NAMM 2025: Noise Engineering Dystorpia & Batverb

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"We caught up with Stephen McCaul from Noise Engineering at NAMM 2025, who introduced us to two intriguing guitar pedals. The first, *Dystorpia*, is a distortion pedal that debuted last fall. It features various kinds of distortion, including a mode influenced by classic fuzz effects, a wave folder, basic saturation, and sub-octave producing distortions. There's also a mode to add extra grit with a crunchy filter. McCaul explained these features offered a wide range of sound manipulation from subtle tonal shifts to full sonic obliteration.

The second pedal, *Batverb*, is set for release in March. McCall described it as taking inspiration from their Desmodus module, featuring a dense reverb with built-in shimmer and a similar function called doom that adds an octave down. It also includes a lo-fi crunchy distortion option. Batverb promises to deliver clear echoes and dramatic pitch-shifting capabilities, aimed at enhancing guitar sounds."

NAMM 2025: MIDI Association's Network MIDI 2.0 Unveiled

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"At NAMM 2025, the MIDI Association revealed significant updates regarding the implementation of *Network MIDI 2.0*. We caught up with Pete, who shared insights into how the new protocol has advanced from its predecessor, featuring no cable length restrictions and compatibility over both Wi-Fi and long wired connections.

A standout demonstration involved the Windows implementation of Network MIDI 2.0. Pete illustrated its application using Music Kraken on an iPad, seamlessly controlling a Windows PC running Multitrack Studio via Network MIDI 2.0. The setup, using a BomeBox and KissBox to manage older MIDI 1.0 devices, highlighted the simplicity and efficiency the new standard offers, making it easier for developers to integrate without extensive new requirements.

Noteworthy too, was a discussion about MIDI 2.0's Piano Profile, aiming for consistent performance standards. Pete reassured us that the implementation efforts are gaining pace, promising further integration within Windows soon."

NAMM 2025: Korg Kronos 3

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"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Luke from Korg, who introduced us to the *Kronos 3*, the anticipated return of their flagship live-performance keyboard. The Kronos line, which started in 2011, is renowned for its significance in live gigs, and after overcoming component and regulation challenges during the pandemic, it's back with updates. Visually, the Kronos 3 features a sleek all-black finish with black wooden end cheeks.

Inside, the enhancements include a new motherboard, doubling of SSD storage to 120GB, and improved touchscreen responsiveness. The iconic setlist and smooth sound transitions remain, while the 9 sound engines see additions of new sampled pianos, electric pianos, and orchestral sounds. The Kronos 3 maintains the fully-functioning sampler and 16-track MIDI and audio sequencers. Available in 61, 73, and 88-key models, pricing starts from approximately £2,599."

NAMM 2025: Nord Organ 3

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"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Jacob from Nord, who provided us a thorough walkthrough of the prototype *Organ 3*. The Organ 3 builds upon the legacy of the C2D with several enhancements that cater to seasoned B3 players. The layout ensures familiarity, with the rotor speed, vibrato chorus, and percussion controls in expected locations. A focus has been placed on the rotary speaker, with Nord capturing 360-degree impulse responses to reflect the depth and spaciousness of a vintage unit.

New features include three mic position options and three drive types, including a fresh British amp model. Synth basses, TR, Synth 1, and Synth 2, make their debut, with Synth 2 offering editability. The modulation section encompasses various effects like phaser and chorus, supported by a revamped reverb section with pre- and post-rotary options. The Nord Pedal Keys 25 have been updated, now bus-powered via MIDI, providing flexible connectivity. Overall, the Organ 3 offers a blend of traditional organ feel with modern upgrades."

NAMM 2025: Embodme ERAE2 MIDI Controller

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"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Ed from Embodme who introduced us to the *ERAE2*, their latest MIDI controller. This final version began shipping recently and incorporates MPE technology, allowing you to design different layouts and access them easily through dedicated buttons. The ERA2 features 3D touch technology, enabling you to interact with sound using pressure, direction, and slide motions, creating a dynamic audio-visual experience.

A notable feature is the looper, which can handle up to eight overlapping loops and offers on-the-fly BPM changes. The device connects via USB to computers or synths and offers several MIDI and CV outputs. Ed demonstrated how the companion software, EraeLab, facilitates infinite layout customization through a drag-and-drop interface. The versatile controller supports customizable skins, currently offering options for both expressive finger playing and drumming."

