July 2026

KRK V4S5 — an active studio monitor

31 July 2026

KRK has introduced the V Series Five two-way monitor range, starting with the V4. The new model combines established acoustic technology with advanced digital features for precise monitoring in small studios, broadcast rooms and immersive Dolby Atmos systems.

Photo: official website krkmusic

The monitor has a 4-inch woven Kevlar woofer, a new 1-inch silk-dome tweeter and a front bass-reflex port. A built-in two-channel Class D amplifier delivers 455 W in total. The main addition in the fifth generation is KRK Mesh wireless support. Users can control individual monitors or groups remotely over Bluetooth through the KRK Control App. The monitor uses premium ESS DACs and an Analog Devices DSP processor.

Photo: official website krkmusic

KRK V4S5 specifications

Maximum sound pressure level: 113 dB
Frequency range: 48 Hz–40 kHz (-10 dB)
Amplifier power: 280 W (bass), 175 W (treble)
Signal-to-noise ratio: >100 dB
Crossover frequency: 1.9 kHz
Dimensions: 25.8 × 16.6 × 22.5 cm
Weight: 5.4 kg.

Photo: official website krkmusic

Room calibration uses 25 Boundary EQ combinations plus seven professional parametric equalizers. Connections include a Neutrik XLR/TRS combo analogue input, AES3 digital audio with AES3 Thru and USB-C. The MDF cabinet has a PVC vinyl finish and a die-cast aluminium front panel with a removable protective grille.

Photo: official website krkmusic

KRK V4S5 is available for $650 per monitor.

SSL Odyssey — a large-format mixing console

31 July 2026

A year after releasing the Oracle, Solid State Logic has introduced a flagship console supporting up to 96+8 channels.

Photo: official website solidstatelogic

Odyssey has a modular design and uses the same ActiveAnalogue technology as Oracle. This combines analogue sound with digital control at a resolution of up to 16,000 steps per parameter. It eliminates errors associated with ageing potentiometers and provides instant session recall without noise or distortion. The new console returns to the classic in-line layout, with automated 60 mm and 100 mm faders on each channel.

Photo: official website solidstatelogic

Each channel strip has a PureDrive microphone preamplifier with Drive adjustment, a four-band parametric equalizer with switchable E-Series and G-Series responses, assignable high-pass and low-pass filters, insert points and a full analogue dynamics section. The compressor/limiter and expander/gate feature TouchView. The central section controls routing and monitoring and integrates external Dolby Atmos renderers for immersive work. A built-in analogue THE BUS+ master compressor extends the classic G-Comp with LOW THD, Feedback and 4K Saturation modes.

Photo: official website solidstatelogic

O-Control Application Suite, with O-Setup, O-Session and O-Overview modules, manages presets and snapshots. The O-Motion plugin places dynamic automation of analogue parameters directly on DAW tracks. The console comes in straight frames, curved ProStation versions and custom enclosures. Its modular design supports configurations from 24+8 to 96+8 channels, with all analogue circuitry housed in remote rack units.

Photo: official website solidstatelogic

The basic 24-channel SSL Odyssey will be available for $295,000.

Waves Atlas Reverb — an algorithmic reverb plugin

30 July 2026

Waves has released a VST reverb inspired by algorithmic units that helped shape many 1980s hits. Atlas Reverb supports Windows and macOS in VST3, AU and AAX formats.

Photo: official website waves

The plugin uses an original DSP engine whose algorithms were tuned by hand during thousands of hours of listening to finished mixes, rather than isolated tracks. Its browser offers more than 100 spatial presets in classic categories: Plates, Halls, Rooms, Gated, Springs, Chambers and Cathedrals. Dynamic Detection adapts the response to the incoming audio in real time as track density changes, avoiding a static wash of sound.

Photo: official website waves

Controls include Space, with Size, Density and Depth, and a Ducker that automatically reduces the reverb tail while the lead vocal or instrument is playing. A Damp section controls high- and low-frequency damping, alongside a dedicated two-band equalizer. The optimised design keeps CPU use low for large studio sessions and live performance.

Photo: official website waves

Waves Atlas Reverb is available as a separate licence at a temporary price of $100, normally $150. It is also included in Waves Ultimate and premium bundles.

TK Audio TK-Lizer 3 — an analogue stereo Mid/Side equalizer

29 July 2026

TK Audio has released the third generation of its two-channel mixing and mastering equalizer with M/S support. The new model has a metal 2U rack enclosure and uses passive Baxandall circuitry, known for its smooth, natural and musical sound.

Photo: official website tkaudio

The three-band equalizer offers six fixed frequency choices per boost section, with gain adjustment steps from ±0.5 to ±4 dB. The midrange band uses a fixed bell response with Q=0.5. The bass and treble bands independently switch between shelving and peak modes. Both channels also have 12 dB/octave high-pass filters with 12 fixed frequencies. A built-in ×5 multiplier instantly shifts the filter range upwards to 100–225 Hz.

Photo: official website tkaudio

The main changes in the third generation are completely redesigned balanced input and output stages and an updated Mid/Side encoder/decoder. The new circuitry improves M/S channel separation and increases dynamic range to 123 dB. All controls, including the vintage-style Bakelite knobs, are stepped for quick, precise recall of session settings.

