NAMM 2013 Gear Thread

Started by King2040, January 21, 2013, 08:33:14 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

King2040

Figured this would be the best sub-forum to put place this thread...

Anyways,  thought it would be nice to compile info on new gear being unveiled at NAMM.  Here's a link to a large PDF of various items on display:

http://www.musictrades.com/NewProducts.pdf

Thought the Mustang V2 news was interesting.  Wonder if they're going to provide a firmware update for existing units or the floor unit?

QuoteThe mustang series, the world's best-selling amplifiers, are back
with new features, a new look and more flexibility. the new
Fender mustang V.2 amplifier series includes five new amp models,
five new effects, and intelligent pitch shifting. the new amps
boast uSB connectivity and Fender FuSE software, along with
18 amp models including five new ones—such as '57 twin
and '60s thrift. the mustang i (V.2) is a 20 watt amp featuring
one 8" Fender Special Design speaker. the mustang ii
(V.2) is a 40 watt amp with one 12" Fender Special Design
speaker. the mustang iii (V.2) pumps out 100 watts through
one celestion G12t-100 12" speaker. the mustang iV (V.2)
is 150 watts and features two 12" celestion G12p-80 speakers.
the mustang V Head (V.2) is 150 Watts (2 x 75) in stereo.
the mustang V 412 cabinet (V.2

King2040

This looks pretty interesting as well:

http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/Daily/News/MI_Audio_Unveil_Flex_SmartAmp.aspx



QuoteSydney, Australia (December 28, 2012) -- Australia's MI Audio has announced an innovative new amplifier that combines a vacuum tube circuit with iOS digital control. They call it the Flex SmartAmp, and will be officially unveiling the product at the Winter NAMM show in January. Here are the details so far from MI Audio:

    MI Audio has successfully developed the revolutionary technology in the Flex SmartAmp, the technology that is about to change the future of guitar amplification.

    Flex SmartAmp encompasses an analog, pure vacuum tube amplifier circuit which can be digitally controlled via iOS to build a virtually limitless number of amplifiers. By using specially designed iOS software, the Flex SmartAmp has an intuitive control touch-screen interface that provides near-infinite amplifier options – all at your fingertips! Have access to an unmatched arsenal of amps, download custom one-offs, or design-your-own... your collection will be like no other. It will be the collection of amps you have always dreamed about.

    Guitar amplifier technology has been divided in the past decade: the versatile digital modelling amplifier vs. the classic analog vacuum tube amplifier. New digital modelling technologies aim to best emulate the pure sound of a vacuum tube, but are met with numerous compromises along the way. Tube amplifiers provide the warm, vintage sound heard on all your favourite records, but don't have the options or flexibility of the dozens of emulations that digital modelling provides. Never before has this divide been bridged... until now!

    When asked about the technology, Ibrahim explains "The Flex SmartAmp is an all-analog path, vacuum tube amplifier like all of the classic designs before it. From the input jack to the speaker cabinet output, the signal flows through all of the traditional components found in customary amplifiers such as resistors, capacitors, power and preamp tubes etc. What sets the Flex SmartAmp apart is the way that these components are wired up to each other can be controlled via a mobile computing device such as a laptop, smart phone or tablet. Digital modelling amps typically switch and control DSP programming. Every option, dial and switch that corresponds to a physical component in the amplifier is switched in real time. When you flick the amp from Standby to On, you aren't changing 0's and 1's. You are physically altering the voltages in the amp to give you the response, feel and character that digital modelling can never achieve. The control of these components is done via the integrated touch-screen. Slide, swipe and touch to recall your amp presets instantly, with each screen and set of controls changing with each amp preset.

    It is now possible to create a limitless number of unique amplifier designs that can be saved and stored in your portable device. New circuits can also be downloaded via an "Amp Store" and one-off custom amp designs can be created. Flex SmartAmp users will be able to make and share their ideal schematics".

