The MusikMesse 2013 show is over again, and the traditional Gearjunkies Roundup looks back at what we have been seeing and hearing. We give us our take on the coolest gear that was introduced at MusikMesse in our gear categories. We didn’t know what to expect in these crisis years, but making music is of all times, and we were met with quite some cool surprises! It looks like smartphones and tablets are already beyond the hype and are integrated in so many equipment, like from M-Audio, Arturia, Behringer, etc. But there’s always room for more news.

Designed for the DAW user that seeks the legendary big sound of an SSL console while retaining the convenience of working in the box, Sigma is a unique analogue mix engine in a 2U rack unit, that is remote controlled using MIDI via Ethernet using a DAW or an iDevice compatible software interface.

AKG is showing off two new headphones for studio use at this year's Musik Messe. The K612 PRO are High-Performance Studio Headphones, and its bigger brother the K712 Pro are Reference Studio Headphones.

At the MusikMesse Urs Heckmann is showing off his new U-he Tape Machine plugin. It is being described as "authentic tape simulation and beyond". Meaning it is not just modelled after a vintage tape machine. With U-he Satin you will get lots of freedom to work with different settings and creat your own sound.

Tracktion 4, the newest generation of legendary Tracktion Music Production Software, is now bundled with a range of BEHRINGER interfaces, mixers and controllers. Effective May 1, 2013 customers who purchase qualifying BEHRINGER products will receive a FREE license for Tracktion 4 software—normally selling for $59.95. Owners of qualifying gear purchased before May 1 qualify for a generous 50% discount on the software.

In random order and without any prejudice what so ever, we have selected some pictures for you of some old and some new gear presented at the Musik Messe in Frankfurt at the moment. Our team is hard at work to get us that much wanted information and pictures from the Messe floors. This is part 2.

Yamaha introduces the MGP32X and MGP24X analog consoles; the latest addition to the ground-breaking MGP Series that created a new paradigm for compact mixers combining analogue authenticity with comprehensive digital capabilities. The new consoles offer expanded mixing capability with more channels and three new digital features; USB device recording and playback, Graphic EQ and a multi-band compressor.

Universal Audio is proud to announce the Apollo 16 Audio Interface. Delivering world-class conversion with 16x16 analog I/O, this uncompromising FireWire/Thunderbolt-ready interface combines superior sound and flexible routing with powerful onboard UAD-2 QUAD processing. With its professional DB-25 connectivity and multi-unit cascading for up to 32x32 analog I/O, Apollo 16 sets a new standard in high-resolution recording with classic analog sound.

Korg raises the bar again in the workstation category with the all new Korg KROSS. Featuring a high quality sound engine and advanced features that have previously only been available in products costing 50% more. Your musical creations can easily be transported for live performance using the onboard 16 track MIDI sequencer, audio recorder and mic input.

Avid announced two new portable audio interfaces for composing and recording high-quality music, Avid Fast Track Solo and Fast Track Duo. Both interfaces feature a robust industrial design, include Pro Tools Express software for Mac and PC, and connect directly to the iPad®, providing high-quality I/O for supported iOS apps.

Yamaha introduces the second generation of its HS Series powered studio monitors, building on the success of its legendary predecessors. The new lineup adds a 6.5" full-range speaker, bringing more depth and flexibility to the series, making it easier to select the ideal monitor for an even wider variety of applications. By combining Yamaha's acquired knowledge and expertise in studio monitor design with advanced sound analysis technologies, the HS Series provides stunning accuracy and exceptionally flat response ideal for nearfield monitoring.

As a follow up to the RMX-40 Reloop presented the RMX-80 at the Messe. With the introduction of the RMX-80 Digital, Reloop is proud to set a new standard in professional club mixers. The RMX-80 Digital comes loaded with an impressive wealth of features and innovations, staking its claim for the crown among todays choice professional DJ tools.

TC Group reveals new products from three of its brands, TC Electronic, Lab.gruppen and TC-Helicon, and ships another three products announced earlier this year at NAMM 2013 in January.

