April 2026

Lewitt LCT 440 Pure Stereo Pair — a stereo microphone set

30 April 2026

Lewitt has introduced a ready-matched pair of large-diaphragm condenser microphones for a wide range of instruments and vocals.

Photo: official website lewitt

The LCT 440 Pure microphones have a cardioid pattern, low self-noise of 7 dB(A) and maximum sound pressure handling of 140 dB. Released in 2017, the model has become a versatile affordable choice with high-quality circuitry. Detailed specifications are available here: Lewitt LCT 440 Pure.

Photo: official website lewitt

The stereo set comes in a strong military-style transport case with space for all accessories. The pair supports AB, ORTF and XY techniques for recording instruments, including drums, as well as vocal groups and ensembles. Alongside two LCT 440 PURE microphones, the set includes two shock mounts, two microphone mounts, two windscreens, two magnetic pop filters, a stereo bar, a bag and a carrying case.

Photo: official website lewitt

Lewitt LCT 440 Pure Stereo Pair is available for around $500.

iZotope RX 12 — a spectral editor

30 April 2026

iZotope has introduced an updated audio restoration and cleanup editor with new modules and improved machine learning.

Photo: official website izotope

Scene Rebalance separates film and television audio into dialogue, music and effects for balance adjustment. Stems View works with Scene Rebalance, Music Rebalance and Dialogue Isolate to apply RX tools to individual components before recombining and exporting them. Trim Silence automatically finds and removes silence in long recordings, speeding up podcast and audiobook editing. The updated interface has a larger spectrogram, module search and a resizable history panel.

Photo: official website izotope

The redesigned De-bleed isolates instruments without a reference track and now runs in real time. Music Rebalance and Dialogue Isolate also gain real-time processing. Updated neural networks improve sound quality and performance in both real-time and offline operation. The software supports Windows 10 or later and macOS 14.7 or later in VST3, AU, AAX, AAX AudioSuite and VST3 ARA formats.

Photo: official website izotope

iZotope RX 12 is available at the following prices:

RX 12 Elements: $100
RX 12 Standard: $400
RX 12 Advanced: $1400

Focusrite ISA C8X — a USB audio interface

29 April 2026

Focusrite has released a 2U audio interface with 26 inputs and 28 outputs.

Photo: official website focusrite

The device has eight remotely controlled preamplifiers. The first two are ISA preamplifiers with Lundahl LL1538 transformers and up to 79 dB gain; inputs three to eight use Focusrite preamplifiers with up to 69 dB gain. ADCs and DACs offer up to 125 dB dynamic range. Fully analogue Console and 430 Air modes shape the sound. Independent per-channel phantom power, switchable impedance, balanced inserts and an adjustable high-pass filter are included.

Photo: official website focusrite

The front panel has two TRS instrument inputs and two independent Class AB headphone outputs. Other connections include eight separate TRS line and XLR microphone inputs, two TRS Send/Return pairs, two paired XLR and TRS outputs, ten TRS outputs, two pairs of ADAT I/O, S/PDIF I/O, Word Clock I/O, MIDI I/O and USB-C.

Photo: official website focusrite

Auto Gain sets all eight preamplifier gains at once. The interface supports immersive layouts up to 7.1.4, up to three monitor groups and full remote control through Focusrite Control 2. The included Hitmaker expansion contains Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC, emulating ISA 110 and 130 modules, and Sonnox Oxford Reverb.

Photo: official website focusrite

Focusrite ISA C8X will be available for around $2,500.

Mackie Thump12v4 — an active speaker system

28 April 2026

Mackie has released the updated Thumpv4 active live speaker range, starting with the 12v4.

Photo: official website mackie

The new model has a 12-inch woofer and a 1-inch compression tweeter, delivering up to 129 dB SPL. Features include feedback suppression, Music Ducking and Outdoor mode. Two speakers can link wirelessly for Bluetooth streaming. Linked Thump12v4 units offer Stereo, Zone and Dual Mono playback modes.

Photo: official website mackie

Other features include a frequency range of 39 Hz to 20 kHz, Thump Connect 2 remote-control software, simultaneous Bluetooth and analogue inputs, a 1,400 W Class D amplifier, quick SoundCheck DSP setup and Flat, DJ, Live and Wedge modes. The built-in mixer has two XLR/TRS combo inputs, a Mic/Line switch on channel 1, a 3.5 mm input on channel 2 and an XLR output.

