NAMM 2026 Coverage: In-Depth

New Gear + Synthesizer News from NAMM + Buchla & Friends

Perfect Circuit · 02/17/26

It's that time of year again—yep, it's NAMM time! The Anaheim Convention Center is abuzz with audio equipment and musical instrument vendors, all preparing to show the world their newest wares. We'll see new audio effects, new approaches to spatialization, and of course—new instruments for all manner of sonic mischief.

We're on the NAMM floor, scouring for new developments in electronic instruments & music tech. Subsequently, we'll be heading to Downtown LA to visit Buchla & Friends—a smaller trade show / exhibition dedicated to boutique makers of Eurorack modules, synthesizers, and more. As we find new developments, we'll add them to the list on this page.

Acid Rain Ziggurat Quantizer

Acid Rain Technology have unveiled their latest modular creation onto the world, the Ziggurat Quantizer, a four-voice pitch quantizer and sequencer with a ton of useful features that make it something truly special.

It utilizes a SH-101-style sequencer layout, providing a familiar workflow for those already acquainted with the tried and true method of sequencing. The assignable CV mod input gives you access to a plethora of different potential functions to affect your sequences, which can be especially useful in performance environments. Freely scrub through your sequences with external CV for less-conventional forms of sequencing; an especially interesting creative tool considering the module's four-channel nature. Recall your previous sequences and settings in an instant with the Save and Load functions, offering thirty five slots to backlog your ideas. A particularly unique feature on the Ziggurat is the ability to add offsets to your sequences pre-or-post quantizing, making this module capable of much more expressive sequencing than most. The onboard 12-key keyboard puts the quantization right at your fingertips, allowing you to quickly express your musical ideas.

Acid Rain Technology have made a name for themselves by creating modules that are equally as utilitarian as they are creatively-inspiring, and the Ziggurat Quantizer is sure to be another invaluable feather in their cap. Coming late-February—orders opening soon!

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Akai MPC XL Workstation

Akai’s MPC XL stands as the company’s most ambitious standalone workstation to date, designed to function as the central nervous system of a modern studio. Built around serious processing power and a premium physical design, it’s an instrument meant to keep creators immersed for long sessions of writing, sequencing, and sound design. At the heart of the experience are the new MPCe pads, which bring a fresh level of expressivity by responding not only to velocity and pressure, but also positional nuance—each pad surface acting as an X/Y touch controller while remaining familiar to longtime MPC users.

Surrounding the pads is a control layout that prioritizes immediacy and depth in equal measure. Sixteen Q-Link encoders, each paired with its own OLED display and dedicated buttons, provide hands-on, one-to-one access to parameters without menu diving. A large 10.1" touchscreen provides yet another way to interact with the MPC3 OS, offering clear visual feedback and fluid navigation across projects, plugins, and arrangements. With the ability to host up to 32 plugin instruments and 16 audio tracks simultaneously, the MPC XL easily handles complex productions without breaking creative momentum.

Connectivity and expansion reinforce the MPC XL’s role as a true studio hub. Multiple audio inputs and outputs—including phono—support flexible routing, while extensive MIDI and CV/Gate connections make it equally comfortable commanding hardware synths, modular systems, and external controllers. USB and SATA expansion ensure storage and I/O can grow alongside your workflow. Whether driving an entirely hardware-based setup or anchoring a hybrid studio, the MPC XL delivers the power, flexibility, and tactile control expected from a flagship MPC—built to adapt to virtually any style of music-making.

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AlphaTheta DJM-V5 DJ Mixer

The DJM-V5 from AlphaTheta is here to mix things up a bit: it's a powerful, modern DJ mixer designed to deliver pristine sound and effortless control in any performance environment. Each of its three channels features a four-band EQ and onboard compression, paired with smooth 60mm long-throw faders for a natural, comfortable response in performance. AlphaTheta’s new Soft Mix Curve technology subtly tames high frequencies as you bring in the next track, helping transitions sound polished and musical every time. A meticulously engineered, high-resolution signal path ensures consistent, studio-quality audio across all outputs, while extensive rear-panel I/O and full audio-interface functionality make the DJM-V5 easy to integrate into virtually any setup.

Beat-synced Send FX include delay, reverb, shimmer, and tape-style echoes, all controllable per channel with dedicated knobs and BPM-based time divisions. In addition to classic low- and high-pass filters, the unique cross-pass filter preserves low-end impact while shaping mids and highs for harmonically rich transitions. Ultra-low-latency SonicLink wireless monitoring rounds out a feature set built for modern performance. If you’re ready to elevate your mixes with clarity, creativity, and next-generation sound, the DJM-V5 is a compelling centerpiece for today’s DJ.

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AlphaTheta RMX-IGNITE

AlphaTheta’s RMX-IGNITE is designed for DJs who want to perform their transitions rather than simply let them happen. Positioned between your decks and the PA, it functions as a hands-on hub for effects, samples, and rhythmic gestures, built to inject movement and energy into a mix at exactly the right moments. The focus here is immediacy and musical impact—quick bursts of excitement, dramatic build-ups, and tactile control that make a set feel intentional and alive.

Performance control sits front and center, with the Lever FX encouraging expressive sweeps and momentary accents, while the Isolate FX section allows effects to be applied to specific frequency bands for more nuanced shaping. High-end echoes, midrange drive, and other targeted treatments make it easy to build tension without overwhelming the mix, and the Release Echo button provides a clean, dramatic reset when it’s time to bring things back down to earth.

Sampling pushes the RMX-IGNITE firmly into modern performance territory. Four trigger pads keep drops and textures on standby, with Overdub, Sample Roll, and Groove Roll tools enabling tightly synced loops, rolls, and rhythmic variations on the fly. Combined with Sampler Color FX and high-resolution audio support up to 24-bit / 96 kHz, the RMX-IGNITE balances sound quality, flexibility, and fun—an intuitive performance instrument for DJs looking to add motion, drama, and personality to their mixes.

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ASM Leviasynth

Our pick for the hottest new announcement from NAMM 2026? It's Leviasynth, the long-awaited followup to ASM's modern classic Hydrasynth. Think of it like a Hydrasynth, but more: more oscillators per voice, more sound-shaping possibilities, additional control, and even analog filtering for a lush, lively sound.

Leviasynth is a deep, ambitious hybrid synthesizer built for sound designers who want to venture far beyond familiar territory. At its core lies a sixteen-voice polyphonic engine with eight oscillators per voice, arranged into flexible “algorithms” that define how those oscillators interact. These algorithms can be configured freely or morphed non-linearly for evolving timbres, with 144 preset algorithms on hand for instant inspiration—or the possibility for user-generated algorithms for those who want to dive deep into the waters of experimental sound design. Combined with over 300 available oscillator waveforms, the Leviasynth offers an enormous sonic playground capable of everything from recognizable synth tones to truly otherworldly textures.

The depth doesn’t stop at raw synthesis. A comprehensive 32-slot modulation matrix allows nearly any parameter to be animated by envelopes, LFOs, built-in expressive control sources, or external sources. Each oscillator features its own volume envelope, supported by five additional assignable envelopes and five LFOs per voice, enabling highly detailed motion and transformation. Sound shaping is handled by both analog and digital filters: a warm four-pole analog low-pass for classic weight and intimacy, alongside a multimode digital filter with eighteen types for more experimental sculpting. A dual-layer effects architecture—combining master effects and dedicated insert delays and reverbs—adds polish, space, and character without flattening complexity.

Both the Leviasynth Keyboard and Leviasynth Desktop share this same powerful engine, but cater to different workflows. The keyboard version features a 61-key polyphonic aftertouch keybed with MPE support and a four-octave ribbon controller for maximum expressiveness. The desktop version trades keys for sixteen velocity-sensitive, polyphonic aftertouch-ready pads, making it ideal for compact studios, modular-centric rigs, or alternative performance styles. Both versions include macro controls, a three-track sequencer for notes and automation, and extensive CV connectivity for Eurorack integration. Whether you prefer a traditional keyboard interface or a modular-friendly desktop powerhouse, the Leviasynth remains a singularly deep instrument—one that rewards curiosity and invites long dives into uncharted sonic waters.

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BASTL Citadel Alchemist

BASTL announced their latest Citadel module with the Alchemist, a modular take on their Kastle version of the same name. As with all the other Citadel modules, you can have it be ports-on-top or ports-on-bottom by flipping over the faceplate. Just like the desktop version, the module is centered around a very capable 5-mode all-in-one synth voice. FILTER, FM, HYPERSINE, SUPERSAW, and GLITCHNOISE are the different modes, which give you access to incredible sounds from minimal knobs.

