Nord at NAMM 2025: Daniel Weatherspoon

video upload by nordkeyboards

"Daniel Weatherspoon and band deliver an amazing performance live at the Nord booth at NAMM 2025! #danielweatherspoon #nordorgan3 #nordpiano6 #nammshow #iseenord

Nord Organ 3: Daniel Weatherspoon
Nord Piano 6: Sean Miles
Guitar: Xavier Lynn
Bass: Khalil Barnes
Drums: Greg Clark Jr
Location: NAMM Show, Anaheim, CA
Gear: Nord Organ 3, Nord Piano 6"

NAMM 2025: DivisiMate DivisiMate 2

video upload by sonicstate

"At the NAMM 2025 show, we caught up with Steffen and Peter from Divisimate and Ilio who introduced us to *DivisiMate 2*, a sophisticated orchestration software tailored for MIDI. The discussion centered around its capabilities for real-time division and distribution of MIDI notes across multiple virtual instruments, allowing you to assign different keyboard strokes to various orchestral sections. Specifically, Stephan demonstrated how Divisimate 2 manages string sections by assigning notes to specific instruments like violins and cellos, overcoming previous limitations in ensemble and individual patch handling.

The conversation extended into illustrating setups using templates like the Spitfire Symphonic Orchestra, with DivisiMate 2 managing parts via virtual MIDI. Stephan also elaborated on its use for big band arrangements, notably with the Swam big band template. Available now, DivisiMate 2 features advanced setup options, including an arpeggiator and multi-pad switching for intricate musical arrangements.

More Info:
DivisiMate: [divisimate.com](https://www.divisimate.com)"

NAMM 2025: Yum Audio Ember Soft Synth

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Dylan from Yum Audio, who introduced their first foray into the world of soft synths with the *Ember*. Positioned as an analog-inspired '80s synth, Ember offers you a variety of oscillator options including square, sawtooth, and triangle waves, complete with features such as pulse width modulation and FM synthesis for added harmonic depth.

A standout aspect was Ember's deep modulation matrix, featuring two envelopes and LFOs that are highly assignable to numerous parameters, including FM and pitch. Ember also comes loaded with Yum's signature tape emulation capabilities, adding vintage texture with parameters like wear, rust, and age via an intuitive X-Y axis.

The synth includes onboard effects: chorus, delay, and reverb, with additional control over parameters like width and tone for the master channel. The unique drifter LFO offers versatile modulation possibilities, while the arpeggiator features options for shuffle and octave variation. Yum Audio confirmed that Ember is available now, with the bundle priced at $265.

More Info:
https://www.yum-audio.com/"

NAMM 2025: Groove Synthesis Third Wave Desktop

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Bob from Groove Synthesis, who introduced us to the *Third Wave Desktop*. This compact version retains the core features of the original keyboard, including its processing power, 24 voices, analog filters, and all 8 outputs. While the control set had been slightly abbreviated for size, it still maintained ease of access through button controls for oscillators and effects. The price point also provides a more budget-friendly option.

Since our last encounter, Groove Synthesis had integrated additional features, such as the inclusion of sampling capabilities. The unit allowed 35 seconds of sampling and supported up to 12 samples simultaneously, processed through the synth engine.

Bob also highlighted the Prophet VS engine addition. With 48 wavetable positions, this was a nod to the Sequential influence in its design history."

NAMM 2025: Korg Handy Traxx Play

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with VFRESH who introduced us to the *Korg Handy Traxx Play*, a unique portable turntable designed for Scratch DJs. This product is notable for its built-in crossfader, allowing you to perform Scratch DJing with ease. For those who prefer hamster-style scratching, a handy switch lets you reverse the setup.

The Handy Traxx Play includes a loop feature, enabling you to create loops for seamless transitions between records. This feature can even slow down or speed up loops, shifting from trip-hop to jungle effortlessly. VFRESH highlighted the turntable's battery-powered portability, accommodating six AA batteries and offering built-in speakers for outdoor performance.

It accommodates 12, 10, and 78 RPM records, featuring ultra pitch control for fine-tuning playback speed. Priced at $399, the Handy Trax Play is available for purchase, promising a portable scratching solution for on-the-go DJs."

NAMM 2025: Korg Multipoly Desktop

video upload by sonicstate

"We caught up with Luke from Korg at this year's event as he introduced the Multipoly in desktop and rackmount versions. Luke explained that the new unit offers the same architecture as the original, minus the keys, and it can easily transform between a rackmount or a desktop setup. While the older Monopoly had subtle visual similarities to the vintage MonoPoly, the true connection lies in the round-robin layer feature, which cycles through four layers, akin to the original's cycling through 4 oscillators.

He highlighted the integration of chaos physics technology, inherited from the Modwave, offering motion-based modulation through a chaos pad and ball mechanic. The unit can produce lush pads with up to 60 voices, demonstrating its synthesis power. Expect it in stores in the coming months with a similar price point to its keyboard counterpart, as the exact pricing is still to be confirmed."

NAMM 2025: Vongon's Replay and Pedals

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Ryan from Vongon, who gave us a comprehensive look at theircomplete range of pedals and instruments. We started with the *Replay*, a polyphonic synthesizer that mimicked the sounds of classic Roland Juno and Korg Polysix models. It featured a mechanical keybed with hot-swap sockets, allowing you to customize the feel of the keys. Although digital, it aimed to deliver an analog sound. The Replay included an arpeggiator with keyed and latch modes and offered a secret menu with additional controls accessible via an alt button or a web application.

Ryan also demonstrated Vongon's pedal lineup, including the Poly Phrase*, which functioned as both a delay and looper with MIDI capabilities. The *Paragraphs 2 pedal offered a stereo low-pass filter optimal for both guitars and synths, while the Ultrasheer provided a lexicon-style hall reverb coupled with a switchable vibrato effect. Each product exemplified Vongon's dedication to quality, being handcrafted in California."

NAMM 2025: Circle Guitar's New Rhythmic Possibilities

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Anthony, who presented the *Circle Guitar*. This innovative instrument features a wheel with plectrums that dynamically strum the strings, offering possibilities beyond human capability. Anthony mentioned the latest firmware update, which now leverages MPE MIDI for controlling wheel speed more dynamically.

The guitar's design incorporates a multi-channel pickup, allowing you to isolate each string's volume. Two modes are available: a Player mode for real-time expression with tap tempo, and a Producer mode using MPE MIDI to enable complex rhythms and programmable gate patterns for creating arpeggios.

Anthony expressed hopes to start with a limited batch release by mid-year, with the vision of making the instrument more accessible through potential licensing. Priced at £9,995 plus VAT, the Circle Guitar is aimed at redefining sonic exploration and expression for a diverse range of guitarists.

More Info:

https://circleinstruments.com/"

NAMM 2025: Noise Engineering Dystorpia & Batverb

video upload by sonicstate

"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

video upload by sonicstate

"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."