NAMM 2026: New DJ gear announcements—what’s new?
NAMM 2026: New DJ gear announcements reveal motorised systems and Kaoss Pad V—a hands-on look at System One, DJM V5, RMX Ignite.
NAMM 2026: New DJ Gear Announcements
New DJ gear announcements burst onto the stage, promising bold hardware and software for DJs and producers. Tech enthusiasts felt the buzz immediately, because manufacturers showcased next-level controllers, effects, and samplers. At booth after booth, innovations blended tactile controls, embedded engines, and advanced stems support. This article walks through the biggest reveals, including Rane System One, Korg Kaoss Pad V, and AlphaTheta updates.
You will get hands-on analysis of features such as motorised jogs, dual-touch XY pads, and updated Engine DJ software. We also compare integration options, like Serato compatibility and embedded standalone workflows. Moreover, we highlight workflow changes for techno and tech house DJs using the new DJM-V5.
I explain how RMX-Ignite modernises the RMX-1000 legacy with paddles, a stronger sample player, and a screen. Finally, expect practical verdicts on who should upgrade, plus concise pros and cons for each product. Because pro-level features now trickle down to more affordable gear, these announcements matter to bedroom DJs and touring professionals alike.
Read on for clear specs, performance notes, and real-world use cases that help you decide.
Rane System One — NAMM 2026: New DJ gear announcements spotlight
Rane shocked the crowd with a tactile, motorised standalone system. This unit stakes a claim as the world’s first motorised standalone DJ controller. It blends classic turntable feel with a modern embedded engine. Because of that mix, many DJs will rethink standalone workflows.
Why Rane System One matters — NAMM 2026: New DJ gear announcements explained
The System One runs an updated Engine DJ operating system that adds stems support. Therefore, DJs can isolate vocals and instruments for live remixing. Rane also plans Serato integration soon, which expands software compatibility. However, note the System One is a two channel standalone device. It does not act as an external mixer for other decks. Still, it offers deep on-board performance tools that make it useful for both club and studio work.
Key features and technical specs
- Motorised platters: 7.2 inch high torque aluminium platters for authentic vinyl-style control
- Engine DJ: updated firmware with on-device stems support and stem analysis workflow
- Serato integration: scheduled software bridge coming in early 2026
- Omnisource browsing: mix from USB, SD, internal drives, and streaming services
- Effects suite: multi category FX including Main, Sweep, Touch, and Fader FX
- Display: vertical HD touchscreen with moving RGB waveforms and deck status
- I O: XLR and RCA mains, 1/4 inch booth out, dual combo mic inputs with EQ and FX
- Form factor: two channel standalone controller with internal sampler and pads
For hands-on previews and deeper specs, see MusicTech’s coverage here: MusicTech coverage and The DJ Shop product overview here: The DJ Shop overview. For a demo of stems workflows on Rane hardware, watch this video: YouTube demo.
Related keywords: Rane System One, Engine DJ software, motorised jogs, stems support, Serato compatibility, two channel standalone controller, Omnisource
AlphaTheta DJM-V5 and RMX-Ignite — NAMM 2026: New DJ gear announcements continued
AlphaTheta positioned two key releases for NAMM 2026. The DJM-V5 offers a compact, approachable alternative to the flagship DJM-V10. Because of its size and feature set, the V5 targets techno and tech house DJs who need powerful effects in smaller rigs. It keeps professional audio quality, four band EQs, and advanced Send FX. Moreover, it adds modern conveniences like SonicLink wireless monitoring for low latency headphone mixing. The V5’s sound engine uses high resolution DSP and ESS converters, therefore delivering clean, punchy output that fits club and studio setups.