The modulation options are plentiful, with the ability to modulate any parameter with the LFO and built-in CV/Gate pattern generator, all of which can be tightly synced to the clock source. A built-in pitch quantizer lets you keep everything harmoniously accurate, and there are two inputs—Play and Note—that can augment the pitch to create diatonically correct related harmonies and arpeggios. For even more control, use the MIDI TRS input on the front or finagle a USB cable to the rear of the module that will give you the option to send and receive MIDI.

To complete the sound, built-in effects give you delay, flanger, chorus, and distortion, which can also be applied to the audio input. The Citadel Alchemist is a welcome addition to the BASTL environment, and we're sure it will be a fun module to integrate into your system, big or small.

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Beetronics Pollinator Delay Pedal

The tone shaping Hive Mind over at Beetronics FX have unveiled a new delay pedal called the Pollinator Hazee Delay, bringing their classically honey-dipped sound to a device purpose-built for creating unique textures, ambiences, and interactive swarms of sound. The Pollinator achieves its unique sound by combining a great sounding delay with either filter or tremolo modulation, processing the delay copies of your input signal in numerous novel ways to preserve clarity in your input signal while the delays shift, bloom, and sputter around your playing. Departing from their typically analog-forward designs, the Pollinator is the first fully digital pedal from our buzzing buds at Beetronics, packing a huge amount of sound options into an intuitive and easy to use package. But don't get your stinger in a twist about the digital design—the sound of the Pollinator Hazee Delay is pure Beetronics magic, offering dark and musical colors that stand aside the tonal depth of their analog offerings in equal Queenly splendor.

Using the central rotary switch, Pollinator offers eight unique modes, with half providing filter modulation and the other half injecting tremolo before the repeats. Covering a wide range of delay types including reverse and octave up modes, the delays combine with either auto-shifting filters and rhythmically undulating tremolos to create entirely unique effects. In both the filter and tremolo side, modes 2 and 7 respectively offer what Beetronics has dubbed their "Queen Bee Magic Modes", which go beyond the norm to enable even more experimental effects. In both of these modes, the delay buffer is read at double speed, creating glitchy octave-up shifts and shimmers. Use the blend control in either mode to mix back in a bit of the original signal for thick and sparkling sounds. The magic here is in the highly interactive character of these modes, which dance around your playing to create beds of moving, modulated sound perfect for ambient explorations, in-depth sound design, and beautifully blooming gestures.

A fun and surprisingly flexible delay with a focused approach to providing characterful textures and experimental effects, the Pollinator Hazee Delay is sure to inspire a wide range of guitarists towards new sounds and musical expressions. A subtle hint from Beetronics suggests more Pollinator pedals are in development, and we can't wait to see and hear what other exciting digital designs the insectoid tonesmiths at Beetronics are able to cook up in the future.

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Binson Stereophonica: a New Echorec

Simply basking in the glow of their incredible Binson Echorec isn't something that T-Rex was interested in—no, they wanted to create the ultimate mechanical stereo delay, and that is exactly what they've done. The Binson Stereophonica is the same drum-based mechanical delay, but now it is in stereo. You have access to four heads each with volume and balance so you can create lush, expansive stereo fields that have a unique rhythmic cadence that you can find nowhere else. For even more majesty, flip the device into Swell mode—a feature also found on the original—for reverb-like textures that could even make angels weep.

Familiar settings for Fast and Slow drum speeds can get you a maximum delay length of about 500ms on the 4th head, and the feedback can invite you into more experimental realms. Both of these controls have rear-mounted expression pedal inputs, so you can make a lovely expressive instrument out of the Binson. Indeed, for many studio proprietors and artist studios alike, this will open up many possibilities for adding a little extra on the mix bus, throwing the room mics through it for a psychedelic haze, or hey— just use it in mono for classic operation.

T-Rex's Binson Stereophonica is available for preorder now and should be shipping by late Spring.

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Black Lion Audio MIDI Eight

Black Lion’s MIDI Eight is a no-nonsense solution for taming complex MIDI setups, whether they live inside a DAW or operate entirely on their own. With eight inputs and eight outputs capable of handling up to 128 channels of MIDI, it’s designed to act as a central routing hub for studios and stages alike. Plug in synths, drum machines, controllers, and effects, and keep everything talking cleanly and reliably from a single box.

Where the MIDI Eight really distinguishes itself is in its ability to function without a computer. Three standalone modes make it easy to reconfigure a rig on the fly: Pass mode preserves one-to-one routing, Thru mode distributes incoming MIDI to every output, and Merge mode combines multiple inputs into a single destination. These options allow for surprisingly powerful MIDI networks without the need for software, making the unit especially appealing for live performers and hardware-centric setups.

In the studio, the MIDI Eight doubles as a USB hub that integrates smoothly with modern DAWs, simplifying routing while keeping latency and complexity in check. Its versatility extends beyond synthesizers as well, offering solid support for MIDI-controlled effects pedals and hybrid pedalboard rigs. Whether anchoring a large hardware studio or streamlining a performance setup, the MIDI Eight feels purpose-built for anyone who relies on MIDI as the connective tissue of their creative workflow.

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BoredBrain Music Xcelon SL

BoredBrain Music was in the mix at Buchla and Friends 2026, unveiling their new standalone performance mixer, the Xcelon SL. This desktop device is clearly descended from their powerhouse modular mixing system Xcelon, which offers one of the most comprehensive and high-quality platforms for mixing and all things I/O in Eurorack. Considering the trend towards modular companies producing standalone devices that break out their modular offerings to a format fit for both modular performers and the Eurorack-averse alike.

While the move towards a standalone version of Xcelon isn't too surprising, BoredBrain has gone beyond a mere port of the mixer over to a de-modularized desktop case, providing additional signal processing onboard to enhance any electronic setup. Across each of its eight stereo or mono channels, you get comprehensive gain and saturation control with gain trim knobs, a drive switch, and quality, LED-laden faders. Shape sounds with the per-channel EQ with mid switch, and use the onboard compressor to create studio-grade sounds complete with a switchable Punch mode for additional transient energy and boost. There's also a sidechain for the compressor, with global compression controls for sidechain frequency, threshold, and decay time.

Particularly important for electronic music performers rocking the block with danceable tunes, the Xcelon SL features a DJ-style resonant tilt filter at the center of the device, enabling smooth sculpting of your mix on a large performance-ready knob. Cue features and two main mix busses are also here from the modular version, as well as mute switches and two FX sends, enabling versatile performance options both on stage and in the studio. Connectivity-wise, the Xcelon features direct outputs on 3.5mm jacks for integrating back into a modular workflow, while full size 1/4" I/O on the back readily connects to your other desktop devices, studio patchbays, and more. Channel 8 also features a dedicated input and switchable mode for using a microphone on stage. While the full picture of Xcelon SL's capabilities won't be clear until it's in the hands of creative users, we're sure this fantastic mixer will make its way into set-ups from hybrid modular and desktop groovebox rigs and beyond.

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BOSS GX-1 + GX-1B Multi-Effect Processors

BOSS’s new GX-1 offerings distill the sound and flexibility of a full amplifier-and-effects rig into compact, performance-ready processors designed to travel anywhere.

Based on BOSS’s advanced AIRD modeling technology, both the GX-1 (for guitar) and the GX-1B (for bass) deliver responsive, tube-inspired amplifier modeling paired with a deep library of effects. The shared design philosophy is clear: premium sound, fast workflow, and expressive control.

At the heart of each is a powerful effects engine capable of running up to eight simultaneous blocks from a positively huge selection of authentic BOSS effects, arranged easily via a color display and dedicated block controls. High-resolution audio processing—24-bit A/D, 32-bit D/A, 32-bit floating-point internal processing, and 48kHz sampling—ensures clarity and depth across any signal chain. The new Gear Suite feature provides expertly curated starting points for amps and effects, making it easy to dial in great tones quickly, while deep editing remains readily accessible through BOSS Tone Studio. USB and Bluetooth audio support round out the experience, enabling direct recording, backing-track playback, and expanded practice workflows.

The GX-1 is voiced for guitar, offering a wider range of AIRD amp models and effects tailored to six-string performance, while the GX-1B is optimized for bass with carefully tuned amp types and low-end-friendly processing that preserves punch and clarity. Both feature three assignable footswitches, an integrated expression pedal, and generous preset storage for live or studio recall. Each offers a cohesive platform that delivers professional sound and hands-on control—especially perfect for those getting started on their effect pedal journey.

