March 2026

PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE 24R — a digital rackmount mixer

30 March 2026

PreSonus has expanded StudioLive Series III SE with the 24R, positioned between the 16R and 32R.

Photo: official website presonus

Like the 32R , it provides 40 working channels but has 24 recallable XMAX-R preamplifiers with analogue XLR/TRS combo sockets. Other features match the 32-input version: 16 FlexMix buses, four subgroups, four dedicated effects mixes with stereo returns and 24 DCAs. A 64 × 64 USB audio interface, SD card recording and Capture software with Virtual Soundcheck simplify recording and playback.

Photo: official website presonus

Like the entire R range, the mixer supports Milan for integration with NSBstageboxes, EarMix 16M personal monitor mixers and other StudioLive Series III mixers. Universal Control provides remote mixing and offline editing. Wheel of Me in QMix-UC handles personal monitor mixes, and a perpetual Fender Studio Pro licence is included. The third-generation range also supports standalone, monitor mixer and stagebox modes, with per-channel selection of analogue, USB, SD or AVB sources.

Photo: official website presonus

PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE 24R will be available for around $1,200.

FiiO JT3 — affordable open-back headphones

28 March 2026

FiiO has introduced an affordable full-size open-back headphone model.

Photo: official website fiio

The JT3 has 50 mm dynamic drivers with PEK+PU composite diaphragms, glass-fibre and polyamide voice coil formers, and N52 neodymium magnets. Angled drivers provide detailed sound, expressive bass and a wide soundstage.

Photo: official website fiio

Premium velvet earpads contain memory foam and are removable and washable for easy cleaning and replacement. Perforated earcup covers use an aluminium-magnesium alloy. The stainless steel and zinc alloy headband adjusts smoothly through a bearing mechanism.

FiiO JT3 specifications

Type: dynamic, open-back, full-size
Frequency range: 10 Hz–35 kHz
Sensitivity: 97 dB/mW
Impedance: 80 ohms
Weight: 330 g without cable.

Photo: official website fiio

The detachable 1.5 m cable uses palladium-coated oxygen-free copper and colour-coded 3.5 mm TRS connectors, blue for left and red for right. A 3.5-to-6.3 mm adapter, built-in microphone and case are included.

Photo: official website fiio

FiiO Warmer R2R — a tube DAC

27 March 2026

FiiO has introduced a digital-to-analogue converter combining tubes, resistor circuits and analogue level meters.

Photo: official website fiio

The new model has four JJ Electronic E88CC tubes and four FiiO-designed resistor circuits. A rear NOS/OS switch selects non-oversampling or oversampling operation. Three digital inputs, USB-C, coaxial and TOSLINK, are selected from the front panel. Analogue outputs include RCA and balanced XLR pairs. A low-noise 46 W linear supply uses a toroidal mains transformer. A UAC1/UAC2 switch provides broad device compatibility.

Photo: official website fiio

FiiO Warmer R2R specifications

Frequency range: 20 Hz–45 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥114 dB
THD+N: ≤0.053%
Dimensions: 22.3 × 21.3 × 6.6 cm
Weight: 2.86 kg.

Photo: official website fiio

Steinberg Nuendo 15 — an update to the audio and video DAW

26 March 2026

Steinberg has released a new Nuendo version, bringing together an extensive toolset for audio and video in post-production, television, film and games.

Photo: official website steinberg

Analyzer Track measures and visualises dialogue intelligibility, according to the developers. Based on Fraunhofer IDMT technology, it uses colour indicators to identify problems quickly. Adjustable thresholds help match dialogue to broadcast specifications. Film mixing automation has a new compact vertical view. Other automation features include selecting parameters by touching plugin controls, automation copy/paste, isolating tracks in lock mode and clearer displays of automation states.

Photo: official website steinberg

Files can be split or combined automatically to match track layouts. Multichannel clips become structured tracks, while mono files can form stereo pairs during import or across several tracks. MXF video and audio can be imported directly from OP1a containers, supporting AVC Intra 50/100/200 and MPEG-2. More formats are planned for later updates. The redesigned Hub speeds up session creation with resizable panels, project previews and expanded search and filtering. The ADR panel also has a clearer structure.

Photo: official website steinberg

Other additions include MPF and MXF/S ADM import with full scene metadata; more video export resolutions, presets and software/GPU encoding; and text overlays from the active marker track for timecode, dialogue and ADR attributes. Fast audio rendering speeds up previews and intermediate results during sessions. Nuendo now includes all sound design features added in Cubase 15. New plugins include UltraShaper for transient shaping, clip limiting and EQ, PitchShifter and OmniVocal for natural-sounding synthesised vocals, plus six modulators.