Photo: official website tkaudio

TK Audio TK-Lizer 3 will be available for $1,900.

Yamaha CXS15 mk3 — a passive band-pass subwoofer

29 July 2026

Following the CXS12 , Yamaha has expanded its third-generation passive CXS range with a 15-inch subwoofer. It is designed to integrate with CXR mk3 speakers and PX- and PC-D-series power amplifiers to form complete audio systems.

Photo: official website yamaha

The subwoofer has a 15-inch woofer and a durable 3-inch voice coil. The band-pass enclosure reduces internal resonance and airflow noise. Power handling is 325 W Noise, 650 W Program and 1,300 W Peak at a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. The standard passive frequency range is 40–180 Hz. Extended mode lowers the bottom end to 35 Hz and sets the upper cutoff to 140 Hz. Peak sound pressure level reaches 126 dB SPL.

Photo: official website yamaha

The CXS mk3 range has multilayer acoustic plywood cabinets with a durable black polyurea coating to protect the wood. Two Neutrik speakON NL4MP sockets provide input and output. Cardioid Mode supports directional bass arrays with external DSP processors. The cabinet has two side handles and a dual pole socket for standard 35 mm poles or M20 threads. Optional accessories include the SPCVR-DXS153 protective cover and SPW-1 transport wheels.

Photo: official website yamaha

Yamaha CXS15 mk3 is available for around $1,000.

Beyerdynamic DT 275 PRO — on-ear monitoring headphones

28 July 2026

Beyerdynamic has released compact closed-back headphones for video production, live sound, DJ work and mobile monitoring.

Photo: official website beyerdynamic

The headphones use 42 mm dynamic drivers with neutral frequency tuning. The earcups' firm fit provides 22 dBA of passive isolation from external noise. The durable modular design has removable soft synthetic leather earpads and an adjustable headband.

Beyerdynamic DT 275 PRO specifications

Type: closed-back, dynamic
Frequency range: 5 Hz–24 kHz
Nominal sound pressure level: 105 dB
Impedance: 45 ohms
Weight: 195 g without cable.

Photo: official website beyerdynamic

The DT 275 PRO has swivelling earcups for comfortable wear around the neck and compact transport. A detachable 1.5 m cable has a secure lock to prevent accidental disconnection. The cable can connect to either the left or right earcup. A 3.5-to-6.35 mm adapter and a soft carrying pouch are included.

Photo: official website beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 275 PRO will be available for $150.

Tascam LA-40 MKIII — a four-channel line-level converter

27 July 2026

Tascam has resumed production of its bidirectional line-level converter with an updated third-generation version. It connects professional and consumer audio systems while preserving studio sound quality.

Photo: official website tascam

The device has a sturdy metal 1U enclosure for standard 19-inch racks and a built-in universal power supply. Four independent channels convert unbalanced RCA inputs to balanced XLR outputs, while four channels convert balanced XLR inputs to unbalanced RCA outputs. RCA inputs and outputs use the consumer level of -10 dBV; XLR connections use nominal levels of +4 dBu/-20 dBu. Each channel has a front-panel signal LED and a precise trim potentiometer with a ±12 dB adjustment range.

Photo: official website tascam

The main new feature is Audio Distribution Amplifier (ADA) operation. A rear-panel Input Link switch matrix distributes one balanced or unbalanced input to several outputs at once. Configurations include one input to four outputs or two groups of one input to two outputs for multichannel recording and multizone audio routing. Individual Ground Lift switches and an All Lift switch reduce noise and ground loops. The enclosure also has a separate ground terminal.

Photo: official website tascam

Tascam LA-40 MKIII will be available for around $400.

Asparion D700 Rack — a versatile rackmount DAW controller

24 July 2026

Asparion has introduced a modular controller for live and studio work. It controls DAWs, lighting software, music players and smart home systems.

Photo: official website asparion

The console has a sturdy anodised aluminium enclosure and mounting brackets for a standard 19-inch rack. The basic rack configuration includes sixteen touch-sensitive 100 mm motorised faders with precise 12-bit resolution, or 4,000 adjustment steps, and low operating noise. The navigation panel has 17 encoders with RGB LED rings, each containing 15 LEDs, and 76 programmable illuminated buttons.

Photo: official website asparion

The main feature is expansion: additional D700F units increase the system to 64 physical motorised faders. USB-C connects computers, tablets and smartphones. Alongside MIDI CC, Mackie Control Universal (MCU) and HUI for DAW control, the controller supports OSC (Open Sound Control) and MQTT network protocols. It works natively with Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Reaper and many other DAWs, as well as lighting and smart home automation software. Two rear-panel 6.35 mm sockets accept expression and sustain pedals.

Photo: official website asparion

Two optional D700S OLED displays, sold separately, show track names, parameter values and clipping levels at 1,024 × 64 pixels. Standard Edition has simple orange buttons, while Special Edition uses colour-coded buttons for quicker navigation.

Photo: official website asparion

A fully equipped Asparion D700 Rack will be available for around $2,000.