Photo: official website mackie

Mackie Thump12v4 will be available for around $500.

Lectrosonics S1 — a condenser shotgun microphone

27 April 2026

Lectrosonics has released a lightweight supercardioid microphone for film, reality television and news reporting.

Photo: official website lectrosonics

The S1 is highly durable and designed for extreme conditions indoors and outdoors. Its special RF-biased capsule resists humidity. The microphone has a wear-resistant blue anodised finish.

Lectrosonics S1 specifications

Polar pattern: supercardioid
Maximum sound pressure level: 130 dB
Frequency range: 20 Hz–20 kHz
Sensitivity: >26 dBV ±1 dB
Equivalent noise level: 10 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: >84 dB
Weight: 78 g.

The precisely made aircraft-grade aluminium alloy body and capsule design provide a narrow pickup pattern. This rejects background noise while preserving clean, uncoloured sound. The microphone suits battery-powered mobile setups because its electronics draw less than 2 mA from standard 48 V phantom power.

Photo: official website lectrosonics

Lectrosonics S1 will be available in the second half of 2026 for $1,640.

IK Multimedia ARC X Immersive — a room correction system

24 April 2026

IK Multimedia has released an updated version of its studio monitor calibration software.

Photo: official website ikmultimedia

The Immersive version automatically calibrates multichannel immersive systems using compatible IK studio monitors. With the ARC Studiokit, users can also use ARC X with other manufacturers' monitors. The software now calibrates layouts up to Dolby Atmos 9.1.6, automatically aligning each speaker's level, phase and timing.

Photo: official website ikmultimedia

A full-range room correction profile provides accurate sound positioning and tonal balance. The software can produce effective results even in untreated rooms where speaker placement is less than ideal.

Photo: official website ikmultimedia

ARC X Immersive is included with compatible iLoud monitoring systems and is not sold separately. A qualifying multichannel system unlocks the immersive features, for example four iLoud Micro Monitor Pro monitors or two ARC Studio.

Photo: official website ikmultimedia

IK Multimedia immersive monitor bundle prices:

iLoud MTM MKII + iLoud Sub 7.1.4: around $5,000
iLoud Micro Monitor Pro + iLoud Sub 7.1.4: around $4,000

Behringer JT-2 — an analogue paraphonic synthesizer

23 April 2026

Behringer has introduced a vintage-style two-voice synthesizer based on the well-known Jupiter 8.

Photo: official website behringer

The Eurorack-format instrument has a dual-VCO architecture, a classic high-pass filter, a 12/24 dB VCF low-pass filter and an arpeggiator. Alongside two analogue VCOs, it offers PWM, hard sync, FM cross-modulation, an LFO and two ADSR envelopes for the filter and VCA. Connections include one 6.3 mm TRS output, MIDI In/Thru/Out, a 3.5 mm headphone output, CV/Gate and USB-B. Up to 16 JT-2 units can be linked for polyphonic operation.

Photo: official website behringer

Behringer JT-2 will be available for around $200.

Arturia Augmented PERSIA — Middle Eastern VST instruments

22 April 2026

Arturia has introduced PERSIA in its Augmented range. The software combines samples of traditional Persian and Middle Eastern instruments with advanced synthesis.

Photo: official website arturia

Following the earlier YANGTZE , inspired by Chinese culture, the new instrument offers six sources: Oud, Tar, Saz, Alto Kamancheh, Shah Kaman and Ney, comprising five string instruments and one wind instrument.

Photo: official website arturia

PERSIA combines acoustic samples with layered synthesis, including virtual analogue, granular, wavetable and additive engines. Like the rest of the Augmented range, it includes morphing.

Photo: official website arturia

The plugin provides 200 high-quality presets, a built-in arpeggiator and sequencer, macros and dynamic modulation controls. The source material was developed with Evolution Series.

Photo: official website arturia

Arturia Augmented PERSIA is available for $150. More information is available on the official website Arturia.

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO — closed-back studio headphones

21 April 2026

Sennheiser has introduced professional full-size headphones with full, accurate bass and a high level of comfort.

Photo: official website sennheiser

The ergonomic HD 480 PRO has multistage passive isolation and 38 mm dynamic drivers with lightweight voice coils for a highly realistic soundstage. A patented vibration suppression system reduces internal acoustic reflections and harmonic distortion.