Photo: official website steinberg

Steinberg Nuendo 15 is available for $1,000. Users who activated Nuendo 14 or earlier versions after 25 February 2026 qualify for a discount. More information is available on the official website Steinberg.

AKAI MPC Sample — a compact sampler and sequencer

25 March 2026

Akai Professional has released an affordable portable sampler for beginners and more experienced users.

Photo: official website akaipro

Based on the classic MPC60, the device samples, chops and arranges beats anywhere without a computer. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to five hours of use. A 2.4-inch colour LCD shows waveform editing. Internal 8 GB storage and microSD expansion provide space for projects and audio files. A built-in speaker and microphone allow recording and listening without extra equipment.

Photo: official website akaipro

The MPC Sample has 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch. Three knobs and a classic MPC fader adjust parameters. Sample Chop automatically divides samples into playable sections. Real-time time-stretching, pitch shifting and internal resampling provide further sound shaping. An effects processor offers 60 effects. Other features include 2 GB RAM, two TRS inputs, two TRS outputs, a 3.5 mm headphone output, MIDI I/O, sync output and USB-C. Supported audio formats include WAV, MP3, AIFF, FLAC and OGG.

Photo: official website akaipro

AKAI MPC Sample will be available for around $500.

FiiO EH13 — affordable wireless on-ear headphones with ANC

24 March 2026

FiiO has released affordable closed-back headphones with hybrid active noise cancellation.

Photo: official website fiio

The 40 mm dynamic drivers use sapphire-coated composite diaphragms to reduce distortion by up to 30%. They provide clean treble, clear midrange and deep bass. A 3.5 mm socket allows wired use. A PEEK+PU composite surround supports bass response and improves noise cancellation. Hybrid ANC uses two microphones and intelligent algorithms for up to -42 dB noise reduction, filtering sounds such as traffic, trains and aircraft.

Photo: official website fiio

For calls, ENC uses five microphones to reduce background noise and keep speech clear. LDAC provides high-resolution wireless audio at up to 990 kbit/s, with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 40 kHz. Battery life is up to 75 hours without ANC or 45 hours with ANC, and charging takes about two hours. Other features include dual-device connection, FIIO Control with EQ presets and custom sound profiles, gaming and film modes, and Bluetooth 6.0.

Photo: official website fiio

FiiO EH13 is available in black and white for around $80.

PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE 32R — a digital rackmount mixer

24 March 2026

Following the 18-channel 16R, PreSonus has expanded StudioLive Series III SE with a 40-channel device.

Photo: official website presonus

The product has 32 recallable XMAX-R preamplifiers, 16 FlexMix mixes, four subgroups, four effects mixes and 24 DCAs for channel control. An integrated 64 × 64 bidirectional USB audio interface supports continuous streaming, alongside built-in stereo SD card recording. Capture software provides recording, playback and Virtual Soundcheck.

Photo: official website presonus

Like the 18-channel version, the SE 32R supports Milan for integration with NSBstageboxes, EarMix 16M personal monitor mixers and other StudioLive Series III mixers. Other features include remote mixing and offline editing in Universal Control, personal monitor mixing with Wheel of Me in QMix-UC, and a perpetual Fender Studio Pro licence. Standalone, monitor mixer and stagebox modes are available, with per-channel selection of analogue, USB, SD or AVB sources.

Photo: official website presonus

PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE 32R will be available for $1,600.

Schiit Audio Lyr 5 — a hybrid headphone amplifier

23 March 2026

Schiit Audio has introduced a versatile device combining tube and transistor operation.

Photo: official website schiit

Forkbeard mobile app integration controls every Lyr 5 function and adds visual volume adjustment when used with a Forkbeard-compatible DAC. Users can choose tube colour or switch to MOSFET transistors for a cleaner, more linear output. In transistor mode, the tube switches off completely to extend its life.

Photo: official website schiit

The Lyr 5 delivers 6 W per channel into 32 ohms for planar headphones, 900 mW into 300 ohms and 450 mW into 600 ohms. Low gain provides a signal-to-noise ratio above 114 dB and THD of 0.002%, suitable for IEMs. Other features include a fully discrete design with relay volume control, a dual-transformer linear supply with internal filtering, a 4.4 mm socket with Halo feedback, and protection sensors for DC, overload, temperature and tube presence.

Photo: official website schiit

Schiit Audio Lyr 5 will be available for around $800.

Gravity Rigs Carry On 64 — a portable live performance rack system

21 March 2026

Following the 24-channel version, Gravity Rigs has expanded Carry On with a professional 64-channel touring system.

