September 2026

Sennheiser HDB 630 Lunar Silver — flagship wireless closed-back headphones

30 September 2026

Sennheiser has released a premium full-size wireless audiophile headphone model in a Lunar Silver finish, with hybrid adaptive noise cancellation and a transparency mode.

Photo: official website sennheiser

Like the original version, the HDB 630 Lunar Silver uses 42 mm dynamic drivers for clear reproduction, detailed midrange and fast transient response. Crossfeed gently blends the left and right channels to create a natural stereo image and the acoustic feel of a mastering studio. Bluetooth 5.2 supports the aptX Adaptive codec. A USB-C transmitter is included for devices without native support for this standard. A conventional 3.5 mm analogue cable connection is also available.

Photo: official website sennheiser

Smart Control Plus software provides precise adjustment of the five-band parametric equalizer, crossfeed, ANC algorithms, wear sensor and preferred codecs, plus cloud sharing of user presets. Battery life is up to 60 hours per charge. Fast charging provides seven hours of playback from a 10-minute charge.

Photo: official website sennheiser

The ergonomic headband and soft earpads use durable Japanese synthetic leather from IDEATEX. The outer earcups have a deep matt Lunar Silver coating. The package includes a protective travel case, USB-C cable, detachable 3.5 mm analogue cable, splitter adapter and compact USB-C Bluetooth transmitter.

Photo: official website sennheiser

Sennheiser HDB 630 Lunar Silver is available for $500.

Audient Horizon 16 — a Thunderbolt 3 audio interface

29 September 2026

Following the 8P , Audient has expanded its flagship Horizon audio interface range with the Horizon 16, designed for modern hybrid studios.

Photo: official website audient

The new interface offers 34 inputs and 34 outputs for extensive integration of external analogue equipment. Unlike the 8P, it has no built-in microphone preamplifiers and focuses entirely on line-level connections. Four DB25 connectors provide 16 line inputs and 16 line outputs for permanent connection of external compressors and equalizers. The rear panel also has a dedicated pair of balanced TRS Stereo Mix-Bus inputs, TRS monitor outputs and 16 channels of ADAT I/O expansion.

Photo: official website audient

The product offers switchable reference levels of +18 dBu and +24 dBu, a dynamic range of 133 dB and expansion to four interfaces in one system. Up to 200 × 200 inputs and outputs can run under one macOS driver. Routing settings can be saved in software and recalled instantly for previous sessions. The dedicated application provides independent polarity inversion and digital attenuation for each of the 16 analogue channels.

Photo: official website audient

Horizon Control software acts as an advanced virtual matrix mixer. Round-trip latency is 0.99 ms at 192 kHz with a 64-sample buffer. The hardware uses flagship 32-bit ESS ES9823PRO and ES9039 converters, ultra-low-noise OPA1602 and OPA1612 operational amplifiers for accurate transient reproduction, and hybrid analogue/digital PLL circuits for jitter suppression. Rear-panel BNC Word Clock inputs and outputs provide external synchronisation with signal termination.

Photo: official website audient

Audient Horizon 16 will be available for $3,500.

SWAUDIO V76 — a modular studio microphone

28 September 2026

SWAUDIO has announced its flagship microphone for precise recording of overheads, percussion, hi-hats and acoustic instruments, both on stage and in the studio.

Photo: official website simplewayaudio

The model's main feature is the integration of advanced circuitry from SWAUDIO's discrete preamplifiers directly inside the microphone body. An analogue stage provides clean, wide-band +10 dB gain immediately after the capsule. Total harmonic distortion stays at thousandths of a percent. The signal path has a bandwidth of up to 350 kHz and a level capability of up to 4 V peak-to-peak. This preserves strong attacks, small dynamic changes and fine decay details without phase artefacts.

Photo: official website simplewayaudio

The microphone uses photovoltaic optocouplers to produce a fully isolated, stable capsule polarisation voltage. Its modular design includes three compact, quick-change capsules with low capacitance of 58–59 pF. These provide cardioid, supercardioid and omnidirectional patterns. Sensitivity ranges from 34 to 46 mV/Pa, depending on the capsule.

Photo: official website simplewayaudio

The microphone is available to pre-order as a starter set with one cardioid capsule or as a full set with cardioid, supercardioid and omnidirectional capsules. More information is available on the official website SWAUDIO.