Sennheiser ACCENTUM Clip — open-ear wireless clip-on headphones

24 July 2026

Sennheiser has introduced its first open-ear true wireless clip-on headphones. The design lets users hear their surroundings without a transparency mode.

Photo: official website sennheiser

Each earpiece weighs 6.8 g and stays on the outer ear with a flexible silicone bridge. The 12 mm dynamic drivers provide clear bass and smooth treble. Built-in Dynamic EQ automatically compensates tonal balance when listening at low volume.

Photo: official website sennheiser

Bluetooth 6.0 supports SBC, AAC and LDAC codecs. Multipoint allows simultaneous connection to two audio sources, and Google Fast Pair is supported. Two microphones on each earpiece work with AI noise reduction to separate speech from background noise during calls.

Photo: official website sennheiser

Sennheiser Smart Control Plus provides a five-band equalizer, presets and Sound Check. The headphones have IP54 dust and moisture protection. Battery life is up to nine hours per charge. The case provides three additional full charges, bringing total listening time to 36 hours. A ten-minute USB-C charge provides up to two hours of playback.

Photo: official website sennheiser

Sennheiser ACCENTUM Clip is available in black and cream for around $200.

Yamaha CXS12 mk3 — a passive band-pass subwoofer

23 July 2026

Yamaha has introduced the smallest model in its third-generation passive subwoofer range. It is designed to integrate with CXR mk3 speakers and PX- and PC-D-series power amplifiers.

Photo: official website yamaha

The subwoofer has a 12-inch woofer with a durable 3-inch voice coil. The band-pass design reduces unwanted cabinet resonance and turbulent airflow noise. Power handling is 325 W Noise, 650 W Program and 1,300 W Peak at a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Standard passive frequency response covers 42–180 Hz. Extended mode lowers the bottom end to 38 Hz and sets the upper cutoff to 140 Hz. Maximum sound pressure level is 125 dB SPL.

Photo: official website yamaha

The CXS mk3 cabinets use special multilayer plywood with a durable black polyurea coating that resists scratches and wear during transport. Two professional speakON NL4MP sockets provide input and output. A main addition in the third generation is Cardioid Mode for directional bass arrays using external DSP processors. Two side handles and a dual pole socket for standard 35 mm poles or M20 threads help with installation. Optional accessories include SPW-1 transport wheels and the SPCVR-DXS123 protective cover.

Photo: official website yamaha

Yamaha CXS12 mk3 will be available for around $900.

Cloudvocal FlashTrack FT-15 DSP — a versatile USB microphone with DSP

22 July 2026

Cloudvocal has released a cardioid condenser USB microphone combining a studio-grade capsule, audio interface and effects processor in one body.

Photo: official website cloudvocal

The new model has a 1-inch capsule that handles up to 130 dB SPL and a low-noise preamplifier with up to 46 dB gain. Its main feature is a built-in hardware DSP chip for real-time effects. The microphone supports loopback, and its processor offers four independent modules:

DSP:IR — impulse modelling that recreates the tonal profiles of ribbon and broadcast dynamic microphones;
DSP:EQ — a three-band equalizer with L CUT, H CUT and BOTH presets, real-time hardware processing and six user settings slots;
DSP:COMP — a three-level compressor with LOW, MID and HIGH presets and full manual parameter control;
DSP:REV — a three-level reverb with S ROOM, S HALL and L HALL algorithms and custom room reverb.

Photo: official website cloudvocal

The device has a Live display on its body, Smart Dynamic Control and an X-shaped silicone shock mount to reduce vibration. Dual USB-C connections provide bus-powered USB 2.0 operation with a computer or iOS/Android smartphone. A mixer accepts backing tracks over Bluetooth 5.0 or a 3.5 mm analogue AUX input. A 3.5 mm headphone socket provides direct monitoring. The package includes a metal desktop tripod, quick-release pop filter and USB-C cable.

Photo: official website cloudvocal

Cloudvocal FlashTrack FT-15 DSP is available for $300.

elysia channex|studio — an analogue channel strip

21 July 2026

elysia has introduced a high-quality Class A channel strip with settings recall in a 3U format.

Photo: official website elysia

The device has a constant-current microphone preamplifier with up to 64 dB gain, an adjustable high-pass filter, polarity switching and +48 V phantom power. A front-panel TRS input switches between line and instrument operation. The rear panel has an XLR/TRS combo line input and an XLR microphone input. The channex|studio automatically remembers the gain for each source when switching inputs.

Photo: official website elysia

A four-band dynamic equalizer follows, with adjustable Q and shelving modes. Stepped controls with LED rings adjust the parameters. The dynamics section has a two-stage compressor with a Gain Reduction Limiter, a Soft Clipper and one timing control. A Flavor saturation module at the end of the chain offers five harmonic colour modes.

Photo: official website elysia

The new model has a complete zero-latency monitoring section, built-in reverb, talkback and three independent mixes for the engineer, performer and studio monitors. Two front-panel 6.35 mm headphone outputs have separate amplification. The main feature is Total Recall. All analogue circuit parameters are digitally controlled. Up to 22 presets can be stored on the device, while USB-C or Ethernet allows DAW control through the channex|studio plugin for Windows and macOS.

