Sounds Easy’s Standout Picks from The NAMM Show – Summer Highlights

Every year, NAMM delivers a glimpse into the future of music production — and this Summer’s showcase was no exception. From boundary-pushing synthesis to next-generation groove machines, we’ve been keeping a close eye on the latest releases to see what’s really worth getting excited about.

Here are a few of our personal favourites that truly stood out to the Sounds Easy team.

🪐 Ashun Sound Machines Leviasynth — The New Centrepiece of Your Studio

The ASM Leviasynth is designed to live right at the heart of your studio — and it shows.

With:

• 16-voice polyphony

• Multi-oscillator architecture

• An extensive filter section

• Deep sound design capabilities

…it pushes well beyond traditional expectations.

While fans of the Hydrasynth line will feel right at home, the Leviasynth expands into broader, deeper, and more flexible sonic territory. It’s a serious instrument for producers who want power, versatility, and long-term creative potential.

🎧 Akai Professional MPC XL — Bigger, Faster, and More Powerful

The legendary MPC platform has taken another major step forward with the MPC XL — and yes, it’s huge in every sense.

Key highlights include:

• 10” high-resolution touchscreen

• 16 iconic MPC pads

• 16 CV outputs for modular integration

• Massive 225GB SSD storage

• The return of the touchstrip for real-time control

This is a true next-generation MPC, built for producers who want everything in one powerful, performance-ready workstation.

Whether you’re producing beats, scoring, sampling, or performing live, the MPC XL is designed to be your creative command centre.

🎹 Korg Phase8 — Where Physical Meets Electronic

The Korg Phase8 turned plenty of heads among our staff, and for good reason. This is not your typical synth.

Blurring the line between physical sound generation and electronic control, the Phase8 uses vibrating steel oscillators paired with a unique step sequencer and an interface that encourages hands-on exploration. It’s tactile, expressive, and unlike anything else currently on the market.

This is the kind of instrument that inspires new approaches to composition — and we expect it to shape a lot of future records.

If you’re after something that feels alive under your fingers, the Phase8 is one to watch.

🎛️ Stylophone On-The-Fly — Performance Sequencing Made Simple

For fans of modular, semi-modular, and hands-on electronic setups, Stylophone’s On-The-Fly is a brilliant addition to the CPM ecosystem.

Designed as a performance-focused sequencer, it’s built to flow naturally with your rig. With seamless MIDI and CV connectivity, it integrates easily into both modern and vintage setups.

Whether you’re sequencing live, improvising in the studio, or building evolving patterns, On-The-Fly keeps things intuitive, fast, and musical.

Looking Ahead

From experimental hybrid synthesis to performance-focused sequencing and powerhouse production workstations, this year’s NAMM releases show just how exciting the future of music technology is.

At Sounds Easy, we’re always on the lookout for gear that doesn’t just follow trends — but helps shape what’s next. These four standouts represent innovation, creativity, and serious musical potential.

If any of these caught your eye, keep an eye on our store and socials for availability updates, demos, and in-depth reviews.

🎛️🎹 Your next creative breakthrough might be closer than you think.