May 2026

Solid State Logic SSL 1 — a compact USB audio interface

29 May 2026

Solid State Logic has expanded its audio interface range with an affordable two-input/two-output model for home studios and beginners.

Photo: official website solidstatelogic

The SSL 1 works with Windows, macOS and USB Audio Class 2.0 mobile devices, including iOS. Its XLR microphone preamplifier has a self-noise level of -130.5 dBu and up to 63 dB gain. A 4K console emulation mode and a TRS instrument/line input with line-mode switching are included.

Photo: official website solidstatelogic

A MIX button selects between input monitoring and the post-DAW output. Power comes from USB or a 5 V DC source. Other features include three stereo loopback channels, a high-pass filter, a 3.6 mm headphone socket with independent volume, a pair of TRS outputs, two USB ports and 48 V phantom power. The software bundle includes virtual instruments from Harrison Audio, Antares, Loopcloud, Native Instruments, AAS, IK Multimedia, Ableton and others.

Photo: official website solidstatelogic

Solid State Logic SSL 1 will be available for $160.

JZ Microphones MU-1 — a ribbon/condenser microphone

28 May 2026

JZ Microphones has announced a hybrid large-diaphragm 27 mm microphone combining ribbon and condenser designs.

Photo: official website jzmic

The microphone places a Golden Drop capsule, used in the highly rated Black Hole range, beside a high-quality ribbon with 1.2 μm foil. The design aligns phase and levels between the two elements. This makes microphone placement quicker than using two separate microphones.

Photo: official website jzmic

JZ Microphones MU-1 specifications

• Maximum sound pressure level: 134.5/125 dB
• Polar pattern: cardioid/figure-eight
• Frequency range: 20 Hz–20 kHz / 35 Hz–15 kHz
• Dynamic range: 128 dB
• Sensitivity: 21 mV/Pa at 1 kHz
• Output impedance: 50/250 ohms
• Equivalent input noise: -130 dBu
• Nominal impedance: >100 ohms
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 87.5 dB(A)
• Noise level: 6.5 dB(A)
• Weight: 1,290 g.

One five-pin XLR carries signals from both elements. The included breakout cable separates them into two standard three-pin XLR outputs. The microphone has a sturdy all-metal body and includes a shock mount and wooden case.

Photo: official website jzmic

JZ Microphones MU-1 is available to pre-order for around $2,000.

Omnitronic PM-404F — a four-channel DJ mixer

27 May 2026

Omnitronic has released a versatile mixer with extensive connectivity.

Photo: official website arturia

All four channels have two-band equalizers and high-pass/low-pass filters. Each channel can feed either side of the crossfader, whose curve is adjustable. The first two channels accept phono, line or Bluetooth signals. Channels three and four switch between Bluetooth and two RCA line inputs. Users can blend the headphone mix between channels on the CUE bus and the main programme output, with separate CUE, BOOTH and MASTER level controls.

Photo: official website arturia

The new model has a recording output level control and a crossfader mode switch. Connections include an XLR microphone input and 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm stereo headphone sockets. A two-band microphone EQ and Talkover function are included; Talkover lowers the mix while someone speaks or sings into the microphone.

Photo: official website arturia

Omnitronic PM-404F is available for around $300.

Arturia Memory V — an analogue synthesizer emulation

26 May 2026

Arturia has released a software version of the rare Memorymoog polyphonic analogue synthesizer. It keeps the original functions and adds modern features.

Photo: official website arturia

Detailed component modelling provides three oscillators per voice, with Vintage and Dispersion controls. A ladder low-pass filter has 24 dB and 12 dB modes, and modulation uses drag-and-drop assignment. A four-layer multi-arpeggiator and four-slot effects rack with more than 17 studio effects support modern sound design. More than 300 presets cover brass, full basses, leads, cinematic pads and unstable analogue textures.

Photo: official website arturia

Arturia Memory V is available for $150. More information is available on the official website Arturia.

Oeksound Soothe3 — a resonance suppression plugin

25 May 2026

Oeksound has released an updated version of its popular plugin to mark its tenth anniversary. It supports Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.14 or later in VST3, AU and AAX formats.

