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NAMM 2025 Coverage: In-Depth

New Electronic Music Gear from NAMM + Buchla & Friends

Perfect Circuit · 01/29/25

Of course, among these are many manufacturers in the electronic musical instrument, effect pedal, and studio equipment spheres. As such, we're taking note of some of the most interesting new products at NAMM, keeping tally of the new gear we're most excited to get our hands (and ears) on.

And as always, this time of year seems to find many manufacturers who aren't at NAMM introducing their own new products as well; and, as with last year, many synthesizer and Eurorack manufacturers are gathering in LA for Buchla & Friends, a smaller-scale trade show organized by Buchla USA. So, consider this article to be a roundup of recent exciting synth and audio gear announcements, whether they're actually on the NAMM floor or not. That in mind, read on for some of the most interesting gear news from this January.

Antelope Audio A41B Opto-Tube Compressor

Antelope Audio has entered the realm of fully analog outboard gear under comprehensive digital control with their new A4-1B Opto-Tube Compressor, offering the beloved musicality of opto-tube compression with a workflow fit for modern studios. This enables engineers and producers to capture the unmistakable warmth and organic response of analog hardware without sacrificing the speed and precision of digital automation, meaning deliverables and revisions alike both sound better and are quicker to achieve without having to physically automate the device during a live take. Adding a bit of flair to this powerful arrangement, Antelope has equipped the A4-1B with proprietary motorized potentiometers which instantly snap into place when digitally controlled.

On the analog side, the A4-1B delivers exactly what Antelope set out to do, performing rich and transparent compression which stays incredibly smooth across a wide range of settings. The custom transformers and premium tubes and capacitors ensure not only a fantastic audio quality, but help keep this sound consistent across the frequency spectrum for maximum transparency. Add emphasis and lift to vocals, bring out the satisfying crack and presence of snares, fatten up basses, and so much more. The potentiometers for attack, release, and ratio are continuously variable rather than stepped, giving you surgical control over the compression response and character.

The two sidechain bus inputs on the back can be used to control compression in relation to another signal, with low, band, and high pass filters offering sidechain and de-essing settings in the digital control panel. The digital automation of the A4-1B is available as a standalone app or as a plug-in in your DAW. In addition to full access to all controls and settings, the digital control software enables preset saving for your favorite set ups and starting points, quickly auditioning two sets of settings, and of course, directly automating all parameters from your DAW. The A4-1B comes bundled with a full year of Antelope Membership, including the software control for the A4-1B, a full suite of Synergy Core Native plugins, and more.

Audient iD48 Audio Interface

The Audient iD48 is their updated USB-C flagship audio interface designed for producers and engineers seeking top-tier performance. It boasts eight Audient Console Mic Preamps delivering 68 dB of gain and ultra-low noise, paired with advanced 32-bit ESS DAC technology for pristine, precise audio conversion. With switchable analog inserts for seamless integration of outboard gear, ADAT expandability for up to 16 additional channels, and versatile monitoring options with two headphone amps and configurable speaker outputs, the iD48 can easily become the centerpiece of your studio. Tracking, mixing, or mastering are all handled with ease thanks to the iD48's cutting-edge tech and intuitive design.

Designed for professional demands, the iD48 also features a rugged, studio-ready design with rack-mount options, a silent fanless system, and flexible control via its software mixer. It includes JFET instrument inputs for authentic analog warmth, user-defined monitoring controls, and innovative talkback functionality using a USB or built-in mic. With ultra-low latency monitoring and exceptional build quality, the iD48 is a complete studio solution, offering effortless performance and reliability for every recording scenario.

The iD48 also shines with its innovative monitoring and routing flexibility, making it an indispensable tool for both studio sessions and live environments. Its software mixer allows users to create up to four stereo cue mixes with ultra-low latency, optimized for seamless productivity. Coupled with its dual independent headphone amps supporting up to 600 Ohms and programmable function buttons for quick access to monitoring controls like dim or mono sum, the iD48 ensures smooth and efficient workflows. Whether managing complex sessions or simplifying your setup, the iD48’s thoughtful design empowers creators to focus on what matters most: crafting exceptional sound.

Behringer New Synthesizers

The Yamaha DX1 was a groundbreaking synthesizer, showcasing cutting-edge FM synthesis with dual 6-operator engines for unparalleled sound complexity and precision. Its advanced polyphonic aftertouch and premium design was second-to-none, but with a production run of just 140 and a premium price tag, few still exist. One of the remaining synths was acquired by Behringer and no doubt served as inspiration, let's say, for their BX1, which was on full display at the NAMM 2025 trade show. With a fairly spot-on one-for-one interface recreation, this brings one of the rarest synths back to life and surly to the hands of many enthusiasts.

While the BX1 is going to adopt the features of the DX1, such as 32-voice polyphony, polyphonic aftertouch and bi-timbrality, it's going to differ in the filter design. Using the CS-80's analog multimode filter design, the BX1 is going to be a hybrid synth with said filter. This will give you a filter bank of 32 filters with an added LFO and modulation envelope. An included multi-FX section gives you modulation effects, reverbs, and delays. The front panel includes an SD card slot that will facilitate the transfer of SysEx and original DX patches.

Behringer also had two additional classic fullsize clones of the Sequential Prophet-5 and the Roland Jupiter-6 that were not available for playing, but existed as proof-of-concept. Dubbed the JT-16, we can only guess at the specifications, but the interface looks identical to the classic Roland panel with the classic coloration, square LFO trigger, and 4 slider modulation assignment. Their Pro-16 sits quietly, but we already know that it will feature 16 analog voices and will have the ability to switch between different Prophet 5 revisions. Using technology from their already available UB-Xa, the Pro-16 will have a polyphonic aftertouch keybed, along with full multimode filters.

Bitwig Connect 4/12

Some of the biggest news this week is from Bitwig, the beloved DAW that uses modular concepts to unlock creativity and now your experimental inclinations that move beyond the screen and effortlessly connect to your hardware synths. Their new Connect 4/12 audio interface is a class-compliant device seamlessly bridges the gap between hardware and software, offering DC-coupled CV and MIDI capabilities alongside pristine audio recording. With six mode buttons and a 360° touch-sensitive, all metal main dial, Connect offers unparalleled control over input gain, monitor levels, and Bitwig Studio parameters. The LED-ringed dial provides visual feedback for automation, parameter adjustments, and track navigation, making it an intuitive centerpiece for any creative setup.

Designed with modular synth users in mind, Connect’s DC-coupled inputs and outputs are accessible via 3.5 mm jacks on the front panel, enabling seamless integration between CV-enabled hardware and Bitwig Studio. Whether you’re sending modulation signals from your synth to software or driving hardware sequencers directly from Bitwig, Connect ensures accurate, latency-free performance. Factory calibration guarantees pitch-perfect playback with Bitwig Studio right out of the box. Additionally, the jacks double as audio inputs and outputs for line-level signals, offering maximum versatility for hybrid setups.

The Bitwig Mode elevates Connect to a powerful DAW controller, offering seamless integration with Bitwig Studio’s workflow. The high-resolution dial can fine-tune any parameter with precision by simply hovering the cursor, while the LED ring color-matches Bitwig’s interface to keep you focused. Built for durability and mobility, Connect features a rugged steel chassis, USB-C bus power, and premium components, including a high-quality mic preamp and AKM converters capable of 192kHz/24-bit resolution. Whether you’re recording pristine audio, driving modular rigs, or taking your performances to the stage, Bitwig Connect 4/12 is your perfect companion.

Black Lion PBR LIT Patch Bays

Anyone who has a patchbay at home is likely aware that there's no such thing as a free lunch. Sure, patchbays save a huge amount of time in the studio, but we pay for that time with a serious investment up front in getting things connected and properly labeled. Naturally, we usually pay a few times, as any change to your patchbay set up requires diligent cable rerouting, usually some uncomfortable dives behind the desk, and finally, relabelling. All in all, the trade of some headache for many months or more of streamlined studio routing is a worthwhile deal, but that doesn't make it any less annoying to have to go through.

Thankfully, all that is behind us now with the Black Lion PBR LIT TT and PBR LIT TRS3 Patchbay system, making the future of patchbay set up and workflow infinitely brighter with digitally editable labeling and crystal clear digital displays. When we first caught wind of these at PC, a chorus of "why didn't that exist yet" echoed through our hallowed halls (in three-part microtonal harmony no less!). In seriousness, these patchbays are incredible, and we can't recommend them enough. With options to suit your preferred connector style, both units offer audiophile-grade gold plated connectors and per-channel switches for normal, half-normal, and thru modes.

Of course, both also feature the customizable LED display, which you can configure directly on the device with a connected USB keyboard. Alternatively, you can use the included PatchCAD software to design your labels on a computer, and update them to the device with a connected USB drive in seconds. The TRS model provides 48 patch points with TRS jacks in the back, while the pro-studio targeted TT model gives you a whopping 96 patch points, using DB25 connectors on the back to connect to the rest of your rack. Whether you're upgrading your patchbay system to be kinder on your eyes and back, or only just shoving off into the world of patchable signal routing, the PBR LIT TT and TRS Patchbays from Black Lion are a fantastic addition to any studio.

Black Lion Shure Level-Loc Compressor/Saturator

Not only did Black Lion show off their wonderful patchbays, but they debuted a collaboration with Shure and Korneff Audio to recreate the beloved Shure M62V “Level-Loc” Audio Level Controller. Originally introduced in the '60s, the unique sonic palette has been reproduced in both software and hardware form. Shure worked closely with Korneff Audio to create the software version while Black Lion Audio took care of painstakingly, component-by-componant ensuring that the hardware version is decidedly a Shure-quality product.

