The Best OF NAMM 2025: The Top New Gear That Debuted In Anaheim This Year

NAMM 2025 felt different—and in the best way possible. After years of scaled-back shows and quieter releases, the energy was undeniable this time. The biggest names in the industry came out swinging, dropping gear that actually pushes things forward. Rhodes, Genelec, SSL, IK Multimedia, ROLI, AIAIAI, Hercules, Écoute, and more all made serious statements, making it nearly impossible to pick the best of the show. Between the MIDI MK8 expanding what’s possible on a Rhodes, Genelec’s UNIO locking in headphone-to-studio monitoring, and SSL’s 18 interface bringing flagship-grade audio to a single rack unit, this year was stacked.

Then there’s the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro leveling up mobile monitoring, The Composer headphones redefining high-end reference sound, and AIAIAI’s TMA-2 DJ Wireless cutting the cord for DJs. Hercules kept things fresh with the DJControl Mix Ultra, Écoute packed a full hi-fi system into a headset, and the multi/poly module proved analog modeling can go deeper than ever.

And that’s barely scratching the surface. NAMM 2025 was delivered, and after digging through everything, we’ve pulled together the absolute best gear of the show. Let’s get into it.

Rhodes Music MIDI MK8

Rhodes Music made serious noise at NAMM 2025 with the MIDI MK8, a fully integrated MIDI system for their flagship electromechanical piano. This upgrade keeps everything that defines the MK8 while adding seamless MIDI control for producers and performers.

The touchless system expands its capabilities without changing what makes it special, offering a natural workflow for both studio and stage. No extra hardware, no awkward workarounds—just a smart evolution of an iconic instrument.

IK Multimedia came out swinging at NAMM 2025 with the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro. Building on the success of the original iLoud Micro Monitor, this new version offers enhanced accuracy and transparency, making it ideal for critical mixing in any environment—be it the studio, at home, or on the move.

It features the same ARC room calibration and control software found in the iLoud MTM MKII and flagship Precision models, ensuring uncolored, high-quality audio monitoring regardless of the space, from acoustically treated rooms to less-than-ideal settings.

AIAIAI definitely didn’t hold back at NAMM 2025 with the TMA-2 DJ Wireless headphones. Designed for DJs who want to cut the cord, these headphones offer ultra-low latency for seamless mixing.

The sturdy yet lightweight build ensures comfort during long sets, and the extended battery life means you can keep the music going without worrying about recharging.

Écoute brought something completely different to NAMM 2025 with the TH1. Instead of just making high-end headphones, they built an entire hi-fi system into a headset. The real game-changer? A built-in vacuum tube preamp that adds analog warmth and depth—even to digital signals.

The TH1 also features a dedicated DAC and dual-mono amplification, ensuring each channel gets its own processing for crystal-clear separation. No crosstalk, no muddy mix—just a precise, spacious soundstage where every detail stands out. With independent power to each transducer, stereo performance reaches a whole new level, making everything sound bigger, wider, and more lifelike.

Arturia – Audiofuse X8 IN & Audiofuse X8 OUT

Running out of inputs mid-session is the last thing you need—whether you’re tracking a full band or just trying to nail that perfect take. AudioFuse X8, which Arturia debuted at NAMM this year, fixes that with eight extra channels, giving you more room to work without the cost and hassle of upgrading your entire interface.

With high-end ADAT converters, every recording stays clean and detailed, and its compact design fits right into any setup. Front-panel controls and VU meters keep everything easy to manage, so you’re never stuck fumbling with cables when you should be recording. More inputs, less headache—AudioFuse X8 keeps your studio ready for anything.

ROLI Piano

Learning piano doesn’t have to mean boring drills and endless frustration. The ROLI Piano makes it easy with 49 full-size, light-up keys that guide you through every step and this was one of the freshest and coolest products we crossed on the NAMM floor. It can be pretty hard to reinvent the wheel that is learning piano at this point in history, but ROLI seems to have pulled it off (and in style, maybe we add).

Paired with the ROLI Learn app, it offers lessons from real teachers, interactive games, and a growing library of songs spanning classics and modern hits. The focus is on making learning feel natural and engaging, so you can build skills without the usual struggle.

Hercules DJ Control Mix Ultra

We’ve been fans of Hercules for years now, always bringing added accessibilty to the DJing space at this year at NAMM that momentum showed no signs of slowing down.The Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra is built for DJs who want to mix anywhere—no wires, no bulky gear, just straight-up portability. Designed for smartphones and tablets (iOS/Android), it’s perfect for home sessions, parties, or DJing on the go. Lightweight enough to throw in a backpack, it’s an easy travel companion that doesn’t hold you back.