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Casio Sampler

We don't know when, but soon Casio is releasing its own incredible compact, very cute sampler. This 16-pad sampler might not be a 404 killer, but it could easily fit into a sample-based workflow if you already have one or any of the other myriad sampling devices. Its ease-of-use is also appealing to those who are curious about sampling and want something simple and to-the-point.

Seemingly, the Casio Sampler doesn't have many bells and/or whistles, but it does have 64GB of internal memory and a pretty handy step sequencer that is easy to navigate via its screen. Controls are arranged in a GameBoydian fashion with a D-pad and pair of buttons, but the main point of interaction are the 16 pads, which of course hold your samples. Not too big, nor too small, this just-right sampler is small enough to fit in a bag but not to frustrate—though a pair of cheaters might be needed to work the sequencer.

Little is known about the release or if this is even the final form of the Casio Sampler, but we are optimistic given the showing from Casio this year.

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Cranborne Brick Lane MC4

The Brick Lane MC4 takes Cranborne's beloved 500 series module, the Brick Lane 500, and gives you 4 channels of them in a 19" rack. You've still got 6 different compression options with their own distinct saturation circuit—dialed in with the Stress knob—all designed with Cranbourne's proprietary PWM compression architecture. This gives you incredible control and unmatched variety when it comes to dynamic processing.

Taking full advantage of the multi-channel build, you are able to set up your channels as mono, stereo, or even for mid/side processing. You can even run a couple of channels in series to give you even more control over your sound. The gorgeous TFT 5" display in the center of the device adds not only charm and character, but an added level of comfort by seeing all of the settings neatly displayed. Ensure your settings are never lost by connecting the Brick Lane to your computer via the USB or NET port and digitally control all your parameters and settings.

Possibly one of the most versatile and channel-rich dynamics processors out there, the Brick Lane MC4 from Cranbourne Audio marries form and function without skimping on either.

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DPW Design SW3 Splice

DPW's SW3 Splice is a great way to spice up your modular system without having to use up precious HP on large modules or spend unneeded money. What it does is take audio and CV from whatever sources you're using and combine them to create new shapes. This has exceptionally wonderful and weird applications, allowing you to generate signals that would previously take a dedicated module or several to get close to what you can achieve with the SW3. Plus, you can use modules that you've already learned, making the start-up time next-to-zero.

Using the plethora of CV inputs, you can set up interesting logic parameters that can give you exciting events when inputs are slower, or create more interesting sonic and modulation signals when using audio-rate modulation. Creative patching is rewarded, and in the spirit of modular, experimenting with as many signals going into as many jacks as possible can yield pleasant or unexpected results. Every case needs to have one logic module, and this is certainly one that offers a ton of fun in a compact width.

DPW Designs SW3 Splice is available now at your favorite Perfect Circuit location.

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Dubreq Stylophone Voice + On the Fly

Some musical interfaces stand the test of time for their unique ability to offer an intuitive and expressive experience in shaping electronic sounds, while others stay close to our hearts simply for their fun, quirky, and down-right pleasant mode of interaction. Of this latter category, no better example exists than the humble Stylophone, which has been buzzing its way into the hands of music lovers since the late 60s. In this modern era of cutting-edge interface design, the Stylophone has continued to be iterated upon by its parent company Dubreq, with perhaps the most exciting stylus-mediated musical development yet hitting the gear news feed this NAMM season: the Stylophone Voice Portable Sampler.

Dressed in a dashing orange enclosure, this new member of Dubreq's Pocket Range Series offers a surprising amount of depth in capturing and manipulating samples using this tried and true stylus interface. Capture sounds from an onboard microphone or the auxiliary in, and play them with up to three sample voices to create fun and funky musical gestures and sound effects anyone can enjoy. Twelve built-in effects let you take these sounds even further, while the integrated drum voices and sequencer hold down rhythmic duties so you can take a solo using a sample of your favorite feline's loudest caterwall. Built for portable sound performance and dripping with fun, we figure the Stylophone Voice is sure to inspire beyond mere oddity or kid's toy, and can't wait to see how it gets used in the hands of creative musicians everywhere.

In a miraculous move for miniature instrument lovers everywhere, the Stylophone Voice is rolling out alongside another Dubreq instant classic, this time rounding out another product perfect for pairing with their Compact Portable Modular line. With the DF-8 dual filter and DS-2 drone voice already out in the wild, the new kid on the block is Dubreq's Stylophone On-The-Fly performance sequencer. Designed for hands-on sequence programming quick enough for real time performance, On-The-Fly features zero menus for maximum intuitive control. Compose rhythms and pitches, inject playing style variations, and more, with expansive connectivity for integrating into Eurorack, analog sync, and MIDI set-ups alike. The Sequencer allows you to program just 8 steps, which can then be instantly extrapolated into multiple 16, 32, or 64-step patterns, complete with glides, ratchets, rests, ties, and random variations that keep things fresh, funky, and in the pocket (in more ways than one!). You can even loop record a performance for up to 1024 step patterns, while the onboard manual performance button makes quick work of injecting fills and modulation during performance.

These new pals aren't available for order quite yet, but with all the big ideas floating around during this year's NAMM show, Stylophone continues to prove that sometimes thinking small can lead to huge results.

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EarthQuaker Devices ZEQD-Pre

EarthQuaker Devices and Dr. Z Amplification team up on the ZEQD-Pre, a compact analog tube preamp designed to deliver real amp feel from the end of a pedalboard. Built to function as a final-stage tone shaper—or even a full amp replacement—the ZEQD-Pre is especially compelling for quiet recording, direct performance, or any situation where hauling a traditional amp isn’t practical. It’s a small box with big ambitions, aiming to preserve the responsiveness and character players expect from classic tube circuits.

The defining feature sits right on the faceplate: a genuine EF86 tube, more commonly found in boutique amplifiers than stompboxes. This tube forms the heart of the circuit, supplying harmonic richness and touch sensitivity that responds naturally to playing dynamics. A three-band EQ offers broad, musical control over bass, mids, and treble, allowing the preamp to be pushed into everything from subtle warmth to bold, driven textures. Engaging the Boost switch bypasses the EQ entirely, opening up a more direct, aggressive signal path when extra punch is needed.

Despite its amp-inspired design, the ZEQD-Pre is remarkably versatile. It’s equally comfortable shaping guitars, basses, and synthesizers, or adding tube character to line-level sources in a studio setting. By combining authentic analog circuitry with pedalboard-friendly form factor, EarthQuaker Devices and Dr. Z have created a flexible tone tool for players who want genuine tube warmth and feel—without committing to a full amplifier rig.

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Electro-Harmonix Effects Interface Hardware Plugin

The Electro-Harmonix Effects Interface is designed to dissolve the line between pedalboard and DAW, creating a fluid bridge between hardware effects and software plugins. Functioning as a purpose-built audio interface for pedal-centric setups, it allows musicians to route signals seamlessly between physical pedals and digital processing. The result is a hybrid workflow that invites experimentation, reamping, and creative signal chains that would be difficult to achieve in either domain alone.

At the core of the Effects Interface are three distinct operating modes, each tailored to a different way of working. Hardware Plugin mode sends tracks or live signals from your DAW out to pedals and external gear, making it ideal for studio processing and reamping. Pedalboard mode flips that relationship, letting instruments pass through software effects before returning to hardware, while Audio Interface mode transforms the unit into a straightforward two-in, two-out interface for portable recording and production directly from your board.

Despite its flexibility, the Effects Interface keeps the experience tactile and intuitive. Physical level controls, a dedicated bypass footswitch, and zero-latency direct monitoring ensure it feels like a piece of performance hardware rather than a computer accessory. With a built-in headphone output for quiet practice and a companion plugin that simplifies routing, the Effects Interface stands out as a creative utility—perfect for players looking to bring the power of software effects into a hands-on, pedalboard-based workflow.

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Electro-Harmonix Pico Intelligent Harmony Machine

Electro-Harmonix’s Pico Intelligent Harmony Machine distills one of their most celebrated pitch pedals into an impressively compact format, without sacrificing musical intelligence. Designed to generate harmonies that stay diatonically locked to your chosen key, it’s a tool that brings instant depth and sophistication to incoming audio. Despite its small footprint, it delivers the kind of harmony control typically reserved for much larger units.

At its core, the Pico Intelligent Harmony Machine allows you to define both key and interval, ensuring harmonies behave musically rather than mechanically. Minor and major thirds land exactly where you expect them, preserving harmonic correctness across a wide range of material. With ten interval options on tap and a Dual mode capable of producing rich three-part harmonies, the pedal opens the door to everything from subtle reinforcement to expansive, choir-like textures.