Photo: official website elysia

elysia channex|studio is available for around $9,000.

Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC — a full-size wireless gaming headset

21 July 2026

Audeze has released its second-generation professional gaming headset with spatial audio, Dolby Atmos/Tempest 3D, head tracking and active noise cancellation.

Photo: official website audeze

The headphones use 90 mm planar magnetic drivers with Fluxor magnet arrays, Uniforce voice coils and Fazor phase guides. Patented SLAM technology protects the diaphragm from excessive pressure and provides deep, well-defined bass. The main new feature is adaptive hybrid aviation-grade ANC, reducing external noise by 35 dB without changing the original frequency response.

Photo: official website audeze

Battery life is up to 40 hours with ANC off or 35 hours with ANC on. A 20-minute fast charge restores 25% of battery capacity. The FILTER hardware AI assistant adaptively adjusts sound settings and operates the detachable microphone, removing room noise. Built-in sensors track head position for accurate spatial positioning in games.

Photo: official website audeze

A USB-C dongle provides wireless 24-bit/96 kHz audio with very low latency. The updated Bluetooth 5.3 module supports Multipoint, Auracast, LE Audio and LC3, LC3plus, LDAC, AAC and SBC codecs. Audio from a wired or wireless connection can be mixed with Bluetooth at the same time. The headset has memory-foam earpads, a ventilated headband and interchangeable magnetic ReSkin panels for changing its appearance.

Photo: official website audeze

Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC specifications

Type: planar magnetic, closed-back
Maximum sound pressure level: >115 dB
Frequency range: 10 Hz–50 kHz
Driver size: 90 mm
THD+N: <0.1% at 100 dB
Weight: 560 g.

The package includes a detachable flexible boom microphone with pop filter, a wireless USB-C adapter, a 1.5 m USB-C-to-USB-C cable, a 0.3 m USB-C-to-USB-A adapter and a 1.2 m 3.5 mm TRRS analogue cable.

Photo: official website audeze

Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC for PlayStation and PC is available for $430. An expanded Xbox and PC version with a Dolby Atmos licence will follow at $450.

Arturia AstroLab 61 Silver — a special edition stage synthesizer and MIDI keyboard

20 July 2026

Arturia has expanded its flagship stage instrument range with an updated 61-key model.

Photo: official website arturia

The new model has a silver finish and retains all the features of the original. The finish is the only change in the Silver edition. It remains a capable keyboard for stage and studio, with zero-latency playing. The keyboard includes an embedded version of Analog Lab Pro with a wide selection of instruments and many modern features. For details, read our review: Arturia AstroLab 61 — a stage keyboard in the flagship AstroLab range.

Photo: official website arturia

Arturia AstroLab 61 Silver will be available for $2,000. More information is available on the official website Arturia.

Native Instruments SuperStarSaw — a virtual synthesizer for layered sawtooth sounds

17 July 2026

Native Instruments and A. G. Cook have introduced a VST instrument for rich polyphonic sawtooth sounds.

Photo: official website native-instruments

The plugin's key feature is layering many slightly detuned sawtooth waves. This creates a wide, dense sound rich in harmonics. A. G. Cook's work with artists including Charli xcx, Beyonce, Caroline Polachek and Oklou has made this one of modern pop's defining sounds. Previously, creating it required carefully layering many plugin instances, a process Cook developed over years of production work.

Photo: official website native-instruments

The new instrument has two oscillators, with each Swarm bank layering up to 16 sawtooth waves. An X/Y-Morpher provides smooth transitions between sound states. Mono and polyphonic modes suit leads, basses, chords and layered sounds, with Voice Offset and Glide. Adaptive modulation assignments create dynamic sound movement, alongside real-time automation and Chord, Scale and Quantisation functions. Built-in effects include Chorus, Delay and Reverb, plus a filter section with low-pass, band-pass and high-pass modes.

Photo: official website native-instruments

Native Instruments SuperStarSaw is available for $100.

Novation Launchkey MK4 88 — a USB/MIDI keyboard

16 July 2026

Novation has released a flagship MIDI controller, expanding the fourth generation of its Launchkey.

Photo: official website novationmusic

The new model combines an 88-key semi-weighted keyboard with DAW integration for Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig and Ardour. It includes the creative tools and easy-to-use functions found on the 49- and 61-key models. Sixteen velocity-sensitive pads support polyphonic aftertouch and Novation's patented Force Sensitive Resistor technology. These provide detailed control of drums, pianos, synthesizers and other sample libraries. Like the other models, Launchkey 88 has nine faders and eight endless encoders that automatically map to key parameters in supported DAWs.

Photo: official website novationmusic

The instrument offers arpeggiator, chord and scale modes, plus chord detection that shows the current chord on its OLED display. Other features include splitting the keyboard into two independent zones, layering two MIDI channels on the same keys, a full-size MIDI output, Components software for assigning pads and controls, and NKS compatibility. Included software covers Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Novation Play, instruments and effects from Klevgrand, GForce, Orchestral Tools and Native Instruments, and Melodics lessons.

