WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD - Latest Portable Music Keyboards, Synthesizers and Music News

At the 2025 NAMM Show, held Jan 21–25 in Anaheim, CA, Korg has introduced the handytraxx line of portable turntables.

The Handy Trax, originally created by Vestax, redefined portable turntables by giving users the freedom to play and scratch records anywhere. Beloved by DJs and vinyl enthusiasts alike, it helped spark the rise of “portablism”.

Now, Korg has introduced an updated take, with the handytraxx. Developed in collaboration with Toshihide Nakama, former President of Vestax and co-creator of the Handy Trax, the handytraxx play retains the essence of the original while introducing several new features. These include digital effects, a built-in looper, and high-quality controls that make it possible to physically “play” with records on the go.

Korg introduced four versions of the handytraxx. Here’s the official intro to the base model, the handytraxx play:

The handtraxx play features a portable design, three built-in effects, looping, scratching support and more.

The handytraxx tube has a similar design, but with a focus on listening to records, instead of performing with them.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“Each component has been meticulously crafted to prioritise sound quality, including an aluminium die-cast platter* for precise and stable rotation, a balanced tone arm featuring an MM cartridge, and a phono amp powered by Korg’s innovative Nutube next-generation vacuum tube.

Unlike the average turntable, the handytraxx tube maximises sound quality with the warmth of a triode vacuum tube and incorporates unique features, while remaining remarkably compact.”

Next up is the handytraxx 1bit, which is designed for playing records and archiving them as digital audio files.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“The handytraxx 1bit is the flagship model in the handytraxx series, offering state-of-the-art recording capabilities. Capture the essence of your vinyl in stunning 5.6 MHz, 1-bit (DSD) format, delivering 5.6 million samples per second for unparalleled sound quality.

Whether you’re digitizing a priceless vinyl library or enjoying casual playback, the handytraxx 1bit is the perfect solution for every vinyl enthusiast.”

Finally, Korg introduced the handytraxx tube J, created in collaboration with JICO, a manufacturer of high-quality analog audio styli and cartridges.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“The cartridge and styli are the heart of any turntable, and even modest systems can achieve significantly improved sound with high-quality components. To meet the challenge of delivering exceptional sound quality in a portable, all-in-one player, the handytraxx tube J incorporates the precision-engineered Clipper cartridge, ensuring a listening experience that is rich, detailed, and true to the original recording.”

The Korg handytraxx turntables are available now to pre-order, with the following pricing:

• Korg handytraxx play – $399.99
• Korg handytraxx tube – $799.99
• Korg handytraxx 1bit – $999.99
• Korg handytraxx tube J – $1,199.99

At the 2025 NAMM Show, large format synth maker Synthesizers.com has a booth, where they are showcasing a large Studio System modular synthesizer.

This is the first time that Synthesizers.com has had a presence at NAMM. The company’s founder, Roger Arrick, started in 1999, with the goal of reviving Moog format modulars, and one of his strategies for keeping his modules relatively affordable was to sell direct and avoid advertising.

Caleb Duke & Mike Graham of Synthesizers.com

Arrick retired from the company a few years ago, and since then, the company has been trying new approaches to raising awareness of their systems. This has included expanding their Youtube presence, partnering to distribute their synths in some brick and mortar synth shops and, now, presenting at NAMM for the first time.

Their booth is featuring a customized Studio-110 rig, above, with one of their modular CV/Gate/MIDI control keyboards.

The company offers pre-configured 22-, 44-, 66-, 88-, and 110-space systems in Walnut cabinets, but many owners build completely custom system, using modules from a wide range of manufacturers.

In addition to the traditional Walnut Studio Systems, they offer rack-mount options, traditional Moog-style portable cabinets and modern compact cabinets.

While the Synthesizers.com system looks like a Moog modular, the modules are original designs, with the main exception being their 960 sequencer system, which is a full-size clone of the classic Moog step sequencer.

When Arrick started the company, he methodically reviewed what was good and bad about classic Moog systems, and he tried to update Moog’s standard, keeping the large-format usability and feel of Moog’s systems, but modernizing everything else. This included updating the power system, using 10V peak-to-peak signals to reduce noise levels, standardizing panel sizes to ensure complete modularity, minimizing module depth to allow modules to be mounted in shallow cases, and standardizing gate/trigger signals, so that all signals are passed using the same cables and jacks.

The ‘dotcom’ update of the Moog format has become a standard that’s now supported by dozens of manufacturers, second only to the Eurorack format.

Here’s a video from the show floor, via Sonic State:

Synthesizers.com systems are available now, starting around $2,000 for a compact modular rig and topping out around $21,500 for a 110-space monster synth like the one that they’re showcasing at NAMM. Individual modules are also available.

Intuitive Instruments let us know that they’ve released a major update for their Exquis Expressive MPE controller.

The Exquis is an isometric keyboard MIDI controller, with 61 hexagonal RGB backlit keys that are sensitive to pressure (Z axis) and position sensing (X and Y axes).

Version 2 of the firmware and companion software introduces several new features and a complete graphic redesign, offering enhanced customization options for the keyboard.

What’s new in Exquis version 2:

• Up to 32 scales and 8 notes layouts onboard – In addition to a wide selection of factory scales and layouts, users can design their own custom scales and note layouts using Exquis’ companion software. Each key can be assigned individual MIDI values and colors, with the configurations stored directly in the keyboard’s memory for standalone use as a MIDI MPE controller. These custom files can also be shared with the community.
• Customizable MIDI Messages and Sensitivity Curves – MIDI CC values for the four rotary, clickable encoders and action buttons are now fully editable via Exquis’ companion software and saved to the device’s memory for standalone operation. Additionally, users can fine-tune sensitivity curves for all expressive dimensions -velocity, X, Y, and Z axes- ensuring optimal control and responsiveness.
• A Redesigned Graphical Interface – The Exquis companion software now features a completely redesigned graphical interface for quick and intuitive use. Designed to transform Exquis into a standalone electronic instrument, the app combines an enhanced looper (11 tracks, 44 loops) with a simple sequencer (11 events) and is compatible with all AU, VST, and VST3 plugins, running seamlessly on macOS and Windows.
• Adaptable to Any Configuration – One standout feature of the Exquis application is its ability to adapt to any note layout, saving it as a track parameter or even linking it to a plugin preset. This makes it possible to create hybrid instruments tailored to specific soundscapes, unlocking new creative possibilities.
• 250 Expressive Presets Optimized for Exquis – The update also includes 100 brand-new factory presets for the Vital and Decent Sampler free MPE plugins, complementing the refreshed 150 presets for the Surge XT free MPE plugin. All these presets are available directly within the Exquis app, ready to load in a single click, complete with optimized note layouts.

The Exquis is available now for $299.