Home Tech NAMM Expo 2025 – Latest Updates on Gear, Plugins, Softwares & More [LIVE]
NAMM Expo 2025 – Latest Updates on Gear, Plugins, Softwares & More [LIVE]
NAMM 2023 Gear & Software
Image credits: NAMM

NAMM Expo 2025 – Latest Updates on Gear, Plugins, Softwares & More [LIVE]

Home Tech NAMM Expo 2025 – Latest Updates on Gear, Plugins, Softwares & More [LIVE]

The NAMM Expo 2025 is set to begin next week in Anaheim, California, featuring a staggering lineup of events and exhibits. Below, we list all the key updates from the world’s biggest music technology event.

This year, the NAMM Expo 2025 has expanded to a 5-day format, with events scheduled throughout and exhibits running for 3 days. Although the Los Angeles wildfires caused concern about the expo’s operations, the National Association of Music Merchants has confirmed the show will proceed as planned. This year’s program features over 75,000 attendees from more than 125 countries, more than 150 performing bands, over 200 education sessions, and 3,500+ exhibiting brands. After a relatively low-profile 2024 edition, the return of major music brands to the convention and an enhanced events program position NAMM for a massive comeback this year. Many brands have already begun announcing new products, including innovative gear, synthesizers, plugins, amplifiers, interfaces, controllers, and more. Here’s a rundown of all the updates from the NAMM expo so far:

Highlights:


Novation and Klevgrand announce partnership

Music technology pioneers Novation and Klevgrand have announced their partnership at NAMM 2025, building on their successful collaboration since 2018. The companies aim to create a new integrated music-making experience, combining Novation’s expertise in MIDI controllers with Klevgrand’s innovative plugin development. Their first joint project, launching in March 2025, will be a software solution designed specifically for Novation controller users. The partnership will be showcased at NAMM 2025, where attendees can meet the teams at the Novation booth on January 23rd. Full story here.


NAMM Foundation commits $50,000 as part of LA Wildfires Relief Fund

The LA Wildfires have caused massive destruction in the area, leaving many people homeless and forcing them to evacuate their homes. To assist individuals and companies affected by the wildfires, the NAMM Foundation has announced a $50,000 contribution. Needs-based assistance will be provided to NAMM members, employees of NAMM member companies, music education programs, and music makers affected by the January 2025 fires. According to NAMM, the foundation is currently conducting a needs assessment and will soon provide more information about the distribution of funds and application process. Additionally, they are accepting further contributions to assist those affected. More info here.


Audient unveils iD48, new 24×32 Audio Interface

audient id48
Audient

Audient has announced the latest addition to its flagship iD series of audio interfaces. The iD48 is a superior and more powerful version of the iD44 and is probably more suited for studio and professional setups. While the iD48 retains the core functionality of its iD range, it offers addition I/O options, more mic preamps, and a higher gain and dynamic range. Just like the iD44, this one lacks iOS compatibility as well.

Key Features based on the info released by Audient:

  • 8 Audient Console Mic Preamps with 68dB gain, delivering audio with ultra-low noise and low distortion, using the same circuit design found in their high-end ASP8024-HE recording console.
  • Advanced 32-bit ESS converter technology provides 126.5dB of dynamic range, allowing for cleaner and more precise sound conversion while helping users identify subtle details and issues more effectively.
  • 8 switchable analog inserts with Dsub connections, allowing easy integration of outboard effects before conversion, with the unique ability to select whether the Audient Mic Preamp or DAW output feeds the ADC path for each channel.
  • Dual independent headphone outputs supporting up to 600-ohm impedance, main and alt speaker outputs, innovative talkback functionality using USB or built-in computer microphones, and customizable function buttons for quick access to monitoring controls.
  • ADAT and SPDIF optical inputs/outputs for expanding up to 16 additional channels, two JFET instrument inputs designed to emulate classic valve amplifier characteristics, and a high-speed USB-C connection providing ultra-low latency performance for both macOS and Windows.

Price: Audient iD48 is priced at $999, $300 above the iD44. The interface will be available for purchase from March 3 onwards.


Korg announces multi/poly native, the plugin version of Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Korg

Korg has made some massive announcements leading to the NAMM Expo 2025. The Mono/Poly synthesizer which was an instant hit on release now returns as a soft synth. The multi/poly is the first plugin to use KORG’s new analog modeling technology. As Korg states on the website, it’s like a polyphonic modular system in a compact, hands-on package – a limitless playground for synth players and sound designers. Create hardware mash-ups with East-coast, West-coast, and wavetable oscillators and a wide selection of newly-modeled filters.

Korg has made a staggering advancement in making soft synths sound like an analog machine. Each voice in the multi/poly has a Virtual Voice Card whose oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, and portamento circuits model anaolg component variations. What this means is that each voice has a slightly different character similar to what one would experience in an analog synth. The multi/poly also has specialized envelope curvature presets for the Mono/Poly, MS-20, “Mini,” “Pro,” ARP Odyssey, and more.