    The versatility of Flex SmartAmp is also tour friendly thanks to its genius design. The brain of Flex SmartAmp is separate from the brawn, which means that all of your amps, designs and presets are stored in your device (like your iPad) and can travel with you, in your carry-on luggage! Touring musicians will have their sounds and settings stored in their smart phone, table or laptop. Just hire a Flex SmartAmp at the destination and the sounds will be ready to go.

    In the recording studio, Flex SmartAmp gives an unlimited* arsenal of pure vacuum tube amps ready to please the most discerning of players. Any modifications that are necessary to any of these amps are just a click away via the Schematics Editor. This allows you to tune the amplifier specifically for the user.

    Flex SmartAmp is the only amp you will need – from the studio, to rehearsal, to live use or at home. Gone are the days where getting a new sound involves buying a new rig, or using something that simulates the wanted sound. Start your own personal collection of valve amps to your taste and style that will be like no other collection.

    This is the technology that kills the tube vs. digital modelling debate. This is the technology that will set the tone of amps to come. This is the technology that you have to see.

    MI Audio's patent pending technology is a major evolutionary step in sound amplification. One of the exciting features is the open-ended collaborative approach to circuit design, not only between different equipment manufacturers but also between amp designers and end users.

    *by unlimited, we mean you have 3.43 x 10154 options to choose from.




Elantric

Thanks for starting this thread!

Hopefully the new Mustang V2 series power amps have tackled the "Fizz" problem that plagued the earlier models

I will add more to this thread next week as i see new gear at NAMM.

tracy

#3
I have started a list at my website on best sources for NAMM2013 news. I will include a link to this thread there.
And if anyone has any other NAMM sites you can recommend, please let me know and I will add them to the list. Best way ti to leave a comment on the blog with a link.



http://www.tracyevans.name/2013/01/21/top-10-namm-2013-news-websites/
@tracyevans    •     http://www.exhibitry.com

Elantric

#4
Tracy,

Thanks for including "VGuitarForums" in your top 10 NAMM News websites!

As a team, our members do uncover some unique products, with candid opinions.

http://www.tracyevans.name/2013/01/21/top-10-namm-2013-news-websites/

--

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/namm-2013-roland-unveils-g-5a-vg-strat-569818

QuoteNAMM 2013: Roland unveils G-5A VG Strat
US-built Strat packed with new tech

Rob Power 7 hours ago

NAMM 2013: Roland has revealed its upgraded V-Guitar for 2013, the G-5A Roland VG Stratocaster.

The US-build Strat will be available in candy apple red, and has a number of new and improved features hiding under the bonnet.

As well as being able to switch between pickup and guitar sounds, the G-5A is also able to access alternate tunings and 12 string guitar sounds.

For more information visit Roland Connect, or read on for the full Roland press release.

Roland press release

The Roland VG Stratocaster is now available in a limited-edition candy apple red finish. Made in Fender's factory in Corona, California, the G-5A is a 100-percent authentic American Standard Stratocaster, with a 22-fret maple neck with rosewood fingerboard. It's also powered by Roland's COSM technology so it can sound like a number of other guitars – and you can even switch guitars and tunings instantly, so you don't need to bring five different guitars to each gig.

From Baritone Humbuckers to DADGAD Telecasters - instantly

No more grasping for a different guitar in the middle of your set. The G-5A lets you instantly change your tone, with fingertip access to a collection of coveted vintage guitars, plus a selection of COSM-powered "ideal performance" pickups for a unique, modern edge. Finally, alternate tunings and 12-string sounds are instantly available for any modelled guitar tone, all with a simple twist of a knob!

• Authentic American Standard Stratocaster infused with COSM technology
• Modelled guitars, plus unique pickup tones including the extended-range "Bright Humbucker" and a full, bold "Wide Range" single coil
• Instantly accessible alternate tunings and 12-string sounds for all COSM guitar tones
• Familiar and simple to use: it's a Fender Stratocaster
• Beautiful candy apple red finish
• 22-fret maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
* The G-5A VG Stratocaster is a limited-edition model only available from authorised V-Guitar Station dealers.

