NAMM 2025: AKAI x Native Instruments Collab, Marshall's Compact Pedals, and Killer Plugin Deals

The latest music technology newsletter showcases groundbreaking collaborations and innovations across hardware and software platforms. Highlights include AKAI Professional and Native Instruments' strategic partnership, Marshall's new compact pedal lineup, and compelling deals from industry-leading plugin manufacturers like Waves and MeldaProduction.

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

AKAI Professional and Native Instruments Collaborate on MPC and MPK Series

AKAI Professional and Native Instruments have announced a collaboration that will bring exclusive software instruments and expansions to AKAI's MPC series. Additionally, AKAI's MPK series controllers will gain NKS compatibility for deeper integration with NI's Komplete Kontrol and Kontakt.

Overloud THU v2: A Flagship Amp Sim Upgrade

Overloud has unveiled THU v2, the latest version of its flagship guitar amp simulation software. This upgraded release introduces a completely redesigned interface shared across the entire THU range, making its modelling, capturing and impulse response processing more accessible and intuitive. THU v2 also integrates all modelling, capturing and IR processing technologies into a single application, simplifying the creative process.

Erica Synths Perkons Voice: Hybrid Drum Module

Erica Synths has announced the Perkons Voice, a Eurorack module featuring a hybrid digital-analog architecture for versatile drum sounds. It offers 13 sound generation algorithms, up to 99 user presets, and configurable CV inputs for 1V/Oct tuning.

Marshall Expands with New Amps and Pedals

Marshall has returned to NAMM with an exciting lineup of new products, including a series of compact pedals that capture the iconic tones of their classic amplifiers. The new JCM 800, JCM 900, and JVM Drive pedals offer players the ability to get genuine Marshall sounds in a pedalboard-friendly format. Additionally, Marshall has introduced the Studio 900 series, which brings the classic JCM 900 sound to a more manageable 20-watt head and combo amplifier.

Apogee Introduces New Podcast Kit Collection

At the 2025 NAMM Show, Apogee Electronics is introducing the new Podcast Kit Collection, which aims to simplify the typical challenges of podcast production. The collection includes two bundles - the HypeMiC Podcast Kit and the MiC Plus Podcast Kit - that provide high-quality USB microphones, software, and accessories for both professional and beginner podcasters.

DEALS

• Waves Sync Vx, a vocal alignment plugin, is on sale for $129.99 (regular $199).

• CLA Vocals, an all-in-one vocal processing plugin, is on sale for $35.99 (regular $149).

• Buy 2 plugins, get 2 free from Waves - 2025 January choose from 100 free plugins when you buy 2.

• MAutoAlign by MeldaProduction, the ultimate phase cancellation solution - 50% off, now €24 (was €49).

• MAutoStereoFix by MeldaProduction, a plugin to finalize stereo tracks and microphone recordings - 50% off, now €74 (was €149).

• MStereoProcessor by MeldaProduction, a plugin to expand your stereo in four bands - 50% off, now €39 (was €79).

• MReverb by MeldaProduction, a plugin for extremely realistic halls and unbelievable effects - 50% off, now €19 (was €39).

• Biome Pigment Bundle, a collection of 820 presets for Arturia Pigments 3 - $15.

• WA Production Distortion Bundle, a set of 3 distortion plugins - $19.90 (usually $148).

• ETERNAL R&B, a bundle of 8 sample packs for $20.

• Heartbeat, a drum synth plugin - $59 (usually $139).

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

Fender Standard Series Guitars and Basses - Fender has launched a new Standard Series of guitars and basses, aiming to bridge the gap between their entry-level Squier instruments and the higher-end Player II series, offering Fender quality at a more affordable price point.

GForce Novation Bass Station Demo - Explore the capabilities of the updated Novation Bass Station plugin, which now features 16-voice polyphony, new waveforms, frequency modulation, and more.

Voice Align Vocal Alignment Tool - Learn how this web-based tool can quickly and easily sync the timing, phrasing, and pitch of multiple vocal recordings without the cost of advanced plugins.

Barefoot FOOTPRINT03C Studio Monitor Overview - Discover the features of the Barefoot FOOTPRINT03C center channel monitor, including dual 6.5-inch woofers and the MEME monitor emulation system.

FREE

Analog Obsession's Poortec - a free Pultec EQ emulation plugin. Poortec is a simplified emulation of the classic Pultec EQP-1A. Poortec offers similar controls to its expensive counterpart, focusing on low- and high-frequency EQ bands with added drive capabilities.