Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

Tims NAMM Report

Just got back from NAMM. Hy head is spinning, so I should write this 
while I remember it.
This was my first trip to NAMM. I went with Tim Thompson ( creator of 
KeyKit ..see http://www.nosuch.com)My cousin who works for Creative 
was able to get us in.

After the flight into LAx and a drive to Anahiem, we parked and 
walked by the huge palm trees that line hourbor street where the NAMM 
show was being held. After a  quick call to my cousin, he comes out, 
gives us our badges, and we walk in.

Having never been to a NAMM show, my first step into the convention 
was a bit overwhelming.This seemed like a gear heads dream! So much 
to take in.

First we went to the EMU booth where my cousin was stationed. I was 
given a complete demo of thier new Emulator X Sampler package which 
sounds very intriguing. All the samples from all thier previous 
products ( including all the proteous and command statuion ROMS) were 
transported to this new sampler. 50 Z-Plane filters, 60 real time 
effects , along with an audio card solution whose specs seems very 
good. They also gave us a nice large shopping bag ( to put NAMM 
liturature in) Its so big, I can use it as a gig bag  for my MP7 
after the show!  :-)

Next, remebering that I thought I saw the Spectrosonics booth as we 
walked in, I went and met Glen Olandor of Crystal fame.( who works 
for Spectrosonics now) Had a good talk. I was also able to talk to 
Eric Persing who was downright nice and remembered I did Crystal 
patches for Glenn. No ego trip here, but a strightforwrd nice kind of 
guy. I was impressed. We exchanged cards, and was able to get him to 
sign my "NAMM  HALL of FAME" . I also got Glenns signiture.

Then we wondered around a bit and got to the Arturia booth and 
checked out the new Mini-moog virtual. What a Bass Sound!

More wondering around revealed an abandoned Camel Audio booth. I did 
sounds for Ben's Cameleon synth, and was surprised to see Camel Audio 
here, as I thought Ben could not make it ( due to a death in the 
family) later I found out that a friend came in his steed at the last 
moment, since it was already paid for. I was still able to demo 
Cameleon, and drew a small crowd. The leads and pads on this thing is 
fantastic. It was nice to hear them coming thru good speakers ( I 
need a monitor upgrade for my studio :-)

After a brief pizza snack ( standing up, no chairs available) we went 
to the NI booth, and was able to check out Absynth2. He took a guitar 
sample and changed it into an awsome pad sound using gainular and 
streching. What a sound! I won a copy thru Patch Arena, so I was 
impressed with what it can do. 

Then I went in search of section E, and found it downstairs. I was 
able to talk to Putt ( of KvR) and the Omn force group. Putt was 
going to be domoing the new Ohm force synth( Sympton: Melohman)  I 
also got to play with it, what an amazing synth! Also had a great 
talk with Ben of KvR as well. We talked about setups, and sounds, and 
even Tracktion! Then went to the FL studio booth and met those folks. 
Sytrus was being demoed, and they were playing my mirimba patch! Gol 
was there and had a talk with him. 

It was great seeing KvR folks here, seeing and talking to actual 
faces, and not words on a page. Makes a big difference. I made them 
sign my Hall of Fame !

Then went back upstairs and was able to make on of my "dreams" come 
true. I was able to shake Bob Moogs hand and made him sign my Hall of 
Fame! 

From there, I wondered around again ( easy to do here) and came 
across some cool stuff: a modular ( hardware) system by Sweet sound 
that uses the EMS filter which is the same thing as the EMS Synthi 
AKS. It also has MIDI control, a very cool system.If I was to get 
more hardware, this would be it!

Saw a new workstation by Open Labs called Open Synth NEKO. Basically 
it a complete computer all built into a work station with keyboard 
and lots of controller knobs. Its like a keyboard with built in 
display that you can run VSTi's in. Completly configurable.

Also the new Kurzweil VA-1, a Very Knoby VA Synth. Looked and sounded 
very cool. Looks like the knobs are back!

At this point, I was pretty Nammed out and needed a rest. We went and 
had dinner at Tiffanies, a very nice coffee shop type of place.

Then We went and made one of my other dreams come true. I was able to 
set up a brief meeting with Jimmy Hotz ( producer of Fleetwood Mac, 
Pointer Sisters, ect in the late 80's and inventor of the Hotz 
Translator system in which I was able to get the Atari version 
released with Jimmy's help) We met at the Hilton lobby next to the 
NAMM convention hall. Had a great talk in which he remeninced about 
working with the Hotz box and Paul Hauslinger ( Ex-Tangerine Dream ) 
as well as his prevous NAMM experiences.We had a great exchange and 
it was a real pleasure meeting him.

Coming home of the plane, and looking at all the city lights while 
landing  made me think of blinking LEDS and flashing displays....I 
had it real bad! 

Now I can load all these demo discs and read all this great 
liturature. All in all, and excellent trip, but got blisters on both 
my feet! ( but well worth it!)

Tim