Shop All Products from NAMM 2024
Though it took a few years to recover, the NAMM Show returns to full strength. The largest, loudest trade show of its kind, NAMM is a celebration of music, technology, and the people who express themselves through sound. Every manufacturer is on their A game, preparing to unveil the latest innovative gear. With so many products dropping at once, Sweetwater will track the hottest new gear, and we’ll update this article as we sniff out all the rumors buzzing around the convention center at NAMM 2024.
Studio & Recording
Barefoot Sound
The newly announced Footprint03 studio monitors are Barefoot Sound’s smallest monitors yet. Like all the other offerings from the Footprint series, these studio monitors boast a 3-way design. You get a 6.5-inch woofer, a 3.5-inch midrange, and a 1-inch ring radiator tweeter. What’s more, Barefoot’s patented SPOC (SPectrally Optimized Conversion) technology and all-new DSP ensure your monitors perform up to their full potential every time.
Audient
Introducing ORIA, an audio interface made for immersive setups. ORIA boasts a full assortment of digital and analog I/O that supports up to 9.1.6 speaker configurations. What’s more, the onboard room calibration DSP integrates tightly with Sonarworks SoundID Reference to make sure your room and speakers sound their best. Finally, the ORIA includes two clean microphone preamps, a pair of headphone outputs, and convenient remote control via an iPad.
MOTU
MOTU has been on the cutting edge of audio technology since the company’s beginning. This year, they deliver another stroke of genius with the all-new MOTU 828. This interface is one of the most capable and versatile USB 3.0 audio interfaces to hit the market in 2024. It offers 24-bit conversion plus MOTU’s signature low-latency DSP. The two front-mounted mic inputs access preamps with a massive 74dB of clean gain. The new 828 interface includes a ganged monitor control for immersive and surround setups. Finally, the MOTU 828 offers remote control from your smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi.
Mackie
Show up and show out with the Mackie ShowBox. Introduced at NAMM this year, the ShowBox bills itself as an all-in-one, battery-powered guitar amplifier. It’s packed with features to make it easier for mobile performers to achieve professional-quality results. What’s more, Mackie has released new versions of the popular ProFX analog mixers. The new versions include the 12-channel ProFX12v3+, the 10-channel ProFX10v3+, and the compact ProFX6v3+.
Live Sound
Electro-Voice
Introducing Everse 12, a flexible and capable battery-powered PA speaker. It’s loaded with a 12-inch woofer for deep bass. You can control its sound and functionality from a smartphone or tablet via the free EV QuickSmart Mobile app. The Everse 12’s reliability is never in doubt, thanks to the intense endurance testing during development. Plus, Electro-Voice has announced a collection of accessories to complement the Everse 12.
Keyboards
Korg
A ton of Korg gear is ready to drop! We’ll kick off our coverage with the KingKORG Neo. It crams all the power of the KingKORG into an incredibly small, 37-key chassis, complete with new sounds, a vocoder, and more.
Next up comes a range of desktop modules based on Korg’s most popular synths. The new modules include the Modwave MKII, Opsix MKII, and wavestate MKII. Each desktop module boasts MIDI 2.0 compatibility and a 4U rackmountable chassis.
Nord
Nord’s new Grand 2 headlines the company’s NAMM releases. This 88-key stage piano features an improved hammer-action Kawai keyboard that feels exactly like an acoustic piano. The revamped keybed features three sensors per key for extraordinary control and consistency throughout the entire range of motion. This stage piano also includes advanced layering, which simultaneously pairs two pianos with two sample synths for endless tonal possibilities.
DJ
EarthQuaker Devices
EarthQuaker Devices has introduced another Eurorack module! Dubbed The Wave Transformer, this module is an analog voltage-controlled oscillator with ultra-accurate pitch tracking over eight octaves. With The Wave Transformer, you can turn any waveform into a massive mutated signal. EarthQuaker Devices even told us that you can mute the source waveform to make The Wave Transformer an instrument in its own right.