Balancing those harmonies is straightforward thanks to dedicated Volume and Mix controls, making it easy to blend added voices naturally into your signal. The result is a pedal that feels equally at home supporting melodic leads, stacked riffs, or lush harmonic passages. Compact, precise, and surprisingly powerful, the Pico Intelligent Harmony Machine proves that serious harmonic complexity doesn’t have to come in a large enclosure.

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Empirical Labs EL8-XXX Distressor

The Distressor from Empirical Labs is one of the finest pieces of gear a studio can have: it manages to provide exceptional compression along with subtle (or not) coloration. Surely there is nothing that could improve this, right? Well, think again: the EL8-XXX takes the EL8-X and pushes past its limit to create one of the best ways to add color and depth to music that has a thick bottom. The inclusion of a Triad HS-56 transformer at the input stage means that you will have exceptional clarity in the low end.

It doesn't stop there: because the guise for this release is to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the classic design, Empirical had to do something grand. To highlight the creative sonic tapestry that can be woven with this device, they adjusted some of the internal components so that the harmonic distortion and saturation can be more easily dialed in, and the input impedance is now 600 ohms. You get the same mods from the EL8-X, which includes the British Mod and Stereo Image Link.

Aside from all of that, the front panel is now in a handsome red color, so you can stand out aesthetically while also standing out sonically. Order the EL8-XXX and claim your own bit of history.

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Flock Audio Patch SE

Flock Audio’s PATCH se brings professional-grade studio routing to smaller setups, offering fully digital control over analog signal paths for a truly seamless patchbay experience. Known for engineering digitally-controlled patchbays that maintain 100% analog signal integrity, Flock Audio has distilled their multi-patented technology into this standard edition unit, making it accessible to a wider range of creators. With the PATCH se, you can reroute your studio at the push of a button, store favorite configurations as presets, and maintain creative momentum without ever touching a physical patch cable.

The PATCH se features forty-eight connection points, providing twenty-four inputs and outputs via rear D-25 connectors, while a pair of front-panel combination TRS/XLR jacks offers quick access for spontaneous routing. Its proprietary relay-based matrix ensures signal integrity with zero AD/DA conversion, zero latency, and no compromise to sound quality. This makes switching between tracking, mixing, and mastering setups—or toggling between different projects—effortless and immediate.

Routing control is handled via the PATCH APP and PATCH APP DX, which let you create, store, and recall signal routings from desktop or mobile devices. For growing setups, the PATCH se is expandable, allowing up to ten units to be linked for more channels and even greater routing possibilities. By combining analog fidelity with digital convenience, the PATCH se is a powerful ally for creators who want to spend less time re-patching and more time making music.

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Frap Tools Magnolia

First appearing at Superbooth 2025, Magnolia is a bold new direction from Italy's Frap Tools. Famous for their high-quality, no-compromises Eurorack modular designs, Magnolia might seem to come out of left field—however, it takes their experimental and Buchla-inspired roots and contextualizes them in a new way, providing an instrument that should feel comfortable to performing musicians while still opening up new, under-explored musical territory.

Magnolia is a keyboard synth that clearly encapsulates the mindset of Frap Tools's modular systems, but with firm boundaries that keep it feeling intentional and playable rather than endlessly open-ended. The result is something that encourages exploration while still behaving like a cohesive musical instrument—bringing new sounds to those who haven't taken the leap down the Eurorack rabbit hole.

The heart of Magnolia is a deliberately unconventional oscillator pairing that sets it apart from most polysynths. One leans into complex, West Coast–style territory—folded, FM-rich, and harmonically animated—while the other brings more familiar subtractive shapes into the mix. What makes this pairing special isn’t just the contrast, but how naturally it responds to performance gestures: velocity and polyphonic aftertouch bring a human touch to sounds that so often are generated through automated processes in modular system.

That sense of hands-on expressivity carries through the rest of the synth. The filtering, modulation, and voice architecture all feel designed to support motion, articulation, and nuance, whether you’re shaping tight, percussive tones or slowly unfolding harmonic textures. Add in bi-timbrality and the ability to morph between entirely different patches, and Magnolia becomes less about finding a “sweet spot” and more about transforming raw ideas—a rare quality, and one which we think will make this a truly special instrument that brings the best aspects of its modular roots into a new paradigm.

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Ibanez Layer Delayer

Ibanez’s Layer Delayer takes the concept of a delay pedal into polyrhythmic territory, offering a level of control and flexibility rarely found in a single unit. Six independent level controls let you blend 16th-note and triplet repeats with precision, each accompanied by an LED indicator for visual feedback. This makes crafting complex, evolving delay patterns intuitive, allowing rhythms that feel organic and groovy rather than rigid or mechanical. A Tone knob adds three distinct voicings—organic tape, warm analog, or modern digital—giving a wide palette for shaping your sound. The Moog-style low-pass ladder filter opens even more doors for sonic sculpting, complete with cutoff frequency and resonance control.

Stereo operation opens up another (literal) dimension, offering eight panning modes for ping-pong effects, wide or narrow spatialization, and fine control with the Panning Speed parameter. Trail Decay ensures your repeats fade naturally after disengaging the pedal, maintaining musical continuity. MIDI integration keeps the Layer Delayer in sync with larger setups, while full MIDI control over all parameters makes it a versatile tool for both studio and stage.

The Layer Delayer balances experimental possibilities with reliable performance, delivering everything from intricate rhythmic textures to classic, solid delay tones. For musicians looking to explore polyrhythms, stereo depth, and tonal variety in a single pedal, it’s a powerful and intuitive solution that opens new creative pathways.

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JAM Pedals Retrovibe Mk4

The JAM Pedals RetroVibe Mk4 revitalizes their classic Uni-Vibe-inspired modulation with a modern performance-focused upgrade. Building on the lush, vintage-inspired tones of the original RetroVibe, the Mk4 expands the creative palette with a wider Depth and Speed range, Tap Tempo, and Ramping capabilities. Whether used for subtle motion or dramatic, swirling effects, it brings the charm of classic analog modulation to contemporary pedalboards with precision and flair.

The pedal offers two primary modes: Chorus for slow, immersive modulation that envelops your signal in a rich, moving texture, and Vibrato for faster, rotary-speaker-inspired effects. An expression pedal input provides real-time, hands-off control over modulation speed, opening up expressive possibilities for live performance. Multiple footswitch options make it easy to engage Tap Tempo or smoothly ramp between preset and live speeds, giving players intuitive command over their sound.

For anyone seeking that classic Uni-Vibe vibe with the flexibility to shape modulation in the moment, RetroVibe Mk4 merges time-tested tonal character with modern, performance-oriented features: a perfect companion for expressive, dynamic playing.

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Korg KAOSS Pad V

Korg’s KAOSS Pad V takes the classic dynamic effects controller into a new era, combining real-time modulation with audio and MIDI interface capabilities. Building on the legacy of previous KAOSS Pads, it offers a sprawling collection of filters, delays, reverbs, beat slicing, vocal processing, and modulation effects, all manipulated via the iconic XY touchpad. With 300 preset slots—200 of which are new or reimagined KAOSS effects and 100 user-editable slots—the KAOSS Pad V delivers an expansive palette for live performance, production, and experimentation, allowing dual-finger control for nuanced expression across two dimensions simultaneously.

Beyond effects, the KAOSS Pad V is a fully capable audio processing hub. Standalone audio interface functionality accommodates multiple inputs via RCA line-in, Hi-Z 1/4" connections, or USB audio, while the revamped vocal processing engine offers harmony, vocoder, and timbral effects with unprecedented clarity. Incoming vocals can even be translated into MIDI data in real time, opening doors to entirely new performance possibilities and allowing external effects to be controlled directly by your voice.

Sampling and looping are equally intuitive, with on-the-fly beat slicing, BPM-synced Step Hold effects, and overdub recording for creating layered textures without interrupting the groove. Loops stay perfectly locked to tempo, and samples can stretch up to eight bars depending on BPM, making it a reliable tool for both live and studio workflows. With its combination of expressive control, versatile effects, and deep sampling capabilities, the KAOSS Pad V stands as Korg’s most powerful and adaptable KAOSS Pad yet, ideal for performers, DJs, vocalists, and streamers looking to push their audio creativity to the next level.