Photo: official website oeksound

The new version responds better to a source's overall tonal balance, improving full-range processing. The Soft and Hard modes introduced in Soothe2have been refined. Soft is now almost independent of input level, while Hard behaves more like a compressor. Soothe3 adds a low-latency mode for recording and live sound, plus multichannel support for configurations up to 9.1.6.

Photo: official website oeksound

Sharpness and Selectivity are combined into one Detail control for quicker, simpler reduction of harsh resonances. The side panel adds Tilt and Max Cut alongside the existing stereo controls. The main improvement is better sound through a new algorithm for more transparent processing.

Photo: official website oeksound

Oeksound Soothe3 is available for $260. Upgrading from Soothe2 costs $55.

Novation FLkey 2 37 — a portable USB/MIDI keyboard

25 May 2026

Following the Mini 25 , Novation has introduced a 37-key model in its updated second-generation FLkey MIDI controller range, with full FL Studio integration.

Photo: official website novationmusic

The keyboard has 37 synth-action keys, pitch and modulation wheels, and dedicated buttons for DAW functions including Score Log, Undo/Redo, Pattern/Song, Metronome and Mixer Bank. Other features match the compact model: 16 RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch, an OLED display, eight rotary encoders, octave transpose buttons and Play/Stop/Record controls. NKS and class-compliant operation are supported.

Photo: official website novationmusic

Alongside a built-in arpeggiator and full Channel Rack, Mixer and plugin parameter control, the controller includes a wide software bundle. It contains a six-month FL Studio Producer Edition trial, Melodics, Novation Play, GForce Bass Station, GForce Oberheim SEM, GForce Oberheim OB-EZ, GForce AXXESS, Klevgrand LUXE, Klevgrand Slammer, Parallel Orchestra and Native Instruments Komplete Select. USB-C supplies power. A 3.5 mm MIDI output and a 6.3 mm sustain pedal input connect external equipment.

Photo: official website novationmusic

Novation FLkey 2 37 is available for $230.

Sony 1000X The ColleXion — full-size wireless headphones

22 May 2026

Sony has released premium closed-back Bluetooth 6.0 headphones to mark ten years of its flagship 1000X range, which began with the MDR-1000X in 2016.

Photo: official website sony

Metal details and a redesigned synthetic leather headband distinguish the new model. The headband took two years to develop and is softer and wider than the current flagship WH-1000XM6. The earcups also have improved ergonomics. Carbon-dome 30 mm drivers provide detailed treble and clear instrument separation. DSEE Ultimate AI upscaling restores the audio signal, while 360 Reality Audio Upmix offers music, cinema and gaming spatial modes.

Photo: official website sony

Like its predecessor, the XM6, the 1000X The ColleXion has 12 microphones, six per earcup, for adaptive ANC and clear voice pickup. A new V3 chip works alongside the previous QN3 noise-cancelling processor. According to Sony, it suppresses external sound more effectively and improves processing quality. Battery life is up to 24 hours with ANC and 32 hours without it, below the WH-1000XM6, which provides 30 hours with ANC and 40 hours with ANC off.

Photo: official website sony

Sony 1000X The ColleXion specifications

• Wireless frequency range: 20 Hz–20 kHz
• Wired frequency range: 4 Hz–40 kHz
• Bluetooth profiles: A2DP/AVRCP/HFP/HSP/TMAP/PBP
• Supported codecs: SBC/AAC/LDAC/LC3
• Content protection: SCMS-T
• Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW
• Impedance: 48 ohms
• Weight: 320 g.

The package includes a branded case and a 3.5 mm analogue cable for wired connection.

Photo: official website sony

Sony 1000X The ColleXion will be available in black or platinum for $650.

Allen & Heath SQ5+ — a versatile digital mixer

21 May 2026

Allen & Heath has released an updated SQ mixer range, starting with the SQ5+.

Photo: official website allen-heath

The device has a 9-inch touchscreen with an improved dark-themed interface. The free SQ+ MixPad app adjusts settings on iOS, Android, Windows and macOS. Four RackUltra FX processors, previously exclusive to the flagship dLive range, each have dedicated sends and returns for flexible routing. RackUltra FX offers amplifier simulation, reverb, saturation, vocal tuning and add-ons for expanding processing at any stage.