Originally designed in the 1960s as a reliable, no-frills compressor/limiter for live sound and broadcast, the Shure Level-Loc quickly earned a second life in the studio world. Engineers fell in love with its unapologetically heavy-handed compression and gritty saturation, making it a coveted secret weapon for adding character to drum busses and other tracks. Black Lion Audio, in collaboration with Shure, has resurrected this iconic tool for modern studios. The new Level-Loc delivers all the original’s aggressive charm while adding practical features and enhanced reliability, ensuring it’s ready for decades of creative use.

With the new Level-Loc, Black Lion Audio stays true to the original’s quirks while introducing features like a mix control for parallel compression, selectable release times, and modern connectivity. Whether you’re driving it hard for intense saturation or dialing in subtle warmth, the Level-Loc offers a range of sonic possibilities. Its blend of vintage vibe and contemporary functionality—like phantom power for condenser mics and combo jack inputs—makes it an indispensable tool for adding punch and character to any production. From subtle grit to all-out distortion, this modern reimagining of the Level-Loc is your go-to for creative compression and saturation.

BOSS VG-800 Virtual Guitar Processor

Discover your instrument's true potential with the Boss VG-800 Virtual Guitar Processor, a cutting-edge amp modeler and effects processor designed for both guitar and bass. Featuring a Serial GK divided pickup interface, the VG-800 offers ultra-responsive, latency-free string processing, opening up a world of new sonic possibilities. From classic electric tones to authentic acoustic banjos, and even completely new hybrid sounds, this processor lets you model and manipulate a wide range of instruments. You can even layer sounds across different strings with innovative features like the Dual Guitar and Dual Bass modes. With Boss’s latest amp models, effects, and custom configurations, the VG-800 is your all-in-one solution for creating unique sounds in live performances and studio settings.

The VG-800's integration with Boss’s Serial GK divided pickups takes creativity to the next level. Instantly change the tuning of each string individually—no need for physical retuning—making drop tunings and alternate tunings easier than ever. The harmony function lets you generate rich ensemble textures with just a single note or chord. Take control of your sound with dynamic pitch bends and other expressive techniques, all accessible via an external footswitch or expression pedal. And for bassists, the VG-800’s dedicated guitar and bass modes ensure that it meets the needs of both instruments with equal power and precision.

With versatile connectivity options, the VG-800 seamlessly integrates into any setup. Use the integrated send/receive jacks to combine external effects with the processor’s built-in sounds, whether in mono or stereo. You can also add up to four footswitches or two expression pedals for real-time control and sound manipulation, or interface via USB or MIDI for expanded functionality. The Serial GK output allows for direct connection to other Serial GK devices, like the GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer or an additional VG-800, giving you even more options to expand your sound. Additionally, the VG-800 features an integrated multichannel USB audio interface, enabling direct recording of multiple instrument models into your DAW for effortless production.

Whether you’re exploring new textures, experimenting with synthesis, or adding rich effects to your guitar or bass, the Boss VG-800 provides an all-in-one platform to push your instrument’s boundaries and inspire endless creativity.

Buchla USA Easel Aux Card Expander

Buchla USA announced their Aux Card adapter for Music Easel systems, letting you add a ton of functional signal sources to your classic portable system via the program card connector. While the Easel gives you a wonderfully refined set of tools for stage and studio use, in any environment its natural to find yourself wanting just a bit more. To that end, Buchla's Easel Aux Expander card gives you an additional modulation CV or audio source and a noise source with a filter. The high and low range switches push the oscillator into audio or LFO territories, perfect for taking over modulation duties in the low range so you can use the Easel's modulation oscillator as a sound source.

The modulation oscillator can be mixed with the filtered noise in any mode, great for patching up drum sounds or unique modulation sources. In keyboard bus mode, you get a tuning reference, and the card can be controlled by internal bus capable 218e keyboards. Another pulse input is also onboard, with switchable destinations. The card also lets you CV control the timbre control and switches on your 208, with timbre waveshape, modulation range, gate source, VCA/LPF modes, modulation waveshape, and modulation variation as potential targets. While the Easel is a wonderfully capable instrument on its own, the Aux card adds a ton of functionality and convenience, enabling further depths of creative patching.

Cranborne Brick Lane 500 Modal Compressor

Cranborne Audio has released the first ever Modal Compressor with the Brick Lane 500 series module, powered by a snappy, clean and fully analog PWM compression circuit. The secret is in their analog lookahead technology that is a modern marvel allowing for zero attack time compression working in congress with the flexible PWM circuit that gives adjustable dynamic characteristics without any loss in performance. Not satisfied with a single offering, Cranborne has gone above-and-beyond by offering 6 different compressor models.

Velvet modes gives you a vintage vari-mu style, tube-inspired harmonic compression that has the warmth and character of a vintage unit with a smooth, organic dynamic control. Float gives you transparent opto-inspired dynamics with wavelike compression ballistics. Smash, on the other hand, is a FET-style compressor with a palpable punch and aggressive dynamic characteristic. Tame is ultra-fast and designed for transient management—think fluctuating acoustic material or improvised, dynamic rich performances. Glue is a master bus compressor designed to, well, glue everything together and has a gentle characteristic. Polish is thee mastering compressor setting on this module that utilizes the Analogue-Lockahead technology to its fullest.

Aside from the bevy of vintage hardware inspired models, the Brick Lane is a straightforward device with an intuitive interface. It does, however, feature a proprietary Stress control that will allow a subtle kiss of saturation and coloration to emerge no matter what model you use, ensuring that your session doesn't just have the sound of a particular compressor, but there's a little bit of your own taste in the mix. Easily chain two of these together with the Optosync switch that will turn the left unit into the master and all other units to the right into slaves, meaning you can expand to your heart's content without using extra cables. This might be one of the most innovative compressors to hit the 500-series realm and perfect for any studio.

Deft Audio Luma-1 + Luma-Mu

The Luma-1 is a meticulously crafted recreation of the iconic LM-1 drum machine, originally designed by Roger Linn in 1979 and reimagined by Joe Britt. Faithful to its predecessor, the Luma-1 replicates the original LM-1’s audio path using vintage DACs, filters, and even the Rev 3 LM-1 firmware. Its dual CPU architecture pairs a Z80 processor with a modern ARM processor, enabling features like USB connectivity, MIDI, and hot-swappable sound storage via SD cards or SysEx downloads. Despite these updates, the entire audio signal path, from the loose clock generation to the µ-law DACs and analog filters, mirrors the LM-1’s original design.

Built with quality and expandability in mind, the Luma-1 features modular voice cards for serviceability and upgrades, along with a durable, compact enclosure modeled after the LM-1. Modern SMD components reduce its size while retaining the vintage aesthetic, complete with customizable wooden side panels. Additionally, the Luma-1 offers user-accessible filter cutoff controls and versatile sample compatibility, supporting both vintage and new sounds. At 25 lbs, this retro-modern drum machine honors its legacy while embracing future possibilities for music production.

Deft Audio also showed off their LumaMu single voice Eurorack module that takes the Mu-Law sample format that is found in the Luma-1 and brings it to your rack. Built with 40 year old new-old-stock DA converters this voice brings the ineffable quality of vintage gear to your current synth, as well as gives you access to all of the samples available. Since it's modular, you also have CV over dynamics, pitch and sample selection along with the trigger and clock inputs.

Digitech HammerOn Pitch Shifter

The HammerOn is the latest pedal from DigiTech, bringing their renowned pitch-shifting technology to the forefront and giving musicians endless possibilities to explore sounds that would otherwise be unplayable.

At its core, HammerOn is a versatile pitch shifter, allowing you to instantly transpose your instrument up or down by a set musical interval. But with additional modes and features, it transforms into much more. Trill Mode lets you achieve lightning-fast note transitions that would be impossible with your foot alone. Pair this with Impossible Mode, which lets you seamlessly switch between different pitch intervals, or dive into Sequence Mode to trigger up to five-note phrases, pushing your instrument into new sonic dimensions.

With the DigiTech HammerOn, the limits of your musical imagination are gone: your instrument's pitch becomes a malleable parameter that can be played independently of the usual interface, unlocking new possibilities.

Digitech MonoNeon Signature Whammy

MonoNeon, the experimental bassist known for their daring musical approach and electric stage presence, has cultivated a devoted following with their vibrant style. Always seen rocking neon colors and bass guitar accessories to match, it’s only fitting that DigiTech has released a special edition of the Whammy pedal in striking yellow and orange, complete with custom-tuned settings to suit Mono’s unique sound.

The core pitch-shifting capabilities of the Whammy remain intact, delivering the same iconic effects you know and love. However, the Harmony section has received some exciting updates to match Mono's preferences, including new settings like Down a 4th with Up a 5th, Down a 5th with Up a 4th, and two additional dry + octave options. You’ll also find new variations like Dry + Octave Down to 2 Octaves Down, Octave Up to 2 Octaves Up, and the Octave Up to Octave Down—all features carried over from the standard Whammy models. Plus, a new Hypersonic mode lets you shift your bass an entire 3 octaves up, unlocking a stunning range of sound.

Brighten up your pedalboard and take your bass playing to the next level with the MonoNeon Signature Whammy from DigiTech.

Dubreq Stylophone CPM DS-2 Drone Synth

Teased nearly a year ago, the folks at Dubreq have now released their most ambitious instrument yet with the Stylophone CPM DS-2 Drone Synthesizer, a compact semi-modular synth perfect for crafting rich, cinematic drones. Renowned in the synth world for providing fun and accessible classics like the original Stylophone and 2024's Stylophone Theremin, the DS-2 represents a departure from Dubreq's typically quirky, surprisingly musical, and toy-like instruments. Despite its relative complexity and seamless integration into sprawling Eurorack systems, the DS-2 retains the fun and intuitive experience of their classic models, while offering a competitive option for musicians looking to start or expand a serious synth set-up. As only the first of their Compact Portable Modular line, the DS-2's rich sound and intuitive, drone-focused workflow portends big things on the horizon from one of our favorite small synth brands.