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Korg microAUDIO USB Audio Interfaces

Korg’s microAUDIO series brings professional studio sound directly to the desktop, offering streamlined two-input, two-output audio interfaces designed for creators who want high-quality audio without the complexity of larger setups. Both the microAUDIO 22 and 722 feature versatile preamps capable of handling microphones, line-level sources, and Hi-Z instruments, with clean, dynamic gain that captures every detail. Independent headphone mixes, Stereo Link for effortless stereo recording, and loopback functionality make these units equally suited for recording, streaming, or live performance. Each interface also comes bundled with Korg’s Filter Ark plug-in and a full software suite, giving you immediate access to creative tools right out of the box.

Where the models diverge is in their tonal and creative shaping capabilities. The microAUDIO 22 emphasizes simplicity and streamlined performance, letting you assign onboard noise gate, compressor, or limiter effects to either input, and easily manage stereo sources with a single knob. The microAUDIO 722 expands on that foundation by integrating an analog filter inspired by Korg’s legendary 700S synthesizer. This filter can be applied to inputs or computer audio, offering low-pass and high-pass options for creative tonal sculpting. MIDI connectivity opens the door for integration with external devices.

Together, the microAUDIO 22 and 722 provide flexible solutions for musicians, producers, and content creators who demand professional sound in a compact, intuitive interface. Whether you’re looking for a focused, high-quality interface for standard recording and performance (microAUDIO 22) or a platform that adds expressive analog filtering and MIDI control to your workflow (microAUDIO 722), the series delivers transparent sound, versatile routing, and creative potential in a desktop-friendly package.

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Korg phase8 Acoustic Synthesizer

After years of showing prototypes, Korg has finally revealed the phase8: a so-called "acoustic synthesizer" designed by Tatsuya Takahashi and the other brilliant minds at Korg.Berlin. We spoke with Tats back in 2023 about his role at Korg.Berlin, as well as the design inspiration behind phase8—so check out that full interview for some background, and read on to see what phase8 has become in the ensuing years.

Korg's new phase8 is a hybrid acoustic/electronic synthesizer that quite literally integrates the world around you into your patches. Phase8 is a novel design, dissolving the boundaries most synths are forced to obey—fluidly shifting between analog and digital, percussive and melodic, acoustic and electronic. At the heart of this innovation is Korg’s haptic sound generation technology, which uses an electromagnet to excite tuned resonators mounted to a capacitive pickup, feeding their vibrations directly into the synthesis engine. The physical world becomes an active part of the instrument: strike the resonators with a mallet, touch them, or gently brush them with a shell to radically reshape the timbre in real time. The AIR slider controls how responsive the resonators are to your touch, while different materials introduce dramatically different tonal colors. Phase8 accommodates up to eight resonators at once, with the special launch edition including thirteen, all of which can be freely swapped.

There are a variety of modulation and envelope settings, allowing for everything from kalimba-like percussive tones to sustained drones, audio-rate modulation, different methods of harmonic accentuation, vibrato, and much more. These various types of magnetic accentuation and "effects" take it well beyond percussive textures—enabling a wide range of sonic explorations.

An onboard eight-step "keyboard" and sequencer lets you create, save, and recall patterns quickly, encouraging hands-on performance and experimentation. Use overdub mode to stack the individual voices into complex, evolving sequences, or engage the Quantize function for perfectly locked timing when a more precise feel is needed. Every parameter can be automated within the sequencer, unlocking deep, evolving motion across your patches. For expanded control, Phase8 supports external control via CV or MIDI TRS, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into modular or hybrid setups.

The phase8 launch edition ships with three exclusive resonators; and for now, the launch is extremely limited. Given the level of excitement surrounding the release, though, we're hopeful that it'll come back in a less-limited edition sooner rather than later.

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Make Noise NUSS System

2025 was a huge year for Make Noise fans. In one of the most extensive new module rollouts we've seen in a while, Make Noise both unveiled and fleshed out their New Universal Synthesizer System concept, or NUSS for short. NUSS encapsulates approaches to managing multiple channels of signals, one-to-many control concepts such as Modulation Dissemination, and polyphonic patching techniques suitable for a wide array of modular systems. It's been a blast to see these modules get adapted into Eurorack synthesizers of all shapes and sizes, but Make Noise took their presence at Buchla & Friends as a way to showcase one particular angle for how NUSS modules can be used.

For the total newcomers or anyone who wants an isolated patching environment for NUSS exploration, the New Universal Skiff System joins the core NUSS modules together with a couple of other Make Noise essentials. The centerpiece here is, of course, MultiWAVE with its luscious eight-channel, dual-wavetable architecture, which is connected behind the panel to two QXG stereo low pass gate modules for patch cable-free mixing. Each MultiWAVE/QXG channel is shaped by PoliMATHS, capable of complex control voltage shaping or the generation of secondary audio signals. MultiMOD allows you to take any single signal and create time-displaced variants for interrelated modulation of parameters across one or many modules. And to round things out, the beloved QPAS filter and XOH mixer + output module complete the system. As implied by the name, this system is housed in the new 2-Zone Skiff and features a special USB-C port on the side for accessing MultiWAVE via MIDI from a DAW or USB MIDI Host.

If you've already got an existing system or case, Make Noise is also offering the NUSS Bundle: all of the essential NUSS modules priced at a special bundle discount. In lieu of the skiff, the bundle includes the MultiWAVE MIDI Inlet, which is also available separately for early NUSS adopters or piecemeal assembly. The 2-Zone Skiff can be purchased separately as well, and is even being offered for the existing Tape & Microsound Music Machine going forward.

All of these new goodies from Make Noise are available for preorder now, with everything expected to ship by late February or early March.

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Modulaire Maritime Phosgène

Though not actually present at NAMM or Buchla & Friends this year, we can't help but mention an exciting new development from Modulaire Maritime.

It seems that they will continue their run of powerful 2HP modules with the Phosgène, a digital wavetable / FM oscillator with a staggering sixty—count 'em—sixty different wavetables. This is possible thanks to the two banks of thirty wavetables, each of which contain a wide variety of different timbres for you to choose from. These range from bright, aggressive waves to soft, smooth tones for more intimate synthesis.

Each wavetable can be folded manually or using external CV to create a spectrum of different timbral expressions. Once the FD / Mod parameter is pushed past a certain point, the wavetables will automatically start folding to produce more and more aggressive sounds. Both the affected and unaffected waves have their own outputs, giving you even more timbral shaping possibilities. You can even save your chosen waveform after power-cycling using the automatic save feature, which will recall the module's previous settings. If you've got a 2HP-sized hole in your case, it's hard to beat the potential of Modulaire Maritime's Phosgène.

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Morningstar MC4 Pro

Morningstar has taken their popular MC8 Pro and shrunk it down for those of us more space conscious with the MC4 Pro, a 4-button varietal in their be-screened Pro lineup. This variation uses a single, large screen to showcase all of the various assignments and outfits each corner with a footswitch. Like all of their other MIDI pedals, this one is freely assignable and customizable with their incredibly easy-to-use web editor. Easily switch between screens with a press of a switch, press of two switches, long press, double tap—just about any podiatry gesture you can think of.

As a blank canvas, the MC4 Pro is yours to explore and is limited only by your imagination and the availability of MIDI ports on your pedals. Like the MC8 Pro, this MC4 Pro has built-in wireless MIDI capabilities, letting you free yourself from cables with ultra-low latency. If you want cabled connections, however, you're in luck because this puppy is packed with jacks. You get 2 Omniports, a full-size MIDI out, 2 MIDI TRS ins, and a Relay Port for amp switching or pedals that need analog signals.

Morningstar continues to merge your pedals, feet, brain, and computer into one singular organism, and the MC4 Pro makes that reality even smaller. The MC4 Pro is available now and shipping soon.

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Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini

Finnish tone wizards at Neural DSP have distilled their formidable floor-based amp modeler and multi-effects powerhouse into an even smaller form factor in the Quad Cortex Mini, delivering essentially the exact same power in about half the size. Miniaturizing rigs that once would have sent shockwaves of anxiety through any tech rider reader's feeble frame, the Quad Cortex Mini offers a seemingly impossible utility to tone-tweakers and signal-processing aficionados, all wrapped in the incredibly sleek design Neural is known for.