Sonoma Wire Works, makers of the GuitarJack™ iOS audio I/O, have announced GuitarJack 2 USB, a multi-platform I/O interface for Mac, PC, and select mobile devices. GuitarJack 2 USB eliminates the need for multiple audio interfaces for each device and/or operating system.

Well, yesterday Korg officially introduced the Volca series of mini instruments. Now they have also published a video in which they show more about the Volca Keys, Volca Bass and Volca Beats. And they sound pretty cool, if you ask us.

One of those more 'quirky' and interesting products we saw today was the Beamz Player. It's a laser controlled controller which can be used by DJ's to control virtually any DJ program and/or lighting control applications via MIDI and keystroke mapping. Configure and control up to 54 triggers – map controls to be triggered by breaking laser beams or using the buttons and rocker switches on the Beamz laser controller.

From the father of the recording console Rupert Neve comes the 5060 Centerpiece: the Class-A analog heart of your 21st-century studio. Sized for your desktop, the 5060 delivers the tonality and center section features of Rupert’s flagship 5088 console at your fingertips, cementing outboard together with serious custom transformers, flexible monitoring, DAW transport controls, and the raw power of a Rupert Neve-designed 24×2 mix-buss.

Steinberg today announced the upcoming release of its highly acclaimed audio editing and mastering suite, WaveLab 8, alongside the smaller derivative, WaveLab Elements 8.

In random order and without any prejudice what so ever, we have selected some pictures for you of some old and some new gear presented at the Musik Messe in Frankfurt at the moment. Our team is hard at work to get us that much wanted information and pictures from the Messe floors. This is part 1.

Allen & Heath will be unveiling Qu-16, a brand new compact digital mixer with a professional feature set and an entry-level price tag, packaged in a stylish 19” rack size.

Arturia is proud to launch its KeyLab range of professional-grade MIDI keyboard controllers with all-new accompanying Analog Lab synthesizer software at Musikmesse 2013.

Analogue and digital audio processor developer/manufacturer SPL is proud to launch its Madison 16+16 Channel Studio I/O System and Crimson USB Audio Interface & Controller at Musikmesse 2013.

Pictures of these new mini instruments were floating on the internet for days already. And we just got confirmation (thanks to CDM) that these puppies are real. Korg have already listed them on their website. This new Volca range of products are following in the footsteps of the monotron, monotribe, and MS-20 Mini analog synthesizers.

The Slate Pro Audio RAVEN MTX and MTi Multi Touch Production Consoles are almost ready to fly!  In this new video, you'll get to witness some amazing features and see why this console has stirred up so much industry excitement.

RME’s MADIface, the world’s first and only portable MADI solution, is based on an ExpressCard design. Unfortunately that interface has vanished from nearly all notebooks and laptops these days. A good reason for the RME engineers to find a similar solution on an interface platform that is found absolutely everywhere - USB 2. And yes, the new MADIface USB makes the impossible possible: full 64 channels simultaneous recording and playback (128 channels) via ‘normal’ USB 2, as only RME can do it. And because the new unit doesn’t need any external interface card anymore it will be available at a much lower price.

Nektar have announced Impact LX49, the first in a new range of Nektar USB controller keyboards, aimed at users looking for an affordable, yet fully featured solution.

The Phase Box is a 500 series compatible phase manipulation tool designed to correct problematic audio phase alignment when recording multiple signal sources. A high quality analog device, the Phase Box helps deliver smooth natural sounding phase curves and adds warmth to your recordings. Simple to use, the variable phase control knob and switchable low cut filter puts you in control of audio phase manipulation.

Next to the introduction of the new Nord Lead 4 yesterday, Nord introduced the follow up to their drummachine module. The Nord Drum 2 is a 6-channel Modeling Percussion Synthesizer that combines the playability of real percussion with unique and powerful sound creation possibilities! New features included Resonance modeling, FM-synthesis, distortion effects, stereo outputs with panning and CC-control. 

