The Annual NAMM predictions rumours thread 2024

[Sedaxel]

Well, there's been the Muse Receptor already.



Nah, that's really not an issue. Dial in your analog input level properly, then slap a gain plugin in front of any amp sim you may use. Adjust so it sounds good, save as a channel preset (that's a functionality that simply has to exist in a live host) and call it a day. You will never ever have to deal with it again.

And fwiw, I have been doing all that already, I programmed a rather elaborated live guitar setup for MainStage to see how well things would be working. There's been plenty of different amp modelers and input levels have been no issue at all as the first thing in each channel was a gain plugin, so that I could keep the interface's input level the same. As said, you only do all this once, save it as a template and/or channel strip preset and that was it.



Why?
Fwiw, I proably would *never* switch any complexed things inside HXN. I would just call up as many instances as I feel would be needed and switch between them. It's all a matter of the host (and of course of having enough CPU juice, but that should be absolutely no issue these days).

Precisely all those things are the ones I don´t want to deal with live.



First of all, the Muse was an absolute fail. It lacked power, compatibility and whatnot... it was a lot of money for getting a very meh solution that was obsolete in no time.

Second, that thing of adding a gain plugin before the amp is a risk in certain live use cases. For instance, if you want to use NAM, and want to change the profile (for whatever reason), you are lost. You have to go to the gain plugin, adjust the gain (in the case you know what it is, or have the info at hand in that moment, which may be very optimistic), and do all of that quickly. Of course it can be done, of course it´s not rocket science... but it´s just tricky enough to not being a quick enough tweaking system for live use. Let alone that, if it´s a PC based syustem, you´d need to deal with a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch screen for the tweaks. For me, it´s just much more convenient having a floor unit, with dedicated knobs and no gain guessings, etc. You want to tweak, you just bend down and VERY EASILY do it without messing anything up. Of course, if your live use is very controlled, the presets are never tweaked, and there´s little chances of needing to build anything on the go... all the risks minimize, obviously. But even so... meh.

PC based HX Native vs a Helix LT, for instance? Well... the PC needs an audio interface, a USB cable, a PC (maybe a screen in case it´s not a laptop), power cables, USB noises risk, a midi controller, a cable for the midi controller, maybe a power supply for the controller (apart from the one for the PC)... Nah. For me, there´s no comparison. I massively prefer an LT on the floor than a complex rig full of cables, power adapters, several hardware gadgets, gain staging incertidumbre and much less user friendly on-the-fly tweaking.

And hey, I´m always thinking of building such a rig... There are some beautiful mini-pcs with included touch screens and powerful enough to run NAM and effects... I absolutely love the idea. But mate, when I put all the differences on the table, there´s no contest for live use compared to having only one unit on the floor. It´s just much safer, simpler, easier and trouble free.

Of course, this is just my preference.

 

[ragingplatypi]

Btw, the new Pacificas look great. Very slick, yet elegant. Just not sure about the neck, which is supposed to be on the thinner side.

I actually like the thinner neck. I saw a couple of YT vids with some vague comments that it’s wider than the old neck but not as wide as the Ibanez AZ (which I found to be on the wider side).

 

[ispunk]

Yamaha needs to ditch those goofy 2/3rd pickguards. Those guitars would look so much better without a pickguard.

Edit: Also there are still no reverse headstocks like in the demo videos for Helix.

 

[Sascha Franck]

Precisely all those things are the ones I don´t want to deal with live.

You would never have to. Everything exposed to you live would be either direct controls you need or some sort of macros. Logic and Mainstage offer excellent tools for that, so is Gig Performer.

For instance, if you want to use NAM, and want to change the profile (for whatever reason), you are lost. You have to go to the gain plugin, adjust the gain

Why? Are you saying that different profiles require different input levels (can't check myself as I'm using a vintage computer)? If that is the case, it's up to NAM or the profile maker to adress that. For any amp plugin worth it's salt the input level should be a set (once) and forget thing. And it's exactly like that for Helix, Amplitube. S-Gear, whatever.

And again, apart from all that: This is part of your homework (and not exactly different from things you will have to do with hardware modelers as well). Set up your channel strips once, save as a template/preset, done. And really, yes, it *is* that easy.

Well... the PC needs an audio interface, a USB cable, a PC (maybe a screen in case it´s not a laptop), power cables, USB noises risk, a midi controller, a cable for the midi controller, maybe a power supply for the controller (apart from the one for the PC)... Nah.

This is actually something I absolutely agree with. And it's the very reason why I'm not using a computer based rig live. I have actually been playing two musical productions with a laptop, turned out to be great - but that was all happening in the safety of a pretty well isolated orchestra pit. No risk of beer showers, no singers stumbling over USB cables, no issues having a table next to me, etc.
I was then using the same rig for another gig - exactly *once*. Started with me being like "where the f*** do I place the damn laptop?!?". And everything else followed suit (including the floor controller losing its USB connection, did't come back to life so I had to reboot between two songs, etc.).