Just like its bigger sibling, the Quad Cortex Mini provides an incredibly deep well of sonic shapers and tools to enable essentially endless experimentation, ensuring a clear path to forging your signature sound. Use the multi-touch 7" touchscreen and footswitch encoders to implement the vast array of 90+ amp models, 100+ effects blocks, and 1000+ IR cab models to summon legendary tones from vintage gear, or contemporary, cutting-edge signal chains. Unlike the similarly diminutive Nano Cortex, the Cortex Mini allows you to use Neural DSP's acclaimed Neural Capture process directly on the device, allowing you to capture the sound and response of your favorite amps, cabs, and effects for use in this ultra-portable device. Featuring the recently released Neural Capture V2, these models provide deeply detailed modeling of even the most dynamic and interactive signal processors, enabling volume-knob cleanup, touch response, and program-dependent sounds from processors like tube amps, compressors, and more. Naturally, the Cortex Cloud is also at your disposal, giving you access to a world of user-captured amps and effects for limitless creative options.

Connectivity may be pared down to a small degree on the Cortex Mini, but all the same functionality remains. Two inputs—one with a combo XLR/TRS jack for Neural Capture, as well as dual send and receive channels—enable flexible set-up when you're incorporating multiple instruments or other hardware effects. Balanced XLR outputs are a sound engineer's dream, ensuring quality sound when directly connected to a front-of-house mix or recording interface. MIDI has been pared down to the smaller 3.5mm TRS format, but provides just as much capability, offering an incredible boon for touring performers using complex, automated rigs and studio producers alike. Whether it's your first foray into Neural's world of tone or you just want a more portable option for your established Quad Cortex practice, the Quad Cortex Mini is sure to inspire with huge musical possibilities in a tiny package.

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Noise Engineering Multi Repetitor

Noise Engineering's Multi Repetitor takes two of their most creative and unique pattern generators, the Numeric and Zularic Repetitor, combining them while adding extra functionality. Eschewing knobs in favor of sliders, this makes visually recognizing your settings a breeze and lets you fine-tune settings with speed. The module outputs a set of four triggers all based on the type of pattern you set up, and there are also four accent outputs for added dynamics.

CV Control over all parameters is to be expected and exists, letting your Repetitor be controlled by a sequencer for tight pattern changes or any other modulation source for unpredictable results. From straightahead rhythms to syncopated grooves and everywhere in between, you can get it locked in with the Multi Repetitor from Noise Engineering. Certainly a welcome alternative to large pattern generators and complex sequencers, there is something refreshing about the simplicity of the interface juxtaposed with the complexity of the sound.

Noise Engineering continues to improve and innovate on their design concepts, and the Multi Repetitor is proof of that.

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Nord Electro 7

As elegant as ever and more powerful than all its predecessors, the Nord Electro 7 series refines one of the most trusted stage keyboards in modern music, combining performance-ready design with an expanded and deeply expressive sound engine. Across all three models, the Electro 7 delivers independent Organ, Piano, and Synth sections that can be split or layered for flexible live and studio workflows. A refreshed panel layout and large color display make navigation fast and intuitive, even under challenging stage lighting, reinforcing the Electro’s reputation as a professional instrument built for long sets, quick changes, and confident performance.

At its core, the Electro 7 offers a formidable sound palette. The Organ section draws from Nord Organ 3, featuring classic B3, Vox, Farfisa, and Pipe Organ models with hands-on drawbar control and an improved rotary speaker effect with selectable mic positions. The Piano section taps into the Nord Piano Library, supported by dynamic compression, unison, and timbre shaping for everything from intimate acoustic tones to bold, mix-ready keys. Newly expanded, the Synth section adds Samples, Analog waveforms, and FM synthesis, complete with vibrato, voicing controls, and a resonant low-pass filter—opening the door to expressive textures, nostalgic synth sounds, and modern layered performances. An enhanced effects section with independent effects per layer adds polish and depth across all sound engines.

Where the Electro 7 models differ is in feel. The Electro 7 61 features a compact 61-key keybed ideal for organ-focused players and portable rigs. The Electro 7 73 adds a longer waterfall keybed, striking a balance between expressive organ technique and expanded range for splits and layered playing. The Electro 7 73 HP swaps waterfall action for a premium hammer-action keybed, offering a more authentic piano response while retaining the full Electro sound set. Whichever keybed you choose, the Electro 7 series delivers Nord’s signature combination of sound quality, immediacy, and road-ready reliability—making it a centerpiece instrument for keyboardists who demand both character and control.

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OBNE x Emily Hopkins Parting

Parting from Old Blood Noise Engineering is their collaboration with harp phenom Emily Hopkins, and what a strange and beautiful child they have created. From the moment you look at it, you know you're about to get involved with a multidimensional device that will take to the edges of sonic impropriety—and that's really the point of Parting. Broken into three sections that are entwined with each other, your signal gets a chance to be fed into a glitch delay that can be smeared into a beautiful wash before having its sample rate reduced. All of this can be easily adjusted and modulated with the on-board modulation options, or use an expression pedal to gain fine control.

The core of Parting is a delay line that, depending on the settings, will be randomly halved or doubled, reversed, sample rate reduced, or all of the above in various combinations. Using the Chance knob, you can dial in how often your audio gets fed into the delay line, which is based on the LFO, and the Glitch knob is the main control for adjusting the subdivisions and tempo jumps. Dissolve is the icing on our cake, adding reverse or sample rate reduction to the overall sound—and it can be used to affect the delay line only or the delay line and the audio input.

With a fairly limited number of controls, you'd think that the sounds available are similarly limited. However, that couldn't be further from the truth, and the Parting has so many options for sounds and effects, it will take time to find what you want to do with it—and what a rewarding time that will be.

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Poly Effects Hugo

We were lucky enough to host Poly Effects for an in-store event the day before NAMM, where they offered the first public preview of their new powerhouse device: Hugo. Though it resembles a gargantuan counterpart to their earlier product Beebo, Hugo transcends the format of multi-effects pedals into what could be the most capable standalone music device ever conceived.

Starting with the familiar aspects, Hugo offers the best of the Poly Effects catalog in one package. You've got the modular environment from Beebo as well as the amp models and effects from their newer pedals like Verbs, Ample, and Trails. There are also captures of their analog pedals Flat V and Kanso, plus the facility to add your own captures down the road.

But the brains at Poly went further to equip Hugo with a comprehensive suite of software to contain everything you would or could need to record, perform, and share music from Hugo itself. This includes a full version of Bitwig Studio, the free Mixx DJ software, and even live-streaming software to broadcast your Hugo performances and productions all over the world. Of course, there's also an audio mix application that handles the routing and mixing of audio from Hugo's inputs, outputs, and inter-app connections.

Seems pretty wild, right? To support these ambitious offerings, Hugo boasts top-of-the-line hardware and runs a lean custom Linux OS. What that means for the end user is generous speed and power to run the various applications with ease. The hardware audio I/O is certainly thorough as well: plenty of 1/4" inputs and outputs, four XLR inputs with preamps and phantom power, ADAT optical I/O, and there's even support for audio-over-ethernet protocols like Dante via the 10Gb Ethernet port. This Ethernet port is, of course, also applicable for integrating DJ hardware with Mixx or beaming your livestream out to the internet over a hard-wired connection. Hidden on the side is a loadbox amplifier input, supporting further integration into live and studio rigs for session players and the like.

Speaking of the hardware, Hugo demonstrates the prowess of Poly Effects' newfound in-house machining capabilities. Beyond the custom enclosure, Hugo's footswitch-encoders are a particular highlight: metal-on-metal contacts with magnetic sensors within to detect both rotational and variable Z-direction input. Beyond the obvious touchscreen interface, dual MPE touch zones afford gestural interaction with Hugo apps.

Poly Effects will continue to show Hugo to the world this week as part of NAMM and various other satellite events. As for availability, Poly Effects is targeting a May launch with a tentative price of $1999.

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Polyend Endless

Polyend has announced their newest pedal, Endless, offering a new spin on the user-programmable effects pedal platform. It's a sleek aluminum pedal with a simple but customizable interface: three knobs, two stomp switches, and a magnetic faceplate that can be swapped for different algorithms or customized yourself. Inside is an ARM-powered DSP with slick and clean audio input and output stages, ensuring low-noise, 48kHz / 24-bit stereo audio performance.

Endless is launching with an already extensive library of available effects, but of course, you'll have the ability to design your own effects. Polyend will be providing a freely available SDK with examples to program in C++. Alternatively, Endless includes $20 of tokens for the Polyend Playground, where text descriptions are prompted into generated effects that can be instantly loaded onto your Endless. In either case, files are transferred easily and quickly thanks to the USB-C connection.

Endless is available for preorder now!