All your favourite guitars in one

Powered by Roland's COSM technology, the VG Stratocaster guitar gives you a collection of world-class tones to play, all in the same instrument. Choose from 25 pickup and instrument tones, plus alternate tunings and 12-string sounds. Take a single guitar to the gig and change tones effortlessly, instead of having to switch out instruments every time you need a different sound or tuning.

Change your guitar instantly

Using the five-way pickup selector and Mode knob, you can play a wide range of modelled guitars, including vintage Strat, Telecaster®, fat humbuckers, and even an archtop jazz box. You also get unique, modern pickup sounds available only with COSM, including "Wide Range" single-coil variations and two "Bright Humbucker" options. Both steel and nylon-string acoustic tones are available, plus a retro electric sitar sound. Of course, you can always select the classic Strat pickups as well and just use the G-5A as a conventional American Strat!

Change your tuning in under a second

Along with the great COSM guitars, the VG Stratocaster lets you change your tuning without touching the tuning keys! A quick twist of the tuning knob selects Drop D, DADGAD, Baritone, or Open G tunings. Also available via the tuning knob are 12-string tones, which can be applied to any COSM guitar sound.


Sad to see you could experience bulk of "Roland's New for 2013 NAMM" technology by buying used 5 year old products on Ebay.

Someone once said:

"Insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results"



http://www.musicradar.com/gear/guitars/electric/6-string-solid-body/vg-stratocaster-18909

I suppose they figure everybody has lost their memory of the past.

(details on 2007 Fender VG Strat)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5173.msg35426#msg35426


Lets Review all the flaws of this 6 year old Model - now  shared by the "New" Roland G-5A VG Strat:


* No 13 pin connectivity to other Roland VGuitar Gear

* No path for the Owner to update the Firmware.

* No Path for external power, must rely on internal battery that will barely last a 4 hour gig.

* No User defined Alt Tunings.

Kevin M

Roland, arguably, makes some really great gear. Their V-drum technology, in my opinion, is truly amazing. Their guitar modeling technology COULD be, if they just pulled their heads out of their a$$es. Regurgitating modeling technology is NOT moving forward. I can understand a VG Strat guitar in order to compete with with Line6, but with limited options when compared to the Variax line of guitars, it doesn't make sense - especially the second time around.

Elantric

#6
More like the Third Time around, since the G5 was already released Last year.

The "old" G5  model is $1299
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/StratVG3SB?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=none&gclid=CM2An6SG-7QCFYp_QgodW2cAFg


Since the "new" G5A is based on a USA Strat instead of mixed content, watch for $1899 MSRP

I may just skip going to the Roland booth this year at NAMM. Too much gear that completely misses the mark.
 

gumtown

If Roland were giving away one piece of the new gear, my choice this year would be the Studio Capture,
but only if it is capable of doing live mix.

Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

aliensporebomb

Yep.  The studio capture is on my "this looks promising" radar.
My music projects online at http://www.aliensporebomb.com/

GK Devices:  Roland VG-99, Boss GP-10, Boss SY-1000.

King2040

#9
Think I found my next big purchase:


http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/namm-2013-electro-harmonix-unleashes-45000-looper-569933

QuoteNAMM 2013: Electro-Harmonix unleashes 45000 Looper
Looper able to be controlled with foot pedal

Rob Power53 minutes ago

NAMM 2013: Effects specialist Electro-Harmonix has announced the 45000 Multi-Track Looping Recorder.

The 45000 is able to record up to 32GB worth of audio over four mono tracks, and can be operated by an optional foot controller for added ease of use. As an additional bonus, it somehow manages to look like it's from the past and the future all at once, which makes it a winner in our book.

For more information, visit the official Electro-Harmonix website.

Electro-Harmonix press release

Building on EHX's looper legacy, the 45000 combines the familiar controls of a multi-track digital recorder with state-of-the-art features making it possible to create complex multi-track loops quickly and easily.

Each loop has four mono tracks and one stereo mixdown track. The 45000 records non-compressed, 44.1 kHz / 16-bit CD quality audio direct to a removable SDHC card (4 to 32GB). Each card holds up to 100 individual loops accessed with the optional 45000 Foot Controller (sold separately).

