The 2020 NAMM Show opens January 16, but we’ve got the inside scoop on the important happenings that are hitting before the show! Let’s take a look at the latest and greatest from some of our favorite manufacturers. Be sure to check back often, as we’ll keep adding to the page as we confirm more NAMM rumors and product releases!
See the Latest NAMM Releases!
Head over to our 2020 NAMM Show Report page.
We’ll be updating the page in real time, so check back often for the latest product releases!
Fender
Fender followed up their popular Acoustasonic Tele with the Acoustasonic Stratocaster. The spruce-topped, SIRS-equipped, Strat-inspired, mahogany body resonates like an acoustic but bucks problematic feedback and other onstage issues. The mahogany neck feels like an electric guitar in your hand, letting you fly around the fretboard; and the 3-pickup system — including a real Fender N4 Noiseless single-coil paired with a Fishman under-saddle system and a Fishman Acoustasonic Enhancer — lets you go from acoustic chords to electric leads with the flip of a switch.
Sequential
With a Fatar 37-note, semi-weighted keyboard, a trio of oscillators (two VCOs and one wavetable), and three classic analog filters (Prophet-6, OB-6, and ladder), the Pro 3 is a powerhouse hybrid monosynth. You also get a 16-track sequencer, CV I/O, digital effects, and more. There are two versions available, both sonically identical, but the Special Edition offers a tilt-up control panel and walnut trim for an extra cool vibe.
Novation
The Launchpad Pro MK3 is the latest iteration of the popular Launchpad line. It integrates seamlessly with Ableton Live, and with 64 pressure-sensitive pads, you can launch clips and scenes, play melodies and chords, control mixer settings, and a whole lot more. The Launchpad Pro MK3 will become the center of your music production center!
Rane
Rane continues to be a major player in the competitive world of DJing with the Seventy, a 2-channel mixer built for Serato DJ. You get two sets of eight ultra-responsive performance pads to take your mix to the next level, and the low-resistance MAG FOUR faders feel great in your hand.
Denon DJ
The Prime 2 gives you, the gigging DJ, everything you need including two-deck functionality with built-in Wi-Fi for music streaming, a vivid HD touchscreen for navigation, and a 2.5″ SATA drive bay to load in your own music library via hard drive. For the portable DJ, the two-deck Prime Go offers a rechargeable battery and built-in Wi-Fi (and a wired internet connection, too) to allow you to stream music.
Denon DJ offered up a pair of multi-players. Both the SC6000 Prime and SC6000M Prime come equipped with a 10.1″ touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi, wired internet connectivity, performance pads, and an internal HDD bay to store your music onboard, among many other features. The SC6000M Prime adds a motorized platter for authentic vinyl feel. On the mixer front comes the X1850 Prime, a 4-channel mixer with multi-assignable inputs. You also get 16 BPM FX, an OLED screen, and a tension-adjustable “Flex-Fader” crossfader. These feature-rich units can do a whole lot, and you can check all of them out here.
Nord
Powerful and lightweight, the Nord Wave 2 merges virtual analog, sample-based, FM (Frequency Modulation), and wavetable synthesis with a fast, layer-focused interface. The result is a 20-pound, gig-ready performance machine loaded with a ton of sonic-shaping horsepower that you’ll love to play.
Pigtronix
The Infinity 2 looper pedal squeezes the same ultra-low-latency looping engine as the original into a more compact, user-friendly stompbox. You can harness two independent stereo loops for a verse/chorus workflow, and full-range, high-headroom inputs accept both mono and stereo instrument-level and line-level signals. Looper fanatics will love the added functionality of the Infinity 2.
SSL
The SSL2 and SSL2+ USB audio interfaces deliver Solid State Logic pro sonics to the home studio at an incredibly affordable price. With a unique “Legacy 4K” mode, you can inject the characteristic analog tone of SSL’s 4000 series recording consoles into your recordings. And, SSL is packaging the SSL2 and SSL2+ with their excellent Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip plug-in processors and a host of third-party software, so creators can hit the ground running.
ARP
Originally available between 1971 and 1980, the ARP 2600 is available again — but only for a limited time! Everything that made the original one so great is in here, such as modular patch-point architecture with the immediacy and user-friendliness of normalled signal paths. But ARP has brought the 2600 into the 21st century with the addition of USB and MIDI DIN connections, XLR audio outputs, and an added arpeggiator/sequencer upgrade on the ARP 3620 duophonic keyboard. There’s no doubt about the power of the ARP 2600, and since there’s a limited supply of them, we suggest you get yours pre-ordered now.
