This year, the worlds of electronic music and modular synthesis converged in Los Angeles for a weekend packed with innovation and artistry at NAMM 2025 and Buchla & Friends. These two events showcased everything from cutting-edge production tools to boutique modular synths, providing an unparalleled look at the future of music technology. With highlights spanning groundbreaking gear and exclusive interviews, the weekend was a celebration of the creativity driving the electronic music scene.
At NAMM, the spotlight shone on some impressive gear. Novation unveiled their G-Force Base Station, an evolution of their iconic 1993 model, with modern features like probability-based sequencing and a powerful arpeggiator. Melbourne Instruments showcased their motorized MIDI controller, equipped with haptic feedback and advanced mapping, designed to bridge the gap between studio and live performance. The Bitwig Connect audio interface also drew attention, offering modular-focused connectivity with CV outputs and versatile input options, ideal for hybrid setups.
Buchla & Friends brought a more intimate, boutique-focused vibe to the weekend. Black Corporation’s presence stood out with their modular version of the Jupiter-8 synth, offering a single-voice iteration inspired by the Jupiter line. Icelandic company Genki debuted their namesake synth Katla, featuring volcanic rock panels and a unique approach to controlled chaos. Mystic Circuits showcased their Ruins video synthesis module, an accessible tool for HD analog visuals, while Sleepy Circuits impressed with their Hypno video synth, perfect for generative visuals and MIDI-based performances.
The weekend was also rich in conversations with the creators behind the gear. New Systems Instruments presented their Discrete Map sequencer, a tool designed to integrate seamlessly with modular systems and adapt to live rhythms. Noise Engineering revealed updated versions of their analog logic modules, blending creative flexibility with improved design. Alexandra Sierra introduced the Doom Box, an EMF-based device transforming electromagnetic fields into experimental audio, offering an entirely new avenue for sound exploration.
From the polished displays at NAMM to the DIY ethos of Buchla & Friends, the weekend showcased the vibrancy of the electronic music community. The juxtaposition of large-scale innovation and boutique creativity painted a compelling picture of the industry’s future. For those who couldn’t attend, the stories, demos, and interviews from this unforgettable weekend are available to explore further. Let us know what gear or creator stood out to you in the comments!