Loop speed is adjustable over a two octave range, and reverse recording and playback are also possible. For extra convenience, a built-in metronome to a separate Monitor Out and a Headphone Out are also included.

Quick Specs

Includes a 4GB card delivering up to 125 minutes of recording time

Import .Wav audio files from PC or Mac

Auxiliary Input mixes MP3 players with the loop output

Stereo mixdown track frees tracks for re-use

Overdub or punch in/out recording

Quantize or non-quantize (free running) modes

MIDI Clock Sync as master or slave

Most user parameters are MIDI controllable

USB port enables backup/restore with PC or MAC

Standard 9.6VDC 200mA power supply included

Link to EHX - http://www.ehx.com/products/45000_

Info on the foot controller:
Quote45000 Foot Controller

It makes everything faster and easier by delivering hands free operation of key functions. Choose a new track or loop without missing a beat. Get instant access to up to 100 loops per SDHC card. The Foot Controller receives power from the 45000 and connects to it with a standard mono guitar cable. It's a must have!

Quick Specs
The 45000 Foot Controller allows you to use your 45000 remotely, with your feet!
Provides instant access of up to 100 loops per SDHC card
Gives you access to Track Select, Record, Play, Loop Up and Loop Down
Large dual digit display indicates the 45000's current loop number
The Foot Controller obtains all of its power from the 45000 using a standard 1/4" guitar cable



Elantric

Re: : Electro-Harmonix unleashes 45000 Looper

Cant wait to try this at NAMM!

King2040

I pray you report it's as good as it looks, Elantric.  Been on the fence about a looper for a while now, and this looks like it might give the ease of use, storage capacity, and audio quality I've been looking for.  Wonder how much the package will run?

aliensporebomb

Also intrigued by the 45k.  I see four mono inputs?  I suppose I could use two stereo then?  My entire rig is as stereo as possible but I'll have to try one of these out.

I suppose it (like all the other loopers that are good) out there is it will be at least $500.  Grumble.
My music projects online at http://www.aliensporebomb.com/

GK Devices:  Roland VG-99, Boss GP-10, Boss SY-1000.

vanceg

Quote from: Elantric on January 21, 2013, 07:40:37 PM

I may just skip going to the Roland booth this year at NAMM. Too much gear that completely misses the mark.


Oh man I SURE feel you on this one.  I really wish that you and I NOT attending the Roland booth would be noticed by someone...but of course it would not ;-/    I feel exactly the same way as you - SO CLOSE....yet SO FAR....

Elantric

New Alesis Gear
The updated IO HUB looks to have a path to the Lightning port on latest iPads
http://www.inmusicbrands.com/wnamm2013/alesis

mbenigni

EHX has a knack for making me want to buy stuff whether I have any practical use for it or not.  The 45K looks like so much fun... but it pushes that boundary of complexity where you start to think, "may as well just break out the laptop".  I'll look forward to reading some reviews though.

vanceg

If I wasn't so stuck on hex processing, my approach would be to simply buy one of every EH pedal and a hell of a router...and I'd be happy ;-)

Elantric


vanceg

Eventide has a new pedal out soon which can load algorithms from any of its entire line of guitar pedals.  It comes with a big handfull of algorithms and their presets, and then you can buy more if you wish (so it can be a harmonizer, a reverb, a delay...whatever algorithm you choose to load on it).  And, it's Bluetooth connected so you can control it from your ipad/iphone....Just use the iPAD as a hands-on control for the pedal (easier than reaching down to the floor...just touch your iphone attached to your mic stand, no?  Like a remote control for your pedalboard).

http://ftp.eventide.com/h9/index.htm

King2040

Something along the same lines from Digitech (guess it's been out for a while now), but they're introducing signature artist effects for the iStomp.  Guess it's more like the artist Toneprint deals from TC Electronics. Anyways, first is an Adrian Belew pedal.  Only thing I don't like about a product like this whether it pigeon-holes one into having an apple smart device, but I could be wrong on whether that's a requirement:



QuoteNAMM 2013 PRESS RELEASE: Anaheim, CA (January 24, 2013) – DigiTech is proud to announce its first in a line of iStomp Signature Artist e-pedals, joining forces with guitarist extraordinaire Adrian Belew to debut The Impossible Pedal. The e-pedal lives up to its name, giving guitarists the ability to play impossible guitar riffs that you would never think to play.