Yamaha
There’s a new player in the music and sound design game: the Yamaha Seqtrak Mobile Music Ideastation. This mobile music creation module unlocks your creativity with a 3-part user interface and hands-on controls. It’s an all-in-one system that handles drums, synths, and sound design. You get 128-note polyphony, an FM synthesis engine, a sampler, a sequencer, and much more. A Seqtrak app even transforms your music into a captivating visual experience. The Seqtrak is available in a pair of slick, two-tone finishes.
Guitars
Taylor
Interesting things are always emerging from the Taylor factory. This year, Taylor has unveiled a new product that has been many years in the making. The all-new Circa 74 is an acoustic guitar and vocal amplifier designed for singer/songwriters. Its 2-channel design boasts 150 watts of power, EQ, reverb, and a stunning, ’70s-inspired retro mahogany cabinet. Other Taylor offerings include the 50th Anniversary 814ce Builder’s Edition and the 50th Anniversary GS Mini-e.
Gibson
Some of our friends at Gibson have given us a sneak peek at some new guitars. Four new and unique acoustics are coming to Sweetwater very soon, but that’s all we can tell you. Stay tuned for details.
Gibson Acoustic Hummingbird Custom Acoustic-electric Guitar – Ebony
Gibson Acoustic J-45 Custom Acoustic-electric Guitar – Ebony
Gibson Acoustic SJ-200 Custom Acoustic-electric Guitar – Ebony
Gibson Acoustic Songwriter EC Custom Acoustic-electric Guitar – Ebony
Alvarez
Alvarez proudly introduces their all-new Laureate series. Guitars from the Laureate series are constructed with extremely high-grade Sitka spruce tops and stunning rosewood backs and sides. They also boast numerous upgrades, including all-solid tonewoods, bone nuts and saddles, and the forward-thinking LR Baggs HiFi pickup system.
Ibanez
Ibanez always shows interesting guitars and basses at NAMM. This year, they’ve come to the Show with solidbody electric guitars ranging from the classic American-style body shapes to the iconic Ibanez RG. Plus, many of their models receive updated finish options. The Bass Workshop has been busy, too, with new BTB basses available now.
On the acoustic guitar side, Ibanez has introduced new Advanced Acoustic Auditorium guitars. These instruments are made from high-quality tonewoods that absolutely sing when strummed, and they include onboard electronics for playing onstage.
Finally, the Ibanez FRH10NIBF offers a new take on the Thinline Nylon guitar that took the world by storm with neo-flamenco playing. It has a solid spruce top and sapele back and sides. Plus, the side-mounted soundhole helps you hear your acoustic guitar in a new way.
Shop All New Ibanez ProductsMartin
Martin really brings the heat for NAMM this year. Their first big offering is the Martin GPCE Inception Maple. It’s a guitar meant for the studio and the stage. It has a 3-piece maple and walnut back, which delivers a punchy, in-your-face tone. It also has LR Baggs Anthem electronics for flawless amplified sound when playing live.
Plus, our sources have heard rumblings of other significant Martin announcements planned for later in January. Stay tuned for details.
The rumors we previously heard were true! Martin has unveiled a stunning new instrument lineup headlined by the ultra-limited D-50 CFM IV that celebrates Chris Martin IV’s 50th anniversary at Martin. From there, the company is offering updated HPL finishes and new versions of fan-favorite acoustic-electrics. Finally, there’s the new SC-18E, which molds the same spruce and mahogany tonewoods of the 18 Series into the groundbreaking SC body style.
Drums
TAMA
Perhaps the most exciting drum release of NAMM 2024 is actually a re-release. The TAMA Mastercraft Bell Brass snare drum was so popular in the 1980s that many players nicknamed it “The Terminator.” And now, you can experience the TAMA 50th Terminator‘s huge, head-snapping tone for yourself. TAMA is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year with other awesome offerings. Check them out!
DW
The all-new Performance Series of snare drums is turning heads this year; DW has unveiled their Performance Series of brass and bronze snare drums. The drums’ highly polished shells will look great in any studio or under the bright lights onstage. This series has many of the hallmarks of custom drums at more accessible prices. Whether you choose the brass or copper shell, you’ll enjoy the quarter-sized lugs and ultra-stable True-Pitch tension rods. Snares in the Performance Series are available in various depths and diameters.