Photo: official website gravityrigs

The system is designed for concerts needing extensive audio routing. Stable drivers are based on RME and DirectOut interfaces. Gravity Rigs' own audio distribution system and rack power distribution are included in a shock-resistant Peli Storm iM 2500 carry-on case. Features include locking connectors, bidirectional audio, A/B computer switching and extra inputs for processing or recording. The 64-channel system supports MIDI over MADI and synchronisation over Word Clock, MADI or Dante. The interface can be upgraded and expanded.

Photo: official website gravityrigs

Other features include BNC MADI, Dante PRI 1/SEC 1/SEC 2 connections, BLDS/TONE automatic input switching, an illuminated control/activation switch, manual switching and TotalMix routing. The system accepts 110–240 V and includes two RME MADIface USB units, a DirectOut EXBOX.MD with power supply, a Frodes EXBOX.CTRL switch, two 1.8 m USB-C-to-USB-C cables, a UK-to-True1 Gravity power cable, a True1-to-four-way-UK Gravity extension, adjustable front and rear rack rails, a Gravity IEC rack power distributor, and a Gravity 1U shelf with rear supports.

Photo: official website gravityrigs

Gravity Rigs Carry On 64 is available for around $8,000.

Abyss Diana TC Signature — premium open-back planar headphones

21 March 2026

Abyss has expanded its Diana range with a full-size premium model which, according to the manufacturer, suits experienced listeners and audiophiles.

Photo: official website abyss

The 63 mm planar drivers use neodymium magnets and ultra-thin diaphragms for deep sound extending below 20 Hz. Alongside clear sub-bass, the headphones offer a layered soundstage with smooth, clean treble, detailed midrange and vocals placed deeper in the scene.

Photo: official website abyss

The strong next-generation frame is CNC-machined, with aircraft-grade aluminium, a polymer-ceramic coating and Corning Gorilla Glass inlays. Sheepskin earpads and a high-quality flexible leather headband provide comfort. Magnetic size adjustment and a low-clamp Ultrasuede suspension follow different head shapes gently.

Abyss Diana TC Signature specifications

Recommended amplifier power: 2–8 W
Frequency range: 5 Hz–58 kHz
Sensitivity: 90 dB/mW
Impedance: 72 ohms
THD: 0.025%
Weight: 369 g.

Photo: official website abyss

The package includes a velvet-lined hard case and a high-quality JPS Labs headphone cable, with a choice of length and 3.5 mm, 6.3 mm, four-pin XLR or balanced 4.4 mm connectors. An optional Superconductor HP cable is available when ordering a complete set.

Photo: official website abyss

Abyss Diana TC Signature is available to pre-order for $5,775.

Sennheiser HDB 630 — flagship wireless closed-back headphones

20 March 2026

Sennheiser has introduced full-size wireless audiophile headphones with hybrid adaptive noise cancellation and a transparency mode.

Photo: official website sennheiser

The HDB 630 has 42 mm dynamic drivers for clean sound, smooth midrange and fast dynamics. Crossfeed gently blends left and right channels to create a speaker-like listening effect and the atmosphere of a mastering studio. Bluetooth 5.2 supports aptX Adaptive. An included USB-C transmitter adds aptX Adaptive to devices without native hardware support. A 3.5 mm connection also allows wired use.

Photo: official website sennheiser

Smart Control Plus adjusts the five-band parametric EQ, crossfeed, noise cancellation, wear detection and preferred codecs, and shares presets with other users. Battery life is up to 60 hours per charge, while a ten-minute fast charge provides seven hours of listening.

Photo: official website sennheiser

The earpads and headband use Japanese IDEATEX synthetic leather, known for softness and durability. The package includes a travel case, USB-C charging cable, 3.5 mm analogue cable, aircraft adapter and USB-C Bluetooth transmitter.

Photo: official website sennheiser

Sennheiser HDB 630 is available for around $500.

HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi — wireless open-back planar headphones

19 March 2026

Following the Arya, HiFiMAN has expanded its Wi-Fi headphone range with the HE1000.

Photo: official website hifiman

Like the Arya, the new model has a built-in HiFiMAN Hymalaya R-2R DAC and balanced Class AB amplification in the earcups. No external DAC or amplifier is required. It supports PCM up to 768 kHz and native DSD512. Bluetooth 5.1 and wired USB-C connections are also available.

Photo: official website hifiman

HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi specifications

Bluetooth codecs: SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX HD/LDAC;
Frequency range: 8 Hz–65 kHz;
Channel separation: 105 dB;
THD+N: 0.009%;
Weight: 452 g.

