Steel Notes Magazine
walk through for a gig is simple in how the UE Sound Tap works . The unit , has 2 inputs , 2 outputs , 2 knobs , and a 3.5mm IEM jack . The inputs take the signal in from the mixer . The outputs send the original monitor mix to the wedge . One knob sets the input gain and the other sets your IEM volume . When they ask you what you need for ins and outs on stage , tell them that you ’ ll be using In-Ear Monitors and that you ’ ll be using the UE “ Sound Tap . The house might be running powered or unpowered monitors connected by speakon , XLR , or ¼ ” cable , and the Sound Tap will pass clean , transparent signal to the house wedge while you enjoy your In-Ears . Every artist has control of their access to IEM monitoring . That ’ s the power and inspiration in Sound Tap . You have maximum flexibility and control . You can daisy chain units . If you want to run more than one set of IEMs off the same monitor mix , just connect one Sound Tap to another , and keep going until you hit the wedge and everyone has what they need . Because the Sound Tap works anywhere , it can easily slip into your rehearsal space . It ’ s important to practice the way you perform , and it ’ s nothing to strap the box into whatever mixer and PA combo you ’ re running in the garage . Also , Sound Tap features a unique protective circuit that cuts off the signal when feedback or loud noise comes down the monitor line ”. For all of the above reasons and descriptions , is why I am including this in this article . This is another revolutionary product .
GEARSECURE : ( www . gearsecure . net ) “ GEARSECURE is a super small self integrated tracking device with a 20 year life span and regenerating power . It is available in two tag types – a microscopic flexible unit designed to hidden in almost every type of gear , and a round “ mini button ” specifically designed for brass and wind instruments . These elements haven ’ t been built as a tag ; rather they ’ ve been created to build an industry standard for anti-theft for years to come . Everything integrates with a simple to use downloadable app . GEARSECURE is the result of empathy and compassion for the victims of theft that have been encountered during 25 years combined experience in musical instrument retail operations and loss prevention in the Chicago area . Through firsthand knowledge how theft affected both individuals and retailers , GEARSECURE knows how devastating loss can be , and know how to help ”. Again , this is one of the revolutionary products to be debuting at NAMM 2017 for obvious reasons . Every musician I know can use this to protect their instruments . Another universal product which can benefit all musicians .
After the presentations and conversations with these particular companies I went outside to take a break . It is then that I connected with my friend Joe Dolan . ( www . sonicmag . com ) ( www . allhardrock . com ) ( check out his YouTube channel ) He is a veteran of NAMM . This year he was working on a unique video for the NAMM executives . To show us what the experience is like from a retailer / merchants point of view . I won ’ t give up any of the details , but I can say this . You all will want to watch this when it is done . It will be one of those things that give an inside perspective to what the NAMM experience is about .
February 2017
I also ran into the person behind RAOK RAVEN TV . ( www . raokraven . com ) “ Raok Raven is spreading philanthropy through music , entertainment & sports ”. I personally admire anyone who does what this organization does , sincere and true acts of charity . I encourage all to support them in their endeavors .
Then I randomly met the person behind this company : TRANSCEND . ( www . transcendhemp . com ) “ Transcend Hemp Enhanced Products is a company devoted to using natural , Hemp Based CBD to create products that improve the overall health of an individual . Pain , cancer , PTSD , seizures , HIV / AIDS , multiple sclerosis , Alzheimer ' s disease , Parkinson ' s disease , and a myriad of other chronic medical conditions continue to run rampant in today ' s society , despite the thousands of medical advances that are made each year . For thousands of years , nature has given us a solution to these problems . Transcend Hemp Enhanced Products aims to take advantage of nature ' s " gift " by harvesting Cannabidiol ( CBD ) directly from industrial Hemp , thereby harnessing the healing properties of the Cannabis plant without the psychoactive effects of THC . In other words , Transcend Hemp Enhanced Products can safely and legally restore your body and mind to their former selves without the legal and ethical consequences of typical high THC Cannabis products . Let ' s transcend our endocannabinoid system !” Being that I have been and always will be , one who supports the use of Industrial Hemp in any way possible for the human race , I am including this information in the article .
Thursday met up with Renee Jahnke photographer ( http :// www . reneejahphotography . com / portfolio ). We did our introductions and got our bearings , and then went over the schedules and plans for the next 3 days . Both of us prepared to be walking for miles over the weekend .
First up was Stu Hamm ( www . stuarthamm . net ), doing a demo at GHS Strings ( www . ghsstrings . com ). This was intense to say the least . He was playing orchestral arrangements of songs on his bass . I posted live on Facebook to share this unbelievable moment taking place . The legendary Stu Hamm has played and recorded
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