Antares Auto-Tune Advanced — a flagship automatic vocal pitch-correction plugin

26 September 2026

Antares has released Auto-Tune Advanced. The plugin uses an automatic tuning algorithm rewritten from scratch and offers a different workflow for studio production.

Photo: official website antarestech

The main addition is patented DVA (Dynamic Vibrato Alignment) technology, which detects and preserves the singer's natural vibrato. The DVA engine allows the fastest Retune Speed settings without turning natural singing into a robotic effect. It keeps the original dynamics and details of the vocal performance. A built-in analyser in the modulation section shows vibrato behaviour in real time. A creative Vibrato FX section can also generate artificial vibrato using four waveforms: sine, square, sawtooth and triangle.

Photo: official website antarestech

Another major improvement is the updated Live mode for performance and monitoring during recording. Processing latency drops to 0.84 ms at 44.1 kHz, avoiding timing mismatch in the performer's headphones. Two rendering modes are available: Low Latency for recording with a small buffer, and High Quality for maximum processing precision during final mixing. An updated Formant Designer adjusts vocal tone and formants, alongside custom scale editing and a 78-key virtual keyboard. MIDI Perform maps plugin parameters to physical knobs on an external MIDI controller for manual automation during mixing. The software includes a large preset bank created by Grammy winners, including Julian Marley and Ann Mincieli.

Photo: official website antarestech

Antares Auto-Tune Advanced is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS, priced at $450.

Edifier MR5 — active three-way studio monitors

24 September 2026

Edifier has expanded its nearfield speaker range with the three-way MR5. The new model is designed for home studios and offers much clearer reproduction in the important midrange region.

Photo: official website edifier

Unlike the smaller two-way MR4.5, the larger model has a full three-way design with separate amplification for each frequency band (tri-amping). The pair uses two 5-inch woofers, two 3.75-inch midrange drivers and two 1-inch silk-dome tweeters. The tweeters sit in recessed waveguides to widen the effective listening area. The high-density MDF cabinets have rear bass-reflex ports. Built-in Class D amplifiers, DSP and a three-way crossover provide a total output of 110 W RMS.

Photo: official website edifier

Edifier MR5 specifications

Maximum sound pressure level: 101 dB SPL;
Frequency range: 46 Hz–20 kHz;
Amplifier power: 30 W + 30 W (bass), 15 W + 15 W (midrange), 10 W + 10 W (treble);
Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥89 dB(A);
Codecs: LDAC, SBC;
Pair weight: 10.38 kg.

The monitors have both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification. Built-in Bluetooth 6.0 supports the high-bitrate LDAC codec and simultaneous connection of two sources. Physical connections include professional balanced XLR and 6.35 mm TRS inputs, unbalanced RCA inputs, an AUX input and a front-panel headphone output. Rear-panel tone controls and detailed parametric adjustment through the Edifier ConneX mobile app help compensate for room acoustics.

Photo: official website edifier

Edifier MR5 is available in black or white for $350.

Neumann KK 104 A and KK 105 A — replacement capsules for Sennheiser wireless systems

24 September 2026

Neumann has released new interchangeable condenser capsules for wireless vocal systems, designed for concert and studio use.

Photo: official website neumann

The KK 104 A has a cardioid capsule for consistent rejection of off-axis sound. The KK 105 A uses a supercardioid pattern with a narrower front pickup angle. This provides stronger isolation of the voice from stage instruments and high resistance to feedback.

Neumann KK 104 A and KK 105 A specifications

Maximum sound pressure level: 154 dB
Frequency range: 40 Hz–20 kHz
Dynamic range: 132 dB
Sensitivity: 3 mV/Pa
Weight: 187 g.

Photo: official website neumann

The new capsules have a multi-layer metal grille with built-in wind and pop protection. This protects the diaphragm from plosives and moisture while preserving clear treble. Their mechanical design reduces handling noise transmitted through the structure. The capsules are fully compatible with the standard threaded connectors on Sennheiser handheld transmitters, including Spectera, EW-D, EW-DX and Digital 6000/9000 systems.

Photo: official website neumann

Neumann KK 104 A and KK 105 A will be available in black and nickel finishes in late September 2026. Prices have not yet been announced.

MOTU Digital Performer 12 — an updated version of the professional DAW

23 September 2026

MOTU has released version 12 of its digital audio workstation. The update improves both creative and technical aspects of music production and mixing, including immersive Dolby Atmos mixing.