Priced right around the most affordable semi-modular synths on the market, the DS-2 offers plenty bang for your buck. Rather than concern itself with sequencing and MIDI control, the DS-2 leans proudly into what it was made to do, which is to create captivating drone textures with analog richness and many opportunities for nuanced modulation. For sound generation, the DS-2 provides two fully featured 3340 oscillators, each paired with a 3320 filter, and a lovely end chain reverb and delay stage to add even more space to its massive sounds. Dubreq's implementation of the CEM oscillator and filter chips, heard in such classics like the Sequential Prophet-5, offers immensely rich and stable synth voices, while the analog BBD delay and multi-mode digital reverb offer similarly solid and musical effects that are often crucial to ambient and drone musics.

These sound generators and effectors can be controlled by the Ultra LFO, which gives you two independent modulation sources with a shared rate. With a wide range of unique waveshapes, these tempo-synced waves help add a sense of pulse when you need it, and make it easy to create musical gestures that feel grounded and contextualized. While a fantastically capable drone instrument on its own, the DS-2's unique LFO and rock-solid analog oscillators are well worth the price of admission in a larger Eurorack system, and the addition of even a single envelope and controller makes for an incredibly accessible starting point into modular synthesizers. Whether your plans are this ambitious or not, the DS-2's onboard speaker and headphone output make it positively pleasant to play anywhere you are, and qualifies as a no-brainer addition to any drone-lover's arsenal of devices.

Dubreq Stylophone CPM DF-8 Analog Multi-Filter

Freshly off the release of their stunning and affordable CPM DS-2 Drone Synthesizer, Dubreq Stylophone has announced the next unit in their exciting Compact Portable Modular series, the CPM DF-8 Analog Dynamic Multi-Filter. Much like the DS-2, which features no traditional envelopes, the DF-8 provides a potent modular sound design environment without traditional oscillators. Instead, the DF-8 focuses on its double dose of powerful filters, with modulation, noise sources, and effects to create a uniquely capable sound source. Both filter modules combine a classically sweet 2045 filter with Stylophone's own squelch-happy Gen R-8 topology, providing eight distinct filter modes with a unique character.

Swap between filters, use them together for biting band pass and notch filters, and run the two modules in parallel or series to achieve a wide variety of resonant filter tones and flexible signal sculpting. Each filter can be controlled by the onboard dual ADSR linear envelopes, or via the slewable sample and hold, enabling everything from nostalgic rave lazer sounds to effervescent bleeps and bubbles. Send in the onboard noise sources to shape wind and ocean sounds, resonant noise percussion, and more. Similar to the DS-2, the DF-8 provides an analog PT2399 delay which lets you set your sounds into subtle spatialization or blast off into dark delay feedback. The delay can also be modulated by the internal envelopes and sample and hold, enabling creative manipulation of the effect with CV.

While the DF-8 is an accessible powerhouse for sound design on its own, paired with the DS-2 it provides an incredibly comprehensive, duophonic modular synth environment that rivals many starter Eurorack systems at a fraction of the cost. The CPM line is also Eurorack compatible, making the DF-8 a fantastic addition to any system, providing the rich sound and nuanced modulation possibilities modular systems thrive on in a compact and affordable unit. Either CPM unit will no doubt send some users into the rabbit hole of modular expansion, but the compact form factor, battery operation, and onboard speaker will satisfy many as a fun gadget to explore sound design from the comfort of the couch. With the DF-8 as the first expansion of Dubreq's CPM line, we can't wait to see what wonderful and strange sounds will join this powerful, portable duo.

Dubreq Stylophone Stylosette Keys + Gen X-2

In addition to their new and formidable Compact Portable Modular series, Dubreq has remained true to their roots, unveiling an even smaller iteration on their legendary Stylophone called the Stylosette. The Stylosette provides the full stylophone experience in a form factor the size of a standard audio cassette tape, letting you take this pocketable synth anywhere for making melodies on the go. In addition to its classically buzzy tone, the Stylosette features vibrato and delay effects, letting you wobble and repeat gestures for surprisingly expressive playing. Onboard is a tiny speaker, which can be bypassed when using headphones.

Most notable about the Stylosette's design is the ability to connect conductive materials to the small breakout connections on the bottom of the unit, letting you trigger the keys with all sorts of fun household materials. Simply connect alligator clips between the multiple pins and your conductive material, and you can quickly assemble a banana-based synth instrument, aluminum foil keytar, and more. Hold onto the common ground connection with one hand, and play your quirky creation with the other for hours of fun. Stylosette's expansion port allows for two units to be connected with one controlling the other, for expandable synth fun. As the smallest Stylophone yet, we can't wait to have fun dreaming up new ways to play this classic sound maker.

The modern stylophone has also received a revitalization with the announcement of the Stylophone Gen X-2, a follow up to the expanded Stylophone synth offered in the Gen X-1. Carrying on the expanded toolset from Gen X-1, with onboard LFO, filter, envelope, sub octave, PWM, and delay effect, the Stylophone Gen X-2 promises even more expressivity with its three-mode slider control, letting you vary not only pitch but also LFO and filter parameters. There is also an octave switch for changing between registers. Other new features aren't yet clear, but Dubreq has teased keyboard, sequencer, and even modular connectivity, taking the long-beloved Stylophone into new territories of musical possibility.

Elysia xmax Masterbus Processor

German outfit Elysia, known for their high-end studio processors like their wonderful alpha compressor, have released a new stereo compressor perfect for end of chain mixing and mastering. The xmax is a class-a masterbus processor, offering a stereo multiband compressor with integrated mid/side processing. In addition to shaping dynamics across the stereo image and frequency spectrum, Elysia has included the soft clipping circuit from the alpha compressor, enriching signals with analog saturation without clipping your converters. This potent mix and mastering tool helps bring both balance and excitement to your master track or any other bus, imparting a transparent and controlled sound to your mix with an organic and natural enhancement.

In classic Elysia style, the xmax is available as a standard 1U 19" rack unit, a 2-slot 500-series module, or the ultra-portable qube. In any format, the xmax provides a comprehensive set of tools for bringing the best out of any stereo source. With compression divided into low, mid, and side bands, the xmax gives you control over the most crucial aspects of a stereo image, taming signals in relation to both frequency and location in stereo space. You can independently adjust threshold and gain for each of these bands. In the control section of the panel, the crossover frequency between low and mid can be adjusted, letting you target low end information for your specific needs. A global time control affects the response of each compressor, while the link feature allows you to blend bands for your desired level of separation. Control low end further with the lowmono switch, scooching that kick drum and other low sounds to the center, and engage the punch control for a more aggressive compression ratio. To finish off your sound, an intuitive one-knob shelf EQ and the ineffable soft clipper from the alpha compressor sculpt and enrich your tone towards stereo bliss.

While no doubt hardware-crazed engineers will enjoy adding any one of the three formats available for the xmax to their towering collection of tools, the xmax can offer a huge benefit as your only piece of external processing in your studio. For folks working in the box, maintaining the convenience in editing and retakes that digital tools provide while keeping a single go-to stereo unit to liven up the master is a powerful workflow, offering a happy medium between both worlds. Outside of the studio, the xmax is a fantastic tool for live sound rigs, letting you shape and tame a stereo mix with precision for record-ready live sound. No matter your application or chosen format, the xmax from Elysia will bring the best out of any audio, shaping a stereo image with surgical precision and serving up sizzling saturation for engaging and impactful mixes.

Enjoy Electronics The Godfather

Enjoy Electronics, the Italian designer behind the wonderfully capable Reminder desktop multieffects processor, showed off their similarly formidable multieffects sound processor in the Godfather, a creative multichannel effects processor. Built in an enclosure that matches the format of Moog's popular semimodular synthesizers and with a Eurorack-compatible patchbay conveniently placed on the right side of the panel, the Godfather may at first seem to be a unique multieffect aimed only at the modular crowd. However, much like the Reminder, the Godfather's premium sound quality, multichannel connectivity, and unique combination of coloration and time based effects will no doubt peak the interested ears of a wide variety of studio musicians and live performers.

The Godfather's interface is divided up with identical controls for each of four channels on the left, global effect and modulation controls around an OLED screen in the center, and the patchbay connections for audio, CV, and MIDI signals on the right. Each channel is processed through an input with adjustable gain, then to two delay effects. The first delay offers a clean digital delay line with tape or crossfade-style time change modes, which can be overdubbed and shifted in multiple ways. This is then routed into the dual pulse delay, which enables two offset delay lines which can follow an incoming clock source, creating polyrhythmic and syncopated rhythmic repeats. The dual pulse delay also features a high and low pass filter. These delays are then processed through a comprehensive chain of tone shaping tools, including an EQ, additional DJ-style high and low filter, saturation, compression, panning, and level control, before sealing the deal with a lush Reverb effect. At the output, four independent outputs give you flexibility to send signals separately or in a mixed stereo sum. Last but certainly not least, two LFOs can be routed to create shifts in processing parameters, creating movement and evolution in your music.

Considering the Godfather's extensive network of LEDs and OLED screen for live feedback, multiple performance oriented features like playable delay modes, mutes, and DJ-style filters, it will undoubtedly excel as a live processor for electronic musicians. From techno DJs to experimental ambient improvers, the Godfather offers a fantastic tool for manipulating multiple channels of audio live, as it essentially provides an all in one effects and mixing solution. In the studio, you'll be hard pressed not to put everything you record through a channel or two to see what it can bring out, even if just using the subtle enhancement from the Godfather's warm saturation and compression. And with more firmware updates on the horizon, The Godfather stands to be an effects processor virtually no electronic musician can refuse.

