NAMM 2021: The best synths and music tech gear releases this year
Believe In Music Week, the virtual replacement for NAMM 2021 is underway – here are the synths and studio gear that's coming out of the online show.
NAMM 2021: January is normally a month reserved for an insane number of gear launches. Last year, we visited Anaheim in California to check out all the latest and greatest synths, plug-ins, studio hardware, and more from big brands and boutique makers. However, the Winter NAMM Show in 2021 is a little different.
Has NAMM 2021 been cancelled?
In short, yes. While the physical trade show in Anaheim is not proceeding, due to pandemic safety concerns, there is a virtual alternative.
Believe In Music Week goes some way to replacing the traditional trade show. The online event, running from 18-22 January 2021, hosts an interactive marketplace for product launches. Believe In Music Week is also broadcasting hours of educational content from the pros, and artist performances on BelieveInMusic.tv.
Will there be new gear launches this month (January 2021)?
You can count on it. Although there’s less of a focal point than the regular NAMM show, many brands are still planning product releases. In fact, we’ve seen a slew of them in recent days.
This list will be updated regularly as new products are announced.
New synths and hardware instruments for 2021
SYNTRX [sintrex] is developed from scratch, all analogue synthesizer with digitally controlled analogue patch/mixer matrix.
Features
3 highly accurate VCOs that track great over 8 octaves
Octave switch for the VCO1
Sync option for the VCO2
Noise generator with “color” filter
Resonant VCF
Ring modulator
Spring reverb
ASR/AD looping envelope generator
Joystick controller
Input amplifier with adjustable gain
3 VCAs
Sample & Hold circuit with an individual clock
Output signal filter
Mechanical CV/audio signal level indicator
MIDI In and MIDI Thru
Built in speakers
Dimensions: 309mm x 457mm x 115mm (with the joystick in centre position)
Weight: 4.05 kg
Since its beginnings Erica Synths has promoted experimental electronic music and has developed instruments that enable musicians to unleash their creativity. When it comes to standalone instruments, we think, one of most encouraging instruments in experimental music was Synthi AKS, so we teamed up with engineers from Riga Technical University to develop a synthesizer with a user interface that challenges conventional wisdom in a sound design. We believe, it will inspire users to explore the sonic universe and travel to previously undiscovered audible realms
Arturia
MicroFreak V3 is a firmware upgrade that puts three new Noise Engineering oscillator modes into the tiny digital synth.
Hammond
The Hammond SK Pro sees the legendary organ maker blend piano, organ and monosynth with their latest instrument.
Make Noise
0-Coast While the 0-COAST utilizes classic modular synthesis techniques, we designed it to operate with or without the use of patch cables. The necessary connections have been made from circuit to circuit so it operates as an expressive, musical MonoSynth. Using only the MIDI controller of your choice you could apply new timbres to your existing musical forms!
IK Multimedia
The UNO Synth Pro and UNO Synth Pro Desktop are paraphonic evolutions of the original UNO Synth with new filters, a 64-step sequencer and more.
Korg
After selling out of the ARP 2600 FS almost immediately, Korg has returned with the smaller ARP 2600 M, a faithful recreation of one of the most lusted after monosynth ever.
Modwave is a reinvention of 1985’s DW-8000 synth which combined wavetable synthesis with analogue filters. The rebirthed instrument adds Kaoss Physics and Motion Sequencing.
The MiniKorg 700FS is a revival of the company’s first monophonic synth, bringing modern touches to make it a better fit for modern studios. Ideal for thick bass and leads.
Roland
The Roland Verselab MV-1 merges an 808-style sequencer, a 4×4 pad grid, and ZEN-Core sounds in this unique groovebox for beatmakers.
Sequential
Sequential has shrunk down its Prophet-5 and 10 Rev 4 polysynths into neat desktop devices, ideal if you have enough keyboards already.
Yamaha
The YC73 and YC88 expand Yamaha’s range of impressive stage keyboards with piano, organ and FM synth sounds.
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