There is quite a buzz about the Yamaha DSP Factory these days. The DSP Factory is a PC-based recording system built around the DS2416 soundcard and optional input/output (I/O) components. And with the imminent release of the DSP Factory, the buzz is growing even louder. A listing of the basic features of the card has been available on Yamaha's web site for a while, but detailed information on the capabilities of the card has been scarce. Personally, I'm excited about the card too, so I went to Nashville on a quest to find out some details. I was lucky enough to have Yamaha's Mark Lopez give me a demo of the card at the NAMM show. Mark was then nice enough to spend the better part of an hour with me (on the phone), filling in details I didn't ask about at the show. Disclaimer time… Since the card isn't shipping yet, features and specs are still subject to change… Also note that I have not had the opportunity to use a DSP Factory in my own studio to verify all this works as explained to me… Although I tried to be 100% accurate, I may have accidentally misunderstood something Mark told me over the phone… Your mileage may vary… No salesman will call… Not intended for use on house pets or small children… On with the factory tour!... Read More »

Nearly 600 manufacturers of all things musical crammed the Nashville Convention Center and the Nashville Arena from July 10th through the 12th for the summer NAMM show. There was obviously more to see and write about than space allows, so this report will focus on Soundcards and Software for the PC-based studio, plus Other Cool Stuff. As an aside, I've heard that NAMM stands for Not Available, Maybe May (when referring to the January show). It seems the summer show stands for Not Available, Maybe in a Month. Lots of products were being demo'd that weren't in production yet. I expect most of these products will be on the streets by the time of the AES show in September. PC Soundcards/Audio Interfaces Unless you live under a rock, you're probably aware that the Event Layla is finally shipping. The biggest problem seems to be finding one to buy. Stores can't keep them in stock! Combine a great mix of features at an attractive price point and you've got a winner. I got a pretty thorough demo of the Layla at the Event booth and came away very impressed. Check out the Layla review in the ProRec archives.... Read More »