Enjoy Electronics DeFeel

In addition to their powerful multichannel effects processor, Enjoy Electronics has unveiled their first Eurorack module, DeFeel. Billed as a Modular Monotony Degenerator, DeFeel is designed to create fills, or intervening variations on a sequence useful for transitions, impactful musical moments, phrase manipulation, and more. Taking cue from drummer terminology, DeFeel provides a purpose-built tool for creating variations on the gate and CV sequences from your sequencers and other control elements of a patch. To do this, it takes in gate, CV, and MIDI sequences, and sends them out with fluctuations in density you can set on the unique touch-screen interface.

The interface itself is a translucent and sleek design with a large, 4.3" multi-touch display. With a transport bar that moves along the screen in time with your chosen clock source, you can draw-in variations on your sequence, intuitively crafting impactful changes that organically fit against your original pattern. This is also fully optimized for live control, letting live performers dynamically alter their tunes and improvise changes on the fly. Gate density is dynamic between one and sixty-four gates per step, and the onboard pattern mode lets you program up to sixteen rhythms. Scale quantization, multiple playback modes, variable loop length, and an expansive parameter modulation system provide many opportunities for dramatically changing your sequenced material, effortlessly degenerating the monotony of those repetitive patterns.

Perfect for both streamlined and multi-voice systems, DeFeel gives you four pairs of CV inputs and outputs, and two for gates. Clock, play, and reset inputs let you get DeFeel grooving with the rest of your modular system, while the onboard MIDI input and output enables connectivity to virtually any electronic instrument in your studio. Available in both a standard 3U Eurorack format and as a desktop unit combined with a standalone case, DeFeel from Enjoy Electronics will soon be shaking up a sequence near you, degenerating the monotony to bring out fresh and exciting musical gestures.

Erica Synths Perkons Voice

Take the essence of the PERKONS HD-01 but leave the chassis behind with the Perkons Voice from Erica Synths. Tuck this little friend into your Eurorack system and get the nicest sounding drums in the biz along with a 4-voice ROMpler style engine and built in drone mode. Select one of the 13 algorithms to dial in deep bass tones, crunchy snare or tom sounds, and sizzling cymbals, each with their own unique parameter controls. With the on-board Drive and Cutoff control, you can do some light sound design to customize your sound—the filter can even be adjusted from high pass to band pass to low pass.

Not satisfied with being simply a percussion voice, the Tune CV is calibrated for 1V/oct and can function as a snappy melodic voice, as well. Store up to 99 presets and control them all via CV for syncopated chaos or precise sound conjuring. What you see is what you get with the Perkons Voice, and what you get is a massive, versatile drum voice.

ESI Xsynth Prototype

ESI showcased a functional prototype for the Xsynth, a CME Xkey derivative synthesizer. With a slim profile, a compact screen along with a companion app, the Xsynth is a flexible device that is perfect for any compact setup. Using the 3 sample-based ROM oscillators, you can get the classic waveforms you love, along with more experimental sampled material. Thanks to the newly developed digital engine, you can get rich textures with a simultaneous voice count of up to 10 and at least 8.

Modulation is a snap with the built-in modulation matrix, bevy of LFOs, glide control and arpeggiator. Store all of your sounds with the ample 512 slots of memory, 128 of those being factory presets. While the keys are compact and flat, they still offer polyphonic aftertouch allowing for unmatched expressivity. If you're in a pinch and set for synth sounds, the Xsynth can be used as a standard MIDI controller with assignable CC values for the 4 knobs. Designed to be a solution for tight spaces and with travel in mind, the ESI Xsynth is capable of conjuring just about any sound you can imagine and with its intuitive interface, it could even allow serendipity to appear.

The current model is just a prototype—but we look forward to seeing where it goes.

Eternal Research Demon Box

Among the bevy of supposedly more "practical" products of NAMM, we are always excited to see instruments that push the boundaries of sound creation to provide a unique tool for sonic experimentation. Eternal Research first announced The Demon Box on kickstarter last year, which is well qualified as one such innovation in creating captivating sounds by unconventional means. The appearance of the Demon Box is simultaneously stark and subtle, suggesting its arcane sound processing through its stout, triangular shape and esoteric array of magnetic inductors on the top panel. Using a proprietary system for picking up and processing electromagnetic fields, such as those produced by vibrating magnetic material, consumer electronics, and other hidden sound sources, The Demon Box sonifies the world of energies that radiate through our modern environment. Through a number of connectivity options, it also presents opportunities to get these signals interacting with other electronics, opening the door to a world of experimental sound practices.

While EMF sonification devices aren't particularly new, The Demon Box goes much further to serve up signals with a diverse range of options for making and affecting sound. The thirty-three inductors on top are divided into three arrays, divided evenly between each point of the triangular frame. These three sources are routed to three independent mono outputs, as well as a stereo output which sums all three sources to a stereo image. On the side of the enclosure, each channel features a set of three knobs and a four-position switch, letting you manipulate, pan, and adjust the pickup mode of each source. Simply hover an EMF producing object like your electronic gizmo of choice over the inductors, and sculpt an immersive field as hums, glitches, whines, and tangled waves spill out from The Demon Box.

Audio mangling may be enough for some, but Eternal Research has taken The Demon Box to hell and back to provide even more opportunities for infernal signal interactions. Three control voltage outputs, each tied to the amplitude of one of the three channels, are great for controlling modular synth voices and effects, initiating chain reactions of sonic transformation with each electromagnetic transmission. The 5-Pin DIN MIDI output lets you control an even wider array of devices, integrating any modern synth or software instrument, DMX lighting rigs, and more with creative control mappings. Certainly one of the most unique offerings in this year's NAMM line-up, The Demon Box offers an inspiring platform (both literally and figuratively) for sound designers, experimental musicians, and anyone curious to listen in on the cryptic conversations of our everyday electronics.

Flock Audio Patch LV + Switch

Flock Audio is the leader when it comes to software-enabled signal routing thanks to their flagship Patch series of patchbays. They use software to control the analog signal routed into their robust lineup of devices that eschew AD/DA converters in favor of their patented analog routing technology. One area was lacking, however, and that is with live sound which has now been addressed thanks to their all new Patch LV that features the same analog routing, but with Dante connections.

Redefining versatility the Patch LV has 64-point connectivity, offering 8 Dante-enabled inputs and outputs alongside a fully analog 24-input/24-output Patch Series routing. With DB-25/D-SUB connectors using the Tascam standard pinout format, this system seamlessly integrates into any professional setup. The Patch App software lets you create, store, and recall routing configurations in seconds, while patented Matrix Technology ensures a fully transparent, 100% analog signal path with zero AD/DA conversion. Whether designing complex multing combinations or expanding to larger I/O systems via Dante, this patchbay offers uncompromising sound quality and unparalleled flexibility for any studio environment.

They also introduced the Switch, a handy desktop device that lets you switch between 1 or 8 different inputs using a luxurious illuminated knob or their Switch App. Featuring 100% transparent analog routing, a large LCD display with customizable visuals, and innovative noise suppression for silent transitions, Switch offers unmatched flexibility and sonic purity. From its ergonomic desktop design to its ambient under-glow knob, Switch empowers creativity with style and precision.

Genki Instruments Katla

Genki Instruments presented what may be the first ever Icelandic synthesizer, with their Katla Desktop Polyphonic Synthesizer. A departure from their innovative wearable Wave ring controller, Katla provides a powerful sound source that still carries Genki's unique perspective on design. Inspired by the most active and dangerous volcano in Iceland, Katla, which is the Icelandic word for "Kettle", is more than capable of brewing up richly organic tones and textures. In fitting with its inspirations, Katla features probably the coolest side cheeks ever to be featured on a synth, made of real volcanic basalt rock, making each unit unique. The synthesizer topology in Katla should be familiar to most, yet fuses elements of both polyphonic and paraphonic designs to provide a relatively unique set of musical possibilities. Five voices each with an oscillator and filter can be manipulated with multiple flexible envelopes, including two loopable ADSRs and a feature-rich LFO. Add in the stereo reverb and saturation, and Katla provides a great sounding engine capable of a diverse range of classic synth sounds.

Where things get interesting are its unique individual voice controls, letting you change the timbre, pitch, and volume of voices independently in round robin and unison modes for a detailed degree of sonic sculptability. The LFO can self-modulate and features a very playable modulation matrix which can tie its frequency to the movement of the oscillators, changing the rate of complex modulations with each note. Perhaps even more unique is Katla's ability to save presets for specific synth sections rather than for your global design, letting you craft interesting modulations or sounds to mix and match at your discretion. It will be some time until Katla erupts into our showroom in all its volcanic glory, as Genki is currently only showing a digital prototype, but we're certain its impending release will be explosive for many synthesists looking for unique workflows and nuanced sound design potential.

Harrison 32Classic MS Channel Strip

Achieve legendary studio sound with the Harrison 32Classic MS High-Performance Channel Strip, a 19" rack unit that brings the iconic sonic signature of the acclaimed Harrison 32Classic console to your studio. Featuring the same time-tested combination of a Jensen transformer-coupled preamp, vibrant filtering, and smooth four-band EQ, this channel strip delivers the signature sound used by legends like Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, and Led Zeppelin—now available to studios of any size. With added features and an integrated stereo mix bus for chaining multiple units together, the 32Classic MS enhances both your sound and workflow.

At the heart of the 32Classic is a versatile input stage with options for both line and instrument-level sources, making it easy to integrate into any setup. The preamp delivers an impressive 70dB of clean gain, adding warmth and vitality to any audio source, with the Jensen transformer ensuring a full, balanced tone across the frequency range. The high and low-pass filters help smooth out unwanted low-end rumble and brighten the top end before the EQ stage. When paired with the four-band parametric EQ, you can preserve a solid low-end foundation while opening up the high frequencies for clarity and brilliance.

The 32Classic MS also features an integrated mix bus, enabling you to easily chain multiple units via the summing connectors on the rear panel. With stereo output and pan controls, you can effortlessly create stereo channel strips, drum mix busses, and more. Additional outputs, with both pre and post fader options, plus an onboard pre-filter insert point, offer excellent connectivity for integrating seamlessly with the rest of your studio gear.