Photo: official website sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO specifications

Type: closed-back, dynamic
Maximum sound pressure level: 130 dB
Frequency range: 3 Hz–28.7 kHz
Nominal power: 300 mW
Sensitivity: 107 dB
Impedance: 130 ohms
THD: <0.5%
Weight: 272 g without cable.

Photo: official website sennheiser

Replaceable earpads have soft grooves for glasses arms to maintain a close fit. Special axis geometry adapts the mechanical design to different head shapes. The coiled section of the detachable mini-XLR cable reduces handling noise, and the cable connects to either earcup. A 2.7 m coiled cable and carrying bag are included. The Plus version has a zipped travel case instead of the standard pouch.

Photo: official website sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO and Plus will be available for $500 and $580 respectively.

Oktava MK-019 — a condenser instrument microphone

21 April 2026

Oktava has released a cardioid microphone for guitar, piano and drums. It also suits orchestras, choirs and theatre sound reinforcement.

Photo: official website oktavatula

The new model handles up to 137 dB SPL and delivers clean, detailed sound in difficult acoustic environments. The MK-019 is based on the well-known MK-012 condenser microphone produced in the 1990s. Its sturdy compact metal body fits into limited spaces. RF shielding protects against interference. A modular design with magnetic mounting allows quick capsule changes for different tasks. The microphone also suits vocals and, with an added pop filter, podcasts.

Photo: official website oktavatula

Oktava MK-019 specifications

Polar pattern: cardioid
Maximum sound pressure level: 137 dB
Frequency range: 20 Hz–20 kHz
Sensitivity: 18 mV/Pa
Impedance: 50 (±10) ohms
Dimensions: 2.6 × 11.4 cm

Photo: official website oktavatula

Oktava MK-019 pricing and availability have not yet been announced.

URAL BOLT — a versatile range of portable Bluetooth speakers

20 April 2026

Although portable audio technology is mature, the global market could still double by 2032. In Russia, marketplace sales grew by 30% in summer 2025. Demand for versatility brings new requirements: speakers must serve personal listening and event sound alike. URAL's BOLT range responds with models ranging from compact home systems to speakers for large spaces.

Photo: official website ural-auto

The BOLT range offers 320–640 W speakers, including more affordable two-way models and a three-way system focused on greater detail. Features include 270° panoramic sound, built-in DSP, IPX4 moisture protection and karaoke out of the box, with a wireless microphone and remote control included.

Photo: official website ural-auto

Specified BOLT model dimensions

32x10: 26.4 × 26.3 × 35 cm
44x11: 29 × 28.5 × 42 cm
45x20: 26.4 × 26.3 × 48 cm
64x21: 29 × 28.5 × 60 cm

Panoramic sound reduces the need to find one ideal speaker position. This matters in open spaces such as terraces, where the listening experience matters more than nominal power. It also helps explain growth in rugged, battery-powered speakers: users want a plug-and-play solution that works immediately in different conditions.

Photo: official website ural-auto

Sales support this approach. In 2025, URAL doubled its share of portable speaker sales on Ozon and reached second place. The new range continues that strategy with different models for different event sizes, from home use to large events. The focus moves beyond audio specifications alone towards the atmosphere and setting in which sound is used.

URAL BOLT speakers will be available soon. More information is available on the official website URAL.

Soyuz V1 Atomic Heart Edition — a limited-edition dynamic microphone

18 April 2026

Soyuz Microphones has introduced a limited-edition professional microphone inspired by Blood on Crystal, the final Atomic Heart game expansion.

Photo: official website soyuzmicrophones

The deep red design follows a Soviet retrofuturist style. Buyers also receive a free key for the game's fourth DLC. All technical specifications match the original model, retaining its detailed, clean sound.

Photo: official website soyuzmicrophones

Soyuz V1 Atomic Heart Edition specifications

Polar pattern: cardioid
Frequency range: 50 Hz–15 kHz
Sensitivity: 1.5 mV/Pa
Dimensions: 17.2 × 3.85 × 2.5 mm
Weight: 280 g.

Photo: official website soyuzmicrophones

Softube Flow Studio — a hybrid mixing controller

17 April 2026

Softube has released a versatile compact DAW controller with software.

Photo: official website softube

The flexible hardware switches between three workflows. DAW mode controls channel functions such as Solo, Mute, Volume, Pan and Sends. Flow Mode controls more than 100 processing chains, or Flows, using macros to shape drums, guitars, synthesizers and vocals. Detail Mode adjusts individual processing parameters through five touch-sensitive knobs with RGB LEDs.

