Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitars
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Synths
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Guitar Amps
  • Drums
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • Radiohead theory
  • Steely Dan's drum machine
  • Deep Purple in the dungeon
  • Prince's drummers
  • 95k+ free music samples
Don't miss these
Modal Electronics
Synths With the Carbon 8X, Modal Electronics has completed its three synth families so that it has an instrument for every kind of user, and there’s still more to come
Moog Messenger
Synths “A worthy addition to Moog’s long history of analogue synths”: Moog Messenger review
k20
Tech "We asked ourselves, what if we could rebuild the legendary K2000 V.A.S.T. synthesizer, but using today’s technology?": Kurzweil's K2061 and K2088 synths are now shipping
Pluginweek logo
Plugins Plugin Week 2025: Exhibitor A-Z
Artium Instruments The Doppler
Synths The Doppler is a desktop FM synth designed for ‘ultra-tweakability’
Sonic Charge Synplant 2
Software & Apps "This really is the ultimate sound design tool": 6 of the most creative plugin synths for sound design
plugins
Tech The ultimate soft synth showdown: Serum 2, Pigments 6, Phase Plant, Vital and Massive X: But which is best?
Donner Essential L1
Tech "Evolves the SH-101 template while still capturing the sound of the original": Donner Essential L1 review
synths
Tech 5 innovative synth plugins daring to do things differently
Arturia AstroLab 88
Keyboards & Pianos “An excellent build and pretty formidable soundset make it a desirable studio-based keyboard”: Arturia AstroLab 88 review
nektar
Tech "The MIDI keyboard that goes beyond MIDI": Nektar introduces Mk3 versions of its Impact LX range of MIDI controller keyboards
Arturia V Collection 11
Soft Synths “Still the synth and keyboard collection to beat”: Arturia V Collection 11 Pro review
plugins
Tech "It's a stupendously powerful tool": 10 of the best sampler plugins in 2025
halogen fm
Tech GForce Software makes FM synthesis simple with Halogen FM
AlphaTheta Chordcat
Drum Machines "Inspiring sequencing ideas, paired with an underwhelming sound engine": AlphaTheta Chordcat first look
  1. Tech
  2. Synths
  3. Analogue Synths

NAMM 2014: the best new hardware synths

News
By Ben Rogerson ( Future Music ) published 24 January 2014

The big releases from Moog, Korg, Roland and Nord

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Analogue, digital, keytar and DIY instruments

Analogue, digital, keytar and DIY instruments

NAMM 2014: Hardware synths are part and parcel of the NAMM Show experience. You can launch a plugin instrument online, but if you want to create a bit of buzz and give people a chance to get their hands on your new keyboard or module, a trade show unveiling is still the way to go.

Here, we've rounded up the best synths to have come out of NAMM so far. We'll keep adding to the list as the show goes on, leaving you with a complete overview of what's new.

Page 1 of 7
Page 1 of 7
Moog Sub 37

Moog Sub 37

Based on the Sub Phatty engine, the Sub 37 has an expanded keyboard and a Duo mode that enables you to play Oscillators 1 and 2 independently (it's 2-note paraphonic, in other words).

This is a limited edition model, so if you want one, you'll need to get in quick.

Find out more about the Moog Sub 37

Page 2 of 7
Page 2 of 7
Korg MS-20 kit

Korg MS-20 kit

Not so much a new synth as a relaunch of a relaunch, the MS-20 kit takes its lead from last year's MS-20 mini but is full-sized and needs to be self-assembled. The kit comes complete with both the early and later incarnations of the original MS-20's filter circuit and, once built, users can switch between the two.

Find out more about the Korg MS-20 kit

Page 3 of 7
Page 3 of 7
Clavia Nord Lead A1

Clavia Nord Lead A1

There will be some who turn their nose up at the A1 on the grounds that it's not 'proper analogue', but Clavia is bullish in its claim that it's "a true synthesizer powerhouse that goes far beyond the current trend for limited capability analogue reissues".

Designed for fast programming and to encourage experimentation, the Nord Lead A1 includes a "unique" oscillator configuration that enables you to use shortcuts to speed up your tweaking, a comprehensive filter section, multiple modulation options, effects. and performance features.

Find out more about the Clavia Nord Lead A1

Page 4 of 7
Page 4 of 7
Roland FA-08 and FA-06

Roland FA-08 and FA-06

Every year we wonder if the workstation keyboard concept might be dying a death, and every year we see evidence that this isn't the case.

