The Annual NAMM predictions rumours thread 2024

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

Sedaxel said:
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
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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.

Sedaxel said:
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.
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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.
 
ispunk said:
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.
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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.
 
Sascha Franck said:
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.
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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.
 
Sascha Franck said:
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.
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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.
 
Sedaxel said:
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.
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BCR 2000.jpg


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

Sedaxel said:
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
Click to expand...

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.

Sedaxel said:
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.
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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.

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

Digital Igloo said:
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.
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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.
 
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.
 
Digital Igloo said:
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.
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I think UA shelved that.
 
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?
 
Sedaxel said:
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?
Click to expand...

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.
 
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