3 Solid State Drive with space to add more content from DrumCore 4's online store. Ultra’s external hard drive provides instant access to your DrumCore 4 library whenever and wherever you need it.
  Ultra includes all of the DC4 Lite and Prime drum content (with much more content by many of them), plus an additional drummer: Terence Higgins (Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Norah Jones, The Black Crowes).
  

Availability:
DrumCore 4 is available from Sonoma's store and select dealers/distributors worldwide:
http://www.sonomawireworks.com/drumcore/buy
http://www.sonomawireworks.com/dealers

ILIO is the exclusive North American distributor for DrumCore 4.
http://www.ilio.com/products/sonoma-instruments
Save $100 on DrumCore 4 Prime Through Dec. 1, 2017.

Joshua Tree - Initial Line Up Announce, Early Birds

Just announced... Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles, Dirtwire, Con Brio, Mike Love, Shook Twins... are some of the acts that will be gracing the stage at JTMF May 2018! Head to joshuatreemusicfestival.com for more music and early bird tickets.

 
The festivals are a celebration of life, lovingly produced by a family of friends and funsters who believe that music is the soul of life.

These intimate, family friendly experiences in the magical Mojave go deep to create positive and meaningful life-changing moments. The music is diverse, positive and potent; featuring artists on the rise. A happy, loving and egalitarian space is created, where the boundary between artist and audience is blurred. We’re all in this together.

JTMF is honored to align with Joshua Tree Living Arts (501c3), a non-profit dedicated to enriching lives, empowering people, and strengthening community via sustainable educational programs. JTLA creates a robust schedule of playshops & classes at Kidsville, the Positive Vibration Station, and the Yoga & Healing stage at the festivals. Art enriches (and saves) lives.

The JTMF family is thrilled to be working with our friends at the 7th Annual Guitarfish Music Festival, July 27-30, co-producing the fest. Our festivals are both intimate family friendly affairs, with phenomenal music, in a magical setting.

Guitarfish is over a mile high, in the forest, by the south Yuba river. Rise up !

Isotonik Studios Black Friday Sale!

RELEASE: FRIDAY  

PRICE: 25% OFF

So it's that time of the year, we've already had a dozen or more emails about Black Friday sales, all seemingly having one thing in common... They're on now!

We'll be observing the actual tradition so our sale for Black Friday will be exactly that, a sale on Friday!

Starting at Midnight on Thursday and running for just 24 hours we'll be taking 25% off the prices in our store*

All a customer has to do is enter the code blacktonic in their cart before checking out!

MORE DETAILS - CLICK HERE

*November releases are excluded from the sale.

Transformative Business Knowledge and Fresh Inspiration Await at The 2018 NAMM Show

-NAMM U and TEC Tracks Sessions join the suite of professional development opportunities that await the crossroads of the industry-

CARLSBAD, Calif. – November 15, 2017 – As the global crossroads of the music products, pro audio and event technology industries prepare to descend on The 2017 NAMM Show a suite of professional development opportunities, transformative business know-how and fresh strategies await professionals. For NAMM members looking to re-energize their business, the Show’s NAMM U program will offer the opportunity to connect with top thought leaders and sessions designed to engage, inform and inspire with best practices in the industry today; and at TEC Tracks, a series of sessions designed for emerging sound, studio and stage professionals will deliver innovative ideas in recording, live sound, event tech and music business. Before the show officially opens on Wednesday, January 24, retail business owners, managers, sales personnel, marketers and accountants can rev up their retail and financial know-how at Retail Boot Camp (RBC). Now in its sixth year, RBC at The NAMM Show will offer attendees two tracks to enhance their know-how: Sales, Marketing and Websites or Financial Management. Each track is designed to impart practical, easy-to-implement ideas and business strategies designed to impact the bottom line. Presenters include New York Times best-selling author and customer service expert Shep Hyken; digital marketing pioneer Larry Bailin; and financial experts Alan Friedman and Daniel Jobe of Friedman, Kannenberg & Co. Learn more and register here: namm.org/RBC The 2018 NAMM Show will officially open each day with a NAMM U Breakfast Session, and on Thursday morning with the annual favorite, “Breakfast of Champions”: an up-close look at the people changing the music products industry, their trials and successes, and the importance of risk in business, led by NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. On Friday, the show welcomes digital marketing visionary Mitch Joel as he espouses “Disrupting Disruption: Future-Proofing the Music Industry,” a look at the shifts in business models and culture. Saturday welcomes Marcus Sheridan, international marketing expert known as “The Sales Lion” as he shares transformative strategies to meet the dramatic shift in the way consumers reach purchasing decisions in “The Digital Consumer: How Buyers Have Changed and What to Do About It.” On Sunday, “Best in Show,” led by Upbeat Daily and Music Inc. publisher Frank Alkyer, features a panel of retail owners and professionals who will present their product picks from the exhibit floor. Following each Breakfast Session, the future-focused strategies continue at the NAMM Idea Center. Located in the lobby of the Anaheim Convention Center, NAMM U will offer nearly 50 sessions of thought-provoking ideas, tips, and tricks proving successful in retail today, and strategies designed to enhance the future course of retail business. A variety of industry peers and subject experts will cover a range of topics, including next-generation website design; social media optimization; mastering YouTube and building a loyal audience; opportunities and tactics to increase online sales; and driving traffic with in-store events, among others. For emerging pro audio professionals, TEC Tracks brings more than 70 sessions featuring top names and hot topics each day of The NAMM Show. Kicking off Thursday, TEC welcomes keynote speaker and legendary Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick, as he shares his firsthand account of what made the Beatles’ sound so influential—the techniques and breakthroughs he, George Martin and the band developed that helped to shape the course of rock ’n’ roll history. On Friday, “How to Make a Hit Record” explores the necessary elements of a hit song with top producers, songwriters and industry leaders, including Bob Clearmountain, Tony Brown and Bob Lefsetz. Saturday welcomes record producer Michael Beinhorn, who will analyze his production techniques on Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun,” and Avid CEO Louis Hernandez Jr. keynotes on the “Future of Content Development and Distribution.” Sessions continue on Sunday, with an emphasis on music business topics, including music contracts and licensing, plus a unique experience called the "Silent Jam" where the audience, via wireless headphones, will compare the different monitor mixes for the musicians performing onstage. NAMM U and TEC Tracks are just two programs from the suite of professional education opportunities at The 2018 NAMM Show, which also includes A3E’s The Future of Audio program; Audinate’s Dante Certification Training; AES@NAMM: Pro Sound Symposium Live and Studio, curated by the Audio Engineering Society; Music Education Days, GenNext career development and the Nonprofit Institute from The NAMM Foundation; 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, and Lighting&SoundAmerica/PLASA. These educational sessions will take place at the NAMM U Education Center at the Hilton Anaheim, located next door to the Anaheim Convention Center, and are open to NAMM members. Additional education schedules will be released shortly. NAMM U Education schedules are available in Word format for editorial use. Please visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/usuf6m999d4txvk/AACg4JASsm3KXY4h7IPTHKQ5a?dl=0 For additional information or to register for a badge to attend, please visit NAMM.org