Roland's FA-08 (pictured) and FA-06 are this NAMM Show's exhibits. 88- and 61-note models respectively, both feature a built-in audio interface, DAW integration, and more than 2000 sounds from the Integra-7 sound module. Each keyboard comes with a 16-track sequencer, and each of the 16 available parts can access its own effects engine, which sports 67 effect types.

Find out more about the Roland FA-08 and FA-06

Page 5 of 7
Page 5 of 7
Korg RK-100S

Korg RK-100S

Once something of a pariah among keyboard players, the keytar has been making a stealthy but concerted comeback for several years now.

The RK-100S sees Korg acknowledging this - it's a revamped version of the RK-100 that was originally released in 1984. It has a curvaceous wooden body, a slim 37-note keyboard and two ribbon controllers. Sounds come courtesy of Korg's MMT engine, which provides 200 analogue-modelled programs.

Find out more about Korg RK-100S

Page 6 of 7
Page 6 of 7
Moog Theremini

Moog Theremini

Everyone likes to think that they can play the Theremin, but few people actually can.

Moog's Theremini solves the problem by offering assistive pitch correction. Set this to maximum and every note in your selected scale will be played perfectly in tune (you can't go wrong, in other words), but you can dial this down so that you have more or, at the lowest setting, full control over the pitch.

Sounds are generated from an engine derived from Moog's Animoog iOS synth, and you get a built-in speaker.

Find out more about the Moog Theremini

Page 7 of 7
Page 7 of 7
Ben Rogerson
Ben Rogerson
Social Links Navigation
Deputy Editor

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it. 

All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. image
All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more.
Get the latest issue now!
More Info
Read more
Modal Electronics
With the Carbon 8X, Modal Electronics has completed its three synth families so that it has an instrument for every kind of user, and there’s still more to come
 
 
Moog Messenger
“A worthy addition to Moog’s long history of analogue synths”: Moog Messenger review
 
 
k20
"We asked ourselves, what if we could rebuild the legendary K2000 V.A.S.T. synthesizer, but using today’s technology?": Kurzweil's K2061 and K2088 synths are now shipping
 
 
Pluginweek logo
Plugin Week 2025: Exhibitor A-Z
 
 
Artium Instruments The Doppler
The Doppler is a desktop FM synth designed for ‘ultra-tweakability’
 
 
Sonic Charge Synplant 2
"This really is the ultimate sound design tool": 6 of the most creative plugin synths for sound design
 
 
Latest in Analogue Synths
Donner Essential L1
"Evolves the SH-101 template while still capturing the sound of the original": Donner Essential L1 review
 
 
Moog Messenger
“A worthy addition to Moog’s long history of analogue synths”: Moog Messenger review
 
 
Synth
“There’s a freedom of thought that doesn’t exist elsewhere”: How and why California became the heart of the synthesizer world
 
 
Superbooth 2025
12 new instruments and effects you need to know about from Superbooth 2025
 
 
Frap Tools Magnolia
Frap Tools’ debut polysynth Magnolia might be the most exciting new instrument of 2025
 
 
moog synth
"True to the Moog legacy and innovative spirit of Dr. Robert Moog": Moog unveils new $899 analogue monosynth, Messenger
 
 
Latest in News
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Birdy performs at the VIP Opening of the David Bowie Centre, V&A East Storehouse, on September 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse)
Jeff Beck, Roxy Music and Miles Davis all make the list of David Bowie’s 15 favourite tracks
 
 
ELMONT, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Yungblud attends the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Justin Hawkins backs up his brother’s criticism of Yungblud’s VMAs Ozzy Osbourne tribute
 
 
Coda Music
"The revolution has begun": New streaming platform launches promising fair compensation for artists
 
 
streaming
"The wait is finally over": Spotify finally offers lossless streaming to its Premium subscribers
 
 
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. ET and features a diverse lineup of guests that include celebrities, athletes, musical acts, comedians and human interest subjects, along with comedy bits and a house band. The guests for Monday, September 8 included Spinal Tap (Nigel Tufnel aka Christopher Guest, David St. Hubbins aka Michael McKean and Derek Smalls aka Harry Shearer) and Marty DiBergi (aka Rob Reiner) ("Spinal Tap II: The End Continues"), and musical guest Spinal Tap. (Disney/Randy Holmes) SPINAL TAP  (Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images)
Five basses! Spinal Tap recruit Tal Wilkenfeld and Thundercat for bottom-heavy Jimmy Kimmel performance
 
 
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - AUGUST 22: Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson performs during Megadeth concert as part of Dystopia World Tour at Luna Park on August 22, 2016 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Santiago Bluguermann/LatinContent via Getty Images)
Dave Ellefson has his say on whether Metallica did Dave Mustaine a favour by sacking him
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...