NAMM 2026 was packed with surprises, from amazing synths to seriously wild gear. Here are the top 10 launches that every producer & DJ should look up to.
The NAMM show has once again lived up to its reputation as a heaven for music producers and DJs. It’s the place where the music-making world gets its first look at the year’s coolest and latest tech. This year, we’ve got some unbelievable synths, software, and gear from leading manufacturers like Korg, Akai, Casio, and more. Not only this, but also we saw some of the weirdest gears like “Groove Thing“: The World’s First Internal Music Player.
Almost 3500 gear manufacturers showcased their products at NAMM 2026, which was held at the Anaheim Convention Centre, California, between January 20 and January 24, 2026. Along with that, this year, NAMM has celebrated its 125th anniversary, which was also a milestone for the music tech industry.
In this article, we’ve covered the top 10 music tech launches at NAMM 2026. Whether you’re a producer, DJ, or audio engineer who wants to upgrade your gear or just want to be updated with the latest AI technology, this article is for you. Read this until the end, and you’ll definitely find something valuable.
The Top 12 Launches of NAMM 2026:
- Nord Electro 7
- Beyerdynamics Headphone Lab
- ASM Leviasynth
- Reloop RP-5000 MK4
- Fender Motion 16 & 32
- Korg Phase 8
- Landr Blueprints & Layers AI
- Casio SXC1 Sampler
- Roland CR 78 Plugin
- Akai Pro MPC XL
Also Read: Top 9 Stranger Things Inspired Sample Packs for Music Producers
1. Nord Electro 7:
The first and one of the most show-stopping gear of NAMM 2026 is the Nord Electro 7. This time Nord takes the iconic Electo to a whole new level by integrating a fully featured synth section alongside its legendary piano and organ engines, making it one of the most versatile stage keyboards in the market. At its core is a refreshed panel with a large high-resolution display and push encoders for faster sound navigation.
Talking about the new synth engine, combines analog style waveforms, FM synthesis, as well as quality samples from Nord sample library, with modes mono, legato, glide and a low pass filter with resonance. There are also dual ADR envelopes for both amp and filter/FM shaping. In the Electro 7, each of the effect paths, including sections (piano, organ and synth), has its own dedicated effects path, including updated modulation, delay, new amp models and more.
What’s more amazing about this keyboard is its organ section, which draws directly from Nord’s flagship Organ 3 engine, which makes it refined and sophisticated at the same time. In terms of connectivity, it is robust with stereo outputs, MIDI I/O, USB-B and assignable expression control. The Nord Electro 7 comes in multiple keyboard options, from 61-key and 73-key versions of semi-weighted waterfall to a 73-key edition with Kawai hammer-action keyboard.
2. Beyerdynamics Headphone Lab:
At NAMM 2026, Beyerdynamics surprised the industry with its new free plugin called Headphone Lab. It is a calibration plugin that aims to turn the range of DT series headphones into a professionl level monitering tools for better mixing and mastering results. It’s a game-changing move from Beyerdynamics that helps producers working in a non-acoustic treated room. The plugin uses a croaafeed model and Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) to simulate the spatial presentation and depth of a professional studio setup.
Headphones Lab offers two calibration modes, first the standard calibration, which aligns headphones model to a scientifically developed studio reference curve, and second is the factory calibration, which uses accurate production measurement data from individual units to compensate for minute manufacturing variations. Currently, the factory calibration is only available for the DT 700 Pro X, DT 900 Pro X, DT 1770 Pro MKII, and DT 1990 Pro MKII, while the standard supports all Beyerdynamic DT headphone models.
Indeed, there are similar options available in the market, Sonarworks SoundID reference, which is compatible with all other headphones, but if you’re a Beyerdynamic user, this Free plugin will definitely enhance your mixing and mastering quality. It supports VST3, AU, and AAX formats and works with all major DAWs. You can download it from the link given below.
3. ASM Leviasynth:
Ashun Sound Machines, or ASM, unveiled their flagship hybrid algorithmic synthesizer which is built around a 16-voice architecture, each containing 8 independent oscillators capable of running more than 300 unique waveforms and different synthesis modes like phase modulation, FM, PWM, sync and more. Leviasynth can also morph between algorithms in real-time, making it a more organic-centric synth.
The Leviasynth’s signal path blends digital and analog, providing a filter bank with 18 modes alongside a 4-pole analog resonant low pass with pre driveand self oscillation. There’s a 32-slot modulation matrix with 170 sources and over 290 destinations, 5 LFOs and multiple envelopes provide deep routing possibilities. The synth comes with effects such as chorus, reverb, ohaser, etc., and a 3-track sequencer with arpeggiator and entropy variation to enhance the creative workflow.
The Leviasynth comes in both keyboard and desktop models, making it ot just a synth but an impressive tool for studios and live performances. The Leviasynth Keyboard is priced at €3,199 / £2,799, while the Leviasynth Desktop is priced at €2,349 / £2,049.
4. Reloop RP-5000 MK4:
Reloop has officially launched the RP-5000 MK4, clearly aimed at performers who want modern reliability with that classic touch. It is the newest version of its popular turntable series with more features, including the advanced brushless DC motor, pushing 2.5/cm torque. In simple terms, that means faster start-up, stronger pull, and a more confident feel when you’re cueing, nudging or scratching.
Reloop has also worked on the physical build. The MK4 comes with a revised chassis design and improved damping, plus upgraded feet to reduce vibrations. That’s one of the most practical upgrades in DJing. The main idea behind this is to keep the turntable lock in, even when the room isn’t.
