Monthly Archives: January 2025

NAMM 2025: More little things to come

Posted on by

NAMM Show 2025 coming up: January 21-25, 2025, Anaheim Convention Center. More new products, no rumors, no kidding.

Haken EaganMatrix Micro

Now, this is coolness. The Haken EaganMatrix Micro is a full-featured EaganMatrix sound engine in a tiny package:

  • Polyphony: Nominal 1-3, Maximum 8
  • Stereo Audio Output: 3.5mm TRS
  • EXT Connector: 3.5mm TRS
  • Seven Segment Display: Preset navigation and settings
  • USB Power: 500mA max, 190 mA average
  • USB Midi: via Mini USB connector
  • Dimensions: 11.3 x 5.8 x 1.9 cm (4.4 x 2.3 x 0.75 inches)
  • Weight: 0.075 kg (2.6 oz)

The EXT connector can be attached to a foot pedal and can be configured for voltage conversion (Haken Audio CVC). The Mini USB connector takes power and communicates via MPE and MPE+ protocols.

Haken EaganMatrix Micro synth module

The price is $449 direct from the Haken Store (free USA shipping).

There are only a few things that give me pause. First, no 5-pin MIDI. I’m sure the Web trolls will trash this omission. Next, the polyphony is a tad underwhelming. [I smell an embedded ARM.] The EaganMatrix Micro should be fine for folks with exotic monophonic controllers, e.g., a wind controller. Lush pads are out. No battery operation (not a deal breaker, though). Finally, no USB HOST capability?

The front panel buttons are small and might be difficult to find during performance. The four digit seven segment display is 70s tech although it keeps component cost down and size small.

I’m still mining the 1010Music Tangerine, so I’m not going to rush to the EaganMatrix Micro. But, gosh, what an incredible, portable MPE engine!

Sears Silvertone Nostalgia

The Jackson Audio Silvertone Twin Trem gave me instant nostalgia for 60s high school guitar amps. It emulates the classic 1484 Twin Twelve amp and its tremolo. As the name implies, the Twin Trem has two independent tremolo circuits. $299 USD.

Silvertone Twin Trem pedal

Slivertone (Jackson Audio) also offer the Twin Twelve Pedal, $249 USD.

Jeez, I miss those days, although I don’t miss dodging hoods wanting to kick my tail after a school dance gig. 🙂

On-Stage LPT8000 Laptop Stand with USB

On-Stage just woke up with a good idea — integrate USB-A and USB Type-C ports into a laptop stand. The LPT8000 weighs 3 pounds and supports up to 11 pounds. Looks like it takes power and data from a laptop through its USB Type-C PC port and hubs them out to two Type-C ports and two USB Type-A ports. Still waiting to hear about price. [The USB-less LPT5000 is $23 street.]

OnStage LPT8000 laptop stand with USB

On-Stage also announced the OB1 Organ Bench — longer (32 inches) and taller (22 inches) than a piano bench to achieve the proper playing position for foot pedals. This thing looks sturdy as a tank with solid wood legs providing up to 330 pounds of support. So, don’t hold back on the fried chicken… The OB1 will set you back $150 USD.

Copyright © 2025 Paul J. Drongowski