It's that time of year again, NAMM 2018 starts this weekend! NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to strengthening the global music, sound and technology products industry. Their biggest annual event, The NAMM Show, is basically one of the world's two largest trade show for music products. NAMM takes place annually in Anaheim, California and allows brands and manufacturers the opportunity to showcase their latest offerings, while simultaneously giving retailers (like us) a chance to get hands-on with some of those products (often before the release date) while also meeting with the people at the centre of those brands.
This year NAMM is taking place from the 25th to the 28th of Jan (US time) and we have a team representing Store DJ, at the show checking out all the new gear for all four days!
To follow our NAMM ’18 coverage and see what our guys on the ground are seeing, follow us on Instagram.
Here's some new releases we're excited about:
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Elektron Digitone
Winner - Music Radar Best of NAMM 2018 (Hardware Synth)
New releases from Elektron always cause a bit of excitement. This NAMM announcement is no exception (even though it looks and sounds exceptional!). The Digitone has been a smash hit at NAMM, drawing lots of attention and several accolades. A partner to the Digitakt (and in the same form factor), with the Digitone, Elektron takes on FM synthesis. Popularised in the 80's by synths such as Yamaha's DX series, FM has made a resurgence recently, being (re)adopted by several manufacturers. At times a complex form of synthesis, Elektron have distilled the essence of FM, adding plenty of user control, along with the famous Elektron sequencer. The Digitone is available to pre-order now.
View and pre-order here
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Moog DFAM
Announced a little over a week ago, the MOOG DFAM (Drummer From Another Mother) is the first addition to the ‘Mother’ line since the Mother-32 dropped in 2015. Like the Mother-32 it’s a semi-modular, stand-alone analog unit with 24 CV In/Out patch points, which also makes it a welcome addition to any Eurorack setup. Unlike the Mother-32, the DFAM is a percussion synth! Two oscillators, a noise generator, selectable Low Pass or High-Pass analog filters, 3 envelopes and an 8-step sequencer mean the DFAM can create fat, dynamic analog rhythms. Couple this architecture with the patch bay and you have a mother-load of sonic possibilities!
View the Moog DFAM
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Korg Prologue
Winner - Best In Show - NAMM 2018!
A new synthesizer offering from Korg, the Prologue is sure to be a big attraction at NAMM this year! Available in 8-voice and 16-voice varieties, the Prologue is a polyphonic analog synth with more than a few similarities to 2016’s Minilogue. The newly developed ‘multi engine’ is provided as VCO3, adding digital waveforms and FM. This multi engine, which is equipped with three different sound engines, can be combined with the analog VCOs to expand prologue’s sonic potential. Voices can be stacked in Unison mode and the Prologue also offers Bi-timbre support. Possibly the coolest feature of the Prologue is the ability to design and upload your own oscillator via Korg’s app.
View the Korg Prologue range
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Arturia MiniBrute 2/2S
Arturia dropped some huge news recently, with the announcement of two new Minibrute synths. The MiniBrute 2 and MiniBrute 2S offer the same analog goodness from the original MiniBrute, with 2x VCO, a Steiner-Parker multimode filter and hands-on control of every parameter you can sculpt some huge sounds. The major addition this time around though, is a 48-point modulation patch bay! The new MiniBrute comes in two form factors: the MiniBrute 2, which features a high quality 25 note MatrixBrute style keyboard and the MiniBrute 2S which loses the keyboard in favour of a triple-layered step sequencer and multi-mode arpeggiator, it’s also decked out with high quality, pressure and velocity sensitive performance pads.
View MiniBrute 2/2S
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Arturia Rackbrute
The Rackbrute is an adjustable Eurorack housing system that will store, protect, and power your sound modules. Available in two sizes (3U and 6U), it features +12V/-12V/+5V power, an included handle and the new Link fastening system, which allows you to attach a MiniBrute 2/2S or another RackBrute unit in various configurations. No matter what combination, you can make the most out of your extensive module collection, or create a powerful EcoSystem with the extensive CV/Gate connectivity of the MiniBrute 2 and 2S.
View Rackbrute
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Universal Audio Arrow
Universal Audio have launched a brand new interface, based on their Apollo range. The Arrow features UA’s class-leading audio conversion, an onboard UAD-2 Solo Core processor and two Unison mic preamps all in bus powered desktop unit. That means, coupled with its included suite of effects, you can get the professional level recording quality that you’d expect from a Universal Audio interface on the go, outside of the studio, powered by a laptop. It also comes in at much lower price-point than their Apollo range, making it a great entry level interface with professional quality components.