NAMM 2025: Chordcat Groove Box by AlphaTheta's TORAIZ

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"At the NAMM 2025 show, we spoke to Rin from Chordcat about their latest creation, the *Groove Box*. It allowed you to easily explore chord progressions without needing to play a piano or guitar. Rin demonstrated how you could use the 'cruiser mode' to select chords with just one finger, which made the process accessible even for those lacking music theory knowledge. The groove box supported up to eight tracks, letting you layer drums and bass effortlessly. Rin highlighted its beginner-friendly nature, making it suitable for educational environments and children. The device operated on battery power, making it truly portable and convenient for creating music anywhere.

Sound customization was possible through a library of presets, such as house organs and synth leads. Additionally, the Groove Box came with MIDI output and USB connectivity for DAW integration. Currently, the product was only available in Japan, with hopes of a US release later this year."


video upload by Chordcat

TORAIZ Chordcatの使い方を分かる範囲で話します

video upload by Chordcat

Enable CC at the bottom of the player once started for subtitles.

https://www.makuake.com/project/chordcat/

Googlish: https://www.makuake.com/project/chordcat/

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NAMM 2025: Enjoy Electronics Defeel

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"We caught up with Luca from Enjoy Electronics at their stylish NAMM booth where they presented their latest device, the *Defeel*, a modular monotony degenerator. Inspired by vintage analog drum machines, the Defeel is designed to sit between your sequencer and modular synths. It processes incoming CVs and gates through its interface, allowing for complex modulation without altering the original input signal.

Luca explained that the Defeel features a pass-through mode and can set the duration of fills, with gate repetitions adjustable up to 64 steps. It doubles as a CV recorder, offering intriguing morphing possibilities. With two channels, you can control and modulate four CVs and two gates per channel. Furthermore, it has an XY mode for recording live motion with time, frequency, and reverb modulation.

The Defeel is available for pre-order, offering both standalone and Eurorack formats, priced at €299 and €399 respectively.

*More Info:*https://www.enjoy-lab.com/"

See the Enjoy Electronics label for addtional posts.

NAMM 2025: MicroKits Synthasettte and BananaSynth

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"At this year's NAMM, we caught up with David from MicroKits who demonstrated their *Syntheset*, a compact cassette-sized synthesizer that's been in production for the past few years. David explained that the Syntheset features a touch pad with 13 notes, an octave up function, and tuning adjustments. Notably, it includes clips that allow you to connect conductive objects, such as die-cast cars or play-doh, turning them into musical notes.

David also teased the development of the BananaSynth, MicroKits' next product, which will be banana-shaped with additional features. The company, based in Charlottesville, Virginia, has been setting up manufacturing facilities, allowing David to focus on new designs. He expressed enthusiasm about creating synthesizers in fun shapes with beginner-friendly features, emphasizing the joy of transforming everyday objects into musical instruments.

More Info:
[MicroKits Website](https://microkits.net)"

NAMM 2025: Korg mini-Korg 700Sm

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"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Luke from Korg, where he showed us the *mini-Korg 700 SM*. Luke explained this new compact version is roughly 86% the size of the original model, integrating the same keys found in other Korg mini reissues like the MS-20 mini. Notably, it has been upgraded with aftertouch and patch memories, allowing you to save and recall UP TO 14 sounds.

Additional features include USB, MIDI compatibility, a second oscillator, and ring modulation, offering you broader creative capabilities. Luke highlighted the pitch bender and mod wheel which are new additions from the 700s reissue. The distinctive traveler filter, spring reverb, and an included arpeggiator were also mentioned. He described its colorful, candy-shop aesthetic, echoing its 1970s design roots."

NAMM 2025: Nord Piano 6

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"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Jacob at the Nord booth, who gave us a rundown of the *Piano 6*. Inherited from models like the Grand 2 and Stage, the Piano 6 boasts independent piano and synth layers, each with its own effects. You can set up layers to create rich patches using LED faders, balancing and storing them as programs. Real-time manipulation of sounds is a highlight, facilitated by features like the new unison effect and a revamped synth section.

The Piano 6 also includes a variety of new effects, such as a spin effect, adjustable via the intuitive interface. It supports continuous and half-pedaling techniques through triple pedals, enhancing expressivity. The triple sensor keybed on the 73 and 88 keys offers nuanced expression. Nord Piano Monitors ensure an immersive sound experience, making it ideal for home practice or live performance."