Editor’s Note: John/Cue\Publik brings us his top picks from the National Association of Music Merchants 2012 convention. He is a regular contributor and founding member of one of our partner sites, GrimeyRepublik.org, a vibrant hip hop community site. Check them out for great news, reviews, and exclusive tracks.

Tis the time of year for all of the music equipment manufacturers we’ve clicked “Like” on decide to flood our walls with all of their glorious new gear. Every year there’s definitely a few things that grab my attention but this year had some especially awesome stuff. I’d like to highlight some the pieces of equipment that I consider to be the most interesting. I’ve had no problem keeping it to relatively obtainable equipment as you can see there’s plenty of dope stuff to get for under a grand.

#5 Nektar Reason Controller Panorama P4 -MSRP $599

Its cool and I know there’s a lot of you out there who don’t like using anything but Reason by itself and wish for a great controller for it. Most of this stuff can be found in other devices you already have though and the keyboard appears to be less than perfect or necessary. Highlights are quality MPC style pads, motorized faders and easy patch selection via color screen.

#4 AKAI MPC FLY – MSRP $299

As many of you know I’m not a big fan of iOS or tablet computing (Though I was sold on apple computers till Win 7) but this makes me want an iPad 2. This is the future of audio production in the making. Seeing as how I probably wouldn’t find a need for using the tablet for anything else given I have an android phone and a quality laptop I guess I could deal with the locked down lack of features nature of iOS.

#3 Moog Minitaur – MSRP $679

If you want shit your pants bass look no further. From the OGs of synthesizers. Significantly cheaper than MSRP if you buy it online. At this price its necessary in any bass junky’s arsenal.

#2 AKAI MPC Renaissance – MSRP $??? assumed $599-799

Finally here to take on NI MASCHINE is AKAI’s answer to all in one computer production. With the backbone of backwards compatibility with the classics you know this is the one you want.

#1 Arturia MiniBrute -$549

This is my pick of the year. Available in April (Tax Season) this is the one piece of gear I’m deeming must have. If I can find a little bit of money this year for gear its probably gonna be this. Sound of this quality has never been this affordable or easy to use. The downside is I’d be willing to bet this replaces the microKORG as the one hard synth everyone has so make sure you learn it enough to stand out. The after touch on the keyboard is too perfect. Apparently it may even enable to slave vintage synths that use CV to the computer for midi sequencing within Ableton or what have you.