Photo: official website novationmusic

Novation Launchkey MK4 88 will be available for $450.

Freqport Dual FreqInOut FO1_2RK — an interface for integrating analogue hardware into a DAW

16 July 2026

Freqport Dual has introduced a system for sound engineers, producers and hybrid studios that integrates external analogue equipment into a preferred DAW.

Photo: official website freqport

The device uses ESS ADCs and DACs and offers eight mono inputs and outputs. Up to four stereo hardware effects chains can serve key groups such as vocals, drums and guitars, or the master bus. Two FreqInOut FO1 units share a 19-inch 1U rack enclosure. Each unit has 4 × 4 analogue matrix routing for flexible signal flow without repatching cables.

Photo: official website freqport

The interface provides hardware mixing for parallel processing, Mid/Side operation, sample-accurate latency compensation, and gain control, automation and session recall through the FreqInOut plugin. Up to four FreqInOut units, or two Dual FreqInOut systems, can combine for 16 inputs and 16 outputs.

Photo: official website freqport

Other features include QR-code capture for visual documentation of hardware settings and use alongside existing audio interfaces without extra devices. There are eight balanced 6.35 mm TRS inputs and outputs, USB-C data and power, macOS and Windows compatibility, VST3/AU/AAX plugin support, a power button and an additional 12 V power socket.

Photo: official website freqport

Freqport Dual FreqInOut FO1_2RK will be available for around $1,000.

Behringer AKS Mini — a compact polyphonic analogue synthesizer

15 July 2026

Behringer has expanded its pocket mini-synthesizer range with a three-voice polyphonic instrument based on the original EMS Synthi AKS.

Photo: official website behringer

The device has three VCOs with sawtooth and square waves and an analogue resonant low-pass filter. The modulation section includes an LFO with sine, sawtooth, square and random waveforms for pitch and filter cutoff modulation, plus an envelope with Attack, Hold, Decay and Re-Trigger. Poly and Unison modes are available, with full MIDI support including NRPN/CC control. Other features include digital spring reverb, a 16-step sequencer with ten memory slots and parameter recording, 27 touch keys and a two-axis joystick. Connections include powered USB-C, a 3.5 mm stereo headphone output, a 3.5 mm sync input and a five-pin DIN MIDI input.

Photo: official website behringer

Behringer AKS Mini will be available for around $100.

Numark MixTrack Go — a compact DJ controller

14 July 2026

Following the release of the Party Mix III , Numark has introduced the portable two-channel MixTrack Go.

Photo: official website numark

Stem control instantly separates tracks into vocals, drums, bass and instrumental melodies, with dedicated acapella and instrumental buttons. The controller connects to a computer or iOS/Android smartphone over USB-C or Bluetooth. Its built-in audio interface has a 3.5 mm main output and a 3.5 mm headphone output.

Photo: official website numark

Each deck has a capacitive touch-sensitive jog wheel. A central Fade FX button applies transition effects through the crossfader, while pads control standard effects. Each channel also has a filter for adjusting bass and treble, with a bass EQ mode. The controller works with different DJ applications and includes licences for Serato DJ Lite, Algoriddim djay Pro and Algoriddim djay for iOS and Android. Serato DJ Pro and VirtualDJ are also supported.

Photo: official website numark

Numark MixTrack Go is available for $100.

Sony IER-M500 — in-ear monitoring headphones

13 July 2026

Sony has announced IEMs for both beginning and professional musicians and sound engineers.

Photo: official website sony

The sealed design and large acoustic chamber provide deep, controlled bass. A 1.6 m cable has an L-shaped stereo mini-jack. The headphones provide effective sound isolation even in noisy live performance conditions. The durable model has 5 mm dynamic drivers and an ergonomic, secure fit. The package includes noise-isolating eartips in four sizes, flexible ear hooks and a carrying case.

Photo: official website sony

Sony IER-M500 specifications

Type: closed-back, dynamic
Frequency range: 10 Hz–40 kHz
Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW
Impedance: 16 ohms
Weight: 6.9 g without cable.

Photo: official website sony

Sony IER-M500 will be available in August 2026 in clear, black and combined red/blue finishes for around $100.

KORG NTS-4 — a portable mixer

10 July 2026

KORG has expanded its Nu:Tekt DIY range with a compact mixer for synthesizers and drum machines. The mixer is designed for simple self-assembly.

Photo: official website korg

The six-channel mixer has two independent built-in effects processors: Send and Total. Send effects include delay, reverb and chorus. Total FX offers filters, flanger, phaser, decimator, drive, distortion, compressor and limiter. There are two mono and four stereo channels on mini-jack sockets. All inputs accept line-level signals, while the mono channels also accept Eurorack audio. Every channel has a level control, Mute and Cue buttons and a Send control. Mono channels also have pan controls.

Photo: official website korg

Main outputs use 6.35 mm sockets, while the 3.5 mm headphone output has separate level and Cue balance controls for monitoring. A stereo Send/Return loop is included. The NTS-4 also works as an audio and MIDI interface. TRS MIDI controls synthesizers and drum machines, while USB-C provides power and direct recording to computers and mobile devices.