• Neural Mix: Isolate vocals, drums, and instruments in real-time for more creative control.
• 4 Pad Modes: Hot Cue, Loop, FX, and Neural Mix let you shape your set however you want.
• Dual-Function Protective Cover: Doubles as a smartphone mount for an effortless setup.
• 3-Band EQ: Dial in smooth transitions with control over high, mid, and low frequencies.
• 10-Hour Battery: Rechargeable and built to last through extended sets.
• Bluetooth LE: Wireless connection means no extra cables—just sync and start mixing.

Compact, wireless, and designed to make DJing more accessible, the DJControl Mix Ultra keeps the focus on the music, wherever you play.

Genelec – UNIO Monitoring EcoSystem

Genelec’s UNIO Ecosystem makes switching between studio monitors and headphones seamless, so your mixes stay consistent no matter where you’re working. From stereo to immersive formats, it keeps everything locked in, giving engineers the flexibility to move between setups without compromising accuracy.

With UNIO Personal Reference Monitoring (PRM), Genelec brings its trusted active monitoring system into a headphone solution. Smart Active Monitoring (SAM), GLM, and Aural ID Technology ensure every mix translates perfectly, whether you’re in the studio or on the move.

The 9320A SAM™ Reference Controller ties it all together, letting you step out of the control room, throw on headphones, and hear your mix exactly as you would on your monitors. No guesswork, no second-guessing—just precision, wherever you go.

The MS20 Mini has been my workhorse synth in my own studio for half a decade, and in that time the name Korg has simply worked up a soft spot in my heart and in my studio so to find they’re dropping some new hardware was one of the highlights of our NAMM trip. The multi/poly module takes analog modeling to another level. Each voice runs on its own Virtual Voice Card, replicating the quirks of real hardware—oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, and portamento—all with built-in variation for organic depth. Dial it in as much or as little as you want.

Voices never reset. Long-release pads keep evolving, new notes pick up where envelopes left off, and oscillators stay in phase. Even pitch drift is modeled for that raw analog feel.

Envelopes hit hard, with preset curves based on the Mono/Poly, MS-20, Mini, Pro, and ARP Odyssey, plus modeled VCA response for authentic amp behavior.

Portamento? You get six models based on real synths, so glide feels right every time.

Austrian Audio Composer Headphone

At NAMM 2025, The Composer is making an impression as a high-end reference headphone built for professionals and audiophiles who demand precision. It delivers ultra-clear highs and tight, responsive bass with exceptionally low THD, keeping every detail intact without distortion.

Comfort is just as dialed in. The adjustable headband uses breathable mesh to reduce heat buildup, and the tiltable earcups offer four positions for a custom fit. At under 400 grams, they stay light enough for long sessions without fatigue. Even the cable routing is designed to keep pressure off your ears, so nothing gets in the way of the sound.

Handcrafted in Austria, The Composer raises the bar for high-end monitoring.

NAMM 2025 brings another heavy hitter with the VQD106, a full drumming system powered by the TD-07 module. Everything you need is in the box, from pads to cymbals to all the connection cables—ready to play right out of the gate.

• PDQ-8S Snare Pad – 8-inch playing surface, 10-inch rim, and independent head/rim triggering for a responsive feel.
• PDQ-8 Tom Pads – Three 8-inch single-trigger pads built for smooth, dynamic drum fills.
• CYQ-12 Cymbal Pads – Two 12-inch pads for crash and ride, complete with bow/edge triggering and choke support.
• CYQ-12 Hi-Hat & FD-9 Pedal – Responsive hi-hat pad with a low-noise control pedal.
• KDQ-8 Kick Pad – Supports single and double kick pedals, paired with the KDB-Q quiet kick beater for reduced noise.

With the TD-07 module tying it all together, the VQD106 is a rock-solid electronic kit for drummers who want pro-level response and playability—without the hassle of piecing everything together separately.

Solid State Logic (SSL) 18 Rack Mount Audio Interface

We gotta round out this list with one of the heaviest hitters in the industry, the “Big Cheese” of pro-audoi…none other than SSL.

SSL swung for the fences at NAMM 2025 with the launch of the SSL 18, a rackmount USB audio interface built for top-tier recording and production. Packed into a single 19” rack unit, it delivers SSL’s signature sound with best-in-class conversion, flexible I/O, and rock-solid monitor control—whether in a pro studio or a high-end home setup.

With next-gen 32-bit/192 kHz converters and an incredible 120 dB dynamic range across mic, line, and instrument inputs, SSL 18 captures every detail with precision. It features eight high-performance mic preamps, ultra-low noise circuitry, and the iconic Legacy 4K mode for adding that unmistakable SSL analog saturation. Add in dual headphone outputs, 125 dB dynamic range on monitor and line outs, and a high-current headphone amp, and SSL 18 isn’t just another interface—it’s a studio centerpiece built to last.