As soon as we entered the Nashville Arena & Convention Center we knew we had two missions: first to spot every Mac -- and second, to spot every new product that comes in "flavors," translucent or otherwise.

MacRocks.com
1999 Summer NAMM Review

Roland/Edirol

Unipar Lighting

Fatar/Studio Logic

Quik-Lok

The first big thing we saw at NAMM's Technology Central area was a little old iMac sporting the new Roland SC-8850 SoundCanvas. I don't mean hooked up for illustrative purposes as to how it will be. The new multi platform, multi interface, multi voice MIDI sound module was fully erect, if you will, and functioning as a good Mac peripheral should.

The SC-8850 packs 1640 sounds, 128 voices, 64 parts, 63 Drum sets, 64 Insert effects and best of all, a choice of MIDI, Mac Serial, PC Serial or USB!

That's right, this new SoundCanvas is the first MIDI sound module with a built on USB port. The MIDI section offers two input and two output ports and is very convenient for those who have a couple of keyboard controllers or plan to add another controller in the future, but do not wish to add a MIDI patchbay to their system.

Roland product representatives told us the SC-8850 will also work on Apple's blue & white G3 machines.

I pressed the reps for insight on the now infamous UA-100 USB audio device and it's path to iMac. Yawn. All they heard was the product name, not my question. I was rushed to the other side of the MIDI display where a charming peecee of unknown manufacture was happily running the UA-100. After nodding through the reps anxious attempt to get me excited about the product, I restated my question about that product and iMac.

The rep, of course, told me (with eyes lowered, humbly) that Apple doesn't support audio on iMac. All right. Another rep jumped in as I was about to kindly update representative A's misinformation. Rep B chimed in with "We're waiting for drivers from Apple."

We know that, I just wanted someone to say it out loud. Fear not, there is news near to breaking about iMac drivers for MIDI & Audio. We can't tell you what we know until it's confirmed. Let's just say the project is in more than capable hands, and you won't be disappointed when everything comes together.

There were at least three exhibits that featured translucent flavored guitars & basses including Aria Pro, B.C. Rich and Pignose. Also were very many traditional instruments such as trumpets, accordions, and the like that were sporting new colorful exterior finishes -- no, not transparent, but colorful non the less.

Two big new products (no pictures at this time) are from music distributor Music Industries Corporation. First, is a line of Fatar/Studio Logic MIDI keyboard controllers styled and designed for iMac. These keyboards come in smaller sizes and feature a choice of Red (strawberry) or teal blue (bondi).

Also from Quik-Lok, the I-100 & I-99 computer workstation desks, designed specifically for use with iMac. A frosted glass table top on heavy duty arc-welded frame looks great with the original bondi iMacs.

Were we surprised at the sheer volume and variety of products that appear to be following the iMac cosmetics. Guitars, keyboards, lighting fixtures, cowboy boots, you name it.

Even the Nashville Arena had a slight resemblance to iMac design -- at least from our narrow perspective. It is translucent blue. Nearly Bondi Blue.

One product rep told us their new translucent product can't be called 'bondi,' however they can say 'ice' for the white part.

Unipar Lighting had a good showing of their very iMac-like PAR cans. These clever lighting instruments are made of high impact, high temperature thermoplastics and come in many of translucent or opaque color choices.

One neat trick would be to contrast the color of the Unipar with the color of gel.

The company touts Unipar lights as ". . . as much as 80% lighter than steel, 50% lighter than aluminum . . . (and) nonconductive housing can't shock and will not burn you."

The UP-1 instrument is a PAR 64 size but can be fitted with either PAR 64 or 56 lamps. On the other end of the size scale is the UP-3, which is larger than a PAR 16, but smaller than a PAR 38 and can accommodate an R40 lamp.

The UP-2 fits clearly (pardon pun) in the middle of the product line. It is almost the size of a PAR 56, but is designed for medium base PAR 38 lamps.

Color choices include Opaque White or Black, Trans. Red, Blue, Green, Amber, Neon Pink, Neon Yellow or clear. Holographic metalized foil can be added to any Unipar to create an added exterior effect.