Photo: official website softube

The product has low-latency DSP and a high-resolution 4.3-inch display showing levels and control values for the selected mode. It includes 25 well-known Softube effects plugins. An additional Flow subscription expands this to 145 Flows and more than 65 plugins.

Photo: official website softube

The Flow Studio Suite includes compressors, equalizers, amplifier simulations, reverbs, delays and more. Flow Studio also works effectively with the Console 1for a more flexible studio workflow.

Photo: official website softube

Softube Flow Studio will be available for around $500.

Portable Hi-Fi & Audio Show 2026: a new level of portable sound

16 April 2026

Russia's first portable audio equipment exhibition took place on 4–5 April at the Alliance Borodino Hotel. It attracted professionals and audio enthusiasts, showing portable audio's growing position as a separate industry sector. More than 1,500 participants and 50 brands joined the event, with a ten-hour business programme. Displays on the hotel's third floor covered headphones, desktop systems, amplifiers and active speakers.

Photo: official website portablehifiaudio

Displays and participants

The Bagration hall was the centre of the personal audio display. Although intended as a quiet space, it became one of the busiest areas.

Photo: official website portablehifiaudio

Audeze, shown by Digital Fruits, presented a wide headphone range, including the new LCD-S20 with deep bass and detailed microdynamics. Kennerton focused on original design and natural materials, a combination that consistently attracts audiophiles.

Pult.ru showed sources ranging from stationary HiFi Rose products to portable Chord Hugo units. Visitors could also win Kennerton headphones. Flatvox offered another approach to the sound field, with headphones combining an active diaphragm and a passive radiator.

Lisk Audio focused on studio-quality PC audio interfaces and amplifiers. Its main new product was the two-channel Lisa Pro PCIe card. Patefon's portable display brought together flagship IEMs from Vision Ears, Canpur, Lime Ears, Craft Ears, Ice Lab and Moritz. Radiotehnika used two locations, showing a retro range and the new full-size TD17C headphones in the quiet area.

Photo: official website portablehifiaudio

Speakers and desktop systems

Photo: official website portablehifiaudio

In the Raevsky hall, Radiotehnika showed active speakers and components for desktop setups. Barnsly Sound Org. presented compact Kanto speakers whose detailed sound suits both work and leisure.

A major premiere was a Matrix Audio N-series system, shown in Russia for the first time. This all-in-one solution combines a digital transport, DAC and amplifier with preamplifier functions.

At StereoPravda, Mikhail Kucherenko personally helped visitors fit his well-known balanced-armature earphones. Focal Professional served professional users with monitors ranging from the entry-level Alpha series to the reference Solo6, plus detailed headphones for accurate monitoring.

Photo: official website portablehifiaudio

Quiet area in the Tuchkov hall

Photo: official website portablehifiaudio

Espace Bureau paired Focal headphones with the Naim Uniti Atom HE amplifier. The combination demonstrated the brands' characteristic sound and dynamics, with recognisable styling. Focal wireless headphones were also shown for mobile listeners, maintaining high sound quality.

Next Hi-Fi combined Phonon headphones, Lehmann Audio amplification, a HiFi Rose source and Chord Company cables into a well-balanced system.

A vinyl market in the third-floor lobby offered new releases and rare collectible editions.

Photo: official website portablehifiaudio

Business programme

Photo: official website portablehifiaudio

The Ermolov hall hosted an important part of the event: expert talks and discussions. Speakers included Mikhail Kucherenko, Andrey Ushakov of Patefon, Denis Khrapunov of SoundProLab and Evgeny Genis of Digital Fruits. Topics covered multi-driver systems, the affordability of planar magnetic headphones and R2R architecture.

Andrey Ushakov discussed progress in audio equipment, including high-quality planar magnetic headphones and high-end IEMs for symphonic music. Mikhail Kucherenko covered portable sound and personal audio systems. Dmitry Petrenko of Flatvox presented solid-state headphones.

Photo: official website portablehifiaudio

Denis Khrapunov stressed power supply quality and component selection for desktop systems, especially the DAC and headphones. ProSound editor-in-chief Maxim Liadov organised the key criteria for choosing audio interfaces and DACs and gave practical Windows setup advice for the best sound quality. Pavel Savosin of Pult.ru discussed portable audio development, including wired connections and R2R ladders.

