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NAMM 2025: It’s turning into quite the month for problem-solving switch box for music makers with more gear than inputs.

After the arrival of Heritage Audio’s Synth Buddy, Flock Audio has just announced Switch, an analogue instrument routing controller that does a similar job but with a whole lot more pizazz.

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, Flock Audio has become a leader in pro audio innovation. Best known for its PATCH Series – the company is committed to delivering cutting-edge, digitally controlled, yet 100% analog solutions for modern audio environments.

The Switch goes one better than its more functional, physical rivals by offering both digital and mechanical control of its inputs and what exactly arrives at its outputs.

At its heart it’s, once again, a transparent audio switch box, this time enabling you to connect up to eight mono or stereo inputs to the box and have your choice of ins appearing at its outputs. It is therefore ideal for those wanting to quickly swap in and out gear, or have eight pieces of hardware permanently connected to just a pair of inputs.

Now you can toggle between up eight mono/stereo ins with 100% transparent analogue routing and no AD/DA conversion or latency, all with a single, simple-to-use interface.

As is becoming established enough in this particular field, the device is equipped with a large rotary knob to make simple, physical selection of your desired input a breeze. Switch goes one further, however, in that this knob comes armed with an LCD display which is completely customisable by the user, allowing them to give each input a device name and/or other information as to what is plugged in where.

Additionally, it is possible to control the switching within your DAW, so you can program the swapping in and out of instruments and let Switch take the strain during playback.

“Switch is a new product category for us designed to directly address the needs of artists and engineers who use synths and other analog instrument inputs in their work and want a physical interface with PATCH-style control and flexibility,” says Flock Audio Founder and CEO Darren Nakonechny.

“Switch offers seamless operation and enhanced creative flexibility in both live and recording environments, and the large LCD display rotary knob makes it incredibly easy and frankly, fun to use.”

Features:

• 8 TRS/TS Inputs (Mono/Stereo / 2 XLR Outputs)
• Analog Audio & AES/EBU signal level compatibility
• A large LCD with user customisation for images, colours and text
• ‘Under Glow Knob Ambient User Customization Color’
• Switch app routing software for OSX and Windows
• Bypass, mute and mute all channels
• Noise supression while switching
• No AD/DA conversion, no Latency, 100% sonically transparent analog routing
• USB-C Power & Software Control
• Dimension: 2” x 9” x 6”
• Weight: 24 lbs

The Switch is expected to be shipping by Q3 2025, with pricing yet to be confirmed.

Switch is one of Flock’s new PATCH series of digitally-controlled, all-analogue routing solutions and will be revealed in full at the upcoming 2025 NAMM Show.

For those attending the 2025 NAMM Show in Anaheim (January 23–25), you can see SWITCH in action at Flock Audio’s booth (#16019).

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Audient has announced the releases of iD48, a flagship 8-channel 24×32 out USB-C audio interface the well-regarded British brand is calling the “ultimate Audient interface”, previewing at this year’s NAMM show. If you’re at NAMM, stop by the KORG booth #6903 in Hall C between 23-25 January 2025.

Designed for producers, engineers and musicians alike, iD48 is said to be versatile enough for both home studios and professional set-ups.

Audient says iD48 builds on the core features that distinguish the iD range – “astonishing” audio performance and an intuitive user experience – while delivering enough I/O to “handle any session”. iD48 is an 8-channel interface with the option to utilize a total of 24 ins and 32 outs digitally via ADAT or S/PDIF.

The 24-bit/96kHz rackmount interface is equipped with eight of the same low-noise, low-distortion Audient Console Mic preamps found across the iD range, featuring the very same circuitry as Audient’s high-end ASP8024-HE recording console and delivering 68dB gain. 32-bit ESS DAC converters offer an ample 126.5dB of dynamic range for impressive detail and clarity, while two discrete JFET instrument inputs will make guitarists’ lives easier.