Photo: official website korg

KORG NTS-4 will be available for around $200.

Image Line FL Studio 2026 — an update to the popular DAW

10 July 2026

Image Line has released a free update to its well-known digital audio workstation, adding improved features and new functions.

Photo: official website image-line

The DAW has a completely redesigned FLEX plugin with a faster engine, reducing CPU load by up to 50%. A new browser filters presets by genre, and eight free sound packs add more than 200 presets. The Gopher AI assistant can now organise tracks, route the mixer, adjust levels and plugin settings, and create Piano Roll content. It also guides users through workflows by highlighting interface areas and can create VFX scripts.

Photo: official website image-line

All Plugins Edition adds Transmitter, a processor that separates audio into transient and sustain components for independent routing and processing. FL Studio 2026 also adds automatic encrypted project backups to FL Cloud. Projects can be restored quickly on any computer, helping collaboration. Storage allowances are 500 MB for Free, 5 GB for Plus and 1 TB for Pro. The company says cloud projects will not be used to train AI.

Photo: official website image-line

Piano Roll has two updates. Chord Panel suggests chords and notes that fit the current project's key. Notes can also be renamed to create custom visual cues. Other additions include Audio Logger, which continuously records the latest 60 seconds of the master output, and a larger Loop Starter library for FL Cloud subscribers.

Photo: official website image-line

Image Line FL Studio 2026 is a free update for all users of the previous version.

Prices for new DAW users:

Fruity Edition – $100
Producer Edition – $180
Signature Bundle – $270
All Plugins Edition – $450

Strange Science Instruments FC-16 — a 16-channel ADAT-to-AES3 converter

9 July 2026

Strange Science Instruments has announced a professional device for immersive studios using Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro3D and similar formats, with high-quality monitors featuring AES3 (AES/EBU) digital inputs.

Photo: official website strangesci

The FC-16 connects an audio interface's ADAT outputs to speakers without unnecessary signal conversion. This avoids extra DAC/ADC stages and helps DSP-equipped monitors deliver their best sound. Four optical ADAT inputs provide 16 channels even at 88.2/96 kHz. A reliable volume control with one-press mute simplifies operation of 5.1, 7.1.4 or 9.1.6 systems.

Photo: official website strangesci

The product uses an FPGA with no operating system. Volume control can be bypassed. Sixteen AES3 output channels use one DB25 connector, while multicolour front-panel LEDs show status. Rear-panel DIP switches configure settings. Other features include USB-C, a strong aluminium enclosure and a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) for low jitter.

Photo: official website strangesci

Strange Science Instruments FC-16 will be available in the fourth quarter of 2026 for $1,000.

Heritage Audio Tubestrip — a tube channel strip

9 July 2026

Following the compact desktop Mix Buddy mixer, Heritage Audio has introduced a channel strip combining popular hardware designs.

Photo: official website heritageaudio

The device has a tube preamplifier with transformer-balanced input and output, offering up to 60 dB gain for microphones, line sources and instruments. A Morph knob adjusts saturation character: Pentode provides soft warmth, Triode adds sharper harmonics, and the central Ultra Linear (UL) position combines both. A Preamp Out potentiometer reduces output level when the preamplifier is driven hard.

Photo: official website heritageaudio

The inductor equalizer is inspired by the Olympic Studio Type 69. Its treble band has selectable frequencies and ±10 dB Cut/Boost. The midrange band provides up to 10 dB cut or boost, with mode selected by a button. The bass band has a frequency selector and separate Cut and Boost controls. The compressor offers two modes: Vari-Mu, based on the LANG P.Lane with the Seawell modification for more aggressive compression, and an optical mode with a de-esser frequency control.

Photo: official website heritageaudio

Heritage Audio Tubestrip is available for $3,500.

Numark Party Mix III — an entry-level DJ controller

8 July 2026

Numark has released a compact, affordable third-generation two-channel DJ controller with plug-and-play connection.

Photo: official website numark

The new model has two touch-sensitive jog wheels for scratching and 16 pads, eight per deck, with Effect, Cue, Stems, Loop and Sampler modes. Each deck has a three-band equalizer. Built-in LEDs provide lighting, and dedicated Instrumental and Acapella buttons separate track stems.

Photo: official website numark

Other features include a Fade FX button for crossfader-triggered transition effects, filter and master gain knobs, Beat Align indicators on each deck, and an audio interface with monitor and headphone outputs. Three rear LEDs flash with the music. Sync, Play/Pause and Cue buttons and Bluetooth 4.2 are included. The USB-powered controller works with Serato DJ, Algoriddim djay and VirtualDJ. Licences are included for Serato DJ Lite, Algoriddim djay for iOS/Android and Algoriddim djay Pro for Mac/PC. Connections include a 3.5 mm left/right main output, a 3.5 mm headphone output and USB-C.

Photo: official website numark

Numark Party Mix III is available for $150.

Arturia KeyLab 49/61 mk3 Ultra — a special edition of the premium MIDI keyboards

8 July 2026

Arturia has introduced its flagship MIDI controller range in an Ultra orange finish.