If you're looking for professional-grade studio sound coupled with streamlined workflow options, the Harrison 32Classic MS High-Performance Channel Strip is the perfect tool to elevate your next project.

Heritage Audio Synth Buddy + OHM

We've all been in the situation where we start to play, get into a zone, then realize you ran out of inputs and need to repatch. This small time cost can lead to a flow fallout and is just not as seamless as most artists want. Well, Heritage Audio has come up with a passive solution with their Synth Buddy, a switchable 10 Stereo input, 1 Stereo output device that can allow you to easily move from instrument to instrument without having to repatch anything. The ins and outs are also reversible, so you can plug in a single instrument and switch it between 10 different effects effortlessly.

One device for the synth enthusiast and another for the audio enthusiast, Heritage Audio also brings us the OHM Amp, designed for powering the most high-end of headphones and offering Alps "Blue Velvet" output level potentiometer. With inputs for balanced, unbalanced, and Bluetooth the OHM Amp will unlock the full spectrum of sound in your favorite pair of headphones. From the discrete diamond buffers, as found on the high-end RAM system, to the gold-plated connectors, to the aforementioned Blue Velvet pot and Burr Brown op amps, no expense was spared. This is a great amp that is perfect for anyone with headphones.

Korg handytraxx Series

With the expert guidance of Toshihide Nakama, the co-creator of the Vestax Handy Trax, Korg resurrects this beloved classic in the portablism scene—offering 4 different versions designed for the turntablist, vinyl enthusiast, audiophile, and collector. The handytraxx Play is designed with the turntablist in mind and features a snappy crossfader that has a reverse mode with a scratch-optimized curve. This thing is a self-contained expression tool with a built-in looper, delay, and multi-mode filter plus it has been designed to minimize needle skips from accidental bumps or intentional cuts. Components are premium and allow it to stand out from other portable turntables, from the tonearm to the cart, to the digital rotation correction that allows for quick recoveries, the quality is second-to-none—and this is the base model.

The other three models are designed for vinyl enthusiasts and audiophiles who want a high quality sound from their turntables. The handytraxx Tube and Tube J utilize the Nutube technology pioneered by Korg to deliver a rich, warm sound. Subtle tone controls allow for the perfect balance and the premium components make the interaction superb. A die-cast aluminum platter adds a satisfying heft to the interaction while the subtle silver accents give understated prestige. Both Tube models are the same, but the Tube J version includes the JICO Clipper cart, a girthy dirigible looking cartridge that delivers incredible audio quality. You can easily convert your record to digital via USB, however, if that's what you're interested in, the handytraxx 1-Bit is what you want.

Designed to capture the most authentic representation of your record collection, the handytraxx 1-Bit uses Direct Stream Digital (DSD) as its digital vessel, which offers an incredible sampling rate of ~2.8 Megahertz. With the same premium components and Nutube technology as the handytraxx Tube, the 1-Bit sounds fantastic whether you're doing a digital conversion or kicking back absorbing the sounds. Coming out of nowhere, the Korg handytraxx line is stacked with heavy hitters for any type of vinyl enjoyer out there.

Korg Kronos 3

The Korg Kronos 3 is back! This marks the return of Korg's most iconic music workstation: a keyboard instrument that has pushed boundaries since its original inception.

Kronos 3 is a high-performance keyboard designed for musicians who need versatile tools for both studio production and live performance. Equipped with a massive library of over 300 sounds and powered by nine unique synth engines, the Kronos 3 offers everything from rich, realistic instrument tones to futuristic synthesizer patches. Whether you're shaping piano sounds or exploring cutting-edge synth textures, the Kronos 3 has the flexibility to fit any musical style. You can even capture and manipulate samples, apply effects, and build full arrangements directly from its intuitive TouchView display.

As a studio powerhouse, the Kronos 3 serves as an indispensable arranger and sequencer. With its advanced MIDI sequencer, you can record up to sixteen tracks of MIDI, exploring various creative modes and capturing every detail of your ideas. The Korg KARMA and Drum Tracks features provide automatic generation of rhythm and phrase patterns that adapt to your performance, while the 16-track audio recorder offers four simultaneous recording tracks to help you lay down complex arrangements and backing tracks. For live performances, the Kronos 3’s set list function makes it easy to organize and switch between sounds seamlessly, ensuring smooth transitions during your performance without dropouts.

Designed for expressive control, the Kronos 3 features keybed that’s perfect for players who want a lively and portable playing experience (the 61-key version sports synth action keys, while the 73 and 88-key versions use Korg's latest RH3 piano-action keybed design). The large TouchView display gives you direct access to patch settings and performance information, making it simple to tweak sounds on the fly. The keyboard also includes a range of physical controls, including assignable pedals and preset buttons, allowing you to interact directly with its rich sound palette. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Korg Kronos 3 Music Workstation combines powerful sound design, seamless workflow tools, and intuitive controls, making it the ultimate all-in-one instrument for modern musicians.

Korg miniKORG 700Sm Synthesizer

Korg has announced yet another reissue of one of their classic designs, the Korg MiniKORG 700Sm, bringing an old favorite into the modern world with additional features that help integrate the instrument into contemporary workflows. The original MiniKORG 700 was the legendary outfit's first foray into analog synthesizers, and may be shadowed in mere specs by giants like the Korg PS-3300, offers an intuitive keyboard instrument that still excels at its original goal: adding a fun and funky monophonic synth voice to extend a primary polyphonic keyboard, or simply add a fresh vintage synth sound to a studio collection. The 700 was later followed by a two-oscillator version, the 700S, on which the 700Sm is based. Even more mini than before, the MiniKORG 700Sm is only 86% of the original size, yet comes with a number of more modern features, making it easy to find room for this friendly little synth in a small studio.

The additional oscillator provides a synth topology that should seem familiar to anyone with experience with a monophonic synth, delivering rich leads and basslines with ease. The horizontally-positioned high and low pass filters, nicknamed the Traveller, is one of the most beloved aspects of this classic design, sculpting tones intuitively with small protrusions on each fader cap that keeps your filters from crossing over. Naturally, users of the original found that there was plenty of musical material to be found by crossing the filters, so Korg includes additional fader caps without the protrusions if you'd like to explore this without getting crafty with a sharp object. Most of the other sound parameters are easy to control with the faders and switches placed beneath the keybed, in keeping with the organ-topper design of the original unit.

Where this reissue diverts from the original model, users are treated to an expanded set of performance tools and the modern convenience of digital storage. Unlike the original, the MiniKORG 700Sm features a handful of preset slots, perfect for saving a few of your favorite tones for easy recall in performance. Bend and shape tones with the joystick controller, add expressive weight with aftertouch, and spin out spiraling arpeggios with the MiniKORG 700Sm's arpeggiator. Even with its double mini-fied size, Korg found room for a spring reverb tank inside the unit, adding a welcome dose of space to its nostalgic analog tones. Finally, this reissue seamlessly integrates into modern studios, with USB, MIDI, analog sync, and CV connectivity to get the instrument dancing along with your other gear.

Whether you are looking for vintage analog sounds in a reliable modern package or simply want to own a piece of Korg's legendary history of design for yourself, the MiniKORG 700Sm is a fantastic addition to any studio. Now over 50 years since the original release of the 700S, we're excited to hear the music this Korg classic can help create for a new generation of musicians.

Korg Multi/Poly M

The Korg Multi/Poly M is the rackmount iteration of the acclaimed Multi/Poly Analog Modeling Synthesizer, offering a compact solution that delivers rich, analog-inspired sounds through a highly flexible digital engine. Just like its keyboard counterpart, the Multi/Poly M takes analog modeling to new heights, with its powerful engine meticulously emulating every aspect of analog warmth and character. With up to sixty voices of polyphony, expansive multitimbral capabilities, and a wealth of expressive features, the Multi/Poly M is an exceptional addition to any studio or stage setup.

Multi/Poly M is powered by virtual analog voice card technology that simulates the subtle variations of analog components across oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, and portamento circuits. This results in authentic, evolving analog sounds that are rich in nuance. These virtual voice cards run continuously, ensuring that envelopes, oscillators, and LFOs behave just like in classic analog synthesizers, with constant variation and movement. The Multi/Poly M offers detailed models of envelopes, VCAs, portamento, and multiple preset options in each category, pushing the boundaries of analog synthesis. In addition to these analog emulations, you can mix in digital sounds like wavetable and waveshaper oscillators, along with a range of effects, to create truly unique tones.

Despite its compact, keyless design, the Multi/Poly M is packed with features that make it ideal for dynamic, expressive performances. With full support for MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange and polyphonic aftertouch, it integrates seamlessly with modern MIDI controllers, giving you deep control over every nuance of your sound. The onboard Kaoss Physics controller lets you manipulate parameters in real-time, mimicking organic movements and adding a layer of dynamic expression to your patches. With a multi-program structure, you can control several sounds simultaneously, or use the Layer Rotate feature (inspired by the Mono/Poly) to seamlessly switch between different sounds with each key press. Additionally, the Multi/Poly M boasts a comprehensive modulation matrix, including seven lanes of motion sequencing, with over 5000 potential modulation targets for limitless creativity.

Whether you’re a sound designer seeking an all-in-one rackmount synth or a studio musician needing a flexible, high-quality instrument, the Multi/Poly M excels at delivering exceptional sound and versatility. Whether you’re exploring its extensive engine or just beginning to unlock its potential, the Multi/Poly M is a powerful tool that will inspire your music for years to come.

Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control

The Nina and Delia synths from Melbourne Instruments have been turning heads in our shop for sometime now, not only for their vastly flexible synth engines, but also for their unmistakable motorized controls. Bringing much more than a fancy trick to synthesizer workflows, these motorized controls make using the Nina and Delia much more fun and intuitive - instantly snapping each parameter into proper place whenever a preset is changed. Their touch sensitivity and haptic feedback controls are a great boon too, giving synthesists more control and clear feedback from their instruments for more detailed and rewarding interactions in the studio.