Pedals & Amps
There are always new pedals to explore at NAMM. This year, the pedal manufacturers have been busy dreaming up ear-grabbing overdrives, pristine compressors, and lush reverb circuits.
Here are some highlights. Want to see more? Click here to check out all of the new pedals in 2024, and click here to view trending guitar pedals and effects at NAMM 2024.
BOSS
BOSS’s new VE-22 vocal effects pedal is perfect for performers. It offers onboard pitch correction, versatile effects, and a phrase looper — all accessible via the three footswitches.
Fender
Fender continues their push into the pedal world with the Switchboard Effects Operator. This streamlined pedal simultaneously switches multiple pedals on and off in five true bypass effects loops.
Fulltone
The rumors are true! Fulltone is back in the music business. They’re offering all the same amazing pedals as before. Sweetwater is most excited about the return of the OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive pedal, the amazingly expressive Supa-Wah, the snarling ’69 mkII fuzz, and the Mini Deja’Vibe Mk II rotary speaker pedal.
Positive Grid
Another addition to the Spark family of smart amplifiers, the Spark LIVE makes it easy to perform onstage. This product is both a self-contained 4-channel PA system and a guitar amplifier. Plus, it’s more than loud enough to perform with loud instruments like acoustic drums. Positive Grid tells us that the Spark LIVE is the ideal solution for guitarists, keyboard players, singer/songwriters, and more.
Keeley
Just because it has simple controls doesn’t mean the Andy Timmons Muse Driver can’t deliver gobs of amazing tone. It’s equally capable of being a clean boost, a treble supercharger, a chimey tube-style overdrive, or a germanium-style fuzz.
MXR
The MXR Joshua Ambient Echo gives you the tools to take a deep dive into massive, ambient soundscapes. This pedal packs a refrigerator-size guitar rack’s worth of processing into one pedal.
EarthQuaker Devices
Shred your low end with the EarthQuaker Devices Blumes bass overdrive pedal. It takes the fan-favorite Plumes sound and tailors it specifically for bassists.
Ibanez
Celebrate the 45 years of the Ibanez Tube Screamer with their TS808 45th-anniversary Tube Screamer. It offers the famed sound you adore in a custom Sapphire Sparkle finish.
Walrus Audio
The Walrus Audio Meraki delay is an analog delay on steroids. First, it offers stereo operation. Each side of the pedal features four MN3005 bucket brigade chips for a whopping 1,200ms of perfect delay.
Speaking of tubes, the Walrus Audio SILT harmonic tube fuzz comes with a real-deal 12AU7/ECC82 tube inside, which delivers snarling fuzz dripping with harmonics.
Gibson
Two Gibson Falcon amplifiers have swooped down from Petaluma, California, to grant guitar players vintage-style tones. Designed by the renowned Randall Smith and available in 5- and 20-watt configurations, the Falcon reimagines the classic Gibson amp sound to fit the needs of today’s guitarists. These single-channel wonders offer Volume and Tone controls with footswitchable reverb and tremolo. Plus, their lower power rating makes them ideal candidates for achieving overdrive the old-school way — by cranking up the volume and letting it rip.
Band & Orchestra
Jupiter
Introducing: the Jupiter JAS1100 alto saxophone. It’s the ideal step-up instrument for advancing students and practicing professionals alike. This Eb alto sax from Jupiter comes with advanced Performance Series features, including a Sona-Pure neck, upgraded Pisoni pads with metal resonators, and ergonomic keywork. What’s more, the JAS1100 is designed with an adjustable thumb rest alongside adjustable keys and bumper felts. Our sources tell us this stunning new saxophone comes in four attention-grabbing finish options.
Stay Tuned
We’ll have more updates on new products from NAMM 2024 in the coming days, so stay close to find out first. And you can order all these products from Sweetwater. Call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700, and order today!