Photo: official website arturia

For users who want a bold appearance, the popular 49- and 61-key MIDI keyboards now come in bright orange enclosures with black wooden side panels and an updated central logo. All other features match the original black and white versions. These include easy DAW integration, a 480 × 320 display showing all parameters, eight control buttons, nine touch-sensitive encoders and faders, and 12 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads. We have already covered these features.

Photo: official website arturia

The MIDI keyboards will be available in August 2026.

More information is available on the official website Arturia.

Heritage Audio Mix Buddy — a compact desktop mixer

7 July 2026

Heritage Audio has released a device for routing synthesizers, samplers and drum machines.

Photo: official website heritageaudio

The compact JFET instrument mixer has 19 inputs and eight outputs, a microphone preamplifier with up to 70 dB gain, and AUX sends on every channel. Four Hi-Gain stereo channels, or four mono channels with Thru, provide 12 dB gain using Toshiba 2SK transistors. Three Unity stereo channels, or three mono channels with Thru, provide 1 dB gain using similar Toshiba 2SK circuitry.

Photo: official website heritageaudio

The product has two independent balanced master outputs with ground connections. Main Out includes a Heritage Audio 73 DI 2 active DI box and switches between line and microphone levels. Main Out 2 is neutral and transformerless. Gain and level controls, phantom power and an additional balanced stereo line input are included. Other features are a stereo/mono AUX effects loop for hardware effects, a 6.35 mm headphone output with volume control, per-channel AUX sends switchable before or after the fader, and a global FX switch for instant dry/wet comparison.

Photo: official website heritageaudio

Heritage Audio Mix Buddy will be available for around $600.

MOTU 16A, 848 and 10pre — now Milan network certified

7 July 2026

MOTU has released an update for its audio interfaces with Ethernet AVB ports.

Photo: official website motu

The update allows owners of the 16A, 848 and 10pre to share, route and distribute hundreds of audio channels with other Milan AVB network devices, including Meyer Sound, L-Acoustics, d&b audiotechnik and DiGiCo. MOTU has also improved firmware, drivers and CueMix Pro. Changes include Windows ARM processor support, independently enabled 24-channel WDM input and output streams in Windows, 64 general-purpose delay channels with up to 2 ms delay per channel in CueMix Pro, and one-click network synchronisation for current and legacy models.

Other improvements include:

MOTU devices receive IP addresses automatically, but users can set a static IPv4 address manually through the front-panel display;
CueMix Pro can find devices at specified IP addresses over VPNs or networks without multicast discovery;
Free-running clock operation during network synchronisation interruptions keeps audio streaming until synchronisation returns;
Users can adjust their MOTU interface's main output volume from a Mac keyboard;
Device front-panel controls can be locked;
Users can fine-tune the DAC response by selecting Minimum Phase (default), Linear Phase Fast or Linear Phase Slow.

Milan support is available to all 16A, 848 and 10pre owners as a free firmware update.

Novation FLkey 2 61 — a USB/MIDI keyboard controller

6 July 2026

Following the FLkey 2 49 , Novation has introduced the flagship second-generation FLkey model with native FL Studio control.

Photo: official website novationmusic

The keyboard has 61 full-size semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys. Controls include nine faders and a dedicated row of function buttons with Fader Mode (Plugin, Mixer Volume, Channel Volume, Custom) and Zones (Part A, Part B, Layer, Split) sections. Like the 49-key model, the 61-key version has conventional pitch and modulation wheels and quick access to Score Log, Undo/Redo, Pattern/Song, Metronome and Mixer Bank. USB-C supplies power. A 3.5 mm MIDI output connects external hardware, and a 6.35 mm input accepts a sustain pedal.

Photo: official website novationmusic

The controller shares the range's built-in arpeggiator, OLED display, eight endless encoders and 16 RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch. Alongside Play, Stop and Record, the control section has octave transpose buttons. The controller supports NKS and class-compliant operation without installing drivers. Included software covers six months of FL Studio Producer Edition, Melodics, Novation Play, GForce instruments (Bass Station, Oberheim SEM, Oberheim OB-EZ and AXXESS), Klevgrand LUXE and Slammer, Parallel Orchestra and Native Instruments Komplete Select.

Photo: official website novationmusic

Novation FLkey 2 61 is available for $330.

Boris FX acquires iZotope

3 July 2026

Following Native Instruments' move under inMusic ownership , visual effects software developer Boris FX has announced its purchase of iZotope.

Photo: official website borisfx

The deal will bring video and visual effects software together with iZotope's audio restoration, mixing and mastering technology, creating a shared set of post-production tools. Boris FX says the acquisition strengthens its position in professional audio. The company previously acquired Samplitude, Sequoia, Sound Forge, Acid Pro, Music Studio and CrumplePop. Integrating iZotope's AI and machine-learning technology will make Boris FX the largest independent provider of intelligent audio software for music, film and television.

Photo: official website borisfx

iZotope will become a business division within Boris FX. All products, licences and subscriptions will remain active, with support and development continuing without interruption. Core development, engineering and support teams will stay in place to maintain service continuity.