Mikhail Borzenkov shared his impressions and noted visitors' interest in Russian manufacturers. Quizzes run by Pult.ru and the organisers offered prizes including a MEG SDA100BL speaker system.

Photo: official website portablehifiaudio

Organiser: MIDEXPO.

Partner: Focal

Strategic media partner: IXBT.com

Yamaha PSR-SX720+ — an updated arranger workstation

15 April 2026

Yamaha has released an improved keyboard instrument.

Photo: official website yamaha

The PSR-SX720+ adds Bluetooth wireless audio streaming. Other features match the original model, including assignable buttons and Live Control knobs, a chord looper, a 7-inch colour touchscreen, 128-note polyphony, 1,377 built-in sounds and 450 styles.

Photo: official website yamaha

Yamaha PSR-SX720+ will be available for around $1,700.

ProIntegration Tech 2026 business programme

15 April 2026

Technology develops where AV, IT and artificial intelligence meet.

21–22 April will bring an extensive business programme for industry professionals at ProIntegration Tech. More than 40 experts will discuss technological change, successful neural network applications and digital transformation of business processes.

Photo: official website pro-integration

21 April will feature the Digital Museum conference, with speakers from museums, IT companies and museum systems integrators. Topics include artificial intelligence, neural networks in multimedia content and current audiovisual technology.

Photo: official website pro-integration

On 22 April, the conference Systems Integration of AV Solutions for the Corporate Centre: Trends and Practical Examples 2026 will cover modern audio and video systems.

The programme includes:

Audio Solutions
Conference Rooms and Office Spaces
Control Rooms and Situation Centres.

Participants include Hi-Tech Media, CTC CAPITAL, ES Distribution, DNK, ProTone, DealerCenter, Sonoruss, OKNO-AUDIO, VIATEK and Polymedia.

Photo: official website pro-integration

The Digital Signage 2026 conference will discuss market trends in Russia and worldwide, including retail displays, AI, neural networks and cloud technology. It will also cover recent developments and innovation in indoor and out-of-home advertising.

Photo: official website pro-integration

The 2026 exhibition and forum is the twentieth edition. Its displays complement the business programme with recent industry technology. Visitors can ask manufacturers and dealers questions directly and select equipment for their projects.

Photo: official website pro-integration

Exhibitors include AVALLON, AVRORA, BYTERG, BOUZ R.K., VIZHU, DIGIS GROUP, EUROCOMPOSIT, YENISEI, INTER, LEGATO, SD TECH, SONORUSS, EQ MULTIMEDIA, ABSEN, ACME, ALTAIR, AMX SERVICE, ARCHITETTURA SONORA, ASCREEN, AT GROUP, AUVIX, AV STUMPFL CIS, BANG & OLUFSEN, CTC CAPITAL, CVGAUDIO, DEALERCENTER, ECOPRO-AV, ES DISTRIBUTION, ESCORT GROUP|TAIDEN, FOCAL BY NAIM, FOCAL PROFESSIONAL, FUTURE VISION, HDLT, HI-TECH MEDIA, IPVS, ISMART VIDEO, LEDSI SMART INNOVATIONS, MEDIASYSTEM GROUP, OKNO-AUDIO, POLYMEDIA, PROTONE, SCENA, SNK-S, SONANCE and TTT GROUP, among others.

Photo: official website pro-integration

Prointegration Awards 2026 winners will be announced at the end of the first day. The ceremony recognises systems integrators and installers for advanced and distinctive audiovisual projects.

Photo: official website pro-integration

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

Admission is free, with advance registration on the exhibition website Pro-Integration.

Radiotehnika S-20M — active two-way studio monitors

14 April 2026

Radiotehnika has released its first nearfield studio monitor.

Photo: official website radiotehnika

The versatile monitors suit studio work and high-quality everyday music listening. Separate Class D bass and treble amplifiers deliver 70 W per monitor, with a maximum sound pressure level of 108 dB. Built-in DSP handles crossover, phase alignment and basic correction, with bass and treble shelving filters. The MDF cabinet has a rear bass-reflex port, a 5-inch composite-cone woofer and a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter. Connections include balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs.