Newly introduced with the iD48, Audient’s Switchable Analogue Insert technology is another convenient addition. This allows you to route audio from either the mic preamps or DAW outputs to outboard gear via the iD48’s eight balanced inserts – accessible via a Dsub connection – letting you track and mix using external hardware without physically re-patching cables.

In addition to its capabilities as an interface, the iD48 doubles as a monitor controller thanks to main and alt speaker outputs, dual headphone outputs with independent volume control, and dedicated talkback functionality. The iD Mixer software allows users to configure low-latency monitoring setups, create stereo cue mixes, and save custom layout presets.

Features:

• 8 x Class-A Audient Console Mic Preamps
• Class Leading AD/DA Converters
• 2 x Discrete JFET Instrument Inputs
• Main and Alt Speaker Outputs
• 2 x Independent Dual Headphone Outputs
• 2 x ADAT Inputs & Outputs
• 8 Switchable Balanced Inserts/Line Outputs
• Ultra-low Latency DSP Mixer
• Audio Loop-back
• 2 x User Defined Function Keys
• Dedicated Dim and Cut Controls
• +48V, Pad, and HPF Controls
• USB 3.0 Compliant
• 24bit/96kHz
• Word Clock Input & Output
• All-Metal Design
• Free Software + Plugins

Available from 3 March 2025, Audient iD48 is priced at $999/€899/£799.

Find out more on Audient website.

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We first got word of Korg’s new turntable range a year ago, when the company announced the Handytraxx Play back at NAMM 2024, although it’s been listed as ‘coming soon’ on the company’s site ever since. Now, ahead of NAMM ‘25, the Handytraxx Play has reemerged – and it’s brought a full range of Handytraxx turntables with it.

Inspired by the iconic Vestax Handy Trax, Handytraxx Play is a portable turntable aimed at both DJs and vinyl enthusiasts. The original Handy Trax was released in “the late ’90s” and proved popular in the ‘portablism’ space, filled with people who scratch and DJ using easily transportable gear. Korg’s updated take has been created in collaboration with former Vestax president, Toshihide Nakama, who sadly demised in 2023 before the project could be completed.

The portability factor here lies in the fact that the Play can run either via AC power or AA batteries and features a 2.5w built-in speaker which Korg claims “delivers impressive sound with rich bass and clear playback, whether you’re connected to external speakers or not.”

The Handytraxx Play also comes equipped with some interesting performance tools. There’s a multimode filter with three filter types, plus a delay effect with its own fader for control. There’s also an audio looper onboard for live looping.

The Handytraxx Play features a belt drive motor with digital rotation correction for better stability. The turntable can be customised to use ceramic and MM cartridges, and it’s also possible to replace the crossfader and reorientate the device for left-handed use.

The Play launches alongside three other Handytraxx units – the Handytraxx Tube, Handytraxx Tube J and Handytraxx 1bit.

The Handytraxx Tube is aimed at audiophiles. According to Korg, “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”.

It also adds a Nutube vacuum tube to the design, which Korg claims “not only enriches the audio with warm harmonics, but also adds a lifelike depth and clarity to every record”. It also features adjustable bass and treble controls.

The Tube comes equipped with JICO J44A 7 cartridges. It also features a stereo speaker as well as digital conversion capabilities allowing users to digitise their record collection.

The Handytraxx Tube J, meanwhile, is a special edition variation on the Tube produced in collaboration with Japanese stylus brand JICO. Along with all the features of the Handytraxx Tube, the Tube J also comes equipped with JICO’s top-end Clipper cartridges.

Finally, the Handytraxx 1bit ups the audiophile factor further with 5.6 MHz, 1-bit (DSD) format recording, delivering 5.6 million samples per second for what Korg calls ‘unparalleled sound quality’. According to the press release, “whether you’re digitising a priceless vinyl library or enjoying casual playback, the Handytraxx 1bit is the perfect solution for every vinyl enthusiast.”

Prices start at £359 for the Handytraxx Play, rising to £699 for the Handytraxx Tube. The Handytraxx 1bit is priced at £919. Finally, the limited edition Handytraxx Tube J is £1099. Head to the Korg site for more.

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