Melbourne Instruments has now embarked on bringing these wonderfully motorized controls to a much broader set of workflows with the Roto-Control. Portable and powerful, the Roto-Control leverages Melbourne's motorized control technologies for use with DAWs or any other hardware or software MIDI device. The Roto-Control is equipped with three modes for different use cases. The Mix mode is a purpose-built and dedicated platform for controlling Ableton's mixer, featuring immediate synchronization to all your Live Set tracks. This provides labeled controls for automating levels and simple mixing tasks, without the headache of setting each track up on your controller. Plugin mode offers dedicated control for software devices, with the ability to switch between many different plugins in a single track. Using these first two modes in concert, Roto-Control offers a powerful alternative to something like Ableton's own Push 3, or for creators looking to add dedicated mix and effect controls to their Push 3 set-up.

The third mode in Roto-Control is a more typical, open-ended MIDI controller with a motion recording feature. Across numerous setups you can store and switch between on the device, you can control up to eight parameters on any hardware or software device, letting you quickly command a fleet of devices in a very small form factor. With motion recording, you can create recorded, gestural automations for each parameter, imbuing just about any synth or effect in your collection with immensely flexible modulation. Because the Roto-Control features both USB and 5-Pin MIDI connectivity and can operate without a computer in the mix, this offers a powerful controller for live hardware set ups, giving you plenty of room to jam and improvise while effortlessly recalling your settings for your next show.

Whether used as a dedicated controller for your mixer and effects in an Ableton set or to bring the Electribe-esque excellence of motion recording to your favorite musical device, the Roto-Control from Melbourne Instruments is sure to shake up workflows, save people time in the studio, and keep turning heads with innovative control.

Modal Electronics has been revived and introduced the Carbon8M, a groundbreaking 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer at this year's NAMM. Its dual-oscillator engine delivers unparalleled flexibility with 56 complex digital waveforms, combining wavetables and advanced algorithms like phase distortion and wavefolding. Packed with 34 resonant filter types, including morphable options, and three audio-rate LFOs, the Carbon8M offers unmatched modulation and sound-sculpting capabilities. The onboard 512-note sequencer, 32-step arpeggiator, and comprehensive effects engine further enhance its potential for intricate compositions and dynamic live performances.

Built for versatility, the Carbon8M features a sleek desktop form factor and includes rack-mount brackets for studio setups. Its robust construction is complemented by a user-friendly interface, complete with an OLED display and an X/Y joystick for real-time control. With USB, MIDI, and sync connections, as well as full MODALapp integration for seamless software editing, the Carbon8M is the ultimate tool for crafting signature sounds across any genre. This powerhouse synthesizer is now available at a competitive price, designed to meet the demands of professional and aspiring musicians alike.

ModBap Trinity Drum Array 2.0

Drums in a Eurorack system can be tough to achieve, often requiring many modules to reach the full capabilities of even the most basic drum machines. Luckily, a number of manufacturers have sought to ease our percussive problems with multi-voice drum modules that offer timbral flexibility, giving us the tone-bending modular drum machines of our dreams with the addition of just a few interesting gate and trigger sources. For some time now, one of our favorites has been ModBap's wonderfully intuitive Trinity Digital Drum Synth Array. Its multiple digital drum algorithms give us plenty of variety for making beats, and its vast timbral controls, convenient output routing, and flexible cycle and stacked modes make it an easy choice for anyone looking to make captivating beats with the ever-modulated tone morphing only a modular system can provide.

ModBap has now announced the second coming of Trinity, the Trinity 2.0, which takes their proven percussive palette to new heights. Still in the same compact package at only 20HP, Trinity 2.0 delivers new sounds and performance-oriented modes to shake up your modular rhythm section. In addition to the four original synthesis types, new Orb and Clang modes provide resonant, tonal percussion sounds and metallic FM/RM cymbal synthesis, respectively. These new modes add more timbral flexibility when used in isolation, but are especially helpful when using the cycle and stacked modes, providing a vast, Terry Bozzio-style assortment of sequenced drum sounds with only three voices.

Perhaps most exciting in the new updates to Trinity are its powerful preset and MIDI features. On Trinity 2.0, you can now save presets with twelve total slots (four for each voice), and immediately recall a full kit if your timbral tweaking gets too far-out. Presets can also be selected via CV, perfect for creating complex sound changes within a sequence. These presets are also employed by the new MIDI finger drumming mode, which allows you to directly trigger preset sounds with a twelve-pad grid controller connected via USB-C. The enhanced USB-C MIDI integration itself is a huge boon to studio producers, enabling the Trinity 2.0 to operate much more like a traditional drum machine when used standalone or in a small system. If you already have a Trinity, the new firmware is fully compatible with the original unit, so everyone can get in on the fun. If slamming drums, unique percussion, and fresh beats are something your music demands, Trinity 2.0 offers the best chance yet to see what ModBap's powerful drum synth can bring to your system.

MXR Rockman X100 Pedal

Ah, the 1980s. While a revolutionary time for music electronics, and in turn for electronic music, synth obsessed new wavers and the broadly techno-curious weren't the only ones to benefit from an explosion of new ideas and iconic circuit designs. Yes, even as popular music started its first departures from the domination of rock and roll, the rockers were continuing to electrify their music, cultivating the chorus-drenched arena rock sound that would define the genre's decade. Tom Scholz of Boston fame is responsible for perhaps the clearest capture of this sound in a single device: the Rockman headphone amplifier.

Going far beyond its named intention, the Rockman aimed to provide a full rig for practice and performance you could wear on your belt, complete with multiple clean and distorted modes, and of course a lush chorus effect that bathed your tone in rich, shimmery thickness. Notably used as the primary guitar sound of Def Leopard's "Hysteria" and a predecessor to modern amp modelers, the Rockman continues to offer a secret weapon for studio engineers and stage performers looking to invoke the nostalgic tones it so succinctly provides. Now, the Rockman is more available than ever before, with MXR's Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor, a faithful recreation of this iconic device in a compact and affordable pedal format.

Just like the original unit, MXR's Rockman gives you an incredibly straightforward path towards achieving arena-ready tones. Four voicing modes let you recall the buttery-sweet cleans, focused punch, versatile edge setting, and classic crunch tones depending on your needs. The input gain control gives you some room to customize the tonal response, especially in the edge setting. Throw on the bucket-brigade analog chorus, dial in output level, and you're ready to rock. Get an even wider tone using the TRS stereo output option, perfect for sending downstream to other modern pedals. While MXR's Rockman doesn't provide much that's wildly new, we wouldn't want it to. Having perfected the original Rockman's classic tone with modern convenience and form factor, this iconic sound is now more accessible to a new generation of musicians, which is more than enough to Rock N' Roll All Nite about.

New Systems Instruments Discrete Map

New Systems Instruments, home of many unique Eurorack designs, showed off an interesting take on sequencing with their Discrete Map. The sequencer tracks an internal or external signal in order to send triggers and CV values, giving you a clear LED display of your control signal in line with its two rows of primary fader controls. In the main mode, sequencer information is output based on the position of each fader control in relation to the moving input signal, firing off a stage's stored value whenever the control signal crosses a fader position. This lets you create quite complex looping rhythmic sequences that can still exist within the space of a common waveform, making it easy to combine strictly quantized elements with its wonky rhythms.

Alternatively in length mode, faders control the relative length between sequencer stages, with clear demarcations that make creating conventionally divisible rhythms a quite simple process. You can also run the Discrete Map in a one shot mode, perfect for crafting detailed envelope gestures amidst a larger patch. Running at audio rate, the Discrete map becomes a unique graphic VCO, letting you independently dial in each stage to bring out new timbres. Finally, an expander is also in the works, which lets you group steps in Discrete Map into three groups. From here, the groups can be nudged via CV, changing each stage setting, or processed through a three stage sequential switch. The expander also features independent gate outputs for each group. While there is no shortage of sequencers in Eurorack, New Systems Instruments has provided a genuinely fresh take on the concept, likely to liven up your patching workflow with new pathways of creative connectivity.

Noise Engineering Batverb

Following up on last year's release of their first effects pedal, Dystorpia, the Southern California Modular mages over at Noise Engineering have cooked up another floor-centric offering in the Batverb, a pedal version of one algorithm from their unique Desmodus Versio synthetic tail generator. Somewhere between reverb and delay, often fertile ground for unique time-based effects, Batverb excels at using its complicated network of interacting delay lines to summon many different atmospheric effects. Additionally, an onboard distortion effect that can be applied to only the wet signal or both dry and wet, lets you add some trademark Noise Engineering distortion to the tone, from nice to nasty.

Batverb gives you a few options for manipulating the delay lines, which can quickly morph into some diverse effects given the complex interaction between parameters. The time control adjusts the global time of delay lines, while a three position switch gives you diffusion settings for morphing between more delay-like effects and reverberation. The feedback control hits 100% halfway through the knob's range, then goes even further, readily creating thick and resonant walls of never ending sustain. In the feedback loop, two granular pitch shifters help create shimmering shifts both up and down an octave. Capable of a wide range of tones with a distinctly darkened character, Batverb offers a unique sound sure to open new pathways for your pedalboard.

In addition to the sound engine itself, Batverb is optimized for creating expressive gestures during performance. An expression pedal input lets you control parameters with your foot, turning the pedal into its own instrument especially when the feedback is ringing out. A hold button lets you freeze the delay buffer for playing over the drone. Finally, an integrated ducking feature lets you interact with the effect through your playing. With this second pedal from Noise Engineering, we're excited to see and hear what one of our favorite Eurorack manufacturers can bring to pedal-boarders and stomp box aficionados in 2025.