Photo: official website allen-heath

The product has a 128 × 128 SLink port and two USB ports for audio interface operation and multichannel recording. The I/O expansion slot accepts Dante, MADI, Waves and SLink cards. Other features include 48 input channels, 12 stereo Aux/Group mixes plus LR, six Mono/Link matrices, full channel and mix processing with HPF, PEQ/GEQ, compressor and gate, and DEEP expansion support. Connections include AES3 digital output, 16 XLR microphone/line inputs, 12 XLR outputs, three stereo line inputs using four 6.3 mm sockets and one 3.5 mm socket, XLR talkback, two TRS outputs and a stereo headphone output. The surface has seventeen motorised 100 mm faders and eight programmable keys.

Photo: official website allen-heath

Allen & Heath SQ5+ will be available for around $5,000.

Mackie Thump 15Sv4 — an active live sound subwoofer

20 May 2026

Mackie has released a professional active subwoofer in the fourth-generation Thump range.

Photo: official website mackie

The subwoofer has a 1,400 W Class D amplifier and a 15-inch woofer. It reproduces bass down to 34 Hz with a maximum sound pressure level of 132 dB. The sturdy, lightweight cabinet has handles for easier loading.

Photo: official website mackie

The subwoofer is designed to work with speakers such as the Thump12v4 and Thump15v4 or other full-range systems. High-pass filter settings match the subwoofer to full-range speakers, while Variable mode allows manual crossover adjustment. SPM400 poles connect the 15Sv4 and top speakers, or full-range speakers can use tripods. M10 mounting points allow suspended speakers for a more permanent installation.

Photo: official website mackie

Mackie Thump 15Sv4 will be available for $750.

Novation FLkey 2 Mini 25 — a compact USB/MIDI keyboard

20 May 2026

Novation has introduced its second-generation MIDI controller range with full FL Studio integration, starting with a 25-mini-key model.

Photo: official website novationmusic

The new model has 16 responsive RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch, eight knobs and a new OLED display for key parameters. Scale and Chord modes and a built-in arpeggiator are included. Improved DAW support provides deeper integration between the hardware controls and FL Studio.

Photo: official website novationmusic

Users can control Channel Rack, Mixer and plugin parameters, with expanded pad-based sequencing. Other features include pitch and modulation touch strips, octave transpose buttons, Play/Stop/Record controls, NKS compatibility, class-compliant operation, USB-C power, a 3.5 mm MIDI output and a 6.3 mm sustain pedal input.

Photo: official website novationmusic

The controller includes a six-month FL Studio Producer Edition trial, Melodics, Novation Play, GForce Bass Station, GForce Oberheim SEM, GForce Oberheim OB-EZ, GForce AXXESS, Klevgrand LUXE, Klevgrand Slammer, Parallel Orchestra and Native Instruments Komplete Select.

Photo: official website novationmusic

Novation FLkey 2 Mini 25 is available for $130.

inMusic acquires Native Instruments

18 May 2026

NI CEO Nick Williams has announced a signed agreement transferring full ownership of the brand to inMusic.

Photo: official website native-instruments

In a message to the music community, Williams described the deal as a new beginning. The move is intended to end a prolonged crisis, one of the most difficult periods in Native Instruments' history. inMusic already owns Akai Professional, Moog Music, Denon DJ, Numark, Rane and M-Audio. Williams said recent NKS and MPC Editions integration was the first successful example of the partnership. According to the statement, Native Instruments, iZotope, Plugin Alliance and Brainworx will continue operating as usual. All current products, platforms and technical support will remain fully available during the transition.

inMusic CEO Jack O'Donnell named user stability and technology development as the main priorities. He said the deal would keep existing tools running, provide ongoing funding for all product lines and support long-term investment in new solutions for musicians of every level.

Engine DJ 5.0 — an update to the DJ software

16 May 2026

Engine DJ has released an updated version of its popular performance software with expanded features.

Photo: official website enginedj

Version 5.0 enables built-in stem rendering on the RANE System One without a computer. Users can pre-render stored tracks into stems in Engine DJ Desktop or render directly on System One, using a new stem display option in playlist view. Tracks can play while stem separation runs, and several tracks and playlists can be processed at once.