Neumann U 47 fet Bon Scott Edition — a limited-edition studio condenser microphone

2 July 2026

Neumann has introduced a limited-edition large-diaphragm microphone honouring AC/DC frontman Bon Scott. It is inspired by the U47 FET microphone he used extensively on the band's early albums in the 1970s.

Photo: official website neumann

Bon Scott Edition is based on the current U 47 fet reissue. It combines the distinctive sound of a studio classic with bold visual details and premium collector's packaging. Only 300 microphones will be produced worldwide. The matt black finish carries Bon Scott's image, name and signature. An exclusive black wooden presentation case and a collector's booklet with an interview with producer Harry Vanda are included. Each microphone is individually numbered.

Photo: official website neumann

Neumann U 47 fet Bon Scott Edition specifications

Polar pattern: cardioid
Maximum sound pressure level: 137 dB, or 147 dB with pad
Frequency range: 40 Hz–16 kHz
Equivalent noise level: 18 dB
Nominal impedance: 150 ohms
Signal-to-noise ratio: 76 dB
Sensitivity: 8 mV/Pa
Weight: 710 g.

Photo: official website neumann

Neumann U 47 fet Bon Scott Edition will be available for around $5,000. Release is planned for 9 July 2026, the day Bon Scott would have turned 80.

Steinberg SpectraLayers 13 — an updated spectral audio editor

2 July 2026

Steinberg has released an updated version of its spectral editing software with new algorithms and tools. It supports macOS 12 or later and Windows 10 or later.

Photo: official website steinberg

Unmix Sound Effects quickly and accurately isolates different sound effects. Users can extract short transient sounds from dense environmental noise, such as wind, crowds, traffic or wildlife, onto an independent track. The background texture automatically moves to another layer for detailed processing.

Photo: official website steinberg

Ambience Heal automatically fills spectral gaps left after removal or cutting. Gaps such as those left by deleted speech are filled smoothly with room noise or environmental sound already in the file. Unmix Two Voices separates two simultaneous speakers without first creating speaker profiles. Voice DeCrosstalk isolates the target voice from overlapping background voices. Voice DeClick removes unwanted mouth noises, including lip smacks and clicks.

Photo: official website steinberg

Other additions and improvements

Reconstruct analyses information around a selection to restore tones, transients and noise accurately, with adjustable reconstruction depth.
Paste Into Selection quickly duplicates or replaces events on the timeline.
Time Fade and Frequency Fade sliders now work directly on active selections for precise time and frequency fades.
Expanded loudness metering automatically calculates and shows True Peak and different LUFS/LU measurements directly on the spectrogram.
Large-scale batch rendering applies complex SpectraLayers processing algorithms to several open projects in parallel.
The updated Pro Tools AudioSuite Bridge supports round-trip editing of several audio clips at once, with full compatibility with Ambisonics and Dolby Atmos formats up to 9.1.6.

Photo: official website steinberg

Steinberg SpectraLayers 13 Pro costs $360, while the basic Elements edition costs $90. Users who activated SpectraLayers 12 on or after 3 June 2026 receive a free update.

Apple Logic Pro 12.3 — an update to the popular DAW

1 July 2026

Apple has released an updated version of its well-known digital audio workstation for macOS and iPad, with many improvements.

Photo: official website apple

New filter and resonance modes apply high-pass or low-pass filtering independently to each audio fragment. A new panning mode places samples freely in the stereo field. Updated randomiser functions change all parameters or selected modes at once. Probability and Intensity controls provide precise adjustment of the amount of random variation.

Photo: official website apple

In version 12.3, Alchemy adds Granular Sync for Sample Alchemy. Sound grains automatically follow the project tempo to create rhythmic textures. Formant Shifting changes a sample's tonal character without changing its pitch. The updated Granular Alchemy sound pack contains loops, samples and field recordings optimised for the new engine.

Photo: official website apple

Other improvements include more accurate Chord ID chord recognition and better optimisation for Intel-based Macs. Apple also recommends backing up the current Logic version and all projects before updating.

Photo: official website apple

The update is free for existing owners. New users can buy Apple Logic Pro for $200.

Rhodes MK8/80AE — a limited-edition electromechanical piano

1 July 2026

Rhodes has released a special anniversary edition of its popular instrument to mark the brand's 80th year. The hand-built model is based on the flagship Rhodes MK8. Production is strictly limited to 80 instruments worldwide.

Photo: official website rhodesmusic

The electric piano has a 73-key all-black keyboard and a black oak cabinet with a gloss lacquer finish. Black chrome on the front panel is paired with silver chrome details. The MK8/80AE legs are also black oak, and the stand has a black-painted metal frame with chrome braces. Many other components, including tines and pickup guides, are finished in black. A transparent lid is included.

Photo: official website rhodesmusic

The instrument otherwise offers the full electronics package: a preamplifier with Volume, Drive, EQ, Envelope and Vari-Pan controls, plus stereo effects with compressor, phaser, chorus and delay. The special edition is available with or without a MIDI module.

Photo: official website rhodesmusic

Rhodes MK8/80AE is available to pre-order fully equipped for $19,200. The version without the MIDI module costs $17,500.