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Rane SYSTEM ONE

Rane’s System One positions itself as a fully self-contained DJ ecosystem, built to deliver a true performance experience without the need for a computer. At the center of the system are two motorized platters that provide tactile, turntable-inspired control, paired with vertically displayed waveforms on a large central touchscreen. Powered by Engine DJ, the display functions as far more than a visual reference—it’s the command hub for browsing tracks, shaping effects, managing samples, and navigating an entire set with confidence and immediacy.

The physical design reinforces its premium intent. The System One feels solid and purposeful, with channel faders and a crossfader that feature adjustable tension to match your preferred response. Each channel is equipped with eight RGB performance pads for triggering samples, cues, or effects, alongside dedicated Stems controls that allow instant isolation of vocals or instrumentals. Effect paddles add another layer of expressiveness, making transitions and accents feel performative rather than procedural.

More than a playback device, the System One is designed to keep DJs engaged with both their music and their audience. By combining the feel of motorized platters with the flexibility of modern standalone software, Rane has created a system that invites hands-on interaction and confident improvisation. For DJs who want a computer-free setup that still delivers depth, responsiveness, and club-ready presence, the System One is a statement piece built for the heart of the dance floor.

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Roland GO:MIXER STUDIO

Sometimes you want a mixer—sometimes you even want a mixer that can work as a multitrack audio interface. And, if you're particularly bold, you might even want it to offer integrated effect processing and support for a wide variety of I/O types. A pal can dream, right? Well, yes, but you know what else? Sometimes dreams do come true—and sometimes they take the earthly form of the wonderfully compact yet surprisingly powerful GO:MIXER STUDIO.

This new offering from Roland is designed for musicians, streamers, and content creators who need high-quality audio wherever they work. Acting as both a hardware mixer and a multitrack interface, it’s primed to act as the hub of a mobile or desktop workflow, making it easy to capture polished recordings directly to a computer or mobile device. Despite its portable footprint, though, the GO:MIXER STUDIO is engineered to handle everything from solo performances to small ensembles and live streaming setups with ease.

The mixer offers a generous twelve input channels, including XLR microphone inputs, a dedicated guitar or bass input, stereo line inputs for synths and drum machines, an auxiliary input, and multiple digital channels sourced from a connected device. This flexible I/O makes blending live instruments, backing tracks, and system audio straightforward, with loopback support simplifying streaming and video production. Three stereo output pairs and adaptable monitoring options allow for everything from live sound reinforcement to quiet headphone-based work, even accommodating TRRS headset microphones as an additional input source.

And on top of all of that, the GO:MIXER STUDIO includes onboard EQ, compression, and reverb, along with scene memory for instantly recalling favorite setups. Roland’s companion apps extend its capabilities further, enabling direct video capture with multitrack audio and detailed session control from a computer or phone. While it's designed principally for on-the-go content creators, we can't help but imagine all of the musical possibilities: we're thrilled to see such compact and powerful mixing solutions emerging in a world that increasingly favors standalone/desktop setups, and we're happy to have another option for how to tie everything together.

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Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET

The Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET brings two of the most beloved compression styles into a single, performance-minded studio processor. By pairing fast, punchy FET compression with smooth, musical optical compression, the OptoFET is built for classic dynamic shaping techniques that add impact, control, and character in one pass. The unit can run both compressors in series for rich, layered results—with switchable order to explore different tonal responses—or split them into dual-band operation, allowing each circuit to work on separate frequency ranges for more targeted control.

Despite its depth, the OptoFET remains intuitive to use. Clear input and output controls make gain staging straightforward, while each compression stage offers dedicated parameters for shaping response and feel. The FET section excels at transient control, with variable attack and release times, parallel Blend control, and a sidechain high-pass filter to keep low-end energy from triggering unwanted compression. A GRIT mode adds subtle saturation via the sidechain, lending extra punch and attitude—particularly effective on drums and rhythmic material.

The optical stage complements this with a slower, more forgiving character, smoothing dynamics while generating low-order harmonics for a warm, cohesive sound. Full control over attack, release, threshold, gain, and ratio ensures precision, while the BLOOM switch enhances harmonic richness and low-end weight. Anchored by global crossover and mode controls, the OptoFET functions as both a flexible creative tool and a refined problem-solver—equally at home on vocals, instruments, and buses where classic compression tone and modern versatility are equally essential.

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Slate Digital ML-2A

If you've ever wanted to add the deep sound of classic microphones into your recordings, SSL have unveiled their latest mic modeling tech to the world, the Slate Digital ML-2A. This pair of small-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphones can create accurate emulations of 27 different legendary and obscure microphones from all across time. Ribbon, large-diaphragm, and everything in between are represented, giving you access to a plethora of different timbres and emotional tonality for whatever mic best fits your purposes at that moment.

Constructed with premium components, the ML-2As are equipped with gold-sputtered capsules with low-noise electronics for providing accurate emulations with zero latency. All of this is possible using SSL's Virtual Microphone System (VMS) plugin, which can transform these mics in an instant within your DAW. They can handle a staggering maximum SPL of 156dB, along with an onboard -20dB pad for handling even the loudest sound sources with unaffected accuracy. Quickly clean up your incoming audio using the onboard 80Hz 6dB/octave high pass filter, which can preserve the tonal clarity of your recordings for deeper editing down the line.

Whether you're in a professional recording environment or in your home studio, thanks to modern technology, even aspiring producers and engineers have access to a diverse mic locker with Slate Digital ML-2A microphones.

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Studiologic Numa X Piano GTse

Studiologic have announced a special edition version of their flagship keyboard, the Numa X Piano GTse. Featuring a beautiful warm-metalic finish with handcrafted solid-wood side panels, it may very well be their most beautiful instrument yet.

It features twice the internal memory as the original version, offering 4GB for larger sound libraries, SE-exclusive content, and future expansions. The keybed comes equipped with TP/400 hammer action wooden keys with aftertouch for a beautiful playing (and listening) experience. The UX is designed with performance in mind, offering a clean layout for in-the-moment decisions, and color-coded potentiometers to give you intuitive visual feedback of your virtual navigations. The Numa X Piano GTse is a gorgeous new addition to the Studiologic roster, and certain to be a favorite tool for the performing musician.

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Suzuki Omnichord OM-108 Red Limited Edition

Strummin': it's a truly time-tested approach to musical interaction, and guess what!? It's not just for stringed instruments any more (I hope that you read that in a menacing tone). That's right—not only is the infamous Omnichord back; it's now available in a red limited edition colorway, looking cooler than ever before.

The Omnichord OM-108, of course, marks the long-awaited return of one of electronic music’s most joyful and approachable instruments. Faithfully reissued and thoughtfully updated, it builds on the legacy of the beloved OM-84—an autoharp-inspired electronic instrument that makes chords, rhythms, and songwriting instantly accessible. With its iconic strumplate interface and shimmering tones, the Omnichord has long been a secret weapon for songwriters and experimental musicians alike, and the OM-108 brings that same charm into the modern era.

At its core, the OM-108 preserves the sound and spirit of the original. Suzuki has recreated the classic OM-84 tones using all-analog circuitry, delivering the same warm, nostalgic character that defined the instrument in the ’80s. Alongside those vintage sounds are newly added PCM timbres, expanding the palette to ten total voices. Harmonic possibilities have also grown, while an updated rhythm section introduces genre-focused patterns, performance-ready drum pads, and a strumplate-activated arpeggiator for playful rhythmic variation. Modern audio + MIDI connectivity and performance features round out the update.

But that's just the beginning! With its blend of nostalgia, immediacy, and thoughtful expansion, the Omnichord OM-108 remains what it has always been—an irresistibly fun instrument that invites creativity at any skill level.

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UDO DMNO

UDO returned to NAMM this year with their new DMNO—a wild bi-timbral polyphonic synthesizer. It uses a hybrid digital/analog architecture similar to those found in prior UDO instruments, with some special sonic twists and new functionality that set it apart from its siblings—both in terms of its conceptual approach and its overall sound.

DMNO has just enough retro flair to hint at its vintage-inspired lineage, borrowing obvious design reference from classic Oberheim instruments like the Two-Voice and Xpander/Matrix-12. But, despite that VFD display and vintage touch, under the hood, DMNO is designed to accommodate new and adventurous approaches to performance and interaction. Built around an eight-voice engine that can behave like two distinct four-voice synths, it invites you to think less in terms of presets and more in terms of relationships between voices, layers, and gestures.

That dual-engine design is where DMNO stands apart from other similar offerings. You can stack, split, and create a variety of unusual relationships between the two halves in any of several performance-oriented modes, from conventional bi-timbral setups to more unpredictable note allocation schemes that introduce controlled chaos into your patches. In its most extreme configurations, DMNO even steps into complex-oscillator territory, encouraging aggressive modulation, evolving tones, and textural tones that resist easy classification.