Photo: official website enginedj

RGB waveforms, first introduced on System One, are now available on all Engine DJ devices. Users can switch between RGB and the existing Triband waveforms in settings. RGB waveforms also provide a clearer view of sets in Engine DJ Desktop. Track star ratings can now be added directly on Engine DJ hardware. Other additions include 32-bit Reverb Rise and Reverb Drop effects, a redesigned source screen with improved styling and layout, and demo tracks pre-processed for Stems for easy use on standalone Numark, Denon DJ and RANE hardware.

Photo: official website enginedj

Engine DJ 5.0 and the Desktop version are free downloads from the official website Engine DJ.

Soyuz Silver 17 — a tube condenser microphone

14 May 2026

Soyuz Microphones has announced a large-diaphragm tube microphone, expanding its 017 range.

Photo: official website soyuzmicrophones

The microphone uses a military-grade 6ZH1P tube and offers natural treble, rich midrange and a sense of presence. Its modified 34 mm S17E capsule has specifications similar to the 017 Tube but a more open, expressive treble response. The design draws inspiration from the rare Soviet LOMO 19A19 microphone, valued for its airy sound and distinctive treble. A power supply, specially matched shock mount and handmade oak case are included.

Photo: official website soyuzmicrophones

Soyuz Silver 17 specifications

• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Maximum sound pressure level: 140 dB
• Frequency range: 20 Hz–20 kHz
• Dynamic range: 120 dB
• Self-noise: 20 dB
• Sensitivity: 40 mV/Pa
• Output impedance: 270 ohms
• Weight: 630 g.

Photo: official website soyuzmicrophones

Soyuz Silver 17 is available to pre-order for $4,800.

OneOdio Studio Max 2 — wireless DJ headphones

13 May 2026

OneOdio has released the second generation of its versatile wireless headphones in the Studio Max range.

Photo: official website oneodio

RapidWiLL+ 3.0 gives the Max 2 a latency of 9 ms, compared with 20 ms on the Max 1. This allows it to compete with the HDJ-F10 from AlphaTheta and the TMA-2 DJ Wireless from AIAIAI. The new model provides lossless 2.4 GHz operation with an improved wireless bitrate of 400 kbit/s, compared with 160 kbit/s for the first generation. It uses 45 mm dynamic drivers and has Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Wireless certification. LDAC supports high-resolution listening in wireless mode, with high-resolution wired listening also available.

Photo: official website oneodio

OneOdio Studio Max 2 specifications

• Maximum sound pressure level: 118 dB
• Frequency range: 20 Hz–40 kHz
• Supported codecs: AAC, SBC, LDAC
• Impedance: 34 ohms
• Weight: 330 g.

Photo: official website oneodio

Four connection options are available: wireless operation up to 10 m through the included M2 transmitter, Bluetooth 6.0 with a dedicated gaming mode, and wired 3.5 mm or 6.35 mm connections. A 1,000 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery provides up to 120 hours over Bluetooth or 50 hours using the M2 transmitter. A full charge takes about two hours. A free app adjusts EQ, preferred connection mode and other audio settings. Find My Headphones, a carrying case and two cables, 3.5-to-3.5 mm and 3.5-to-6.35 mm, are included.

Photo: official website oneodio

OneOdio Studio Max 2 will be available for around $200.

Black Lion Audio Auteur 8DAT — an eight-channel preamplifier

12 May 2026

Black Lion Audio has expanded its Auteur range with a versatile 2U microphone preamplifier.

Photo: official website blacklionaudio

The new model has eight XLR microphone inputs, eight TRS line/instrument inputs and eight XLR outputs. Each channel has independent switchable phantom power, a -10 dB pad, polarity inversion and an insert point. The rear panel also has two DB25 connectors for balanced inserts, two ADAT Toslink outputs and BNC Word Clock connections.

Photo: official website blacklionaudio

Black Lion Audio's patented Marco-MMC clocking provides very low jitter while minimising phase distortion. A black anodised aluminium front panel suits studio and live use. Converters are drawn from the Revolution interface range. The preamplifier suits sources requiring detail, as well as drums and vocals.

Photo: official website blacklionaudio

Black Lion Audio Auteur 8DAT will be available for around $2,000.

Roland Project LYDIA Phase 2 — an AI pedal

9 May 2026

Roland has introduced a prototype neural-sampling pedal for a wide range of instruments.

