This Week in Music Tech: NAMM Updates from Moog, Elektron, Korg, Arturia, Nord, Bitwig, and More
The annual NAMM conference is officially underway, and as expected, a host of new synthesizers, […]
The annual NAMM conference is officially underway, and as expected, a host of new synthesizers, drum machines, controllers, programs, and more have been officially (and some still unofficially) introduced to the world. The latest This Week in Music Tech checks in on the most important developments that have so far gone down in the gear world’s busiest weekend.
Moog has unveiled its Sub37 “paraphonic analog synthesizer,” and Sonicstate provided a comprehensive look at the new synth’s prototype.
Moog also has been showing off a new theremin, the Theremini, “a re-imagination of one of the oldest electronic musical instruments in history, and Bob Moog’s first love.” Full specs can be perused here.
M-Audio introduced the Trigger Finger Pro, an updated version of its classic workhorse controller, the Trigger Finger, which brings with it an abundance of updates, including a built-in step sequencer. More info can be found here.
After a long wait, Bitwig Studio has set a date for the software’s first full release. The Ableton-like program, which combines “traditional arrangement sequencing with modern, performance-oriented clip launching workflows,” will officially be available on March 26 with a price tag of $399/€299. Details on the forthcoming program’s features can be found here.
Swedish gear manufacturer Nord introduced the Lead A1 synth just before NAMM. Billed as a new keyboard which utilizes Nord’s “best-ever analog modeling” technology, the full specifications of the new synth can be found here.
Boutique gear designer Elektron has unveiled Analog Rytm, the company’s forthcoming “eight-voice drum computer” which boasts 12 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads and a “world-class” Elektron step sequencer amongst its features. Create Digital Music has gathered the full details for the new unit here.
French instrument and software company Arturia has introduced a new pad controller and step sequencer called Beatstep. The compact MIDI controller also includes CV outputs and iPad compatibility. The full specifications can be read up on here.
Small start-up Sonarworks launched its microphone/software package, which aims to help bedroom producers calibrate their speaker systems and “tune” their room for the most accurate sound given their individual set-up. The Sonarworks package is out now for a street price of $463/€339.
Korg will be bringing back its classic MS-20 analog synth in its full size, but here’s the catch—synth nerds have to build it themselves. The MS-20 DIY kit is set to be available by March for a street price around $1399.99. More info on the limited run of kits can be found here.