RMX-Ignite modernises AlphaTheta’s remix legacy. It updates the classic RMX-1000 concept with paddles for hands-on performance. Also, Ignite includes a stronger sample player, an integrated screen, and digital inputs and outputs. These additions make the unit a true hybrid sampler and multi effects box. As a result, DJs can layer samples, route digital sources, and trigger isolator effects separately. AlphaTheta originally popularised the remix station workflow with the RMX-1000 more than a decade ago; see the RMX-1000 launch coverage here: RMX-1000 launch coverage.
Quick links for deeper reading
Comparison table: RMX-Ignite versus RMX-1000
| Feature | RMX-Ignite (2026) | RMX-1000 (2012) |
|---|---|---|
| Core concept | Modern remix effects and sampler | Remix station and touchpad effects |
| Performance controls | Paddles and knobs for live tweaks | X-Pad touchpad for samples |
| Sample player | Larger memory and live overdub | SD sample loading, smaller buffer |
| Display | Integrated color screen for browsing | Minimal or no integrated screen |
| Effects | Updated multi-band FX and isolator FX | Scene FX, Isolate FX, Release FX |
| Digital I O | Digital in/out alongside analog | Mainly analog I O with USB control |
| Separate isolator FX | Yes, independent routing | Limited isolate FX routing |
| Use case | Hybrid sampling and DJ booth effects | Clip triggering and on the fly remixing |
Related keywords and synonyms
DJ mixer, remix effects, sample pad, multi band effects, onboard sampler, digital inputs and outputs, paddles, isolator effects.
Korg Kaoss Pad V — NAMM 2026: New DJ gear announcements spotlight
Korg returned to the full-size Kaoss format for the first time since 2013. The Kaoss Pad V revives the classic touch effects workflow. It adds modern inputs and deep sampling. DJs get a familiar XY surface with powerful new capabilities.
Why Kaoss Pad V matters — NAMM 2026: New DJ gear announcements explained
The pad uses a dual-touch XY interface for two-parameter control. Therefore, you can morph complex effects with both hands. It also includes a dedicated Voice FX engine for real-time vocal processing. Moreover, the unit functions as a USB audio interface for direct recording and streaming. The Kaoss Pad V ships with two hundred effects presets. As a result, you get quick starting points and creative variations.
Key innovations and performance features
- Dual-touch XY pad for simultaneous parameter control and expressive performance
- Voice FX engine for harmonies, pitch shifting, vocoder style effects and vocal morphing
- USB audio interface for direct DAW recording and low latency streaming
- Two hundred factory effects presets plus user memory for custom patches
- Sampling: up to eight bars of sample time with live overdubbing for loops and layers
- Hi-Z and mic inputs for guitar and vocal processing on the fly
- Flexible routing for MIC, LINE and USB sources and separate output busing
Hands-on notes and use cases
The dual-touch pad speeds live sound design because both axes react independently. DJs will like the eight bar sampling window for loop building. Producers can drop the Kaoss into a live rig, because it doubles as an audio interface.
For full specs and tech notes, see Korg’s product page: Korg Kaoss Pad V Product Page and MusicRadar’s NAMM coverage: MusicRadar Coverage.
Related keywords and synonyms: Kaoss Pad V, XY touchpad, touch effects, vocal processing, USB audio interface, live sampling, loop overdub, effects presets, Korg.
Conclusion — NAMM 2026: New DJ gear announcements wrap-up
NAMM 2026 delivered a wave of bold, practical innovation for DJs and producers. Rane, AlphaTheta, and Korg unveiled gear that pushes performance and workflow forward. Rane surprised with motorised standalone control and stems-ready Engine DJ software. AlphaTheta refreshed its remix toolkit while keeping professional audio fidelity and modern connectivity. Korg revived the full-size Kaoss Pad with dual-touch XY and deep sampling capabilities.
Together, these announcements signal a clear shift toward hybrid hardware and software workflows. As a result, both touring DJs and bedroom producers gain fresh creative and performance options. Therefore, we will publish hands-on reviews and field tests soon, with audio demos and practical verdicts. Stay tuned for pricing updates, firmware news, and guides that help you pick the right upgrade.