Nord Organ 3 + Piano 6

Nord has brought back their double-decker organ with the Nord Organ 3, a gorgeous, large combo organ that features a redesigned engine, new modulation effects and wonderful new rotary speaker emulation. Switch easily between a classic B3 emulation, pipe organ and transistor organ models for authentic Farfisa and Vox emulations. Aside from the updated sound engines, expanded effects with 6 different reverb settings plus the ability to route it pre or post rotary speaker effect. Speaking of, the rotary speaker effect now features classic characteristics of both amp and speakers with different microphone perspectives. Along with completely reworked vibrato and chorus scanner effects, the Nord Organ 3 solidifies itself at the top of the double-tiered organ instrument space.

In addition, Nord also announced their latest Piano model, the Piano 6—the lineup is already a classic. If you want a great piano sound without having to move a literal piano, this is the device for you. Not only do you get the beloved acoustic piano models, but you have a sample-synth layer that can create a new incredible dimension to any performance. Outfitted with an incredible triple sensor hammer action keybed, this is one of the most realistic feels you can get outside of an acoustic piano. With 120 voice polyphony and 4 layers of independent sound—2 for piano and 2 for synth—you can coax the most realistic or otherworldly sounds out of this device without sacrificing the feel of a genuine keybed.

Polyend Step

Polyend's Step is a fully programmable drum machine that you can easily control with your feet, giving you access to unfettered creativity wherever you are. Sometimes you just need to jot down a riff or chord progression while auditioning different feels, time signatures and tempos and this device allows you to easily plug in your guitar or compositional instrument of choice and bang out some ideas. Loaded with premade kits and patterns, you can get started right away and with tons of customization available, you can craft complex rhythms with just a little bit of time.

Use the punch-in effects for a dynamic performance and attach an expression pedal or MIDI controller for even more flexibility. The Polyend Step uses 4 tracks allowing for sounds and patterns that feel natural. Go wild with sounds by mixing and matching samples from the 500 included kits; create interesting patterns by using the 300 included patterns as they are or as a starting point. While it looks like a pedal, this device is a full-featured drum machine with per-step parameter adjustments and 16 pads for on-device editing without ever having to touch a computer. Whether you need a permanent percussion solution or just want something to help you write between rehearsals, the Polyend Step has something for everyone.

Red Panda RD1 Pitch Delay

Red Panda, the pedal designers responsible for such unique-sounding and sophisticated pedals like the Particle 2 Granular Delay or Radius Ring Modulator, have announced a new pitch shifting delay pedal, the RD1. The RD1 is adapted from the pitch shifting delay algorithm in Red Panda's expansive Raster 2, streamlined into a more straightforward effect perfect for players looking to create similar captivating textures and gestures without the sometimes overwhelming amount of options Raster 2 provides. This 1200 millisecond delay, with twice the length in reverse mode, can still offer plenty of diversity in sound design, letting you immediately switch between reverse and forward repeats, choose from a number of shifter modes, and place the pitch effect inside or outside of the delay loop.

The three pitch shifting modes let you move your tones in chromatic steps, microtonal cents, or with a frequency shifter, providing a wide range of tones to create in and outside the delay loop. The delay's feedback control also self-oscillates at high settings, introducing saturation and resonance. With an intuitive interface to quickly dial in the settings you like or explore fearlessly through multiple sound worlds, the RD1 is great for sounds from bubbling, ever-shifting textures to skronk-friendly digital bell tones. A control input allows for performatively shaping any parameter set with an expression pedal, or controlling delay time with external tap tempo. Like the other Red Panda pedals, the RD1 works great with both guitars and line level sources like synths and drum machines, making it a powerful tool in a wide range of musical practices. Unlike the other Red Panda pedals, the RD1 will be available at a lower price point later this year, leveraging its streamlined design to provide the slick DSP Red Panda is known for to even more musicians.

Roland V-STAGE Stage Keyboards

The Roland V-STAGE is a premium stage keyboard that combines cutting-edge sound modeling with exceptional expressive control, offering a professional-grade instrument built to elevate your performance. With four powerful sound engines—acoustic piano, electric piano, organ, and synthesizer models—the V-STAGE provides a versatile selection of stage-ready tones. Its intuitive layout gives you direct control over your sound, allowing you to sculpt custom tones and make real-time adjustments during your performance. Designed for stage musicians, it also includes robust features for managing presets, setlists, and connectivity, along with expandability via Roland Cloud, making it an ideal choice for keyboardists across all genres.

Each sound engine in the V-STAGE series offers advanced customization and sound shaping, using Roland's state-of-the-art modeling technology to deliver rich, authentic instrumental sounds. You can perform on beautifully detailed acoustic pianos, including concert grand and upright models, each capturing the nuances of the real instrument. The new electric piano engine lets you explore a wide range of sounds, from classic tine and reed pianos to Clavinet, all with dedicated effects to enhance your playing. The organ engine’s virtual tone wheel technology gives you multiple classic organ sounds, paired with new drive and rotary speaker effects to create a wide array of organ textures. Additionally, the ZEN-Core synthesizer engine packs over 400 diverse sounds, from vintage to modern, and is fully expandable via Roland Cloud. Registered V-STAGE owners can download legendary models like the SH-101 and Juno-106 for free, offering authentic recreations of these iconic synths.

The V-STAGE comes equipped with a comprehensive effects section, allowing you to fine-tune your sound or craft completely new tones. Independent delay and reverb sections, combined with a powerful multi-effect processor, give you a wide array of effect options to tailor your sound. For even more sound shaping, an onboard compressor and EQ at the master output ensure your performance is polished and ready for any stage. With extensive connectivity options—including two USB ports for MIDI control, four footpedal jacks, and a class-compliant USB-C audio and MIDI interface—the V-STAGE seamlessly integrates into any setup. Whether you’re performing live, recording at home, or managing backing tracks, the V-STAGE is a versatile tool for all your musical needs.

If you’re looking for a keyboard that combines professional-grade sound with unmatched versatility and performance-focused features, the Roland V-STAGE is the instrument that will take your music to the next level. Available in both 88-key and 76-key versions!

Sound Workshop Quord

Sound Workshop, behind the developing expressive monosynth Wiggler, unveiled a new analog desktop synth aimed at creating chordal drone textures, called the Quord. In a slim and approachable format, the Quord features a streamlined set of tools for quickly building and shaping sounds with its four-note polyphonic engine. At the right of the device, horizontal sliders are used to tune each oscillator, which can be mixed with the vertical mixer faders. A low pass filter based on the one in the Pas Isel from Dwyfor Devices helps tame the rich sawtooth sounds produced by the oscillators, with a resonant filter capable of adding a fifth tone to your chord.

A playable yellow button momentarily boosts the resonance gain of this filter, letting you perform with the resonance tone or create rhythmic shifts in the filter character. On the left cheek of the unit, controls for an onboard LFO or "rhythm circuit" with saw and sine shapes can modulate the filter to create movement in your sound, or even routed into the mixer to create sidechain-like bass drum ducking effects. This simple arrangement is perfect for use as a dedicated drone machine, excelling at intuitive exploration of harmonic material to create rich pads of synthesized sound.

SSL 18 Audio Interface

The SSL 18 from Solid State Logic is a rackmount USB audio interface that brings the iconic SSL sound into your studio with a feature-rich design built to streamline your workflow and elevate your audio production. With up to 26 inputs and 28 outputs across both analog and digital connections, the SSL 18 serves as a powerful hub for any studio setup. Whether you’re tracking or mixing, you’ll experience SSL’s legendary analog processing, powered by eight high-performance mic/line preamps that deliver a stunning 120dB dynamic range with ultra-low noise. Activate the legacy 4K enhancement to add rich, warm analog coloration to your signals, and easily record direct input sources like guitars or vintage synths via the convenient front-panel instrument inputs.

The SSL 18 pairs this analog magic with next-gen digital audio, featuring 32-bit, 192 kHz converters for exceptional clarity and dynamics in every recording and playback. On the rear panel, ten balanced line-level outputs offer flexible integration with your studio gear, with the first four adjustable between +9 and +24 dBu for optimal signal quality and headroom with external equipment. All outputs are DC-coupled, allowing direct control voltage (CV) signals to be sent from your DAW to CV-capable synths and modular gear. For even more flexibility, the SSL 18 boasts comprehensive digital I/O with up to 16 additional channels via ADAT and two via S/PDIF, along with a Word Clock output to ensure precise audio conversion across your entire setup.

Whether you're tracking live instruments, producing electronic music, mixing, or mastering, the SSL 18 offers everything you need to bring your creative vision to life. The included SSL 360 software allows full control over all inputs and outputs, with the ability to save and recall custom setups to save time in the studio. The built-in talkback microphone input and analog Listen Mic Compressor provide easy artist communication and extra flexibility for creative use of SSL’s renowned analog designs. Plus, with the included SSL Production Pack, valued at over $1400, you get a treasure trove of virtual instruments, plug-ins, and samples to supercharge your productions.

Whether you're building a new studio or upgrading an existing one, the SSL 18 is a standout interface that delivers the professional sound quality SSL is known for, with the connectivity and versatility to integrate seamlessly into any studio setup.

SSL Alpha 8 AD/DA Converter

Upgrade and expand your studio setup with the premium performance and versatility of the Solid State Logic Alpha 8 High-Performance AD/DA Converter. This professional-grade interface expander features next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz conversion across a broad range of analog and digital inputs and outputs, providing crystal-clear, dynamic audio across your entire system. With a highly flexible routing system, the Alpha 8 integrates seamlessly into your existing setup, offering up to eighteen channels of pristine sound. It can also be used as a standalone eighteen-input, eighteen-output USB audio interface, making it ideal for dedicated mixing and mastering rigs, outboard gear, or any line-level applications such as tracking synths, samplers, and drum machines. With high-quality converters that deliver exceptional dynamic range, ultra-low noise, and minimal distortion or crosstalk, the Alpha 8 brings the professional sound of SSL engineering to your studio.

