Nine playful audio tools for music makers

Telepathic Instruments, founded by Tame Impala's Kevin Parker in 2024, releases the Clear Orchid: Arctic, a transparent edition of its chord-generating Orchid device limited to 3,000 units, priced at €649. Auxy Studio announces the Svensson 49, a 49-key synth created with YouTuber Cuckoo, featuring a speaker and multitrack MIDI looper, price TBC. Casio launches the ultra-compact SXC-1 pocket sampler at NAMM 2026, incorporating sounds from its 1985 SK-1 keyboard, priced at ¥39,930. Akai introduces the MPC Sample, a downsized standalone sampler with 100 drumkits and 60 effects, for £349/€399/$399. Pocket Audio's HiChord offers a minimal interface with seven keys and a joystick for chord composition, priced at $320. Wunderkammer's WoO.1 is a compact music creator inspired by Teenage Engineering's OP-1, for $329. Critter and Guitari's Organelle S2 features open software architecture and maple keys, for $499. Void9's MÕNAI is a backpack-sized standalone synthesizer with onboard battery, price TBC. ginTronic's transparentSea fx is a multi-effect unit with hands-on controls, for €599.