But then, this is exactly why something like that Waves thing is sort of appealing to me. I would suspect that you'd never use anything else but a tablet (or a dedicated hardware controller in addition) to control things. Hence, no computers or related sensible devices on stage.

 

[Sascha Franck]

Yamaha needs to ditch those goofy 2/3rd pickguards. Those guitars would look so much better without a pickguard.

Edit: Also there are still no reverse headstocks like in the demo videos for Helix.

I think the pickguards look fine. Plus, they actually serve a purpose.

Fwiw, no reverse headstocks for me (even if they may offer some advances, such as better balanced E1 tension). I'd happily take a 4/2 headstock (MM alike) every day, though.

 

[Sedaxel]

You would never have to. Everything exposed to you live would be either direct controls you need or some sort of macros. Logic and Mainstage offer excellent tools for that, so is Gig Performer.



Why? Are you saying that different profiles require different input levels (can't check myself as I'm using a vintage computer)? If that is the case, it's up to NAM or the profile maker to adress that. For any amp plugin worth it's salt the input level should be a set (once) and forget thing. And it's exactly like that for Helix, Amplitube. S-Gear, whatever.

And again, apart from all that: This is part of your homework (and not exactly different from things you will have to do with hardware modelers as well). Set up your channel strips once, save as a template/preset, done. And really, yes, it *is* that easy.



This is actually something I absolutely agree with. And it's the very reason why I'm not using a computer based rig live. I have actually been playing two musical productions with a laptop, turned out to be great - but that was all happening in the safety of a pretty well isolated orchestra pit. No risk of beer showers, no singers stumbling over USB cables, no issues having a table next to me, etc.
I was then using the same rig for another gig - exactly *once*. Started with me being like "where the f*** do I place the damn laptop?!?". And everything else followed suit (including the floor controller losing its USB connection, did't come back to life so I had to reboot between two songs, etc.).

But then, this is exactly why something like that Waves thing is sort of appealing to me. I would suspect that you'd never use anything else but a tablet (or a dedicated hardware controller in addition) to control things. Hence, no computers or related sensible devices on stage.

Yeah, I checked out GigPerformer and Carla, and while I think they´re great, there´s a diffrent experience having to tweak something via keyboard/mouse/screen than on a floor unit. Being the latter more direct, no matter what.

NAM profiles usually lack info of how they are created in terms of training gain. I´d say 99% of the times you´ve got to guess. And yes, each profile is different in input gain regard. ToneX is somehow guesswork too. Actually, all profiling solutions but the ones that train the profiling in the same unit that is going to play them, suffer from similar difficulties (Tonocracy, at least, has a calibrating tool that will make easier for the guys profiling out there to make their profiles upon a common reference... but it´s not a guarantee either). Of course other plugins have just a reference gain input and that´s it. And I agree that homework minimizes the need for live tweaks. I almost don´t tweak anything but output level in my gigs. But the very few times I had to tweak something, I knew how important is FOR ME to get it as easy and quick as it takes. That´s why I prefer a dedicated unit.

I´d add another factor that dedicated units make better: latency. Not a big deal, since an average interface and PC will give you 5 ms latency and you supposedly won´t need to use external effects that could increase latency, so it´s not going to be noticeable.

Yeah, the Waves rack can be a differernt story. Very interesting gadget. You still need a midi controller and it takes more space and weight (compared to, say, a Helix LT, a Kemper Stage, a QC or even an FM9), though.

I don´t bloody disagree with you. As I said, I´m always bearing in my mind how to build an small and simple PC based rig. It´s just that, as of today, I´ve not found the "no worries" solution. I´ve even prepared a Raspberry Pi4 with NAM... and while it sounds great, and have midi capabilities, and could even run effects... it´s a hassle.

 

[Digital Igloo]

There should be an LE version. Stereo I/O and that was it.
A live-ready plugin host would be absolutely up my alley, I even considered a Muse Recptor years ago (but that seemed pretty weak both on the hardware and CPU side, and it was also back when amp simps didn't sound too great), simply because I don't want to take care of tweaking a computer based setup for live purposes myself.
But then, it'd all be up to the hosting software - and I doubt the Waves system could be mangled in ways satisfying for guitarists.

However, if there was something suitable for guitar player needs, I'd buy that over any dedicated hardware modeler any day. I mean, you could have a Helix, S-Gear, NAM, any modulation effect, any delay and any reverb (including IR based ones) side by side. That'd pretty much be a dream come true.

UA has had a live rack solution for years, but just for their plugins. Haven't talked to anyone who's used it tho'.