On the control side, the RP-5000 MK4 covers a wide range of mixing styles. You can explore 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM, so it’s flexible enough for normal DJ sets. Pitch range includes ±8% and ±16%, plus an extreme ±50% ultra pitch mode for creative blends and quick tempo jumps. There’s also a reverse function, which scratch DJs and open-format performers will definitely enjoy.
As for pricing, the RP-5000 MK4 is available for stores like Thomann for $444, putting it in that sweet spot for DJs who want a serious direct drive deck without going fully into a premium territory.
5. Fender Motion 16 & 32:
At NAMM 2026, the world’s leading music gear manufacturer, Fender, launched its new Motion 16 and Motion 32 controllers. These are their first dedicated polyphonic aftertouch MIDI hardware, designed to bring expressive, hands-on control to modern DAW production workflow. Both models feature RGB-backlit FATAR pads that allow velocity and pressure to influence individual pad notes for performances and dynamic expression, which is also a rare feature in pad-based controllers.
The Motion 16 offers a compact 16 pad layout, a color diplsay and an expressive touch strip for real-time modulation. On the other hand, the Motion 32 expands this with 32 pads in a keyboard-style configuration and a touch strip for deeper controls. Both these models are closely integrated with Fender Studio Pro 8 (formerly Studio One Pro) for session control and instant track creation. You can also use these units with any DAW.
Additionally, there is a built-in smart scale and smart chord mode that helps to make sure you will never run out of ideas. It is an ideal gear in 2026 for producers, beatmakers, and live performers.
6. Korg Phase 8:
Phase 8 is Korg’s dedicated acoustic-centric synthesizer, designed to blend organic instrument characteristics with deep control of synthesis. It’s an eight-voice acoustic synth that uses electromechanical steel resonators to generate sound acoustically, with electronic envelopes and modulation, which means you can just tap, strum, or interact physically with the resonators to shape tone and texture in real time.
The Phase 8’s acoustic synthesis technology lets you sculpt sound with envelopes, pitch-dependent modulation and sequence automation, and even experiment by placing objects on the resonators to create unpredictable texture. It also features an onboard polymetric sequencer, with full MIDI, USB-MIDI, CV and sync connectivity for integration with DAWs as well as modular setups. This is one of the best and unique synth showcases at NAMM 2026.
7. Landr Blueprints & Layers AI:
LANDR also pushes its ethical AI platform further with two creative tools: Blueprints and Layers. These tools help producers take the initial ideas to full arrangements with more efficiency. First, the Blueprint, which acts as an AI-assisted songwriting assistant, generates multi-track song starters like intro, verse, chorus and bridge from user parameters such as genre, vocal/instrumental style. and deliver release-ready stems that you can use in your tracks.
On the other hand, Layers, co-developed with Aiode, is an AI co-producer tool that listens to your blueprint or any music you import and generates music like rhythm, lead instruments, synths and more. You just have to import a track you are working on or select a new track, and you’re good to go. Not only this, but you can also take any sample or recording and turn it into a compatible sample that fits the track. Both of these tools run on LANDR’s fair trade AI framework, which uses ethically sourced data to power models. It is one of the best tools for producers and beatmakers who are usually stuck in the process of making music.
8. Casio SXC1 Sampler:
This year’s NAMM is just unforgettable because of the launches and announcements like Casio’s new portable standalone sampler, currently known as the Casio SX-C1. It’s a demo version that channels retro charm and modern sampling power into a fun, gaming-like experience for producers and beatmakers. It packs a 4×4 grid of velocity-sensitive pads, a built-in microphone and speaker, and for the power, it uses USB-C connectivity. It supports 16-bit/48 kHz wav recording and real-time sample trimming. The gear offers internal memory of 64 GB with multiple banks of samples and built in step sequencer. For navigating and editing, there’s a compact 1.3 inch OLED display, D-pad and dedicated buttons. You can also plug your headphones in and play with it anywhere on the go. This is currently a prototype, but we can expect it in the market soon.
9. Roland CR 78 Plugin:
At NAMM 2026, Roland officially launched its legendary CR-78 rhythm machine into the modern production world with a plugin version built on Analog Circuit Behaviour (ACB) technology, preserving the iconic analog character that defined countless classic tracks. The plugin models the original hardware’s drum voices and grooves from crisps handclasp to warm congas, while adding deep editing and sequencing power. You can get full control over tuning, decay, and complex patterns with an expanded step sequencer. Talking about the interface, which follows the same vintage layout but with high-resolution graphics and a resizable window. The plugin is compatible with AU, VST3, AAX and works with all the major DAWs. Currently, you can get a discount of 75% off on Plugin Boutique.
10. Akai Pro MPC XL:
Akai Professional unveiled the new MPC XL, its new flagship standalone and most powerful groove workstation. Built around a large 10.1-inch multi-touch display, the MPC XL lets you navigate timelines, pads, and sequencing faster than ever, while the classic 16-pad layout remains central for beatmaking and live performances. It features a powerful standalone engine with sample-accurate time stretching, slicing and layering, plus multi-track sequencing and pattern chaining that let you build a full arrangement without the need for a computer. It also includes customizable macro controls and deep plugin hosting, making it a true gear for a hybrid hardware/software workflow. The unit’s expanded I/O includes balanced audio, multiple CV/gate outputs, MIDI, and USB. This evolution of MPC explains how the technology is growing.
