KiTbetter - KiTalbum

Stop #1 at NAMM was the KiTbetter booth to check out their innovative KiTalbum physical media format in person and get all my artist/label questions answered by Rynda Laurel, Head of Artist Relations. KiTalbum offers a unique product that helps artists provide an enhanced, immersive music fan experience and monetize their music with no upfront costs. KiTbetter is aggressively expanding from its Korean (K-pop) home base into the U.S. and international markets, with upcoming releases from Filter, Jisoo (BlackPink), and Duran Duran. They've already sold over 9 million units worldwide, so if you want to foster deeper connections with your music fans, grow your audience, and unlock new revenue streams while keeping costs manageable, check them out! [ KiTbetter website | KiTbetter Instagram]

A special shoutout to former Brave Girls member Hyeran Noh (@JainRos9 on Instagram) for putting me onto this. You can check out her KiTalbum 0123 and single Play With Ü
[here]. Stay tuned—I'll be posting my Jain Ros KiTalbum unboxing video on Instagram soon!

Audient - iD48 Audio Interface

I've been using an Audient iD44 as my primary audio interface since 2020 and love it. I also have a bus-powered iD14 for remote work and wrote to Audient four years ago about making an 8-rack mount version with 8 analog ins/outs, ADAT, etc.—and they finally did it!

The iD48 is a 24-in/32-out USB-C audio interface featuring:

• 8 Audient console mic preamps
• 2 J-Fet instrument inputs
• 8 + 8 analog switchable inserts/outputs (DB25)
• 4 Monitor outputs (main/alt)
• 16-channel ADAT-S/PDIF I/O
• 2 headphone outputs
• WordClock in/out
• ARC Software bundle

It's missing S/PDIF and MIDI (unfortunately), and they’ve opted for "Pro Studio" DB25 connectors on the outputs and insert returns/sends, which I'm not a fan of. However, this setup allows you to connect up to 8 pieces of outboard gear (preamps, compressors, EQs, etc.) without repatching for tracking & mixing—it's all managed via the app. This will appeal to users with a hybrid workflow and more than two external units. * I'd love to see Audient add Midi & S/PDIF to their next iD44, and release a more home/project studio friendly version of the iD48 with standard TRS outputs, Midi and S/PDIF or AES. Bonus points if they were to incorporate 2 Retro Channel HPX/Iron option buttons on 2 front-facing mic preamps ala their ASP800. 

Audio specs:

• 68 dB gain (-127 dBu EIN)
• 32-bit/96 kHz converters
• 120/126.5 dB dynamic range (inputs/outputs)
• Price: $999

SSL - SSL 18 Rackmount Audio Interface

SSL showcased their first rackmount USB audio interface, the SSL 18, featuring:

• 8 SSL analog mic preamps (+ Talkback mic pre with a LMC)
• 2 Hi-Z instrument inputs (front) and 2 line-level inserts
• 10 analog outputs (4 monitor + 6) + 2 returns
• 2 headphone outputs with switchable impedance
• 2× ADAT in/out, S/PDIF, MIDI (3.5mm mini-plug)
• 4K console sound emulation
• WordClock out
• SSL software bundle included

For my current project studio needs, I prefer this over the Audient iD48 because it uses standard 1/4" inputs/outputs, avoiding the extra cost/hassle of DB25 connectors, while still giving me 2 outboard insets/returns and line level inputs that bypass the internal mic pres. I also appreciate the extra Midi &  S/PDIF I/O, 4k Legacy option, Listen Mic Compressor on Talkback mic input, and better software bundle. YMMV. * I'd love to see SSL create a desktop interface that sits between their 12 / 18 products (12+) to compete with the Audient iD44 with 2 x ADAT I/O, S/PDIF, and 2 insert/returns.

Audio specs:

• 67 dB mic gain (-130.5 dBu EIN)
• 32-bit/192 kHz converters
• 120 dB/125 dB dynamic range (inputs/outputs)
• Price: $1,199

SSL also introduced the Alpha 8, which adds 8 additional line-level inputs/outputs via ADAT for $899.

 Buy on Amazon

Other NAMM Show Floor Highlights

Waves released their new Sync Vx voice sync. plugin -  a direct competitor of SynchroArts vulnerable VocAlign which I used for years in Pro Tools, and Revoice Pro. Sync Vx is a ARA plugin that works natively in Pro Tools and other DAW's to sync multiple vocal tracks or ADR; Just enable on all voice tracks, select reference(s) to sync to and desired tightness, and Sync Vx works in seconds. You can also do vocal track pitch tuning to automatically fix any flat/sharp words/phrases. Logic Pro users will need to enable Rosetta to use on silicon Macs, although Waves hinted at full support later this year. (Note: This is an Apple issue not Waves) MSRP $129. Now, if only Waves would ditch WUP & offer better value for upgrade bundles and credits…

