JamHub GreenRoom

Overview

This is a fantastic idea. Ex Bose exec Steve Skillings invented and came up with the concept of the 'silent rehearsal studio' and basically it’s this: Plug your band’s outputs into a JamHub unit (a mixer-like unit the size of a beatbox) and each band member can create their own individual headphone mix (a "SoleMix") of a rehearsal, writing session, whatever. Everyone can hear the mix they want, at the level they want; even in the pan position they want. Simple. Brilliant.

Nothing gets 'amplified' into the outside world because everyone's wearing headphones. No outside noise = no complaints. Meanwhile, not only can you hear each other with the clarity of being in a recording studio, you save money on rehearsal space, and save the hassle of complaints from the police/parents/neighbors/wife...i.e. anyone in normal hearing range of the inevitably annoying sound (for anyone outside the band) of a band rehearsal.

This model is the middle one of three. The GreenRoom can handle up to seven instruments or sources, up to 4 remote units (vital if your drummer and keyboard player want to be able to make adjustments to the mix without having to get up and walk over to the JamHub) and has USB out which makes recording into a DAW that much more direct.

Effects

Built in are a modest but perfectly usable range of 24-bit digital effects that can be used by the Vocal input. They're focused on reverbs (quite rightly) but also offer some delays and choruses. Each player can decide how much of the effect they want to hear via their own effects return control.

Recording

Not only can the 'seventh' section, at the rear of the product (R), can be used as an analog audio mix out, the GreenRoom model offers USB out which can be patched straight into your DAW. As with all models, there’s even a handy 1-R switch on area 1 so that the person connected here can switch back and forth between their own mix and the mix going to be recorded. Little things like this let you know that the JamHub was designed by someone who's actually played in a band and been through the recording process,

Hardware

It’s not an SSL or an API board but the Jamhub is sturdily made; knobs operating smoothly and the whole construction feeling solid and usable. Each section offers 1/4 inch jack (TRS) outputs plus a remote output (an accessory), and XLR input.

In Use

In a word: liberating. You simply won't believe how fun it is to hear your fellow players so cleanly, so clearly, so controllably. It goes without saying that this works (best) with an electronic as opposed to acoustic kit, and that if you absolutely have to play through a Marshall stack some of the concept may be lost. But provided you are able to accommodate playing predominantly electronic instruments (obviously real vocals are initially going to be generated 'acoustically') then the savings on rehearsal space, or the patience of your nearest and dearest are substantial.

Ridiculously easy to use.

Features

• 21 audio channels for up to 7 musicians
• 7 XLR and 7 TRS input jacks
• SoleMix controls for each section so everyone creates their own mix
• 4 SoleMix remote jacks (1 remote included)
• 1-R switch for quickly listening to recording mix
• R section for connecting to MP3 or recording
• Built-in 24-bit stereo effects including reverb, delay and modulation
• Stage control gives each player virtual stage location in rehearsal studio
• Phantom power (+48V)
• USB out for direct recording to computer