Battery life is 6.5–7.5 hours over Wi-Fi and up to 23 hours over Bluetooth. Charging takes three to four hours. The HE1000 WiFi uses nanometre-scale diaphragms for fast response, combined with Stealth Magnet technology for clean, fatigue-free sound.

Photo: official website hifiman

HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi will be available for $2,700.

Cloudvocal SonoFlex — an instrument microphone for live performance

19 March 2026

Cloudvocal has released a compact instrument microphone for professional performers and sound engineers, providing studio-quality sound on stage.

Photo: official website cloudvocal

Its high-quality cardioid condenser capsule handles up to 145 dB SPL and suits woodwind, string and brass instruments. A built-in switch selects two-wire or three-wire operation. Two-wire mode supports wireless transmitters through adapter cables for Shure, Sennheiser, AKG and Cloudvocal's SonoFlex SP-10 system. Three-wire mode provides standard XLR connection with 48 V phantom power. In three-wire mode, output impedance falls to 29 ohms to reduce signal degradation over long cables.

Photo: official website cloudvocal

Cloudvocal SonoFlex specifications

Maximum sound pressure level: 145 dB
Polar pattern: cardioid
Frequency range: 20 Hz–20 kHz
Dynamic range: 118.3 dB
Sensitivity: -46.2 dB (±3 dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio: 76.3 dB
Equivalent noise: 17.7 dB
Output impedance: 29 ohms

Photo: official website cloudvocal

A flexible slow-recovery gooseneck provides precise, secure positioning. Vibration-damping padding and an elastic suspension isolate the capsule from mechanical noise. Rotary Lock attaches the microphone to its mounting plate with a simple twist, allowing quick, secure changes between instruments. A wide range of optional instrument-specific and universal mounts is available.

Photo: official website cloudvocal

The standard Cloudvocal SonoFlex package costs $350. The expanded Touring Kit costs $987.

iZotope Tonal Balance Control 3 — a mixing and mastering analysis plugin

18 March 2026

iZotope has released the third version of its plugin for comparing mixes with reference tracks.

Photo: official website izotope

Leveled View simplifies source-to-target comparison and EQ. It shows which elements are missing or too prominent in a mix compared with the reference. Three new meters compare vocal balance, stereo width and dynamics against the target.

Photo: official website izotope

An expanded target library covers many commercial genres and cinematic styles. The Target menu provides genre presets and custom curves. Target Blender smoothly combines two genre presets into a new target. A built-in equalizer allows manual correction inside the plugin. A standalone app captures targets from any song, visualising the balance of sources such as Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

Photo: official website izotope

iZotope Tonal Balance Control 3 is available for $130.

PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE 16R — an 18-channel digital rackmount mixer

18 March 2026

PreSonus has expanded StudioLive Series III SE with three rackmount versions for front-of-house mixing, stage monitoring and stagebox use. The first is the compact 1U 16R.

Photo: official website presonus

The new model has 16 recallable XMAX-R preamplifiers, six FlexMix buses, two dedicated effects mixes, six DCAs and built-in SD card recording. Milan supports live mixing, IEM systems, recording and streaming, with plug-and-play integration throughout StudioLive Series III. FLEX DSP Fat Channel provides studio-grade compression and EQ on every input and bus. Hybrid setups can select analogue, USB, SD or AVB sources per channel.

Photo: official website presonus

Other features include an 18 × 18 bidirectional USB 2.0 audio interface, Capture Virtual Soundcheck, remote mixing and offline editing through Universal Control, personal monitor mixing with Wheel of Me in QMix-UC, and a perpetual Fender Studio Pro licence.

Photo: official website presonus

PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE 16R will be available for around $1,000.

Neumann KH 870 II — an active studio subwoofer

17 March 2026

Neumann has expanded its second-generation KH active subwoofer range with a flagship model for cinematic sound design and mixing requiring accurate, extended bass.

Photo: official website neumann

Like the KH range, the 870 II has a wooden cabinet with front bass-reflex ports. It suits surround and immersive systems up to 7.1.4 and larger rooms needing maximum headroom and precision. Built-in DSP, a multichannel D-sub connection and flexible bass management are included.

Photo: official website neumann

Two front-mounted 10-inch woofers use Extremely Linear Force Factor (ELFF) technology and intelligent protection limiters. They extend bass to 16 Hz with low distortion even at maximum SPL. The subwoofer supports MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment, sold separately, for professional room correction. It complements three-way speakers such as the KH 310, KH 420 and other models.

Neumann KH 870 II specifications

Frequency range: 16–750 Hz
Sound pressure level: 115 dB
Power: 360 W
Dimensions: 73.7 × 33 × 64.5 cm
Weight: 44.5 kg.

