For example, one of the biggest announcements was Ableton Live 8 and Ableton Suite 8, both of which were expected but no less exciting on their own. But Ableton also announced a dedicated controller for Live from Akai, the APC40, as well as Max For Live, a collaboration with Cycling ’74 that allows you to do Max programming within Ableton’s sequencer. For EM editor Len Sasso and I, this was a jaw-dropping set of announcements.

Crest Audio CV-20
The CV-20 live sound mixing console is available in 24, 32, 40, 48 and 56 mono input configurations with 4-band sweepable EQ and fully parametric mid-frequency control on each mono input. A feature set of 12 aux sends, eight sub-group assignments and L/C/R panning to the ?R/ and mono buses provide numerous routing options. Standard on all CV-20 frames are eight stereo input channels comprising four microphone-line channels and four dual-line channels with the same full assignment capabilities as the mono input channels, plus eight VCA masters, 12 aux masters, eight sub-groups and separate left/right/mono controls that can be “fader-reversed” to allow fader control of the aux masters. CV-20s also feature 128 VCA assignment and 144 mute scenes with MIDI control, 16 mute groups, an 11x4 matrix that is expandable to 19x4, full dynamics on all sub-groups and main buses (also routable to the aux masters), and full metering on all main and auxiliary outputs. Available options include meter-bridge kits to monitor all outputs in VU and a bus link module kit for linking together two CV-20 consoles. The CV-20 can use its internal power supply, as well as an optional, redundant external power-factor-corrected power supply. Booth #5740, Hall B
crestaudio.com/products/browse.cfm/action/list/cat/442/begin/0/CV-20+Series.cfm

Crown Audio HiQnet Band Manager
The HiQnet Band Manager software is a free application designed to simplify system setup and management while enabling audio professionals, musicians and engineers to configure and control a rack of Crown XTi Series amplifiers. Band Manager unlocks all loudspeaker processing capabilities of the XTi Series. Once it automatically discovers up to eight USB-connected XTi amplifiers, represented in a virtual rack, all the setup required is to load each amplifier with the JBL-provided speaker tunings and set which amplifiers are driving front of house. The Home screen displays monitor strips for each amplifier in the rack and FOH EQ and level control. EQ for stage monitors and all other processing is accessible on an individual amplifier basis. Upon starting Band Manager, all amplifier settings are transferred from the connected devices, but they can also be saved to disk for quick recall if the rack is used often in multiple venues. Booth #7800, Arena
swww.crownaudio.com/bandmanager.htm

Denon DJ DN0S3700 Digital Media Turntable
This direct-drive turntable media player and controller is a single-deck portable DJ instrument that features a 9-inch spinning platter design, USB and MIDI control, and built-in authentic vinyl record for surface control driven by Denon DJ’s High Torque Direct Drive Motor. The platter can perform pitch bending, frame searching and quick file navigation from external USB devices. Three “hot starts” can be made on the fly, which also double as auto-loops. Traditional A/B loops can be manually executed on the opposite side of the player. DJs can activate and have full parameter control with a dry/wet mix control of five effects (flanger, filter, echo and echo/loop) and three Platter effects (Brake, Dump and Reverse. The DN-S3700 is also designed to interface and control a variety of DJ programs that supports USB MIDI I/O interface, either by user custom mapping or direct native support by the software vendor. The unit comes with Denon DJ’s Music Manager Software. The Denon DN-S3700 is scheduled to ship in February 2009 with an expected SRP of $1,099.99. Booth #6484, Hall A
www.denondj.com/DN-S3700-P79.aspx#

Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56
Liquid Saffire 56 is Focusrite’s new flagship 2U multichannel FireWire audio interface. Two of Liquid Saffire 56’s eight preamps use the third generation of Focusrite’s Liquid Preamp, each providing a choice of 10 different preamp emulations (Neve 1073, Pultec MB-1, Telefunken V72, etc.) A harmonics dial on each Liquid preamp allows the user to compensate for variance in vintage originals of the same model or to creatively add levels of 2nd, 3rd and 5th-harmonic distortion to shape the preamps performance. In addition, Saffire 56 features 10 analog outs, 16 channels of ADAT I/O, stereo S/PDIF or AES I/O (on RCA phono), MIDI I/O and tow virtual "loopback" inputs; word clock I/O is provided on BNC connectors. Saffire Mix Control, the zero-latency 18x16 DSP mixer/router software provided with Liquid Saffire 56 provides one-click setup solutions; a clear and concise mixing layout; large onscreen metering for inputs, outputs and submixes; and control over the choice of Liquid emulation. Liquid Saffire 56 also comes bundled with the Focusrite plug-in suite. The Liquid Saffire will be available worldwide in the first quarter of 2009. Booth #6474, Hall A
www.focusrite.com/products/saffire/liquid_saffire_56/

The 5-Minute NAMM Tour
Experience NAMM in this brief video excursion. You'll see gear on display, celebrity sightings, music on the show floor, NAMM at night, and more. Watch now

Muse Research Receptor 2
Bryan Lanser intros the next generation Receptor 2 products from Muse Research Watch now

Joe Lamond on the State of NAMM 2009
NAMM President/CEO Joe Lamond offers a frank talk about the health of the music retail business and the 2009 Winter NAMM Show. Watch now

Steinberg CC121 Advanced Intergration Controller
Greg Ondo demos the CC121, Steinberg's new desktop controller for DAWs. Watch now

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MIX NASHVILLE 2009
After an unbelievable inaugural year in ’08, we’re gearing up for another great event this year, so save the date—May 19-20, 2009! Mix Nashville includes two jam-packed days of expert panels, master classes, product demos and artist performances at Soundcheck Nashville—two days of studio, live sound, songwriting, networking, education and performance! For a taste of last year’s event, check out our exclusive video coverage on the Mix Nashville page!