Seven massive gear releases from Namm 2015

Another year, another bunch of tasty tech goods unveiled at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show. The music product trade event attracted a record number of NAMM members to Anaheim, California this month, with the likes of Roland, Pioneer and Korg detailing new gear. Moog's plans to reissue its classic modular synths from the 70s may well have been the biggest headline, but there was plenty more that whetted our appetite. Check out our picks from this year's event.

Roland JD-Xi synth
We first heard about this analogue/digital hybrid at the beginning of this month when photos of it leaked online, sparking rumours that it'd make an appearance at NAMM. Alas, it did and we now know the compact keyboard will have 37 mini keys, built-in drum kits, a four-track pattern sequencer and incorporate the company's SuperNATURAL technology. Apparently a more powerful model, the JD-Xa, will be unveiled at Musikmesse in April so keep your eyes peeled for that.
Release date: tba

Pioneer XDJ-RX
Talk about pulling out all the stops. The Japanese company's designed an all-in-one turntable and mixer rig and it looks like a beast. It comes armed with the company's tune storage software Rekordbox, meaning you can forget all about the need for CDs and a laptop, and it'll also feature a loop function for live remixing, a USB port for direct recording and studio quality Sound Colour and Beat FX. Plus, there's a full colour 7" LED screen. Expected to be available at £1100 (€1499/$1700), it ain't cheap but we're sure it'll be worth it.
Release date: February

Rane MP2015
A DJ mixer, made (kind of) by DJs. Based on rotary mixers from the 70s, the likes of Dixon, Tim Sweeney, Ben UFO, Martyn and Derrick Carter all had a say on the MP2015's design and function. It might have a vintage look but that doesn't mean it's not got today's modern specs. DJs with a preference for WAV and FLAC files are catered for thanks to its High Resolution Audio (HRA) playback, while three-way swept filters, dual 24-channel USB soundcards and a three-band main mix isolator with adjustable crossover points are all integrated. At $2199, Rane's even said its the "best mixer" the company's ever made. We'll take that.
Release date: This month

Novation Launchpad Pro
Five years on and Novation's delivered the upgrade to its Ableton Live-compatible grid instrument. It's not just a slight change, either, as the Launchpad Pro comes with enhanced RGB LED feedback and velocity and pressure-sensitive pads. Designed to help you maintain focus, there's four different modes to use - Session, Note, Device and User - all easily interchangeable and accessible through a press-and-hold button. But an upgrade obviously means more money and you be able to take it back to the studio for $300.
Release date: Spring

Korg Kaossilator 2S
Korg's new product, quite literally, gives you the ability make music in the palm of your hand. With 150 different sounds, from synth bass and pianos to rhythm loops and single-note drum kits at the tip of your fingers (sorry, no more gags), it's an updated version of the Kaossilator 2, giving you the opportunity to overdub with a loop recorder, while Ableton Live compatibility allows you to transfer everything over to the program. The price replicates its size as it'll only cost you a modest £143. Not bad at all.
Release date: February

Roland ProMars CompuPhonic Plug-Out synth
We knew Roland would have plenty of bits to unveil at NAMM, and it sure has delivered. As well as the JD-Xi synth at the top of this list, the Japanese company revealed details of this plug-out synth. A follow-up to the 1979 instrument of the same name, albeit without the 'plug-out', you can link it up with your DAW and make the most of it with the System-1 from Roland's AIRA range. If you've got one, that is.
Release date: March

Prophet-6
Analogue heads, this one's for you. With the Prophet-6, a modern-day version of the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 polyphonic synth, Dave Smith Instruments might well hold the medal for the most talked about product at this year's show. Don't go thinking it's just a rip-off, though. The company's made it clear that it's "not simply a reissue of a classic". Yeah, it comes with the original's rue voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers, but studio-quality effects, a polyphonic step sequence and an arpeggiator are among the additions. Although, with an expected price of $2800, it'll make a chunky dent in your wallet. Go on, treat yourself.
Release date: tba