NAMM 2026: More new products - Sand, software and soundSand, software and sound

Nord Electro 7

Nord have spoken and they might get me back! I still have my Nord Electro 2 because of its superb playability. Electro’s synth section has always been “Meh” and acoustic instrument representations have not had as much life as Yamaha synths. The Nord Electro 7 takes care of business with a new synth section.

Some details:

Synth section: Samples, analog waveforms and FM synthesis; Low-pass filter with resonance control; Dual ADR envelopes
Organ section: Nord Organ 3 models including B3, B3 Bass, Vox, Farfisa, Soft B3 and Pipe organs
Physical drawbars with LEDs on all models
Rotary Speaker emulation from Nord Organ 3
Piano section: New dynamic compression, unison and timbre
Effects: Dedicated effects per section; New spring reverb, Brit and Suitcase amps

Nord Electro 7 (NAMM 2026)

The Nord Electro 7 has three models:

61-key semi-weighted waterfall: $3,299 (pre-order)
73-key semi-weighted waterfall: $3,599 (pre-order)
73-key HP with triple sensor Kawai Hammer Action: $3,999 (pre-order)

Given the rather narrow range of pricing, it’s a question of picking the model that best fits your own home and gigging requirements.

I would lean toward the 61-key waterfall model on the basis of weight and size: 8.3kg (18.3 pounds). The 73 and 73 HP come in at 20.9 and 28.7 pounds. The HP should be a manageable schlep for players wanting hammer action.

I will definitely test drive one of these.

Stylophone VOICE portable sampler

Dubreq teased this little orange box last week — the Stylophone VOICE portable sampler. It’s the latest edition to the Stylophone Pocket Range. Check the video and the bullet points:

Capture samples via built-in mic or AUX input
Mangle them with 12 built-in effects
Built-in sequencer and 4 pattern memory slots
Add rhythm with integrated drum sounds
Run on 3 AA batteries
Play across a two-octave stylus keyboard with transpose
Built-in speaker and headphone output
Connect to other gear using SYNC IN/OUT

They’re going to sell thousands of these things and, well, that’s the idea. 🙂

Dubreq Stylophone VOICE portable sampler (NAMM 2026)

Anonymous sources say it will be available in July 2026 for $50. Given the current market situation (i.e., tariffs), take $50 with a grain of salt. Join the wait list if you want one.

Stylophone make and sell the GEN X-2 portable analog synth for $99 USD (available today). That’s the more likely price point in the USA.

Roland CUBE Street MINI

Roland are announcing the CUBE Street MINI all-in-one PA with the following features/specs:

2.1 speaker system: 10W (5W+5W), 12cm woofer + 2 x 1.2cm tweeters
Two simultaneous, independent channels of Bluetooth® audio
GUITAR/MIC/INST input channels
MIC channel supports dynamic microphones via XLR and TRS
Two channels each with built-in effects (GUITAR/MIC/INST channels: reverb/delay/chorus, MIC channel: reverb/echo)
Rechargeable battery lasts up to 7 hours (1,500mA current consumption)
3 hour battery charge time
Built-in guitar tuner
Tilt stand and mic stand mount
Stereo mini jack for headphones and recording
USB Type-C® charging terminal (USB charging cable included)

Roland CUBE Street MINI (NAMM 2026)

Now, the important specs for streetcar buskers:

274mm (10.8″) W x 110mm (4.4″) D x 192mm (7.6″) H
2.2kg (4.9 pounds)

That ain’t bad. By way of comparison, the Headrush FRFR GO is slightly heavier and larger: 12.6″ W x 7.2″ H x 5.9″ D, 7.4 lbs. The Headrush has longer battery life. It does stereo, too, though it lacks the Cube Street MINI’s woofer and tweeter speaker configuration (dual 3″ full range speakers instead).

A lot comes down to the cabinet design. Try before buy to avoid annoying small-cabinet boxiness! If the CUBE Street MINI has a bass port, it’s hidden behind the grill cloth.