JHS Pedals
Designed by JHS and legendary guitarist Paul Gilbert, the PG-14 replicates the sound and feel of a dimed tube amp. You get a ton of sound-shaping controls, including an active mid-frequency preamp that lets your tone punch through any mix. This FET-based distortion is sure to please even the most discerning tone enthusiast.
AEA
The R88A gives you the same sound as its passive sibling but with 12dB of additional gain, thanks to custom toroid transformers. This extra shot of gain lets you use it with virtually any preamp. It sounds great on a variety of sources, and the orientation of the ribbons provides a huge stereo spread from a single mic. The R88A maintains the legacy of the R88, and every serious studio should have one in its mic locker.
Mackie
Mackie reimagines the SRM speaker line with a trio of new models. With a new, modern look and single 10-, 12-, and 15-inch speaker configurations all pushing 2,000 watts of power, the SRM series is primed for the modern DJ, performer, club, or venue. Onboard DSP and bass management keep the listening experience consistent no matter where you go, and Bluetooth and wireless control via the SRM Connect app complete the picture.
Revv
The G20 is the natural evolution of the D20 head. It’s loaded with tone, including the high-gain Purple channel, and gives you three Aggression levels and a Wide switch to further shape your sound. Like its predecessor, the G20 also has Torpedo tech built in, so you can go straight to a PA with simulated speaker sound. When you’re not onstage, you can switch the wattage from 20W to 4W for bedroom-friendly practice sessions.
Yamaha
Take the sound of your favorite vintage combo organs with you anywhere with the YC61. Powered by Yamaha’s proprietary Virtual Circuitry Modeling, the YC61 sounds just like the real thing, and you also get a huge selection of other instruments and effects. Waterfall keys mimic the feel of a traditional combo organ, and you have a ton of control over the YC61’s sound-shaping capabilities.
Korg
For many of us, we’re familiar with the MS-20 as a miniature monosynth with small keys and a big sound. For 2020, the MS-20 is back to its full-sized glory and in four limited-edition colors — along with everything that made the MS-20 a staple of synth-pop, fusion, and film music of the ’80s and ’90s. This is a reissue that any synth fan will want to grab before it’s gone!
New from Korg, the i3 gives you 61 full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys with three touch curves. Also onboard are transpose buttons and an intuitive joystick for real-time pitch bend, vibrato, and brilliance expression. There are nearly 800 instrument sounds, 59 custom drum kits, and 64 voices of polyphony. You can power the i3 with batteries or the included power supply, making it a great fit for a variety of situations.
Korg revamps the SV line with four new keyboards. Available in either 73- or 88-key configurations with or without built-in speakers, the SV-2 series boasts over 10 times the sample data found in previous models. You can use the Editor software to create your own split and layered programs, and there are more than 70 sampled sounds, running the gamut from classic electric pianos to the finest acoustic grands.
Korg also brings back wave sequencing with the Wavestate. This 37-key synth shares lineage with the Wavestation from 1990 and brings in elements of subtractive synthesis, grooveboxes and drum machines, and algorithmic composition to make this a sound creation tool for the 21st century. There’s a ton going on here that we can’t possibly cover adequately in this article, but you can get the whole story here.
Numark
Supremely affordable and portable, the DJ2GO2 Touch gives you a pair of platters, a crossfader, pitch and level controls, as well as Deck A, Deck B, Master, and headphone gain controls. Load your own tracks to either of the deck control sections all with the unit itself, and you can instantly sync any two tracks with the touch of a button. This is a great unit for the aspiring DJ.
Roland
Roland merges their audio and video know-how into the GO:LIVECAST Streaming Studio for Smartphones, a simple and affordable way for content creators to make pro-level streams and videos. Everything you need is onboard, and it’s compatible with all the major streaming platforms. Also from Roland, the A-88 MKII 88-key MIDI controller with Roland’s famous PHA-4 keyboard, hands-on control via eight assignable knobs and pads, and a control app for customization and instant recall. All of this is in a thin, shallow casing that minimizes the footprint in your studio.
PRS
PRS expands their S2 lineup with a trio of McCarty 594 models. Common features among the three include mahogany bodies and necks, 58/15 “S” humbuckers, 24.594″ scale length, and vintage-style tuners. The S2 McCarty 594 and Singlecut models both rock figured maple tops, while the Thinline version forgoes the maple top for a thinner body and a slightly darker tone. Check them out here.
