Best of NAMM 2023

This year saw us return to NAMM for the first time in a long while, and there was certainly a lot to take in! From monitoring to microphones, outboard to digital tech there was a huge selection of fresh goods to fill our proverbial lugholes with. We’ve selected a few of our favourites for this year’s list, summarising some key features of each. Most products are available now, and if not will be soon. As always, get in touch for further details!

500 Series Classic Knee Compressor Module

The new Pump Compressor from Empirical Labs shares much of the same DNA as its larger siblings, distilling the same attributes largely found on the Distressor and packing them into a 500 Series unit. Other features have been lifted from both ELI’s Mike-E, such as the germanium diode-based saturation circuit as well as a hardware version of the Atmod attack mod found on the Arouser plugin.

Audio Interface Base Unit

Building upon the same principles of the original MTRX, the MTRX II now features  64 channels of integrated Digilink, 256 channels of Dante, 64 channels of MADI, 256 channels of optional Thunderbolt connectivity and SPQ Speaker Processing. With its modular 8-card I/O slots, the MTRX II is fully configurable and able to be adapted to just about any configuration required.

500 Series Mic Preamp & EQ

Following on from the success of Pope Audio’s BAX 2020 EQs, the all-new PRE-BX is a punchy analogue mic pre with an API-style mic input, Carnhill transfer output and integrated BAX EQ. Whilst simple in principle, the inclusion of a Baxandall EQ with independent control of the low and high frequencies allows flexible sculpting of sources, ideal for smoothing out harsh top-end, adding weight and drive to low-end or natural sparkle to acoustic instruments. A transformer ratio selector allows the input to be pushed harder for subtle drive and saturation without clipping.

Available now exclusively at Funky Junk

Valve Studio Limiting Amplifier

One of our favourite pieces at NAMM, Mercury Recording Company have long been known for their authentic and uncompromising creations, and the new 666 Limiting Amplifier is no exception. Based on the lesser-known but equally superb Fairchild 666, the Mercury 666 mk1 marks a new benchmark in modern tube limiters/compressors, taking the same hybrid solid-state and valve topology and making it quieter, more flexible and with an expanded feature set fit for the modern studio. It’s a sonic beast that not only meets the spec of the original, but far exceeds it. Contact us for more details.

Reference-grade Audio interface

Neumann have teamed up with Merging Technologies to deliver arguably the most powerful desktop interface on the market. Boasting high-gain, transparent mic press with unparalleled dynamic range (136dB) and gain (up to 78dB), pristine converter technology, powerful on-board DSP, reference-grade monitoring facilities and flexible digital and analogue I/O connectivity, the MT-48 takes the desktop interface format to a whole new level.

Active monitors with on-board DSP

Like many, we’re big fans of the original KH120. At their price-point, they’re hard to beat, combining superb accuracy and sound quality with a compact form factor and stylish design. The new KH120 mkII takes everything we already love about the 120 and levels it up in a significant way; from the on-board DSP engine and Neumann’s own proprietary MA 1 room alignment technology to the redesigned cabinet and newly developed driver technology. The result is a compact near field with even lower distortion, higher linearity, pinpoint accuracy, improved imaging and extended frequency range. Available now.

128 Channel Audio Converter

The Orion 32+ Gen 4 is the latest version of Antelope Audio’s high-end AD/DA converter, with improved features over the previous model. It offers increased connectivity, with 128 channels of I/O up to 192kHz over Thunderbolt 3, and 128 channels of MADI 1/O. The new version has added surround and immersive audio monitoring as well as speaker calibration functionality for precise audio reproduction in multichannel studio environments. The Gen 4 also has a refined software control panel, allowing for quicker access to key parameters and preset recall, which enhances the user experience. More information about Orion32+ Gen 4 coming soon”

USB/ADAT Expansion Card

Ever wished your OPX could be simply used as an interface? Well good news! The new AMS Neve 1073OPX USB/ADAT Card does just that, converting the OPX into a full-featured 8 channel USB interface with ADAT expandability and 2 channels of DA conversion onboard. A simple yet highly effective option for those that simply want to integrate the OPX’s amazing preamp technology into their digital audio workflow with minimal fuss.

Active 3-way Dual concentric monitors with onboard DSP

Here’s something that caught us all off guard! Converter specialists Antelope Audio have introduced their first ever studio monitor to the market: the i8. The i8 effectively implements Antelope’s own acclaimed digital clocking technology and pairs it with a coaxial mid/high range driver, dual 8” woofers in isobar configuration (where two identical speakers work as one – increasing power whilst remaining relatively compact) and a custom class-D amplifier. Available soon. Contact us for details and demo availability.

Precision Stereo Compressor

Whilst not technically a “new” product, we were thrilled to see the return of the indomitable Maselc MLA-2 stereo compressor (albeit in a very limited run), a unit that has been developed from the ground up to deliver the very best performance in terms of sound quality, reliability, precision and accuracy – all attributes we have come to expect from engineer/producer Leif Masses. Featuring intelligent stereo link facilities, an extremely clean signal path and natural compression style, mastering grade hardware and dynamically controlled attack and release settings, it is a compressor that finds itself equally at home on mastering duties as it is in a mixing capacity. Available now from Funky Junk.