NAMM 2015: Best In Show - Our Pick Of The Highlights

January 26, 2015 Russ Hughes

NAMM 2015 had plenty to get people talking, some hits and some misses. Thankfully some companies gave us some great surprises and products that we’ll have top of our review list as soon as they ship.

For those who are wondering what took our fancy as best in show then here’s our highlights.

Apollo Expanded For Thunderbolt

Universal Audio really have made on heck of an update with Apollo Expanded and Console 2.

With Apollo Expanded, users of Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin, Apollo DUO, Apollo QUAD, and Apollo 16 audio interfaces can freely combine up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices — adding I/O and DSP as their studio grows.

Apollo Expanded also brings the introduction of Console 2.0 software, giving Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo users dynamic new workflow options, with more than 25 new user-requested features.

Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2

A huge update to an already fantastic and loved synth. The upgrade includes the most requested Omnisphere feature: Audio import for user created soundsources, along with major new synthesis capabilities and creative tools, 3,000 new sounds, 25 new FX, an enhanced User Interface, and innovative production/browsing features like Sound Match™ to instantly locate any related sounds in the library, and Sound Lock™ to create endless useful patch variations by locking sound aspects while browsing other patches. These are just a FEW of the many new additions offered in Omnsiphere 2.

The upgrade price is not bad either.

Trinnov D-Mon Series

Click on the image to view a much bigger version

Trinnov have partnered with Avid as part of Avid’s 3rd party program and produced a replacement for the Avid X-Mon analog processor that has been used alongside their control surfaces to achieve their monitoring functions. The Trinnov D-Mon is backwards compatible so it can easily replace an X-Mon irresppective of which control surface solution you have.

The D-Mon comes in two formats, one for smaller stereo studios and one for Surround facilitie. They offer Audio Routing Matrix, User Assignable Functions (Main, Alternate, Cues, Talk-Back, Listen-Back, Headphones, etc.), an 18x16 Internal Mixer, Digital & Analog Inserts, and fully assignable Intercom control.

In addition you also get the Trinnov Optimizer software for acoustic tuning of multiple stereo up to 7.1 speaker sets, with comprehensive functions and processing for advanced monitoring.

The combinatin of the analog and digital I/O with all the additional I/O as well as the Trinnov Optimizer software makes this a very powerful solution.

IZ Technology RADAR

A box that contains RADAR, the DAW of your choice, I/O and connectivity, all top notch. It’s not cheap but it is sure as hell great quality and offers a lot in such a small package.

Apogee Groove Portable USB DAC And Headphone Amp

It is great to see Apogee release a product for both the Mac and PC platform. At NAMM 2015 they have announced The Groove a new portable USB DAC and headphone amp for listening to music on your Mac or PC.

Apogee Groove Highlights

USB 2.0 to micro connection for Mac and PC
Up to 24 bit / 192kHz audio
1/8” Analog Output for connecting to headphones or speakers
ESS Sabre DAC
Asynchronous clocking
Max output level: 225mW into 30 Ohm
Multi-color LEDs for status and level indication
Top panel buttons for adjusting output level and muting
Compact and portable (95mm H x 30mm W x 16mm T)
Limited Anniversary Edition features aluminum body and 32bit DAC
Premium build quality and design - Built in the USA

Watch our video interview here

What Are Your NAMM 2015 Best In Show Highlights?

So that’s what we thought, but what about you, what are your picks of NAMM 2015?