JBL
The IRX series offers 1×8″ 1000W and 1×12″ 1300W versions, both with Bluetooth connectivity and a pair of XLR/TRS inputs. Four real-world EQ presets and built-in dbx AFS feedback suppression let even novices dial in great sound, and one-touch ducking lets anyone take to the mic without interrupting the music. These are solid solutions for anyone that wants easy setup and operation in a variety of situations.
Vox
Vox’s Cambridge 50 employs Virtual Element Technology modeling for a wide variety of sounds, while relying on a Nutube preamp to provide the feel, distortion, and response of a traditional tube amp. The Cambridge 50 gives you everything from classic Vox to high-gain tones, along with eight built-in effects for added flavor. Also onboard are a handy tuner and an aux input for jamming along with a mobile device. This affordable combo is equally great for jamming at home as it is for gigging!
Orange Amps
British amp legends Orange are kicking off 2020 with a pair of bass-centric tone tools. The Bass Butler preamp pedal puts the tried-and-true technique of splitting your bass signal between a bass rig (to preserve low end) and a guitar rig (to accentuate mids and high end) into a single pedal. The signals run completely parallel, so they can be sent to the board via individual XLR outs or summed and sent to your amp. Also for bassists, the Little Bass Thing packs 500 watts of Class D power into a head weighing less than seven pounds. The straightforward EQ gives you plenty of tone shaping ability, and the Class A optical compression keeps your tone tight and punchy.
Darkglass
Having already proven they know a thing or two about bass tone, Darkglass reinforces their reputation with a new batch of bass cabs. Designed to be lightweight and gig friendly, these cabs — available in 1×12″, 2×12″, 1×10″, and 4×10″ configurations with Eminence speakers — reproduce your bass sound with detail and articulation. They’re a natural match for any Darkglass head but will also be a great addition to any bass rig. See them here.
Aguilar
Keeping the bass theme rolling, Aguilar expands their SL series cabs with a new color offering. Sonically identical to the previous cabs, these new cabs bring an air of nobility to the stage with Royal Purple Tolex. Available in a variety of configurations and in both 4- and 8-ohm models, these cabs are an easy fit for virtually any bassist. Check them out here.
PreSonus
PreSonus continues to expand their Quantum interfaces with the Quantum 2626, a 26×26 Thunderbolt audio interface. Packed with I/O and keeping the class-leading, round-trip latency of less than a millisecond, the Quantum 2626 gives recordists an expandable interface that will keep up studios large and small. Other cool touches include DC-coupled outputs and a pair of direct outs with line-level returns for implementing outboard gear.
Ibanez
Ibanez ushered in the new year with a new assortment of guitars and basses, and we’ll do a rundown of a few of our favorites here.
The Bass Workshop EHB1506MS is a truly unique bass. With a headless design and a 6-string multi-scale neck, metal and prog bassists are sure to dig its vibe.
The RG series expands with the Premium RG6PPBFX, which comes loaded with Bare Knuckle Aftermath humbuckers and a super-playable 11-piece neck.
On the jazz box front, the George Benson Signature GB10EM uses a pair of mini humbuckers and a true hollowbody design to create a guitar that can cover a ton of sonic ground.
The ACFS580CE is a gigging guitarist’s delight with solid wood construction, X-bracing, and onboard electronics. This is just a small sampling of the new Ibanez offerings. Click here to see them all.
TAMA
TAMA’s Superstar Classic line offers a cool throwback to the kits of the past with the classic T-shape badge and low-mass single lugs reminiscent of Superstars from the ’70s. This year’s Starclassic offering is all about the cool finish. One of our favorites comes courtesy of the Neon Orange Oyster finish. On top of being an incredible example of TAMA craftsmanship, the finish’s cool, retro vibe will look great in any studio or on any stage. There’s far too much new stuff from TAMA to cover it all, but you can check it all out here.
Bonus Coverage:
Our friends at Dr. Z tipped us off to something pretty cool coming very soon. A downscaled version of the Z Wreck, the Z Wreck Jr boasts a stage-friendly 18 watts of tube goodness. If you’ve always wanted a Z Wreck but were afraid of the cost and the volume, the Jr is just what you’re looking for. Stay tuned for more details as info becomes available.