Source-Elements where showing the latest version of Source-Connect that enables live remote studio sessions for vocals, musicians, and VO, ADR & Foreign Language Dubbing - without the talent needing the Studio DAW project/session file. They did a live demo and it worked great, even with the convention center less than optimum wifi/internet access. You can pay per session (about $75) or on a subscription from $35 (std/talent)- $105 month (pro/studio), or perpetual licenses @$650 (talent) & $1495 (studios).  Learn more @ https://www.source-elements.com

Warm Audio  is now offering a 5 Year Warranty on all their wonderful analog Microphones, PreAmps, Compressors, and FX products. And the Good News for existing customers is it applies retroactively to all existing purchases made within the past five years, with proof of purchase. The Warm Booth was packed whenever I went by. On display was their full array of their classic microphone versions including my favorite WA-CX12, WA-47, and WA-251. Lots of buzz around their new WA-76 "Blue Stripe" & "Rev D" single/dual channel Compressors @ $699-$1199. And their most popular classic PreAmps / EQ & Compressor recreations such as the WA-73EQ, WA76-A, WA-1B & WA-2A. * I'd love to see Warm Audio create a channel strip that adds a compressor (WA-76 or WA2A or WA-1B*) to their Neve inspired WA-73 MicPre/EQ.

SoundProof Windows had a nice modular trailer equipped with their highly regarded doors and windows. I have 2 SoundProof Windows installed in my Studio, 1 internal and 1 exterior, since 2004 and they've done a great job blocking outside noise while recording. We've done 100's of sessions over the past 2 decades and I highly highly recommend these products! Learn more @ https://www.soundproofwindows.com.

Austrian Audio were showing their new OC-S10 Reference Microphone, a successor to their groundbreaking OC818 ($1249). With a large diaphragm CK12 style capsule, 5 selectable polar patterns with 2 xlr outputs and PolarDesigner software that allows you to change the polar patterns in post. The included custom metal mesh windscreen is very unique and it comes with a shock mount, power supply  and case. MSRP is $2,992. I'd love to hear a shootout comparing this to the Warm Audio CX-12 and Telefunken TF51 on female vocals.

Mic Parts have some fun DIY Microphone Kits allowing you to build your own custom mic using some of their popular capsules like CK12 (Elam 251, C12) and K47 (U47). They also offer microphone mods/upgrades for RODE and other prosumer mics. I have a RODE NT-2 sitting in my mic cabinet that might benefit from a upgrade. Learn more @ https://microphone-parts.com

Other highlights included RME live band recording demo, Audio Scape panel feat. one of the UK's finest - Warren Huart @ProduceLikeAPro, Dj Jazzy Jeff @ Presonus booth, Sylvia Producers Lounge panel, The John Lennon / Dolby Institute Tour Bus, outdoor Drum-a-thon, and seeing Jon Batiste performing live on the Yamaha stage in the evening. Check back for more video reel highlights from Batiste's amazing show over the coming days/weeks. Cheers!

JON BATISTE - Live @ Yamaha NAMM Show stage

UCLA Pre-Graduation Family Photo Gallery

It's hard to believe, but it was 40 years ago on this day that Australian Rockstar (& Actor) Rick Springfield finally hit No.1 on the U.S. Charts with Jessie's Girl. And next August it will be 20 years since I photographed my fellow Aussie expat @ his Burbank / Los Angeles Starlight Bowl show. A great (underrated) guitarist who still rocks today!
#player

Corporate Video Production - MWD Colorado River 

Educational Content for Regional Water Stewardship

Summary

Produced visual media content to support public awareness and education for Los Angeles MWD water infrastructure and resource management initiatives.

Scope of Work

● Video production and on-location filming

● Documentary-style storytelling and content editing

● Visual communication of technical subject matter

● Project-based media production and publishing

● Stakeholder-focused content development

Outcome

Delivered clear, engaging visual content that helped show complex infrastructure and environmental topics to a broader audience.

Videography + Photography for MWD Trip by Eric Michael Cap | GOLD STREET

Adobe Premiere Video Editing

Summary

Created ongoing social media content and posts to support church communication, community reach, engagement, and event promotion.

Scope of Work

● Video production and editing for services and events

● Photography and visual content creation

● Social media and digital content support

● Messaging alignment for community outreach

● Multi-platform content delivery

Outcome

Strengthened community engagement and communication through consistent, high-quality media content supporting church initiatives and events.

South Hills Burbank @ Holiday in the Park

Baptism Sunday @ South Hills Burbank

South Hills Burbank @ Burbank on Parade

South Hills Burbank @ National Night Out

Social Media Flyers

South Hills Church Founding Pastor - Chris Sonksen

Eric Michael Cap @ South Hills Church #LoveThe818