Connections include RJ45 networking and two analogue XLR inputs and outputs for stereo operation. Two D-sub 25 connectors provide up to 12 analogue input/output channels in multichannel mode. AES3 digital connection uses BNC. The KH 870 II AES67 version adds AES67 networking.

Photo: official website neumann

Neumann KH 870 II costs $5,800. The KH 870 II AES67 version will cost $6,200.

HISONG AirStudio S1 — a portable USB microphone with monitoring

16 March 2026

HISONG has released a microphone for portable recording, live streams, podcasts and video blogs without extra equipment.

Photo: official website hisong

The new system combines a switchable-pattern microphone, USB-C audio interface and wireless monitoring earbuds, stored behind a panel in the microphone body. Its proprietary wireless technology provides 24 ms latency, much less than the typical 100–250 ms of Bluetooth devices.

Photo: official website hisong

Physical controls adjust input gain, mute, monitoring level and effects presets. The included mobile app provides deeper control. USB-C connects the host device. Two RX Mini adapters provide USB-C and 3.5 mm connections for cameras, speakers and mixers. The earbuds have 13 mm dynamic drivers with a 20 Hz–20 kHz range for clean studio-quality sound with near-zero latency.

Photo: official website hisong

HISONG AirStudio S1 specifications

Microphone type: condenser/enhanced dynamic
Polar pattern: cardioid/supercardioid
Maximum sound pressure level: 137 dB
Frequency range: 20 Hz–20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥72 dB
Sensitivity: -41 (±3) dB

Other features include integration with Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, FL Studio and Pro Tools, plus GarageBand and BandLab mobile DAWs. Built-in DSP adjusts reverb, EQ and noise reduction in real time. Battery life is up to ten hours for the microphone and 3.5 hours for the fast-charging earbuds. HISONG Link provides advanced mixer control. macOS, Windows, Android and iOS are supported.

Photo: official website hisong

HISONG AirStudio S1 comes in three packages: Musician Kit for $300, Creator Kit for $350 and Master Kit for $400.

Arturia MiniLab 3 Rose Quartz and Aquamarine — special editions of the compact MIDI keyboard

13 March 2026

Arturia has introduced its well-known controller in two pastel finishes.

Photo: official website arturia

Rose Quartz provides a warm look, while Aquamarine gives a cool, calm appearance. The controller otherwise retains its easy-to-use design, 25 mini keys, eight RGB pads, eight rotary controls, four faders and compact OLED display. Like the standard version, the new editions have pitch and modulation touch strips and USB-C computer connection. A five-pin MIDI output connects hardware synthesizers, and a sustain pedal input is included.

Photo: official website arturia

More information and purchasing options are available on the official website Arturia.

Bitwig Studio 6 — a major update to the well-known DAW

12 March 2026

In late summer 2025, we reportedBitwig's announcement of version 6 of its well-known digital audio workstation. It added many features but was available only as a beta. The complete updated version is now available for all users to buy or upgrade.

Photo: official website bitwig

BS6 improves automation editing with two ways to access curves: the classic automation mode or a new detail editor showing all automation for any track. New automation functions include expansion. Improved tools also turn freehand gestures into clean, simple curves.

Photo: official website bitwig

Version 6.0 adds automation clips with independent loop timing and start positions, content shifting and clip stretching. Automation clips exist alongside traditional track automation and can be saved in the library for reuse.

Photo: official website bitwig

Clip Aliases works with audio, note and automation clips in both the Launcher and Arranger. Key Signature joins tempo and time signature settings, displays the scale in Piano Roll and can control effects such as Arpeggiator. The interface is easier to navigate and customise, with editing tools arranged as a palette. A new Arranger zoom option enlarges a selected track or lane while leaving everything else in place. The Launcher shows clip position and loop count for each track. Four new Grid modules handle pitch, key and Key Signature.

Photo: official website bitwig

Bitwig Studio 6 is a free update for previous-version users with an active update plan. New users can buy Essentials for $100, Producer for $200 or the expanded Producer edition for $400.

Fluid Audio Image 1 — three-way nearfield/midfield studio monitors

12 March 2026

Fluid Audio has released a versatile professional studio monitor for mixing, including Dolby Atmos, and mastering.

Photo: official website fluidaudio

The monitor integrates closely with Sonarworks SoundID Reference. Two opposed 6.5-inch Vi-bracer woofers reproduce accurate bass down to 42 Hz. A 4-inch aluminium-cone midrange driver and a 1.1 × 1.7-inch AMT tweeter complete the system. Four-channel Class D amplification delivers 475 W, with crossovers at 190 Hz and 3 kHz. Features include flagship discrete DACs/ADCs, DSP, an analogue XLR input, AES/EBU input and thru, RJ45 networking, DCT (DSP Calibration Tool) software with CubeMix mode, and rear-panel EQ adjustment.

