Twice every year, the best and brightest companies in live audio, recording, and musical instruments converge on two locations (Anaheim, CA in the winter, and Nashville, TN in the summer) to showcase the best new gear available. No matter your budget, there's something for you at the NAMM show!

Why is this important? It's your chance to see, first-hand, the newest technology from both big and not-so-big companies. While the NAMM show is not open to the public, we'll be there providing live coverage as it happens!

Starting on Friday, check back for live blog coverage as well as exclusive first-looks at some of the best new gear on the planet!

Responding to demand from engineers and project studio owners worldwide, Waves has announced a new plug-in rental program, allowing engineers to purchase a temporary license for many popular Waves products.

Products can be rented for a period of 7 or 30 days, with pricing starting at $50 for a 7-day license. Rental requires an iLok Smart Key.

Unique Recording Software, makers of affordable, high-quality plug-ins for PC & Mac recording packages, have announced the introduction of URS N4, a plug-in that emulates a British six-band vintage EQ in an RTAS or TDM package.

N4 is touted as having "smooth and silky" sound, perfect for mastering.

The TDM license (for Pro Tools HD) is $199, while the RTAS version -- for Pro Tools LE and most other editing softwares -- is $99. Introductory pricing is available until July 15.

Apogee -- makers of highly-regarded converters and recording interfaces -- have announced the latest in their line of professional-quality recording interfaces.

ONE is a single-channel interface that can use either a built-in mic preamp or line input (via breakout cable) or a built-in condenser microphone. Recording quality up to 24-bit, 96kHz is achieved via USB. ONE is compatible with any CoreAudio-supported software package. ONE is priced at $249 and will be available at the end of July.