There are FOUR oscillators with each having the option to choose from Classic, Digital, or Waveshaper oscillator types. In addition to the oscillators there’s a noise generator, ring mod, sync, and x-mod. The filters have also been redesigned and include vintage style options with authentic euphonic saturation characteristics of analog filters. All of the multi/poly’s filters are newly redesigned, including an amazing suite of vintage filters with authentic euphonic saturation. To start with, there are five different 4-pole self-resonating models. M/Poly provides the strong, sweet sound of the classic Korg Mono/Poly.

The Digital oscillator plays wavetables with up to 64 steps, like vintage hybrid synths and modern eurorack modules. Advanced editing features for wavetables have also been provided.

Key features based on info released by Korg:

  • 4 oscillators per Program combining Classic, Digital, and Waveshaper types, with the Classic oscillator modeling traditional analog synth sounds, Digital oscillator offering 200+ factory wavetables, and Waveshaper providing “West-Coast” synthesis with over 90 shaper types.
  • Includes dual-modeled filters with multiple vintage-style options including M/Poly, Mini, Pro, MS-20, and others, each offering authentic saturation characteristics and the ability to run simultaneously in series or parallel configurations.
  • 4 loopable DAHDSR envelopes, five LFOs, six Mod Processors, and Motion Sequencing 2.0, allowing for complex per-voice motion and over a thousand possible modulation destinations per Performance.
  • 4 different Programs in round-robin style, plus Kaoss Physics which enables fluid, evolving modulation control through mouse or trackpad gestures.
  • Provides integration between hardware and software versions with full patch compatibility.

Price: $199 with crossgrade license available at $49 for hardware owners. Will likely be available towards the second half of February.

If you are visiting the NAMM Expo this year, make sure to try this one out.


Korg announces the third iteration of KRONOS workstation

Korg Kronos
Korg

Kronos debuted 14 years ago as a heavy duty workstation and was discontinued back in 2022. Now Korg has reimagined the workstation with a design and feature revamp. With the evolution of screens and responsiveness in this time frame, Korg has replaced the central screen with a much more compact one promising to be faster and more responsive than its predecessor. The workstation features over 300 sound libraries and is available in 3 versions: 66, 73 and 88 keys.

The KRONOS workstation has received a sound expansion that adds 256 new programs to its library. The update features 128 entirely new sounds, with two notable additions being an Italian piano known for its clear resonance and the Tine EP I Early, which recreates the sound of vintage electric pianos that used metal rods.

The expanded collection includes FM electric pianos, synthesizer pads, and lead sounds. These new additions cover various musical styles, from traditional to contemporary pop music, building on the instrument’s existing sound library of several thousand programs and combinations.

Key features based on info released by Korg:

  • 9 synthesis engines and comes with 21 GB of preset sounds, with an internal 62 GB SSD for user samples and additional sound libraries.
  • Features a multi-track recording system with 16 MIDI tracks and 16 audio tracks capable of recording up to four simultaneous tracks at 48 kHz/24-bit quality, along with basic editing functions.
  • 8-inch color touchscreen display (800 x 600 pixels) for navigation and control, complemented by physical controls including nine sliders, eight knobs, and multiple switches.
  • Available in three versions: 88 and 73 keys with RH-3 weighted hammer action, and a 61-key semi-weighted model with aftertouch.
  • Includes 16 internal effects processors, divided into 12 insert effects, two master effects, and two total effects, with a three-band EQ available for each timbre and track.

Price: Starting from £2658


More from Korg

Korg has announced a total of 10 new products(including the 2 mentioned above) just a week before they are on display at the NAMM Expo 2025. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new:

1. Handytraxx Play – A portable record player reimagined from Handy Trax, originally created by Vestax.

2. Handytraxx Tube – Portable vinyl record player for easy listening

3. Handytraxx 1 bit – High-Quality Playback and 1bit Recording

4. Handytraxx Tube J – Premium Hi-Fi Experience with the JICO Clipper MM Cartridge

5. Pitchblack X CR/BL – Chromatic Pedal Tuner

6. miniKORG 700Sm – Synthesizer

7. multi/poly module – Synth reimagined as a rack module.

8. Fisa Suprema C – Aero Digital Accordian

Korg will definitely be keeping quite busy thanks to their truckload of announcements. They will be at booth no. 119(Korg Inc) & 6903 (Korg USA) at NAMM expo this year.


More updates from NAMM Expo 2025:

  • Behringer returns to NAMM
  • Allen & Heath unveil an all-new 19-inch Digital Rack MixerSQ-Rack.
  • Reloop announces Keypad Pro: a portable, wireless MIDI controller for controlling Bitwig & more
  • Dynaudio launches M-Series MkII Studio Monitor Range
  • IK Multimedia unveils the Tonex Cab, a FRFR speaker
  • XILS-lab releases new software emulation of the Yamaha CS-80
  • Nord announces Organ 3, a sequel to the C2D keyboard

We will be updating this page regularly so make sure to check in over the next 10 days to know all about the product releases and announcements at NAMM this year. Check out the list of key exhibitors and absentees at NAMM expo this year here.

Latest magazine
December 30, 2024
Magazine
  • Tech It Deep / Sem Vox: Cover Story
  • Top 100 Tracks of 2024
  • Top Labels of 2024
  • Best Albums of 2024