According to MI Industry’s 2023 Musical Instrument Market Report, UK synthesizer hardware imports fell by an astonishing 37%. I wonder if this is a correction in the post-epidemic era, or is there a trend of software carving up the hardware market in recent years? Although we haven’t been able to see the results yet, the synthesizer products at the 2024 NAMM Show are really exciting. Today we will take a look at the products worthy of attention.
Speaking of important synthesizers in the 21st century, KORG’s microKORG should be on the list, used by everyone from hip-hop musician Dr. Dre, band Linkin Park, pop singer Ariana Grande to Internet celebrity Davie504. After 22 years on the market, KORG launched the new microKORG 2 at the 2024 NAMM Show. In addition to a major upgrade of the screen, the overall operating interface has been updated to make it easier to use, and the 37-key velocity control keyboard has been upgraded to make playing more natural and smooth, with diverse space. , Modulation and EQ control, and equipped with Vocoder singing effects such as Autotune and Harmoniser, allowing the legend of the 21st century to write a new chapter.
Speaking of the most eye-catching product in the synthesizer category this year, it should be Yamaha’s SEQTRAK. The gray and orange design seems to be similar to the popular teenage engineering products in recent years. Although SEQTRAK is only about the size of a computer keyboard, it is fully functional, including drums, synthesizers, samplers and effects, making the overall use process very smooth. It has more than 2,000 Presets, and you can also create complete music through Sequencer on your computer. The interface with the mobile phone is also designed to be more lively, challenging the stereotyped product image of Yamaha in the past.
As for the most futuristic product this year, you must take a look at Redshift 6 from Supercritical Synthesizers. The overall impression is quite similar to the hexagonal button combination in the Cyberpunk science fiction film. It is positioned as a desktop Polyphonic, and can digitally control it through its own technology. Control the analog waveforms of 6 sounds, as well as better control those legendary classic analog sounds, and have a large number of effect modules to create rich sound effects.
Finally, let’s take a look at the cutest synthesizer this year, and we have to go back to KORG. KORG has launched a lot of products this year, but when it comes to equipment that is small but has all the internal organs, it has to be the KORG NTS-1 digital kit mkII, which is big in the palm of your hand. size, controlled by scale buttons and upgraded effects, with Sequencer, external Audio IN and support for MIDI and USB expansion functions to create more colorful sounds. The most important thing is that it can be installed by musicians themselves , enjoy the fun of DIY.
Written by: Puppet
Picture source: official website of each brand
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