Fluid Audio Image 1 specifications

Amplifier power: 2 × 150 W (bass), 100 W (midrange), 75 W (treble)
Maximum sound pressure level: 108 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: 115 dBA
Frequency range: 40 Hz–20 kHz
Crossover frequencies: 190/3,000 Hz
Dimensions: 20.6 × 30.8 × 30.8 cm
Weight: 9.9 kg per monitor.

Photo: official website fluidaudio

Fluid Audio Image 1 will be available for around $1,800 per monitor.

Portable Hi-Fi & Audio Show 2026 — a portable audio equipment exhibition

11 March 2026

Russia's first portable audio exhibition takes place on 4–5 April 2026 at Moscow's Alliance Borodino Hotel. It brings together listeners who value sound quality, from music fans and streamers to sound designers, musicians and film professionals. Organiser Midexpo is known for Hi-Fi & High End Show.

Photo: official website portablehifiaudio

The exhibition will show advanced portable audio products and let visitors assess premium devices and current technology. Russian manufacturers and official international representatives will demonstrate new releases and established flagships, from versatile headphones and powerful portable amplifiers to advanced home audio systems. The programme includes round tables, presentations and interactive events. Participants include Audeze, Aurender, Barnsly Sound Organization, Digital Fruits, Espace Bureau, Fezz Audio, Ferrum Audio, Flatvox, Kennerton, Mudra Akustik, Focal, Focal Professional, POWERGRIP, Matrix Audio, Kanto Audio, Radiotehnika and Patefon, with more to be announced.

Registration is open for Portable Hi-Fi & Audio Show 2026. More information and registration are available on the official website Portable Hi-Fi & Audio.

HiFiMAN Arya WiFi — wireless open-back planar headphones

11 March 2026

HiFiMAN has introduced full-size headphones with high-speed Wi-Fi streaming.

Photo: official website hifiman

Built-in Wi-Fi carries lossless high-resolution audio. A HiFiMAN Hymalaya R-2R DAC and balanced Class AB amplification in the earcups handle conversion and amplification without external equipment. Bluetooth 5.1 and wired USB-C are also available. Battery life is 6.5–7.5 hours over Wi-Fi or up to 23 hours over Bluetooth, with charging taking three to four hours. Neo Supernano Gen.2 diaphragms work with Stealth Magnet technology. Supported formats include PCM up to 768 kHz and native DSD512.

Photo: official website hifiman

HiFiMAN Arya WiFi specifications

Bluetooth codecs: SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX HD/LDAC
Frequency response: 8 Hz–55 kHz
Channel separation: 105 dB
THD+N: 0.009%
Weight: 452 g.

Photo: official website hifiman

HiFiMAN Arya WiFi will be available for $1,500.

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 — a beginner's DJ controller

10 March 2026

Hercules has introduced an affordable third-generation two-deck DJ controller with an extensive feature set.

Photo: official website hercules

USB supplies power, while dynamic light guides flash with the beat to help alignment. DJ Academy learning materials and Serato DJ Lite are included. The controller has jog wheels, tempo faders, performance pads, three-band EQ, filters and headphone monitoring.

Photo: official website hercules

Dedicated Stems controls separate vocal and instrumental parts for creative mixing. A virtual audio interface supports streaming through applications such as OBS. Supported services include Beatport Link, Beatsource Line and SoundCloud Go. Hercules DJUCED software includes an Assistant that suggests library tracks with similar BPM and compatible keys.

Photo: official website hercules

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 will be available for $120.

Shure MVX2U Gen 2 — an ultra-compact USB audio interface

9 March 2026

Shure has introduced a pocket-sized second-generation single-channel XLR-to-USB interface with plug-and-play connection. The MVX2U Gen 2 suits streamers, podcasters and mobile content creators.

Photo: official website shure

The new model offers +60 dB gain and 48 V phantom power for recording or streaming to desktop and mobile devices with dynamic or condenser XLR microphones. USB-C supplies power. An improved DAC has a lower noise level of -117 dB, and the headphone amplifier is upgraded.

Photo: official website shure

Built-in zero-latency MOTIV processing works in real time. It includes background noise reduction, Shure Digital Popper Stopper for reducing plosives during recording, and Auto-Level Mode for automatic gain adjustment. Settings from the previous session can be recalled automatically.

Photo: official website shure

Shure MVX2U Gen 2 is available for around $150.