Photo: official website roland

Developed with Neutone, the new device analyses sounds, creates AI models from them and applies those models' sound characteristics to other audio in real time. Neutone previously introduced the technology in its Morpho plugin. The hardware version opens up more uses.

Photo: official website roland

The device has a Raspberry Pi 5 computer, dedicated inputs and outputs, and MIDI integration with support for DAW automation and external MIDI controllers. Users can train an AI model on a trumpet, violin, drill or birdsong, then apply that character to a guitar, synthesizer, drum machine or their own voice in real time.

Roland Project LYDIA Phase 2 release date and pricing have not yet been announced.

Native Instruments Komplete 26 — a flagship virtual instrument collection

7 May 2026

Native Instruments has introduced an updated software package with virtual synthesizers, orchestral sample libraries and high-quality mixing and mastering plugins.

Photo: official website native-instruments

The collection includes the Absynth 6synthesizer; two new grand pianos, Claire and Claire: Avant; Moments: Vocal Clouds voice textures; Marco Polo Drums beat samples; LCO Producer Strings layered modern orchestral samples with a built-in synthesis engine; Definitive Electric Keys Collection; and more. All Scene-series products are now included in Komplete 26.

Photo: official website native-instruments

Alongside NI Kontrol keyboards and Maschine hardware, the collection supports third-party devices through NKS Hardware Partners. This currently includes selected controllers from Arturia, Akai Professional, Novation, Korg, Nektar and M-Audio. Komplete 26 runs on Windows 10 or later and macOS 12 or later in VST3, AU and AAX formats.

Photo: official website native-instruments

Native Instruments Komplete 26 pricing is $100 for Select, $550 for Standard, $1,250 for Ultimate and $1,950 for Collector's Edition. Discounted upgrades from the previous version are available.

Expressive E Osmose CE 49/61 — USB/MIDI keyboard controllers

6 May 2026

Expressive E has expanded its Osmose range with 49- and 61-key CE controllers.

Photo: official website expressivee

The controllers use the same expressive keyboard as the flagship Osmose, but without the built-in Haken Audio synthesis engine. Instead, they include free Ctrl-e software based on Expressive E sound engines and selected instruments from leading developers. More than 900 professional presets are provided by Expressive E's sound design team.

Photo: official website expressivee

At release, Osmose CE integrates plugins in Ableton Live 12+, Cubase 15+, Bitwig 5+ and Logic Pro 12+. It also controls hardware synthesizers, even without native MPE support. Features include Pressure Glide, which moves between notes using pressure rather than a fixed portamento time, an MPE and standard MIDI arpeggiator, automatic DAW detection, switchable MPE/MIDI/DAW Control modes, eight preassigned macros per preset through Ctrl-e, a 4.3-inch LCD, MIDI In/Out/Thru, two assignable pedal inputs and USB-C.

Photo: official website expressivee

Expressive E Osmose CE pricing is $1,000 for CE 49 and $1,200 for CE 61.

Avid Pro Tools 2026.4 — an updated version of the professional DAW

4 May 2026

Avid has introduced an update to its well-known Pro Tools digital audio workstation with new features and many improvements.

Photo: official website avid

Improved Track Pin keeps important tracks fixed in the Edit window while scrolling through a session. MPEG-H support allows object-based audio creation directly in the DAW using MPEG-H Renderer. Version 2026.4 also handles several immersive formats within one session, without managing separate projects.

Photo: official website avid

Other additions include Dolby Headphone Personalization, Native Instruments' Massive X Player synthesis engine, the exclusive Pro Tools Massive X Essentials expansion, and Native Instruments' Lo-fi & Chill Plucks and Haze expansions. Bogren Digital Ampknob BDH III provides high-gain guitar amp tones, while Cut Classic Bad Math adds multiband distortion.

Photo: official website avid

Avid Pro Tools 2026.4 is available to users with an active subscription and perpetual licence owners with an active update plan.

Mackie Thump15v4 — an active live sound speaker

1 May 2026

Following the 12-inch model , Mackie has expanded its fourth-generation Thump active speaker range with a 15-inch version.

