With such a large selection of new releases announced and portrayed at the latest winter NAMM 2010, we have put together what we think will be the most popular and best options available in the coming year….

Akai APC20

With the success of Novation’s more compact Launchpad controller, Akai have cut in half the APC40 and offered the same features of the Launchpad but with a little more behind it and more controls at hand at any time. The price is also around half of the APC40 and is set to be another huge success for Akai and of course for us Ableton Live users.

Alesis USB Studio Drum Kit

With many home or studio users looking for serious midi control for the drum software of their choice, this all-in-one USB studio package does just that.  It offers a more serious, real feeling control of midi implemented software on your computer in an actual drum kit.  Being a midi controller, the drummer can now sit at home using a favourite drum software plug-in of his/her choice  and play away with headphones keeping the noise down for neighbours but keeping creativity to a maximum.

Alesis VideoTrack

Youtube musicians or producers look no further.  If you’re looking for the best solution to show off your productions, tutorials or gigs on Youtube in a video, the Videotrack will be the answer. 
With  dual stereo condenser microphones and high resolution lens the Videotrack can offer you high quality sound and high-resolution video for your social networking sites such as YouTube or Facebook and MySpace etc.

Korg Kaossilator Pro

As stated a supercharged version of the synth Kaossilator in the size of a KP3 plus sampling features.  More of a track making tool in one portable unit including the Kaossilator synth, 4 slot sampling from external sources also, plus an arpeggiator from the Electribe series and a whole lot more.  USB Midi connectivity to your computer or external keyboards for midi control and playability is also on offer.

Cakewalk A-300, A-500, A-800 Pro Midi Keyboards

The replacements for the old Edirol PCR series, the new Cakewalk midi keyboards have a more updated finish on them in comparison to the old PCR series. With the same features as the PCR apart from less pads on the top, the A Pro series look set to be another popular range of keyboards from the Roland factory.

Numark Mixdeck

If you want to DJ with an all in one unit that can do everything for you apart from wash your clothes, then the Mixdeck would have to be the answer to your needs. Want to be able to play and mix CD’s, MP3′s from CD, HD or USB Sticks, iPod or even control the dj software on your laptop then this is the system for you.  Two CD decks, plus a mixer in one unit with the ability to connect an iPod and/or portable hard drives or USB sticks. This is also a full features midi controller to connect to your computer system via USB.

Vestax Typhoon

The more commercial version of the Vestax Spin, the Typhoon now bears a more colourful finish to it with similar features to the VCI series at a more affordable price.  Being a DJ Midi Controller and with an internal audio interface, this will work with all DJ Software that accept Midi control such as NI Traktor Pro or Virtual DJ.

More from NAMM 2010…

- Numark V7 Turntable Software Controller
– Numark X7 – Dual DJ Premium Club Mixer
– Alesis DM10 Studio Drum Kit
– Alesis PalmTrack
– Arturia Origin Keyboard
– Korg Sound on Sound Recorder
– Numark NDX800 CD USB Player
– Numark iBattle Pak