News

At NAMM 2016, German amp manufacturer Hughes & Kettner presents two new Tubemeister lunchbox amps. The smaller version is called the Tubemeister Deluxe 20, and compared to its 18W predecessor, it has a few new features up its sleeve that are particularly handy for recordings, both at home and in the studio. Its bigger sibling, the 40-watt Tubemeister Deluxe 40, is a completely new guitar amp head, and features the same modern upgrades.

Is learning to play the piano one of your New Years resolutions? If so, check out the new digital pianos by Kurzweil that look and feel like the real thing. There are two models to choose from, the M210 in brown and the M210 in white.

Boss, a pioneer in effects pedals, is launching three new effects pedals with the BC-1X, VB-2W and VO-1. These are a bass compression pedal (BC-1X), a reissue of the VB-2 vibrato (VB-2W Waza Craft) and a stompbox-sized vocoder (VO-1). Boss decided to release a reissue of the popular VB-2 vibrato pedal, and Boss Japan gave it their blessing in the form of the Waza Craft label.

The Studio 192 is an impressively elaborate audio interface, but it's a bit too big for most mobile applications. That's why, at NAMM 2016, Presonus is introducing the Studio 192 Mobile. Its rack-size was forgone in favour of more desktop friendly dimensions, but its main characteristics are still there.

As usual, Japanese manufacturer Ibanez has chosen the NAMM show in Anaheim, California to launch their new bass guitars. What better time to introduce 24 brand new models than the world's largest music gear convention, after all? Some of these new basses are based on existing models, but feature new finishes or modifications. Others are completely new, ground-breaking instruments.

You may not be able to tell at first glance, but HK Audio's Lucas Nano 608i is the world's first compact PA system that boast full iPad integration. Its built-in mixer is fully iPad-controlled, which means you'll be able to operate all of its functions, including the DSP, using the free Lucas Nano Remote app.

Boss is proud to announce the launch of the ES-5, an Effects Switching System for five pedals that can store up to 200 different settings. Technically, it's slightly more ingenious than the ES-8, which becomes apparent when you re-organise your effects pedals.

There's plenty of new goodies to admire at NAMM 2016, including these three new pedals by Way Huge. The Green Rhino MKIV and Overrated Special (both overdrive pedals), and the Swollen Pickle Jumbo Fuzz MKIIS proudly offer a wealth of settings to adjust and an aptly huge sound. While these Way Huge pedals sound plenty big, their housings have been kept as compact as possible, which means they're very practical.

Ibanez has been a staple of the guitar industry for years. It's a brand that does not shy away from innovation, which always leads to interesting new guitars. This year will be no different, as Ibanez has announced affordable signature models, new Extended Range guitars and much more!

Pioneer is certainly spoiling us. First the company's DJ branch releases the new CDJ-2000NXS2 and DJM-900NXS2, and now the Pro Audio branch surprises us with their XPRS series. This new line of powerful, multifunctional active speakers offers some great all-round material. From DJ monitors to PA systems for large events, this series has it all.