Universal Audio Arrow is in stock now!
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Roli Lightpad M
Roli have updated their hugely popular Lightpad with the new ‘Lightpad M’. Maintaining the great functionality and connectivity of the original iteration, the Lightpad M features a re-designed, more tactile surface, which is dimpled with 225 “microkeywaves”. The microkeywaves of the Lightpad M allow you to interact with the surface in a deeper way and gauge each movement more precisely, this is coupled with a new thicker, softer silicone layer that enhances pressure-responsiveness. Finally, the surface of the Lightpad M is 50% brighter than the original Lightpad Block.
View Roli Lightpad M
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Korg Volca Mix
People have been wanting a dedicated mixer for the Volca series for a while now, so Korg have answered the call. The Volca Mix is a 4-channel analog performance mixer that lets you construct a live setup combining multiple Volca units. One of the coolest features is its three DC outputs, meaning this mixer can power three external Volca units! The Volca mix also has LO/HI Cut filters, channel faders and a set of Master effects including a Stereo expander and a dynamic range compressor that compresses the high-frequency range according to level changes of the low-frequency region. Like previous Volca units the Mix has in-built speakers but also features RCA line outputs and a headphone out on 3.5mm minijack.
View Korg Volca Mix
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Pioneer DDJ-1000
Taking elements from the uber-popular CDJ and DJM units this new 4-channel controller from Pioneer should have some familiar features. With a layout inherited from the flagship NXS2 models, the DDJ-1000 adds jog wheel display screens that provide track information, hopefully lowering the need for you to split your attention between the controller and your computer. It also features 16 back-lit performance pads, 14 Beat FX, a highly durable Magvel cross-fader, full size jog wheels and is rekordbox DVS ready (purchase of rekordbox dvs Plus Pack required).
View DDJ-1000
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PreSonus NSB 16.8 & NSB 8.8 AVB Networked Stage Boxes
PreSonus have announced a new range of products designed to seamlessly integrate with their StudioLive Series III mixers/recorders. The NSB 16.8 and 8.8 are AVB networked stage boxes that deliver signal from stage to mixing console over CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a heavy, expensive copper snake. The 16.8 features 16 locking combo mic inputs and eight locking XLR outputs, while the 8.8 has eight combo inputs and eight XLR outputs. Both have the ability to have their inputs, preamps, and phantom power remote controlled by a networked Series III console or PreSonus' UC Surface touch-control software.
View NSB 16.8
View NSB 8.8
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PreSonus EarMix 16M
Further expanding on this growing range of AVB networked products, PreSonus have also announced the EarMix 16M, a personal monitor mixer. Providing a high-quality, expandable, networked monitoring solution for stage, installed sound systems and studio recording, it features a high-performance headphone amplifier capable of driving low-impedance devices such as professional-calibre in-ear-monitors. Another great inclusion is the ability to store and recall up to 16 mix scenes locally, meaning you can find the mix settings you prefer for different songs or sets and save and recall those settings on the fly. With the added bonus of being powered over ethernet (PoE), the EarMix 16M delivers exceptional sound quality to help enhance your hard-earned reputation as an audio professional.
View EarMix 16M
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Ortofon MKII Concorde Series
2018 marks the 100th anniversary of Ortofon and to celebrate they've upgraded their Concorde range. The MKII series streamlines the Concorde series of cartridges into five models - Club, Mix, DJ, Scratch and Digital. Club boasts the best specs available and is aimed at DJ's wanting the to achieve the highest playback sound possible. Mix is the entry-level choice, a fantastic option for those new to DJing or wanting a great cost-effective option. DJ is an all-rounder, perfect for people who need a balanced cartridge/styli combo that’s ideal for any kind of music. Scratch features increased tracking, high output, spherical styli and is great for scratching and heavy back-cuing. While Digital is designed specifically for use with time-coded vinyl, optimized for all the needs of that particular format. Along with this the new MKII series boasts a wider stylus gap, more robust design and the typical uncompromising quality that you'd expect from Ortofon. One of the most useful additions is the now removable and replaceable fingergrips, that are also sold in four colours to match the four different cartridge models.
View Ortofon MKII Concorde Series
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Audient iD44
Audient have extended their iD range of audio interfaces, adding the iD44. As the name suggests, this model features four mic preamps. As usual, they are the same, high quality pre's found in Audient's famous consoles. IO on this interface can be easily expanded via the two optical inputs and two optical outputs, enabling you to add up to 16 channels of mic pres to your setup - perfect for bigger sessions or tracking a live band. As well as offering you 4 channels of mic pre, iD44 has two harmonically rich JFET D.I inputs designed to replicate the input stage of a classic valve amplifier. Simply plug in your guitar, bass or synth whenever inspiration strikes and start recording instantly. Customers who purchase from Audient's iD range are eligible for a range of free software including plugins from Eventide.