Photo: official website radiotehnika

Radiotehnika S-20M specifications

Maximum sound pressure level: 108 dB;
Frequency range: 50 Hz–20 kHz;
Crossover frequency: 2,300 Hz;
Amplifier power: 20 W (treble), 50 W (bass);
THD: ≤0.5%;
Dimensions: 33.4 × 25.8 × 17 cm;
Weight: 4.8 kg per monitor.

Photo: official website radiotehnika

Areal SR1 — studio headphones for immersive monitoring

13 April 2026

Areal has introduced a versatile headphone monitoring system with a distinctive driver design.

Photo: official website areal

Each earcup has four special drivers, one full-range and three spatial, using Acoustic Image Mapping (AIM). Separate drivers reproduce front, rear and height channels, maintaining controlled, consistent spatial separation. Unlike systems using binaural emulation or personalised head-related transfer function (HRTF) files, the SR1 provides a repeatable soundstage that remains consistent between users.

Photo: official website areal

Areal SR1 specifications

Type: closed-back, on-ear, immersive
Frequency range: 40 Hz–20 kHz
Impedance: 32 ohms
THD: <0.2%
Weight: 320 g without cable.

Photo: official website areal

An additional eight-output controller performs the required processing. It has a rotary level control and switches for stereo, 5.1 and 7.1.4 formats. It also works as a high-quality headphone amplifier with a built-in DAC. USB-C connects to a computer, where the controller appears as a multichannel audio interface.

Photo: official website areal

Areal SR1 is available for around $1,500.

Reason 14 — an update to the well-known DAW

10 April 2026

Reason Studios has announced an updated version of its well-known software, available as a public beta.

Photo: official website reasonstudios

Version 14 adds Track Panel, showing signal chains, levels and sends directly in the sequencer, without switching views. Users can open the Rack from the panel to browse patches, view signal splits and adjust devices where they are working. Track folders, smarter clips and an easy-to-use piano roll editor speed up sequencing and keep arrangements organised.

Photo: official website reasonstudios

Dark Mode is now enabled by default throughout the DAW, while following the user's theme settings. Updated navigation buttons for the track panel, editing area, groove mixer and other sections help when working in dark rooms.

Photo: official website reasonstudios

Other additions include automatic tempo detection on import, MIDI note tracking, RV-9 Reverb Station with nine algorithms ranging from realistic rooms to experimental textures, more than 900 new drum samples, 50 new Europa patches and 20 new RV7000 impulse responses.

Photo: official website reasonstudios

Reason 14 will be available in May 2026. Reason 13 or Reason Rack 13 purchases and upgrades from 1 March 2026 include a free update to the next version. Reason+ and Reason Rack subscribers receive the update automatically. Users can register for the beta on the official website Reason Studios.

Bonnier Capital buys Elektron

9 April 2026

Elektron, known for innovative electronic instruments, has been acquired by Bonnier Capital, part of a Swedish family-owned media group with international operations.

Photo: official website elektron

Elektron plans to continue from its Gothenburg headquarters and subsidiaries in Los Angeles and Berlin. The deal supports long-term development and international growth while retaining the team, brand and core product development direction. Jonas Hillman, Alexander Hellstrom and the management team are reinvesting alongside Bonnier Capital.

Photo: official website elektron

Since 1998, Elektron has become a major name in electronic music, known for its distinctive approach to sound, sequencing and ergonomic design. Joining Bonnier gives access to new strategic resources while preserving the identity behind its long-term success.

Tascam DR-40XP — an updated portable recorder

8 April 2026

Tascam has introduced an updated version of its popular DR-40X four-channel field recorder with many improvements.

Photo: official website tascam

The new model supports 32-bit recording. Two adjustable built-in stereo microphones have RF protection against interference from nearby wireless devices and switch between A/B and X/Y configurations. Features include overdubbing, overwrite recording, reverb, a tuner and USB audio interface operation.

Photo: official website tascam

Tascam DR-40XP specifications

Maximum sound pressure level: 125 dB with built-in microphones
Equivalent input noise: -126 dBu
Dynamic range: 112 dB
THD: 0.008%
Weight: 285 g with batteries.

Photo: official website tascam

Other features include updated ultra-low-noise HDDA microphone preamplifiers, two XLR/TRS combo outputs with +48 V phantom power, 10 ppm audio clock accuracy, microSD recording up to 512 GB, a 3.5 mm stereo output and USB-C computer connection. Battery life is up to 18 hours. DSP improves the built-in speaker's clarity, and instant recording activation keeps the workflow moving.