ProIntegration Tech marks its twentieth anniversary

7 March 2026

21–22 April 2026 will see Moscow's Loft Hall 2 and 3 host the twentieth ProIntegration Tech exhibition and forum. Recent international exhibition releases will be shown in Russia for the first time. Two days offer industry trends, business meetings and project discussions. The event celebrates its twentieth anniversary alongside Hi-Tech Building, an exhibition of building engineering and automation equipment. Last year's combined event attracted more than 5,900 professionals from Russia and the CIS.

Photo: official website pro-integration

The event covers multimedia for conference rooms, museums, exhibitions, sports halls, hospitals, schools, shops, advertising spaces and government and business buildings. Exhibitors include Avallon, Avrora, VIZHU, DIGIS Group, Eurocomposit, Yenisei, InTeR, Legato, ALTAIR, Architettura Sonora, Ascreen, AT Group, AV Stumpfl CIS, Bang & Olufsen, CTC Capital, CVGAUDIO, DealerCenter, ECOPRO-AV, EQ Multimedia, ES Distribution, ESCORT Group/TAIDEN, Focal by Naim, Future Vision, Hi-Tech Media, IPVS, iSmart Video, LEDsi Smart Innovation, ProTone, SCENA, SNK-S, Sonance and TTT group. Discussions cover current trends, problems, solutions and successful Russian projects.

Photo: official website pro-integration

Pro AV and IT professionals, installers, corporate customers, recording studios and video producers can attend the Systems Integration of AV Solutions conferenceon new technology, equipment and AV/IT integration with AI. Museums and galleries have the forum Digital Solutions for Museums, Exhibition Halls and Art Spaces. It covers digital tools and innovation through two conferences:Digital Museum and Equipping Exhibition Halls, Galleries and Art Spaces with Multimedia Technology. Retail, hospitality and shopping centre professionals can attend Digital Signage 2026: Trends, Technology and Innovationfor tools, analysis and practical examples. The event also hosts the thirteenth Prointegration Awards ceremonyrecognising systems integrators and installers for audiovisual projects. Entries close on 23 March, with winners announced on 21 April.

Photo: official website pro-integration

Organiser: Midexpo. General partner: DealerCenter & TTT group. Anniversary partner: SNK-S. Digital Museum conference partners: Ascreen and VIZHU. Media partner: ProSound.

Photo: official website pro-integration

The event takes place on 21–22 April 2026 at Loft Hall 2 and 3, 26 building 15, Leninskaya Sloboda Street, Moscow.

Admission is free, with registration on the exhibition website pro-integration.ru

Rhodes Pianology — a virtual piano collection

6 March 2026

Following successful releases such as V8, Wurli and Anthology, Rhodes has introduced a collection of three high-quality software instruments in VST, AU and AAX formats.

Photo: official website rhodesmusic

The collection includes a Japanese Yamaha U-series upright piano, an American grand with a wide dynamic range and a vintage Japanese electro-acoustic piano with real string and pickup emulation. Effects include compression, EQ, modulation, delay, panning and Rhodes reverbs, including new Stage and Arena algorithms. Tremolo is based on electric grand piano circuitry. Controls include Timbre Shift, Global Tune, Mechanical Noise, grand piano lid position, and an Amp/Mic section with amplifier models and microphone choices. Velocity and Depth are also adjustable.

Photo: official website rhodesmusic

Rhodes Pianology is available at an introductory price of $120. The regular price will be $185.

Waldorf Iridium Desktop MK2 — a 16-voice digital synthesizer

6 March 2026

Waldorf has introduced a second-generation desktop version of its popular synthesizer with many improvements.

Photo: official website waldorfmusic

The new model keeps the oscillator modes from the original model: Wavetable, VA, Particle for sampling and granular sampling, Resonator and Kernel, and adds Seeds. These can be combined through Ring Mod, FM, Wavetables and Partials. An improved CPU board increases RAM to 4 GB and flash storage to 6 GB. Per-Note Parameter Locks, developed with Aphex Twin, allow up to 16 separate parameter variations for each of 128 sequencer steps by holding a note and turning knobs. PNP locks can be saved per patch and edited on a dedicated page.

Photo: official website waldorfmusic

Iridium MK2 adds the Flavour control from the Protein, affecting Timing, Timbre, Pitch and other parameters. Multitimbrality expands from two to four layers. Round Robin and Random Robin modes create deeper, more complex textures. Connections include stereo input/output, CV, MIDI In/Thru/Out, USB-A, USB host and microSD. An updated operating system and shared firmware update are planned for Quantum and Iridium users. Version 4.0 will add a patch mutation randomiser first introduced in the Microwave plugin, a new polyphonic arpeggiator, patch-stored microtonal functions and more.