Sonically, DMNO balances precision with depth. Its high-resolution digital oscillators feed fully stereo signal paths that emphasize spatial width, movement, and subtle asymmetry, while the analog filtering lends a tactile, familiar, organic quality to the sound. From wide, immersive pads to tightly focused sequences and snarling experimental tones, DMNO feels designed for musicians who want a synth that responds dynamically to how they play—and rewards curiosity with sounds that you've never quite heard.

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Verbos Multistage 10

Verbos has bestowed upon us the Multistage 10, which is replacing the CMOS-based Multistage. This welcome addition offers all the same features found in the Multistage 16—namely the trigger inputs and stage jumping—but with a slightly smaller footprint and reduced price. Like its larger sibling, you have two rows of sliders that send out voltages to the CV A and CV B outputs, and with 10 stages, you can easily create interesting poly rhythms and unusual meters. This becomes more interesting if you patch a modulation source into the Analog input, which will directly address the sequencer. For more exacting control, you can use the Stage Select Inputs, which go right to a step when activated via external triggers.

This can be a great way to control your entire system or use it as just a small part of your epic ecosystem. In a world filled with multiples of 8, the Multistage 10 offers possibilities beyond the octagonally locked. Comfortable at speeds up to audio rate, you could even use this as a sound source if desired.

Multistage 10 is expected in the next few weeks, and preorders are open.

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Walrus Audio Canvas Volume

You know what rules? Volume pedals. Really cool volume pedals. Analog volume pedals—with digital control. And you know what else? That's exactly what Walrus's new Canvas Volume is.

Walrus Audio’s Canvas Volume rethinks the volume pedal as a precision performance tool, pairing a fully analog signal path with digitally controlled flexibility. Rather than locking players into a single feel, Canvas Volume offers eight selectable taper shapes inspired by classic designs—including familiar Ernie Ball and Lehle-style responses—alongside a custom Walrus taper designed for exceptionally smooth control. The result is a volume pedal that can be tailored to match both playing style and musical context with unusual accuracy.

Beyond taper selection, Canvas Volume adds layers of customization that push it well past traditional volume pedals. An onboard gain stage provides up to +9 dB of boost, while an adjustable heel-down minimum allows players to define their baseline volume for swells, rhythm work, or expressive fades. These features make it just as useful as a dynamic shaping tool as it is for simple level control, especially in complex pedalboard setups.

A standout feature is the Lag control, which subtly delays the pedal’s response to movement, smoothing out abrupt changes and creating a more fluid, expressive feel. This adjustable “looseness” makes swells more musical and helps volume gestures feel intentional rather than mechanical. With its blend of analog purity and deep digital customization, the Canvas Volume stands out as one of the most versatile and thoughtfully designed volume pedals available today.

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Walrus Audio Mantle

Sometimes you want your bass to be bassier; your thump, thumpier; your low end, even lower: and that's what Mantle has to offer. If you're looking for the sound of wild high-end transformer-based preamps/processors, don't fret; Mantle brings studio-quality bottom + oomph to your pedalboard.

Mantle is a premium bass preamp and DI designed to deliver studio-grade tone when going direct to an interface, mixing console, or front-of-house system. Built around custom Sapphire transformers, Mantle draws inspiration from the character of classic Neve and API preamps, giving bass signals weight, presence, and harmonic depth. The result is a direct sound that feels confident and forward, retaining clarity and punch without losing warmth.

The control set is deliberately simple, borrowing its philosophy from high-end studio gear. A transformer-driven Gain control ranges from subtle attenuation to generous boost, while Bass and Treble rotary switches provide precise tonal shaping with eleven stepped positions for easy recall. As the EQ is pushed, it transitions toward bell-shaped curves for focused enhancement; pulled back, it moves into deep attenuation that borders on low- and high-pass filtering, making it easy to carve space or tighten a mix.

Designed for real-world performance and recording scenarios, Mantle offers both 1/4" and XLR outputs for flexible routing, along with a -10 dB pad to accommodate hot pickups and aggressive playing styles. Whether anchoring a pedalboard, serving as a cab-free recording solution, or acting as the final tone shaper before the PA, the Mantle delivers refined, authoritative bass tone—no microphone or elaborate signal chain required.

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Warm Audio WA-64 Retro 64 Dynamic Mic

Warm Audio’s Retro 64 is a vintage-inspired, broadcast-style dynamic microphone—rugged enough for life on the road while still sonically rich and dependable. Designed to be a true workhorse, it excels on vocals, guitar cabs, drum kits, and all manner of acoustic instruments (including especially loud winds), offering a balanced response that fits effortlessly into live and studio roles alike. Its humbucking dynamic capsule provides consistent, accurate translation with a touch of upper-mid emphasis to help sources sit confidently in a mix.

Of course, given its intended use in live contexts, the Retro 64 features excellent off-axis rejection and strong feedback suppression, making it easy to use on loud stages and tight setups. An internal shockmount helps keep handling noise at bay, ensuring clean captures even when it's getting yanked about on stage. Rugged, versatile, and sonically quite pleasant, the Retro 64 is a reliable addition to any microphone collection.

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Wes Audio ngSumBox

The latest trend is to have unadulterated analog signals meticulously controlled, and Wes Audio, a company who's been doing that for ages, has raised the stakes again with the ngSumBox. This is a 16 channel summing box—with an extra 2 inputs for external gear—that is entirely controlled via their companion software. You get 16 full channels with automation options and direct outputs all with fully recallable settings. This makes setting up a new session or bringing up previous settings something that takes a matter of seconds.

The main inputs and direct outputs are accessible via D-Sub connections, but there are 2 stereo effect loops available for routing external gear into any channel, along with the aforementioned 2 external inputs. The front panel is a bevy of LEDs, giving you instant understanding of the signal and you have a few vital controls. Output lets you pump up the volume, Iron Pad will help tame the input, and a Width knob will allow you signals to sit perfectly across the stereo field.

If you're taking recording seriously and have a lot of outboard gear that you need to integrate into your computer, the ngSumBox is one of the best ways to ensure your signal stays pristine while having exacting control over what's going where.

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Weston x Trovarsi Trivium

The offerings at NAMM and Buchla & Friends showcase a bevy of totally unique and novel concepts in music technology that suggest equally new musical workflows and modalities, but often the most impactful new devices take aim at providing a refined implementation of what musicians are already doing. In this category of music gear development, the Portland-based module makers at Weston Precision Audio have teamed up with modular performer and producer Trovarsi to offer Trivium: an ultra-convenient, compact, and great-sounding analog multi-function module designed to offer the "back end" of a typical subtractive synth voice when paired with your favorite VCO.

Considering Trovarsi's extensive experience in live modular and hybrid rig performance, it's no surprise that this collaboration focuses on an incredibly useful and feature-packed offering for live performance cases and studio rigs alike. In Trivium, you get a juicy and resonant OTA state variable filter, two flavors of envelope generators, and an integrated VCA with saturation all in just 12hp. Add in your favorite modular oscillator, be it a bread-and-butter variant like Weston's own Dual Analog VCO or something more unique like their HV1 Hybrid Oscillator, and you're off to the races with a sleek filter and modulation section capable of producing profound synthesized tones in even the smallest of systems.

The filter onboard Trivium is likely to be the most immediately ear-catching element of its many features and functionalities, offering a decidedly musical resonance with tons of sweet spots that will have you reaching for its yellow knobs with impassioned glee. Switch between modes for versatile sound shaping, and use the convenient routing section to add envelope modulation to the filter for dynamic and organic-sounding decays. With both ADSR and AD/AR envelopes on hand, you can easily dial in snappy percussive sounds and smooth pads alike, with dedicated envelope outputs for breaking these modulation sources out to other modules. While the convenient normalling onboard represents much of Trivium's charm and utility, plenty of CV inputs are also included for affecting envelope stages and filter settings with external sources. Finally, the VCA warms up nicely into analog saturation at high gain settings, adding that extra push and heat to make your tones soar through a mix.

Available in both a normal version and a limited Trovarsi edition that comes with a few more colorful knobs, a 4HP blank panel and sticker with Trovarsi's logo, and a signature from Trovarsi right on the back of the module, we can't wait to see Trivium rolling its way into performance cases far and wide.

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That's It For Now

That's it for now—though no doubt, we'll continue to see more gear from NAMM emerge into the wild. Thanks for tuning in—and be sure to come back for Superbooth ;)

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