Top 10 favourite products at NAMM 2019

Top 10 favourite products at NAMM 2019

From synthesizers and multi-effects processors to unique microphones and accessories, NAMM 2019 saw numerous releases. Here’s our Top 10 list.

Keep in mind, we’re yet to get hands-on experience with most of the gear mentioned here, so we are judging mainly on concept, that being said these are our favourite offerings from NAMM 2019…

What is it:

The new Arturia MicroFreak is a unique take on synthesis, powered by algorithms from Mutable Instruments’ Plaits oscillator. The new experimental hybrid synthesizer brings together the analog and digital world, offering the variety of wavetable and various other digital oscillator algorithms alongside the tonal characteristics of analog filters.

Best feature(s):

• Paraphonic mode
• Unique Oscillator modes
• SEM style multi-mode filter

Price:

USD $349 (Around R4800 excl. duties)

Teenage Engineering PO Modular

What is it:

Teenage Engineering’s new range is an affordable entry-point into the world of modular synthesis. The Pocket Operator Modular series comes in three flavours – “16” is a standalone sequencer, “170” a single VCO synth with internal sequencer and “400” is the flagship full-on modular synth.

Best feature(s):

• Standard 3.5mm jacks to work alongside Eurorack format
• Battery-powered with internal speaker for portability

More info

Price:

16 – USD $149 (around R2100 excl. duties)
170 – USD $349 (around R4800 excl. duties)
400 – USD $499 (around R6700 excl. duties)

Korg Minilogue XD

What is it:

The new Korg Minilogue XD incorporates features from the original Minilogue, Monologue and Prologue into a unique new polyphonic synth. It is a four-voice polyphonic analog and digital hybrid synthesizer, consisting of two analog VCOs and a third multi-engine oscillator (as seen in the Korg Prologue), which is capable of everything from wavetable to FM synthesis.

Best feature(s):

• Custom Oscillator modes
• Three simultaneous FX layers
• Polyphonic Step Sequencer

More info

Price:

USD $619 (around R8500 excl. duties)

Dreadbox Hypnosis

What is it:

The Dreadbox Hypnosis is described as an “Unreal Time Machine”, a multi-effects processor combining an analog spring reverb, stereo analog delay and a digital delay to create a wide variety of spatial and modulation effects.

Best feature(s):

• Unique pitch-mod and LFO capabilities
• Freeze function
• input and output gain control, ready for Microphone to hot Eurorack signals
• 49 preset memory slots

Price:

EUR €499 (around R7700 excl. duties)

Strymon Volante

What is it:

Strymon’s new Volante is a Magnetic Echo Machine with “Delays for days”. It’s essentially a four-head delay processor with three modes – Magnetic Drum, Tape and Reel-to-Reel style. The Volante can also function as a looper and furthermore, there’s also a spring reverb built in.

Best feature(s):

• Playback level and Feedback control per-head
• Machine noise and tape wear controls for authenticity

Price:

USD $399 (around R5400 excl. duties)

Chase Bliss Automatone MKII

What is it:

The Chase Bliss Automatone MKII is a boutique preamp designed for the more discerning Guitarists. Designed in collaboration with Benson Amps, it delivers exceptional sound alongside a very intuitive interface. The Automatone MKII features motorized faders with total recall, allowing you to quickly switch between presets, and instantaneously be able to tell what’s going on and make changes without having to calibrate individual controls.

Best feature(s):

• 3-band EQ with sweepable mid-range
• MIDI I/O and USB
• Expression input for further control

Price:

To be announced

Audient Sono

What is it:

The Audient Sono is a Guitar recording interface combining Audient’s award winning analog recording technology with the world’s best speaker simulation from Two notes. The interface features an onboard 12AX7 analog valve and 3-band tone control and internal DSP powered by Two notes Torpedo amp modelling and cab simulation system. Two notes Torpedo features eight live room and eight microphone algorithms to choose from, and the Sono allows you to store three presets to recall on-the-fly. That means that the Audient Sono can function both as a completely standalone Guitar preamp and intuitive recording solution.

Best feature(s):

• Two Audient Console Mic Preamps, one can be routed through the 12AX7
• Expandable via ADAT
• Remote control software to create and recall presets

Price:

USD $449 (around R6000 excl. duties)

McDSP APB-16

What is it:

The McDSP APB-16 is the world’s first fully programmable analog studio effects processor. It is a multichannel analog processor controlled by digital plugins, offering the convenience of digital workflow alongside the genuine tone and performance of analog components.

Best feature(s):

• True analog sound in the digital domain
• sample accurate automation
• full session recall and preset handling

Price:

No official price has been announced, but there is talk of is retailing under USD $10k which is not cheap, however judging by the high-end stuff that McDSP is known for emulating, it could be a great investment for professional studios looking for that added convenience. 

Aston Stealth

What is it:

The Aston Stealth is designed to be the swiss-army knife microphone, with four modes and working both with Phantom Power or as a regular dynamic microphone. Aston Stealth automatically senses whether there is a 48v Phantom Power signal, if there is, it enabled active mode.

Best feature(s):

• Four voicing modes
• Internal Class A mic Preamp (Active mode)
• Near-indestructible build quality

More info

Price:

USD $499 (Around R6700 excl. duties)

Ultimate Support MDS Series

What is it:

The new MDS Series from Ultimate Support is designed to maximize desktop space for synths, drum machines, pedals and more. The system is expandable and stackable, designed to work with most popular compact synths and other gear on the market – from Korg Volcas to Strymon pedals.

Best feature(s):

• Optional centre dividing wall for holding two units side by side
• Adjustable outer walls to fit almost any compact desktop unit
• Expander staggers the height for easy cable management

Price:

MDS-100 – USD $59.99 (around R800 excl. duties)
MDS-X – USD $19.99 (around R300 excl. duties)

Too many options for one list…

We tried to fit in a bit of everything from all sectors, so we may have left out your favourite announcement from NAMM 2019, these were the announcements that both excelled in concept and community reception.