Photo: official website mackie

The speaker has a 15-inch woofer, a 1-inch compression tweeter and a built-in Class D amplifier delivering 1,400 W in total. Maximum sound pressure level is 130 dB, with a frequency range of 34 Hz to 20 kHz. Like the rest of the Thump v4 range, it offers feedback suppression, Music Ducking, Outdoor mode and remote control through Thump Connect 2. Bluetooth and analogue inputs can operate together. SoundCheck DSP offers Flat, DJ, Live and Wedge modes.

Photo: official website mackie

The device supports linking two speakers and Bluetooth streaming. Two wirelessly linked Thump15v4 speakers can run in Stereo, Zone or Dual Mono mode. The built-in mixer has an XLR output and two XLR/TRS combo inputs, with a Mic/Line switch on channel 1 and an additional 3.5 mm stereo input on channel 2.

Photo: official website mackie

Mackie Thump15v4 will be available for around $600.

ProIntegration Tech 2026 concludes in Moscow

1 May 2026

21–22 April saw the ProIntegration Tech 2026 forum at Loft Hall. More than 150 Russian and international brands presented IT, professional audio and video, and systems integration solutions. Held alongside Hi-Tech Building, the event attracted 6,372 professionals.

Photo: official website pro-integration

ProIntegration Tech covered AV solutions for government, business, retail, education, healthcare and cultural spaces. Leading manufacturers, distributors and integrators took part, including Avallon, DIGIS Group, Sonoruss, Absen, Bang & Olufsen, CTC CAPITAL, Hi-Tech Media, Polymedia and dozens of other brands.

Photo: official website pro-integration

The business programme on 21 April opened with the Digital Museum conference, focused on AI in museums. It was organised with the Museum Digital Development Council at ICOM Russia, supported by Polymedia, Ascreen and VIZHU. The moderator was Ilya Tambovtsev , Chair of the ICOM Russia Council, member of the ADIT presidium and curator of communications IT projects at the State Hermitage Museum.

Photo: official website pro-integration

The conference opened with Digital Evolution of Museums: The Age of Artificial Intelligence. In his presentation, Ilya Tambovtsev stressed that: Despite technology's great potential in museums, neural networks cannot replace the expertise of curators, researchers and collection managers..

Vadim Filipov of OKAS discussed moving beyond visual recreations of people, including voice, appearance and translation, towards AI avatars able to search for information, analyse data and give examples independently. Irina Kopylova of KAMIS explained AI system architecture. For visitors, it creates new ways to interact with displays; for museums, it provides a powerful tool for analysing their own databases when preparing exhibitions. Maria Pravdina of ICOM Russia outlined a route into the technology: start with complete digitisation and clear organisation of museum collections.

Representatives of leading institutions shared practical experience:

• Oksana Turskaya of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts said AI can create children's audio guide scripts, audio walks around Moscow and remove audio noise. However, curators must always check the results because facts can be distorted.
• Yana Sidikova of the Tretyakov Gallery said technology streamlines technical tasks, from retouching to voiceover, helping build a distinctive exhibition story.
• Alexandra Gerasimova of Tsaritsyno described recreating the historical image of Empress Catherine II with neural networks.
• Tatyana Nikolaeva of the Leo Tolstoy Museum described an experiment with texts intended to match Tolstoy's writing. Despite their orderly structure, AI texts were still recognisable through excessive adjectives, judgements and stock phrases.

The technology section, Audiovisual and Multimedia Technologies for Museums , opened with Ilya Faizov of VIZHU. He discussed AI in early design work, from forming an idea to developing a brief. He said neural networks speed up work with project materials and reduce routine tasks by quickly creating drafts and visualising future content.

Viktor Abramenko of Ascreen explained how AI helps design exhibition scenarios, visual style and visitor interaction. Igor Isheev of Polymedia discussed changing cultural expectations: Digital harmony in a museum means using innovation more maturely. A modern digital museum should move beyond showcasing IT achievements. Technology should serve art and history., he said.

Photo: official website pro-integration

Yulia Kosterova of OKNO-AUDIO presented the innovative Genelec Smart IPspeaker range. Its main advantage is a single Ethernet cable carrying power, audio and control data together.

The discussion concluded that AI greatly simplifies work with large datasets but requires significant initial resources. Most effort goes into training and adapting neural networks to specific museum tasks.

