The editors of Mix and Pro Sound News, representing the NewBay Media Pro A/V Group, roamed the aisles of the 2017 NAMM Show, January 19-22 in Anaheim, Calif., and came away with our product picks for Best of Show.
Antelope Audio Orion32 HD: 64 channels of stunning audio quality via HDX or USB3, and compatible with any DAW on the market. Antelope Audio’s superior clocking technology and powerful FPGA real-time effects modeling capabilities. With HDX, USB3, MADI, ADAT and S/PDIF connectivity and 32-in/32-out analog input via DB25.
Audio-Technica ATM350a Instrument Microphone Systems: Provides musicians with discreet, rock-solid mounting solutions for instruments, including woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion, drums and piano. Each of the six systems features an ATM350a cardioid condenser mic and a mount designed to work with a particular instrument (or range of instruments), along with a robust 5-inch or 9-inch gooseneck.
BLUE Microphones Bluebird SL: Pristine, highly versatile condenser, with a switchable highpass filter and -20dB pad. Ideal for capturing standout vocal performances, the true tone of guitars, piano and more—extended upper clarity, smooth mids and rich lows.
Mackie Big Knob Series: Compact and affordable, Big Knob Passive lets users choose between two sources, two monitors and control it all. Big Knob Studio adds USB recording/playback, a routing choice between three sources and two monitor pairs, integrated talkback and dual headphone outs. Big Knob Studio+ adds 4×3 routing, including USB playback from a DAW with 192kHz/24-bit audio conversion.
PMC MB3 & BB6 Reference Monitors: Built on the MB2 and BB5, with profound low-frequency response, tonal accuracy, the latest generation of drivers and intelligently applied DSP. Available in single-cabinet and twin-cabinet (XBD) versions. All feature a hand-built, precision-matched 34mm soft-dome tweeter and 75mm fabric midrange driver, coupled with the latest Radial low-frequency driver.
Note: Products were selected from submissions made by the manufacturers, then judged by editors in-person at the convention.
