Tag Archives: NAMM 2027

Waldorf Crema, Akai/Behringer open source

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There are a few new developments worth mentioning.

Waldorf Crema

The Waldorf Crema looks great and sounds great.

Waldorf Crema string and pad synth module

Just the facts:

  • Compact polyphonic string synthesizer
  • Texture engine with Streichfett Strings, Wavetable, and FM modes
  • Streichfett Ensemble effect available in all three Texture modes
  • Lines engine (8-voice) synth with two detunable oscillators
  • Mono and legato modes in the Lines engine
  • Engines can be layered, or split by note range and MIDI channel
  • Classic and new Waldorf wavetables with virtual-analog filter
  • Six four-operator FM algorithms with feedback
  • Flavor control to add pitch and waveform variation
  • FX 1: chorus, phaser, flanger, drive, tremolo, delay
  • FX 2: reverb, shimmer
  • Arpeggiator and 32-step sequencer with scale mode and external clock sync
  • MPE compatible, with MIDI CC Learn
  • Patches: 130+ factory patches, 360 memory slots
  • Outputs: Stereo 1/4″ (6.35 mm), mono and TRS stereo connections supported
  • Headphones: 3.5mm TRS
  • MIDI: In and Out via 3.5mm TRS Type A (two DIN adapters included)
  • USB: USB-C for power, MIDI, and firmware updates
  • Power: USB-C bus power (power supply not included)
  • Dimensions: 9.9″ x 6.7″ x 1.9″ / 252 x 170 x 48 mm
  • Weight: 2 lb. / 0.9 kg

Waldorf are touting laid-back sound. I’m looking forward to hearing this one because pads and textures would fit into my church gig. Pre-order: $499 USD.

Open Source — finally

Both Akai and Behringer are teasing Open Source products. The Akai MPC Sample and Akai Sample Key are going Open Source. Sample Key? Yes, Akai are combining the guts of an MPC Sample with a keyboard controller. The upcoming unit has a speaker, knobs like the MPC, track buttons, pitch/mod wheels and 24-key keybed. No price yet, but we’ll probably know by NAMM 2027. [Did I say “NAMM 2027”?]

Akai Professional Sample Key

Behringer announced the Kick sampler, also Open Source. The KICK is a groovebox with a 7-inch touchscreen, touch strip, 16 pads, four assignable knobs and jog wheel. 5-pin DIN MIDI (thank you) and four CV/Gate jacks. Behringer are teasing a $150 price, which is aggressively attractive.

I like the Open Source trend. Code-able, script-able MIDI controllers are long past due. I hate being boxed in by engineers who don’t really know how musicians use their gear. I hope this trend continues!

Genos OS Update teased

Yamaha have pre-announced a Genos2 update. They are calling it “Version 2.0” which is a bit confusing with the “2” in “Genos 2”. Oh, never mind. Early November 2026. We will see more updates during the run-up to NAMM 2027.

Yamaha PSR-A700

The Yamaha PSR-A700 arranger is another surprise. Yamaha have a new strategy of re-purposing arranger platforms for specific parts of the world. We saw the PSR-E583 repurposed for India. The PSR-A700 is a PSR-SX620 platform re-targeted for the Middle East. Judging from the video, they are pitching the A700 at the younger crowd.

Copyright © Paul J. Drongowski