Photo: official website tascam

Tascam DR-40XP will be available for around $250.

Radiotehnika Feylon — full-size open-back headphones

7 April 2026

Radiotehnika has introduced over-ear open-back headphones for classical, jazz, electronic and rock music.

Photo: official website radiotehnika

The headphones provide a wide, detailed soundstage with a lightweight, strong construction using natural materials. A padded adjustable headband with sturdy aluminium supports adapts to the listener's head. Wood and metal earcups rotate through 90°/180° and have soft earpads.

Photo: official website radiotehnika

Radiotehnika Feylon specifications

Frequency range: 20 Hz–20 kHz
Sensitivity: 103 (±3) dB
Impedance: 32 ohms
Weight: 296 g with cable.

The 50 mm dynamic drivers have ultra-thin polycarbonate diaphragms for clear, textured bass, distinct midrange and clean treble. The package includes a sturdy storage case, a detachable 1.6 m cable marked L/R and a 3.5-to-6.3 mm adapter.

Photo: official website radiotehnika

Stam Audio SA-87C — a large-diaphragm condenser microphone

6 April 2026

Stam Audio has announced a cardioid microphone based on the well-known vintage U87 rev 16.

Photo: official website stamaudio

The hand-built model uses high-quality components rarely found at an affordable price. These include a Braingasm K87 capsule, a Sowter 1303F output transformer for harmonic depth and vintage colour, and premium Vishay capacitors. The microphone uses the original vintage polarisation voltage for a smoother, musical response, more headroom and reduced sensitivity to distortion.

Stam Audio SA-87C specifications

Polar pattern: cardioid
Maximum sound pressure level: 122 dB
Phantom power: 48 V
Connection: XLR

Stam Audio SA-87C will cost $600 for pre-orders and $800 at the regular price.

Lisk Audio Lisa Pro — a professional sound card

3 April 2026

Lisk Audio has announced an internal two-channel sound card for studio-quality playback and recording.

Photo: official website liskaudio

Lisa Pro supports up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256, delivering 2,000 mW to headphones without clipping. Its signal-to-noise ratio is 123 dB and distortion is 0.00008%, outperforming many external USB products. Designed and manufactured in Russia in 2026, it is based on the bestselling Lisa. The new model uses DAC circuitry from the flagship MUX2 and a completely new ADC design.

Photo: official website liskaudio

Uniclock Digital synthesises the clock using fractional-N and integer PLLs for high quality in every mode. The jitter spectrum is specially optimised for music. The Pro electronics are more complex and costly than multichannel products, with 800 high-quality electronic components serving two recording and playback channels.

Photo: official website liskaudio

Other features include Analog Discrete, a fully discrete custom analogue design intended to overcome operational amplifier limitations and reveal the music's true sound. Up to two dynamic or true condenser microphones can connect through a discrete balanced microphone preamplifier with up to +60 dB gain and low-noise +48 V phantom power. A true balanced line output sends opposite-polarity signals to Hot and Cold contacts. An OLED display offers three operating modes, with touch buttons for control.

Photo: official website liskaudio

Lisa Pro is available from April 2026. More information is available on the official website Lisk Audio. The new model and established Lisk Audio products can also be seen tomorrow at the Portable Hi-Fi & Audio Show 2026.

Portable Hi-Fi & Audio Show opens tomorrow in Moscow

3 April 2026

On 4–5 April, the Alliance Borodino Hotel hosts demonstrations and comparisons of modern portable hi-fi, with expert talks and quizzes offering prizes from exhibitors.

Photo: official website midexpo

Alliance Borodino Hotel

13 building 5, Rusakovskaya Street, Moscow. Third floor

Opening hours:

4 April: 10:00–18:00
5 April: 10:00–18:00

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, Patefon, Pult.ru, Lisk Audio, Mantikora Vinyl, AV-Report, Pesnya Pro, NEXT and Ultra Production.

The exhibition has three zones:

Quiet zone, Tuchkov and Bagration halls: focused listening
Moderate-volume zone, Raevsky hall: speakers, monitors and immersive sound
Hi-Fi Vinyl, third-floor lobby: vinyl and CDs, new releases and rare records

Business programme

Ermolov hall

4 April

12:00–13:00 | Denis Khrapunov, SoundProLab
Building a personal desktop audio system as a first step towards high-end audio

13:00–14:00 | Maxim Liadov, ProSound editor-in-chief
How to choose the right sound card or DAC/headphone amplifier in 2026

14:00–15:30 | Round table: Portable Hi-Fi, Present and Future
Moderator: Mikhail Kucherenko, high-end audio expert and writer

Participants: Andrey Ushakov of Patefon, Denis Khrapunov of SoundProLab and Evgeny Genis of Digital Fruits.