I don't (yet!) see what the Waves box has over rackmounting a Mac Studio Ultra running, say, MainStage, Steinberg VST Live, or Ableton Live. There's no way to support the myriad types of plugin copy-protection used without making it a straight computer. And if you're fine with a straight computer, rack up a Studio Ultra or rackmount PC optimized for music.

 

[Badonkey Kong]

The Pacifica is cool, but 2 string tees? Count me out.

 

[Sascha Franck]

Yeah, I checked out GigPerformer and Carla, and while I think they´re great, there´s a diffrent experience having to tweak something via keyboard/mouse/screen than on a floor unit. Being the latter more direct, no matter what.

Problem solved. Works a treat (I own one).

NAM profiles usually lack info of how they are created in terms of training gain. I´d say 99% of the times you´ve got to guess. And yes, each profile is different in input gain regard. ToneX is somehow guesswork too. Actually, all profiling solutions but the ones that train the profiling in the same unit that is going to play them, suffer from similar difficulties

See, that's exactly why you call your profiles up at home and adjust the gain plugin that you've already inserted once, then save as a channel preset. Done. After that you will never have to do it again for that profile.

Yeah, the Waves rack can be a differernt story. Very interesting gadget. You still need a midi controller and it takes more space and weight (compared to, say, a Helix LT, a Kemper Stage, a QC or even an FM9), though.

I'd love a pedalboard form factor unit like that (with an option to stack up switches and encoders). And I'd actually prefer it if someone else but Waves would do it.

UA has had a live rack solution for years, but just for their plugins. Haven't talked to anyone who's used it tho'.

Kinda like their interfaces in a live rack format. Never been interested in them at all - the thing triggering my interest being that I would love to have my favourite plugins available in my live setup.

I don't (yet!) see what the Waves box has over rackmounting a Mac Studio Ultra running, say, MainStage, Steinberg VST Live, or Ableton Live. There's no way to support the myriad types of plugin copy-protection used without making it a straight computer. And if you're fine with a straight computer, rack up a Studio Ultra or rackmount PC optimized for music.

Absolutely with you here - but combining a Mac Mini, an interface and a controller into a live-ready package isn't exactly the easiest task there is, even without the risk of trashing a HDD. Let alone from what I read, remote controlling a Mac Mini from an iPad isn't as trivial as it gets - and I wouldn't want any standard computer monitor and keyboard on stage.
That's why any ready-to-roll package would appeal to me quite a bit.

 

[mikah912]

I really like the new Pacificas, and I'm fine with pickguards. Since Yamaha does so few figured wood tops, I'd be fine with them offloading it to the pickguards and maybe having some wenge/black limba/zebrawood/whatever joints just to add some intrigue beyond tortoise shell and pearloid.

 

[Ed DeGenaro]

UA has had a live rack solution for years, but just for their plugins. Haven't talked to anyone who's used it tho'.

I don't (yet!) see what the Waves box has over rackmounting a Mac Studio Ultra running, say, MainStage, Steinberg VST Live, or Ableton Live. There's no way to support the myriad types of plugin copy-protection used without making it a straight computer. And if you're fine with a straight computer, rack up a Studio Ultra or rackmount PC optimized for music.

I think UA shelved that.

 

[Sedaxel]

So... A couple NAMM days have passed and not a single new floor unit announced.

It seems that the boring NAMM prediction (with respect to new modellers) is getting real.

Or do you still expect some news? What do you think? Is everything already said in this edition?

 

[PLX]

Wats naam?

 

[DrewJD82]

So... A couple NAMM days have passed and not a single new floor unit announced.

It seems that the boring NAMM prediction (with respect to new modellers) is getting real.

Or do you still expect some news? What do you think? Is everything already said in this edition?

Today was the first day and it’s on the West coast, it won’t be until later this evening until you start seeing more than just a few pics.

 

[Ed DeGenaro]

Today was the first day and it’s on the West coast, it won’t be until later this evening until you start seeing more than just a few pics.

The show closes day 1 in 15 minutes...

 

[GTR37]

in other news apparently NDSP has filled their with huge 6 feet high letters saying SOON

I can't even , this so has to make the modelling wars , they flew over a huge SOON from Finland

 

[norminal]

in other news apparently NDSP has filled their with huge 6 feet high letters saying SOON

I can't even , this so has to make the modelling wars , they flew over a huge SOON from Finland

FFS

 

[holoholo]

Opening NAMM doors and seeing NDSP’s booth

 

[GTR37]

FFS

the story is apparently they had a disagreement with NAMM and they were not allowed to set up their booth the way they wanted , and so they left , no one is sure if they are coming back

 

[DrewJD82]

the story is apparently they had a disagreement with NAMM and they were not allowed to set up their booth the way they wanted , and so they left , no one is sure if they are coming back

Gee, good thing they had that big SOON sign with their logo on it ready to go.