Capture every detail of your audio with incredible depth and clarity, thanks to the Alpha 8’s versatile routing options. You can convert between ADAT or S/PDIF to integrate external gear, record line-level sources directly into the Alpha 8, or configure the system in any combination that suits your workflow. Each analog input and output features multiple gain levels, ensuring optimal gain staging no matter what equipment you're using. Rely on dependable digital audio with flexible clocking options, including Word Clock, ADAT, S/PDIF, and internal clocking, for jitter-free audio capture. Synth enthusiasts will appreciate the Alpha 8’s DC-coupled outputs, which are perfect for sending control voltage (CV) signals directly to modular synths and CV-compatible effects.

Surfy Industries New Gear

Surfy Industries has crafted three devices for musicians seeking tonal excellence, portability, and utility. At the heart of the lineup is the SurfyMan, a pedal that delivers the legendary Brownface Showman amp experience in a sleek, road-ready package. With true tone-stack circuitry replicating the iconic 6G14 sound, the SurfyMan offers fat, warm tones that can be tailored for sustain, brightness, or even aggression. Packed with features like a tremolo circuit, brownface/blackface selection, and a robust all-metal design, it’s as much a stylistic statement as it is a tonal powerhouse. Whether plugged into an amp, PA, or headphones, the SurfyMan is your ticket to classic Brown Showman sound, anywhere.

Next in the lineup is the SurfyBear Compact Deluxe, a modern reimagining of the Fender 6G15 spring reverb unit that started it all. By replacing tubes with JFET transistors and incorporating a custom-engineered SurfyPan reverb, this unit captures the drippy, surf-inspired tones that defined an era. Smaller, more reliable, and priced for the modern musician, the SurfyBear Compact Deluxe is an essential for anyone chasing the lush decay and shimmering texture of authentic spring reverb. It builds on the SurfyBear Compact by adding a tremolo from their SurfyTrem, complete with a Black/Brownface switch that can be pre or post reverb. You also have the option to connect an external reverb pan for each Mixer section. Truly a welcome addition to the lineup, this is perfect for any musician who loves that classic surf sound, needs something compact, but doesn't want to sacrifice features.

Finally, the SurfySpider rounds out the collection as the ultimate audio connector multitool. This passive yet versatile adapter converts inputs and outputs with ease, supporting mono, stereo, and dual-mono signals across a range of connections, including XLR, 1/4" jacks, RCA, and more. It even includes a phono preamp option for vinyl enthusiasts. With a built-in mute and mono button, the SurfySpider is a lifesaver for musicians and audio engineers alike, ensuring seamless setups in any situation. Surfy continues to create vintage inspired devices that address issues common for guitar players and musicians in the 21st century.

Tobinski Harmonic Timing Generator

Tobinski, the outfit formerly known as Dannysound, has unveiled a handful of new designs bearing the new moniker. The Harmonic Timing Generator, a versatile clock-based modulator and sound source, offers a particularly exciting and new tool for the developing Tobinski System. Essentially a harmonic oscillator, which generates waveforms that can be adjusted between multiplications of the fundamental frequency, the Harmonic Timing Generator goes much further to provide useful CV and gate sources for nearly any patch.

The base frequency and integer multiples up to 8 all feature independent outputs and a master output for patching around your system, enabling complex ratcheting sequences and rhythmically-related timbral transformations. A master control for the base frequency is perfect as the central control for a large sequenced patch, and numerous CV inputs provide ample opportunities for some patch-programmable bliss. The Harmonic Timing Generator is the perfect pair for Tobinski's new Sequencer and Interpolating Scanner, offering a vast range of creative possibilities with their open-architecture approach. With these new modules and a new name, the Tobinski line is shaping up to be a very powerful, elegantly programmable, and just-plain-fun set of musical tools that we're excited to keep patching with in 2025 and beyond.

Toraiz ChordCat

The AlphaTheta division responsible for the Dave Smith designed AS-1, Toraiz, teased at a new groovebox made for quick harmonic exploration and intuitive sequencing, called the ChordCat. This small desktop groovebox unit boasts 145 built-in tones which you can use to create sequenced ensemble tracks. Projects on the ChordCat, as its name suggests, revolve around the central "chord cruiser" powered interface, which suggests a grid of compatible chords which you can physically explore to make your custom chord progression. Including voicings and shapes, ChordCat includes over 10,000 possible chords for you to explore and use in your music. This makes it easy to make musical choices for your song by focusing on what your ears are hearing without needing a theoretical understanding of musical harmony.

Once your chord progression is set and saved as a preset, you can use ChordCat to create sequenced material for eight tracks that follows your progression, including sixteen drum kits. Additionally, ChordCat features an arpeggiator for creating rhythmic material that outlines your harmonies, an audio ducker, and a MIDI-based delay effect. Tracks can be up to sixteen patterns, each of which can be up to eight bars long, offering plenty of space to create full and nuanced song structures. While currently planned as a Japan-only product, the ChordCat's lush and diverse sounds, intelligent chord interface, and a low price point around $200 is overwhelmingly worthy of international attention.

Walrus Qi Etherealizer + Canvas Rehearsal

Granular has been all the rage in the world of effects for quite some time now, but the way Walrus has handled this in their latest pedal, the Qi Etherealizer, is probably our favorite: as just a single component in a larger ecosystem. Dreamy and textural, you get all the heavy hitters you need to create nostalgic and visceral sounds. The aforementioned grain section gives you a minimal interface that opens up maximum sonic possibilities; adjust the playback from normal, to 1/2 speed, 2x speed and reverse with the option to switch into a Phrase Sampling mode for longer snippets of sound to be played back. A delay section before that with a chorus section before that all have their own individual controls and can run in series or parallel, meaning each section (including the dry signal) can function independently. The last section is the warm hug that wraps the entire signal together: a lowpass filter and hall reverb, both are just a single knob but voiced beautifully.

Walrus also came out with the Canvas Rehearsal pedal, which is the perfect solution for practice in a quiet space or blocking outside noise. Designed to allow for easy practice with your pedalboard, you get stereo I/O along with 3.5mm headphone out and aux in, not to mention Bluetooth connectivity, so that voice memo you recorded at rehearsal or the late night demo can be easily completed in the privacy of your cans. It really is a wonderful practice tool giving you the option to tap in a bpm, adjust the time signature, and mix the signals with dedicated trimmers for your instrument, the aux and the click. Walrus is coming in hot this year with two really unique and helpful pedals in the Canvas Rehearsal and Qi Etherealizer.

UDO RBN-1 Ribbon Control Interface

UDO, the young brand behind some of our favorite modern polysynths like the Super 6, showed off the RBN-1, a standalone adaptation of their highly sensitive ribbon controller technology for use with any synth with an expression input. On other UDO synths, like the Super 8 or Super 6, the ribbon works just like it does on the Super Gemini. UDO's intelligent pitch expression control, which bends only currently held notes rather than all sounding notes, leaving your sustained sounds and reverb tails in place for a detailed level of musicality. With other synths, the ribbon works as a standard expression control - though it's perhaps the highest quality expression controller for keyboard synths on the market.

Whether you're routing the controller in your instrument to control pitch bend or through a modulation matrix to affect other parameters, the RBN-1 provides a reliable interface for making expressive gestures on stage. The non-slip base is equipped with strong magnets, which can easily snap securely to metal enclosures. The Super 6 and Super 8 feature ready-made zones for the addition of an RBN-1, and with their metal panels ensure a secure fit. With its milled aluminum construction and premium components, the RBN-1 is built to stand up to years and years of performance, making it a great option for touring musicians that need a road-ready controller. The cable terminates in a 3.5mm TRS jack, but can be adapted to 1/4" with the included adapter. If you're looking for a way to bring more expression out of your UDO or any other synth set up, the RBN-1 from UDO is a premium ribbon expression controller built to take your playing to new heights of expressive control.

Wes Audio ngTubeComp

Wes Audio are at the forefront of digital and analog harmony with their lineup of digitally controlled analog audio hardware and their latest release, the ngTubeComp, brings the classic Vari-MU tube compressors to their lineup. Enjoy vintage warmth and analog precision with 26 dbu of headroom that delivers rich tube driven dynamics, thanks to the 6 tubes and 4 transformers. Switch between Dual, Stereo, and Mid-side modes for tailored control, plus adjust the output flavoring by either using the gorgeous Tube + Carnhill signal path, or use electronically balanced output for a cleaner sound. With features like the integrated tube saturation circuit, sidechain EQ tools, and precision attach and release settings, this badboy can handle all of the signals you can muster.

It wouldn't be a Wes Audio device without digital doodads, and the whirlgigs abound with the seamless DAW integration afforded by their plugin. A 1-for-1 recreation of the front panel, the plugin lets you dial in settings on either the physical devices or in your DAW and share the information between the two. This means you will no longer need to draw out or write down settings, each project will store the information and recall it with the click of a button. The internal preset memory lets you quickly dial in your favorite settings—be in the gear when you want to and in the box when you need to, connected by either Ethernet or USB.

To round out the features, the ngTubeComp offers an adjustable total harmonic distortion(THD) control to get clean signals, subtle break up, or bold coloration. Not only that, while this is a Vari-Mu "Feedbackward" compressor, you also have the option to switch to a more modern "Feed-Forward" style of compressor. Both settings have the option to engage a limiter that allows for tight, controlled dynamics. Why choose between the sound of tube compression and the ease of digital control when you can have both thanks to Wes Audio's ngTubeComp.

That's all for now!

That rounds up our coverage for NAMM and Buchla & Friends in 2025. There were many more developments—too many to cover in one place. But, suffice to say that 2025 looks bright: many new instruments are before us, bringing along countless new musical possibilities.