In this video shot from the show floor at NAMM 2018, James Ivey takes you through some of his show highlights. From a software controlled analog patchbay, via 3D binaural microphones to Dante adaptors for Audio over IP. James shares the stuff he has found most interesting from day 4 of NAMM 2018.

James' Highlights

1. Flock Audio Patch - This has been created so that you can say goodbye to expensive patch cables & the possible "rats nest" of cables that can bury your racks with complicated routings.
   
   It has 32 Channels capable of individually engaging 48V Phantom Power built right into the Patch System. They claim it is the first ever Analog Patchbay to be completely controlled an OSX & Windows Compatible application.
   
   With the PATCH software, you can create & store routings for easy recall or to make revisions on an existing track or prepare for your next tracking session. You can also create custom signal chains with multiple paths.  
   
   If you need to test that new preamp or compressor, but don't really want to crawl under your desk? With the 2 Inputs on the front, it is very easy.
   
   The Patch System is expandable! Just because its new technology doesn't mean it will be out of date in 2 years. Software & Firmware updates right from Flock Audio.
   
   It's not available just yet so we don't have any pricing information but there is an option to sign up to be kept informed as to when you will be able to pre-order.
    
2. 3DIO Microphone Systems - There are 2 systems one for recording binaural audio - The Free Space binaural microphone, which is pitched as "the most affordable, high-quality binaural microphone on the market".
   
   They claim that the integrated Primo EM172 microphone capsules are extremely sensitive and quiet and have a very natural presence, perfect for binaural recordings. Apparently, the microphone works well in windy conditions even without protection. Wind sounds realistic without affecting the binaural experience or overloading the microphones. Price - $499

   The Omni Binaural microphone consists of 4 pairs of ears, each pointed at 90 degrees from the adjacent pair. This provides a single point, 4-position binaural perspective of any audio environment.

   The Omni Binaural mic captures stereo binaural audio from 4 different directions. 0 degrees, 90, 180, and 270 degrees, corresponding to the 4 different binaural angles (ear pairs) around the microphone. The microphone is an 8-channel microphone, but it is useful to edit and mix the output of the microphone in 4 pairs of stereo binaural tracks. 90 degrees being clockwise, or 3 o'clock.
   
   The Omni Binaural microphone is designed for adding immersive binaural audio to 360-degree video productions. Price - $2,499

3. Dante Adaptors - Audinate, the makers of Dante have announced a line of miniature Dante adapters. These tiny adapters look like they have reduced a network node to its bare minimum with an RJ45 at one end and breakout connectors on short tails at the other. These adapters will offer a way to integrate existing, non-Dante hardware into a Dante network.
   
   Like any Dante device, but unlike AES67 streams, AVIO adapters are automatically discovered and ready to use when connected, and no separate power supplies are required – just use a common PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch and Dante AVIO adapters are ready to go. The USB adapter can also be powered via USB.
   
   You can learn more about these in our news story on the Dante Adaptors.

That's it, the last day of NAMM 2018. We hope you have found these show reports useful. If you have been at NAMM 2018 do share your highlights with us.