15:30–16:30 | Mikhail Kucherenko, high-end audio expert and writer
Portable Hi-Fi: a compromise or a different listening experience?

5 April

12:00–13:00 | Andrey Ushakov, Managing Director, Patefon
How hi-fi and high-end audio became portable: from cassette to digital

13:00–13:30 | Pavel Savosin, Pult.ru
Portable high-end audio: enjoying great sound on holiday

13:30–14:00 | Music quiz Pult.ru
Pult.ru will run a music quiz with a MEG SDA100BL speaker as a prize.

14:00–14:30 | Dmitry Petrenko, Flatvox
What are solid-state headphones?

14:30–15:30 | Mikhail Borzenkov, journalist, blogger and musician
Portable cassette players: how to feel comfortable with tape and enjoy it

15:30–16:00 | Quiz
Prizes include Radiotehnika TD02C headphones, a Kennerton Equilibrium stand and Mikhail Kucherenko's book StereoPravda: The Politically Incorrect History of High End Audio 2.0.

Registration for Portable Hi-Fi & Audio Show 2026 is open.

REGISTRATION

Portable Hi-Fi & Audio Show 2026 — key new portable audio products

1 April 2026

Portable Hi-Fi & Audio Show opens soon: 4–5 April at the Alliance Borodino Hotel . Leading Russian companies and official representatives of international brands will demonstrate their best products and latest releases.

Photo: official website midexpo

Kennerton Audio Equipment prepares an extensive display

The main attractions are the latest planar magnetic headphones with distinctive paper drivers: Arkona Deep and Vinneta Baroque. Visitors can compare them with Heartland mk2 and Rognir mk2. Moscow also gets its first presentation of Gjallarhorn GH50 Message for rock and metal listeners, plus the flagship THROR MK2.

The full dynamic open- and closed-back collection includes M12 Studio, M12 Titan, Magni, Gjallarhorn, GH40, Nota Bene, GH50 JM, GH50 Nova, GH50 Message, Magister Heritage, Vali, Rognir Dynamic Valkyrie and Heartland Dynamic. Planar magnetic models include Veritas, Wodan, Rognir mk2, Arkona Deep, Heartland mk2, Vinneta Baroque and THROR mk2. Cables include Aero, Terra, Ignis and the new Ignis Forte. Amplifiers include Atlas mk2, Amber Ray, Model U and Nota Bene.

Photo: official website midexpo

Kennerton Audio Equipment will offer a small exhibition discount across its product range, with additional offers too.

PATEFON will demonstrate new products and key models at Portable Hi-Fi & Audio Show

Flagship IEMs will include Vision Ears from Germany, Canpur from the Netherlands, Lime Ears from Warsaw, Craft Ears from Poznan, Ice Lab and Moritz from Hong Kong, and YU9 from China. Portable players available to try include Hiby RS8-II, iBasso DX340 and DX270, the limited-edition Cayin N7+ and Luxury & Precision E7 Exclusive.

Hifiman will show personal audio products including its top Unveiled range. Sivga-Sendy will present Egret, the young manufacturer's new full-size flagship. Burson Audio, Topping, Luxsin and iBasso products will complete the display.

Photo: official website midexpo

Lisk Audio will show new developments and established models from the Russian manufacturer.

Lisa Pro is a new internal two-channel PCIe sound card supporting recording and playback up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD. It has a powerful discrete headphone amplifier, balanced inputs and outputs, support for studio microphones with phantom power and low-latency ASIO drivers. Release is planned for 2026.

Photo: official website liskaudio

The display also includes the bestselling 2025 Lisa card, an affordable model with RCA outputs, an OLED display and touch buttons. The flagship MUX2 has an all-metal enclosure, advanced circuitry and a dual-mono DAC for clean, precise playback.

Photo: official website liskaudio

Leading Russian and international participants include:

A separate area will feature vinyl and CDs.

Registration for Portable Hi-Fi & Audio Show 2026 is open. Registration link: MIDEXPO