Photo: official website waldorfmusic

Waldorf Iridium Desktop MK2 will be available for around $3,000.

AKG C151 — a small-diaphragm condenser microphone

5 March 2026

Following the C114, AKG has introduced a cardioid microphone for musicians, podcasters, bloggers and streamers.

Photo: official website akg

The C151 uses a 16 mm electret capsule and transformerless FET circuitry for low noise and wide dynamic range. The body uses 100% recycled PIR metals and alloys. The microphone delivers clear, detailed sound from loud electric guitars to quiet strings.

Photo: official website akg

AKG C151 specifications

Polar pattern: cardioid;
Maximum sound pressure level: 143 dB;
Frequency range: 20 Hz–20 kHz;
Signal-to-noise ratio: 73 dB;
Self-noise: 21 dB(A);
Sensitivity: 11 mV/Pa;
Impedance: ≤200 ohms;
Weight: 147 g.

Photo: official website akg

AKG C151 is available for $130.

Microtech Gefell UM 57 — a reissued tube condenser microphone

4 March 2026

Microtech Gefell has introduced a modern reissue of a vintage large-diaphragm microphone.

Photo: official website microtechgefell

The Gefell UM 57 uses the original M7 capsule design, also found in the well-known Neumann U47. Its preamplifier uses a low-noise EF 86 tube. The included UN 57 switching power supply regulates microphone voltage and selects cardioid, omnidirectional or figure-eight patterns. The microphone and supply have a hammered-metal finish. A seven-pin XLR cable provides connection.

Microtech Gefell UM 57 specifications

Polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-eight
Maximum sound pressure level: 120 dB
Equivalent noise level: 16 dB(A)
Dynamic range: 104 dB
Frequency range: 20 Hz–20 kHz
Sensitivity: 17 mV/Pa
Impedance: 200 ohms
Weight: 430 g.

Photo: official website microtechgefell

Microtech Gefell UM 57 is available for $8,000.

Novation Launch Control 3 — a MIDI/USB controller

4 March 2026

Novation has released a compact version of the Launch Control XL 3.

Photo: official website novationmusic

The device integrates closely with DAWs for easy plugin control and also operates external hardware. It has 16 endless rotary encoders, eight assignable buttons and an OLED display. Connections include USB-C, MIDI I/O and Out2/Thru on five-pin DIN sockets.

Photo: official website novationmusic

The controller supports Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase and Bitwig. Mackie HUI extends use to Pro Tools and other software. Novation Components creates and stores up to seven custom modes for different combinations of hardware and software.

Photo: official website novationmusic

Novation Launch Control 3 is available for around $150.

Telegrapher Hippo — an active analogue subwoofer

3 March 2026

Following the Pandamonitors, Telegrapher has expanded its active monitoring range with a subwoofer.

Photo: official website telegrapher

The subwoofer integrates with nearfield and midfield monitors for accurate sub-bass. A 10-inch woofer and side-mounted passive radiators extend bass detail and control. Hippo has a 250 W Class D amplifier, two balanced analogue XLR inputs and two matching thru outputs. Automatic shutoff, LED indicators and protective grilles that do not affect the sound are included.

Photo: official website telegrapher

Telegrapher Hippo specifications

Maximum sound pressure level: 102 dB
Amplifier power: 250 W
Crossover type: active, analogue
Crossover frequency: adjustable, 30–300 Hz; phase: 0–360°
Frequency range: 20–300 Hz
THD+N: 0.003%
Dimensions: 36 × 36 × 38 cm
Weight: 21.5 kg.

Photo: official website telegrapher

Telegrapher Hippo pricing and availability have not yet been announced.

IK Multimedia Sunset Sound Studio Reverb II — a room-emulation VST reverb

2 March 2026

IK Multimedia has released an updated spatial emulation plugin based on IK Volumetric Response Modeling (VRM). It supports Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.15 or later in VST3, AU and AAX formats.

Photo: official website ikmultimedia

VRM gives instruments the character of Sunset Sound studios 1, 2 and 3, with precise three-dimensional positioning. Each studio offers up to 27 individual positions. Two independent modulating reverb engines operate in parallel, combining Live Rooms, Chambers, Iso Booths, EMT plates and spring reverb.

Photo: official website ikmultimedia

The library contains 336 stereo studio impulse responses. Directional and omnidirectional source modes provide physically accurate, natural reverb. Each channel has expanded EQ and Expand controls. Studios 1 and 3 offer adjustable acoustic damping and modelled movable absorption panels.

Photo: official website ikmultimedia

IK Multimedia Sunset Sound Studio Reverb II is available for $150.