NAMM 2025
My Last-Minute Trip to NAMM 2025: Gear Highlights, DJ Vibes, and Unforgettable Inspiration
Sometimes the best adventures are the unplanned ones. This year, I found myself on a spontaneous journey to NAMM 2025, and as always, the event was an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re into music production, DJing, or just geeking out over the latest gear, NAMM is the ultimate hub for music professionals and enthusiasts alike. Here’s a rundown of my trip, the highlights, and why this event should be on your radar.
Planning (or Not Planning) for NAMM
I’ll admit, this trip wasn’t planned in advance. My buddy and I decided last minute to head over to Anaheim from Los Angeles. The drive itself wasn’t too bad—about an hour—but parking took another hour. If you’re planning to go to NAMM in the future, here’s my first tip: leave early! The earlier you arrive, the less stress you’ll have finding parking and beating the crowds.
What Makes NAMM So Special?
NAMM isn’t just an event; it’s an ecosystem. Imagine a space where you can meet the people who manufacture cables, the brands that sell them, and the touring professionals who use them. From front-end music gear to back-end hardware and software, it’s all here. And the networking? Unmatched. You’ll run into everyone from DJs and producers to writers, publishers, and label heads. The energy and inspiration are absolutely infectious.
My Favorite Stops at NAMM 2025
While there’s so much to see, I had a few must-visit booths on my list, including Ableton, Teenage Engineering, and Universal Audio. But if I’m being honest, I spent most of my time in the DJ section—and for good reason. The DJ side of NAMM keeps growing each year, and it’s a vibe like no other. Here are some of my top highlights:
The Beat Junkies Booth
This was a personal favorite. The Beat Junkies always bring the heat, and this year was no exception. We caught performances from Revolution, Scratch Bastid, Jazzy Jeff, Guru, and more. If you’re into turntablism, this booth is like a masterclass. The energy, the talent, and the sheer love for the craft were on full display.
Gear Highlights
Here’s a quick rundown of the standout gear that caught my eye:
Hercules: Motorized DJ controllers, Bluetooth controllers, and a stream deck-style interface—all innovative and impressive.
Pioneer DJ: Celebrating the 30th anniversary of their iconic DJM series.
Korg: Portable record players are making a comeback, and while I missed their demo, the Stokyo booth had some exciting options.
Jet Pack Bags: They showcased a 45 bag with a built-in battery-powered light, created in collaboration with The Beat Junkies.
Odyssey Vinyl Cases: Sleek designs in multiple colors.
Rane One V2: Shoutout to Kyle from Mile High DJ for the rundown on this updated controller and for hooking us up with a NAMM wellness kit.
I even tried out the Dejay Virtual app, and let’s just say I had a lot of fun—and a few laughs at my own expense!
What I Missed
While I managed to see a lot, there were a few things I didn’t get to experience. The Engineers Booth had some incredible talks lined up, but by the time I got there, it was packed. Pro tip: prioritize your schedule to catch these sessions early—they’re gold mines for industry insights.
Final Thoughts
For a last-minute trip, NAMM 2025 was absolutely worth it. I left feeling inspired and ready to tackle new projects. Whether it’s discovering innovative gear, catching legendary performances, or connecting with fellow music professionals, NAMM has something for everyone.
If you couldn’t make it this year, don’t worry. There are plenty of NAMM highlights circulating online, and I’ve linked some of my favorites below. And for those who did attend: what stood out to you? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments.
Until next time, stay creative and keep the music alive!