Photo: official website pro-integration

22 April : the forum continued with the «Digital Signage 2026»conference, organised with the Marketing at Retail Association, POPAI Russia. The moderator was Dmitry Chidirov, CEO of Elektronnye Dengi. He asked how technology can move from an expense to a source of profit, naming unclear KPIs and incomplete technical briefs as key barriers. This point was developed by Nikolay Barashkov of Hi-Tech Media, who said 80% of Digital Signage systems are ineffective because they lack operating scenarios and clear installation goals.

Photo: official website pro-integration

Practical market issues were discussed by:

• Alexander Frolov of IAM, who said creative content and product presentation attract retail customers, rather than the mere presence of screens.
• Lev Khayrullin of SNK-S, who explained how the right software and hardware allow scalable networks without licence costs.
• Andrey Saltrukovich of DIGIS Group, who presented Exell professional displays.
• Nikolay Alaev of EQ Multimedia, who called for alliances and effective partnerships to overcome the crisis.

The sooner companies and customers stop trying to do everything themselves and start building teams for specific projects and tasks, the sooner the industry will grow and deliver a better return on investment., said Dmitry Chidirov.

Also on 22 April , the forum hosted Systems Integration of AV Solutions: Trends and Practical Examples 2026. Industry experts presented current trends in multimedia systems across different economic sectors. The moderator was Nikolay Alaev, Development Director at EQ Multimedia.

• Sergey Tkachenko of ES Distribution discussed Pro AV technology and trends. He said project success depends on video, audio, lighting, AI and networks working together to solve specific business tasks, rather than simply displaying an image.
• Andrey Zhelamsky of DNK Corporation, representing the Yenisei brand, shared installation and commissioning experience at the Sambo-70 Sports and Education Centre.
• Lilia Gaynutdinova of ProTone presented the Dm speaker range, covering railway stations, airports, large shopping centres, theatres, restaurants and karaoke bars.
• Andrey Sukhorukov of DealerCenter described Fonestar public address and background audio systems used in cultural and educational institutions, medical centres, shopping and business centres, sports facilities and administrative buildings.
• Viktor Bannikov of Sonoruss demonstrated L-Acoustics professional audio equipment and Russian projects including Mercury Space in Moscow City and the Moscow Musical Theatre.
• Yulia Kosterova of OKNO-AUDIO presented Genelec professional active speakers.
• Denis Shlykov of Espace Bureau discussed Focal products, focusing on Focal Pro professional speakers and headphones that combine new technology, premium quality and the precision required for studio work.
• Ivan Romashko of Polywall and Polymedia discussed 2026 control room trends and presented Polywall software for visualising data on video walls and information displays.
• Alexey Kostikov of Hi-Tech Media listed innovations that simplify integration in 2026. He said an AV project's value is measured by the quality of its use case, rather than the number of devices.
• Eduard Kimberg of CTC CAPITAL demonstrated ClickShare X-Display Plus, an integrated wireless all-in-one AV device with a 4K display, 16 microphones, a camera and BYOM support for clear video conferencing and presentations.
• Evgeny Glinsky of ES Distribution said modern meeting rooms are becoming smart spaces, where multimedia and AI make meetings easier, faster and more productive.
• Alexander Isakov of Open Vision presented the Achimgaz administrative building project: a multifunctional space for corporate events, presentations and official receptions, integrated into the interior.
• Igor Surzhikov of VLKSM Engineering and Elena Matsepuro of NPS Group presented multimedia systems at NPS Group headquarters. Meeting areas use modular units with two configuration options and video conferencing systems.
• Alexander Egorov of VIATEK described a technology company campus with a dedicated communications space. Offices have displays and video conferencing equipment for individual meetings and remote discussions.
• Vitaly Yalovik of UVATRON presented the company's project at the Lomonosov cluster, where the Russian UVATRON platform powers smart multifunctional spaces.

Photo: official website pro-integration

The exhibition announced the results of the professional Prointegration Awards 2026competition, recognised in the industry as a quality mark for AV installations for corporate customers and public institutions. Full award results and detailed project descriptions are available on the official website ProIntegration.

Exhibition and forum organiser: Midexpo.

General partner: DealerCenter & TTT group. Anniversary partner: SNK-S.