View Audient iD44
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Waldorf Quantum
The Waldorf Quantum is the latest in a technology that Waldorf is famous for - wavetable synthesis. This eight-voice polyphonic keyboard features three stereo digital oscillators, with two analogue lowpass filters per voice each in 24 or 12 dB configuration. It has flexible routing with a 40-slot modulation matrix, six LFOs and six loopable envelopes. The wavetables include classic Waldorf tables, the latest additions from Nave including speech synthesis and wavetable generation from audio, classic synth waveforms, grangular sampling and a resonator. The 61-note keyboard is accompanied by a step sequencer and arpeggiator.
View Waldorf Quantum
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Waldorf STVC
This new keyboard from Waldorf marries a 70's style string machine with a vocoder. Taking the voice engine from Waldorf's Streichfett desktop module, the STVC features a single registration knob which sweeps through mixer and EQ settings for Violin, Viola, Cello, Brass, Organ, Choir and more for creating rich and creamy sonic textures. The Solo section is a 16-voice synthesizer that complements the string sounds. There is an included gooseneck mic for use with the vocoder. The vocoder includes a freeze function, so you can play the keyboard using a formant set with the mic.
View Waldorf STVC
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Adam T Series Monitors
The T Series is ADAM Audio’s new range of affordable, professional 2-way powered studio monitors, offering extremely high performance and is comprised of two models: the T5V features a 5” woofer and the T7V uses a 7” woofer. Both models use the same U-ART high-frequency driver (Unique Accelerated Ribbon Tweeter); feature a beveled cabinet design, rear-firing bass reflex port, built-in DSP-controlled driver crossovers and equalization, and multi-way analog connections. The monitors’ small dimensions belie their outstanding performance: Their wide frequency response, high dynamic range, excellent transient response, wide sweet spot and small footprints make both monitors perfectly suited for use in small control rooms for music production, video post-production and radio broadcast.
View Adam T Series Monitors
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Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Metal Series
The third generation Pocket Operator family from Teenage Engineering is now complete. Silver (PO-33) and bronze (PO-35) devices have been added to the existing gold (PO-32) in the Metal series. As with all Pocket Operators, you get sounds, effects and a sequencer, all in a pocket-sized package at a very nice price. PO-33 is known as KO! and features a micro sampler with 40 second sample memory and a built-in recording microphone. PO-35 - Speak - is sample-based as well - use the built in microphone to instantly record your own voice, and completely change its character; play with it, sequence it and add effects and drums on top. The PO-32 is in stock now, with the PO-33 and PO-35 available to order.
View Pocket Operator Metal
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Focusrite Clarett Pre USB
Focusrite has added to it’s range of Clarett Pre audio interfaces by announcing USB versions of its 2Pre, 4Pre and 8Pre models. Focusrite are claiming that they feel this range can compete with interfaces twice the price! Featuring high performance, low-noise (-128dB EIN) mic pres with a low distortion, ultra-linear design, Focusrite is committed to giving the most clean, open and transparent sound possible. These mic preamps are “air” enabled, meaning they make use of Focusrite’s Air technology to help reproduce the sound of Focusrite’s original ISA mic pres. Operating at 24-bit/192kHz with a connection via standard USB or USB-C the three different models offer differing I/O line configurations, but all have MIDI In/Out and ADAT support.
View Clarett Pre USB
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Aston Shield Pop Filter & Swift Shock Mount
Aston microphones have only been around since 2015, but their commitment to combining quality with accessibility, all while doing things in their own unique way has seen them stand out in a very crowded marketplace. Now they've stepped into the realm of accessories, releasing a shock mount and pop filter and like other Aston products, they've done things a little differently. The Shield pop filter is made from solid stainless steel with acid etched hexagonal filter holes, giving you great plosive (pop) control, without losing high frequencies and the whole thing is washable! It also comes with a gooseneck and crocodile clip so you can position it where ever you may need. The Swift shock mount features a unique and extremely simple mounting system using only 2 quick release spring clips, meaning that mounting your microphone only takes seconds. It also features the ‘ShockStar’ suspension system, which eliminates the need for fiddly rubber bands, but offers a high level of elasticity for maximum isolation. Both products are sold separately or together as a bundle.
View Shield Pop Filter
View Swift Shock Mount
View SwiftShield Shock Mount & Pop Filter Bundle