Adrian Belew needs little introduction as a beyond-cutting-edge musician who has smashed sonic boundaries with artists including David Bowie, King Crimson, Talking Heads, Frank Zappa, Nine Inch Nails and others, and over a diverse solo career spanning nearly 20 solo albums.

The cries, grunts, squeals, industrial noises, twang-bar-king whammy effects and other otherworldly sounds he can coax out of his instrument make him one of the world's most uncategorizable guitarists.

Two knobs on The Impossible Pedal set the two different pitch intervals and two knobs select whether the pitches shift up or down over a two octave range. By stepping on the footswitch, the note played by the guitarist alternates between the standard (unaffected) pitch and the two pitch-shifted voices, to create melodic passages that extend beyond physical human ability. Even its iStomp icon is an impossible optical illusion that has to be seen to be disbelieved.

The DigiTech iStomp is a new concept in guitar stompboxes that allows musicians to turn the iStomp into any pedal available in the Stomp Shop online pedal store. Offering almost limitless sonic possibilities, the iStomp connects to an Apple® iOS device where musicians can use the free Stomp Shop app to load it with the e-pedal of their choice.

The Stomp Shop app comes with ten of the most popular pedals and gives access to more than 40 additional e-pedals they can browse, try out and purchase. More e-pedals are added on a regular basis.

The DigiTech The Impossible Pedal e-pedal will be made available at the beginning of NAMM at a suggested retail price of $19.99. The DigiTech iStomp is currently available at $229.95 suggested retail.

King2040

#20
New Peavey Vypers:


QuoteNAMM 2013: Peavey has rolled out the Vypyr Variable Instrument Performance series of amplifiers.

The Vypyr VIP range's key feature is its ability to handle electric, acoustic or bass guitar inputs, with models available for each.

For more information, visit the official Peavey website.

Peavey press release

Music and audio innovator Peavey Electronics introduces a new generation of modeling amplifiers today with the Vypyr VIP series, the world's first Variable Instrument Performance amplifiers. After the award-winning original Peavey Vypyr series set the new standard for modeling guitar amplifiers, the Vypyr VIP series introduces an entirely new level of technological sophistication and tonal versatility.

With the Vypyr VIP series, Peavey introduces the world's first amp that contains Bass guitar, Acoustic guitar and Electric guitar amplifier models. With Peavey's Variable Instrument Input, a single amp can provide amplification for a variety of instrument types.

Not only does the amplifier morph from a bass amp, to an acoustic amp, to an electric amp, it also allows the electric guitar player access to instrument models as well -- another Peavey first! The Vypyr VIP's astonishingly realistic instrument simulations allow users to manipulate the sound of their electric guitar to mimic an acoustic guitar, a bass, a 12-string guitar, and more.

Peavey uses a combination of powerful 32-bit, floating-point SHARC processors and patented TransTube analog circuitry to create the best sounding modeling amplifiers available. Thanks to the Vypyr VIP's new acoustically ported semi-closed back enclosures, each model sounds both full and "present". Guitarists have access to over 50 amp, instrument and stompbox models as well as rack style effects, enabling endless options for creativity and a whole new range of tonal possibilities.

While the Vypyr VIP series is packed with an array of features, Peavey's WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface enables users to easily view all of the parameters at a glance, without the need scroll through menus or to plug into a computer or external device.

Vypyr's new USB bi-directional data and audio port provides an easy way for users to connect to a computer and record, access the Vypyr Edit software and store presets, get lessons, and practice to backing tracks. The Vypyr series also includes a MIDI port for use with Sanpera foot controllers and firmware updates.