Fireface UCX, Babyface and Fireface UFX are not only three of the most popular interfaces in RME’s line of USB solutions - they also feature a special mode making them compatible to the world’s most popular tablet - the iPadTM. While these devices gave the iPad all the missing professional I/Os that it lacks, the usage of the units’ TotalMix FX was either impossible or cumbersome.

With a continuing commitment to DJs of every kind, Numark will introduce CDMix Bluetooth at Musikmesse 2013 in Hall 5.1 at Booth B45 on April 10 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Zynaptiq announces the introduction of two new plug-ins, UNCHIRP and UNFILTER, at the Frankfurt Musikmesse, Hall 5.1 Booth A91 (April 10-13, 2013).

Mixtrack Quad is Numark’s latest offering in an evolving family of professional four-channel DJ systems that began with NS6 and N4 and expanded at this year’s NAMM show to include the groundbreaking NS7 II. In addition to its four-channel capability, Mixtrack Quad incorporates a stunning array of colors on its platters and pads, giving DJs a fully interactive control surface. Numark will display Mixtrack Quad for the first time at Musikmesse 2013 in Hall 5.1 at Booth B45 on April 10 in Frankfurt, Germany.

And even more synth news today. Novation have reworked their classic bass synthesizer, the Bass Station. In honour of its 21st birthday, Novation is proud to announce the launch of Bass Station II – a powerful analogue synth that’s made for bass but equally well adapted to leads.

Today we got a surprise out of Sweden. The people at Nord Keyboard (Clavia) came with a new synthesizer, the Nord Lead 4. With innovative new performance features, advanced layering and synchronization possibilities, new filter types and on-board effects, the Nord Lead 4 is a synthesizer dream come true.

From the beginning, Numark’s Mixtrack Series has given DJs the perfect mix of essential utility and professional capability. Mixtrack Edge brings the same spirit, offering advanced technology in a sharp design built for DJs on the go. Numark will unveil Mixtrack Edge at Musikmesse 2013 in Hall 5.1 at Booth B45 on April  10th Frankfurt, Germany.

Dualo, a start-up company etablished in 2011 by two musicians and engineers, has designed a musical instrument based on a innovative and intuitive keyboard: the du-touch ß.

Beatboxers, singers, and club performers, your Loop Station has arrived—introducing the RC-505, a unique and powerful live performance tool that’s perfect for next-generation loop artists. In a compact tabletop device, you have easy fingertip control of five stereo phrase tracks and various loop playback behaviors, plus INPUT FX and TRACK FX that deliver a wide range of real-time processing options for dynamic, expressive sound creation.

At the Musikmesse in Frankfurt (10th to 13th April 2013) RME will present two new RME MADI-compatible products. The Octamic XTC is designed as a flexible microphone preamplifier with 8 precursors, which continues the award-winning Octamic series. With the MADIface XT RME presents the world's first audio interface, that supports PCI-EX and USB 3.0.

Today Roland introduced not one, as we were expecting but three keyboards. After they were teasing us with videos we were expecting just one new instrument. Via Roland Connect they now show us the new BK-9, FP-80 and FP-50.

Yes, the season of 'teasement' has started. Roland is already hard at work with their teaser videos. And now Allen & Heath joins the club. They just posted this video below in which they introduce some kind of controller/mixer. The first thought that pops into mind is that nice looking design. Furthermore we see motorized faders and a color display. The name would be "Qu" if we are correct. We will know more on april 10th when everything will be revealed.

Like we posted before, last week, Roland will be introducing a new instrument on april 4th. Looking at the video it is fair to say, ... a keyboard (duh)! There is a (Dutch) preview website where you can sign up for more information when it will be released on the 4th of april. Information that is available (details from the video) tells us it will be a member of the BK series and pretty much a 76 keys version. Other details are the drawbars and the USB option. Next to part 1 they now show us a little bit more about the new synth, keyboard, workstation?

Roland will be introducing a new instrument on april 4th. Looking at the video it is fair to say, ... a keyboard (duh)! There is a (Dutch) preview website where you can sign up for more information when it will be released on the 4th of april. Information that is available (details from the video) tells us it will be a member of the BK series and pretty much a 76 keys version. Other details are the drawbars and the USB option.