The Vypyr VIP series consists of three combos: the 20-Watt VIP 1, the 40-Watt VIP 2, and the 100-Watt VIP 3. With Peavey's PowerSponge variable power, players can adjust the power output to suit any playing situation. Other staples like a built-in chromatic tuner, on-board looper with Sanpera pedal control, studio quality headphone out, and much more round out its extensive array of features.

Vypyr VIP 1
• 20 watts RMS
• Acoustic guitar simulation
• Bass guitar simulation
• Acoustically ported semi-closed back
• Patented TransTube technology
• 22 amp accessible effects
• 36 on board amp models
• 6 bass amp models
• 6 acoustic amp models
• Enhanced chromatic tuner
• On-board looper - activated with optional Sanpera I or II
• WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) LED indicator controls
• Amp accessible real time dual parameter controls
• Amp accessible global reverb and delay
• Bi-directional USB - Data - Midi - Audio record out • Direct to looper record aux/MP3/CD input
• Studio quality headphone out
• Up to 4 effects simultaneously

Vypyr VIP 2
• 40 watts RMS
• One 12" custom voiced heavy duty Blue Marvel speaker
• Patented TransTube technology
• Acoustically ported semi-closed back
• Instrument models including Acoustic guitar simulators, 12 String guitar model, 7 String model, Baritone Model, Resonator model, Bass guitar models, and more.
• Enhanced chromatic tuner
• 12 amp accessible stompbox models plus delay reverb and wah (with optional Sanpera)
• 36 on board amp models
• 6 bass amp models
• 6 acoustic amp models
• 25 total on-board amp accessible effects
• On-board looper (with optional Sanpera I or II)
• WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) LED indicator controls
• Amp accessible real time dual parameter controls
• Amp accessible global reverb and delay
• Tap Tempo
• Bi-directional USB - Data - Midi - Audio record out
• Studio quality headphone out
• Direct to looper record aux/MP3/CD input
• Up to 5 effects simultaneously (with optional Sanpera I or II)

Vypyr VIP 3
• 100 watts RMS
• One 12" custom voiced heavy duty Blue Marvel speaker • Patented TransTube technology
• PowerSponge 100 Watt to 1 Watt variable power control
• 112 acoustically ported semi-closed back
• Over 400 amp accessible presets
• LCD Display for quick preset, model and effect selection
• Instrument models including Acoustic guitar simulators, 12 String guitar model, Mandolin model, 7 String model, Baritone Model, Resonator model, Bass guitar models, and more.
• Enhanced chromatic tuner
• 12 amp accessible stompbox models plus delay reverb and wah (with optional Sanpera)
• 36 on board amp models
• 6 bass amp models
• 6 acoustic amp models
• 25 total on-board amp accessible effects
• WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) LED indicator controls
• On-board looper (with optional Sanpera I or II)
• Amp accessible real time dual parameter controls
• Amp accessible global reverb and delay
• Tap Tempo
• Bi-directional USB - Data - Midi - Audio record out
• Studio quality headphone out
• Direct to looper record aux/MP3/CD input
• Up to 5 effects simultaneously (with optional Sanpera I or II)

Industry firsts:
• Variable instrument input (Acoustic, electric, or bass guitar)
• Instrument models
• Acoustic amp models
• Bass amp models

Elantric


scratch17

Maybe I have to buy a Gibson guitar after all. Depends on the price of these robotic tuners and how well the system works.

http://www.sonicstate.com/news/2013/01/25/wnamm13-gibson-min-etune-auto-machine-heads/

Steven.
Hamer Duotone, Brian Moore i213, Taylor 710 BCE 

VG-99, FC-300, RMC Fanout
RJM Mastermind GT10
Kemper Profiling Amp
Radial JDV Mk3, X-Amp
Mesa Recto Pre + 20/20
68 Fender Bandmaster (AB763)
Marshal AS80R

UA Apollo X6, Twin X, Logic Pro, Luna, Melodyne Studio

Elantric


Elantric

Tronical should be shipping their OEM Mini Tune system by May 2013