Photo: official website motu

Any sound source, whether an audio clip, effect or virtual instrument, can now be placed in a multichannel 3D space. Up to 128 channels can be positioned freely within the three-dimensional sound field. Monitoring configurations up to 9.1.6 and binaural headphone monitoring are supported. A built-in AI stem separation engine can extract vocals, drums, bass, guitar, strings or brass from a finished stereo audio file.

Photo: official website motu

The new Arrangement Strip is a flexible editing tool for changing song structure by dragging coloured blocks representing song sections. Changes apply globally to all channels, and gaps between sections are easy to create. Other improvements include one-click Enhanced Track Freeze; MusicXML support for notation software such as Dorico, Sibelius and MuseScore; and Track Presets for saving individual channels' plugin and I/O routing settings. Ready-made presets cover vocals, drums, bass, guitar and other instruments.

Photo: official website motu

MOTU Digital Performer 12 is available for $500. Users who bought DP11 or upgraded to it on or after 1 May 2026 are eligible for a free DP12 licence.

LEWITT LW6 — wireless closed-back studio headphones

23 September 2026

LEWITT has released its first full-size wireless headphones. According to the manufacturer, the model is designed specifically for professional studio mixing, mastering and monitoring.

Photo: official website lewitt-audio

The new model uses LEWITT's RealSound wireless technology. Unlike Bluetooth, RealSound operates in an ultra-wideband frequency range from 6.8 to 10.2 GHz, depending on the region. This provides much more bandwidth than Bluetooth and carries uncompressed PCM audio at 1,728 kbit/s with 5.8 ms latency.

Photo: official website lewitt-audio

The headphones pair with a compact LW TX transmitter. It connects to the same socket normally used for wired headphones, for example on an audio interface, or directly to a computer through USB-C. Within a 5 m range, audio is transmitted without compression or noticeable delay. The LW6 has 40 mm dynamic drivers with biocellulose diaphragms, memory-foam earpads and a silicone headband.

Photo: official website lewitt-audio

Built-in DSP includes a five-band equalizer for creating sound profiles and saving them in the device. A single button switches profiles without connecting to a computer or smartphone. Virtual Studio Monitors simulates an acoustically treated mixing room. Loudness Guard protects hearing against dangerous peak levels by allowing a user-set limit. Advanced monitoring functions check audio in mono, side-stereo and side-mono modes and swap left and right channels directly in the headphones.

Photo: official website lewitt-audio

LEWITT LW6 specifications

Type: closed-back, dynamic
Maximum sound pressure level: 121 dB
Frequency range: 20 Hz–20 kHz
Sensitivity: 114 dB
Impedance: 32 ohms
Dimensions: 22 × 18.9 × 8.6 cm
Weight: 358 g without cable.

Other features include two customisable buttons with single- and double-press actions, and control software for computers and smartphones. A transmitter thread adapter secures the LW TX to microphone stands. Battery life in RealSound mode is up to 21 hours, with a full charge taking 80 minutes; a 15-minute charge provides three hours of use. USB-C charging is possible while listening. Wired options include a USB-C audio interface connection with an ASIO driver and a 3.5 mm analogue input. Bluetooth 5.3 supports SBC and AAC. The included Space Replicator Essential plugin simulates real listening spaces, from high-end mixing studios and clubs to car interiors.

Photo: official website lewitt-audio

LEWITT LW6 is available for $700.

Audient Horizon 8P — a Thunderbolt 3 audio interface

22 September 2026

Audient has introduced its flagship Horizon audio interface range, starting with the 8P model.

Photo: official website audient

The new interface is designed for recording studios and offers 24 inputs and 32 outputs. It has eight Audient Console microphone preamplifiers with ORBIT Control for adjustable input impedance. Eight XLR/TRS combo sockets accept microphones and line-level sources. A pair of DB25 connectors duplicates the line inputs and provides eight line outputs. There are also four TRS line outputs and 16 channels of ADAT digital input and output.

Photo: official website audient

The device offers up to 75 dB gain, a dynamic range of 133 dB and two JFET TRS instrument inputs. Up to four interfaces can form a system with as many as 200 × 200 inputs and outputs under one macOS driver. Exact gain settings from previous sessions can be saved and recalled. Each channel has an adjustable high-pass filter from 25 to 250 Hz, a -10 dB pad and independent 48 V phantom power.

Photo: official website audient

The 8P has a full-colour Motion UI display and a round-trip latency of 0.99 ms over its high-speed Thunderbolt 3 connection. It uses ES9823PRO and ES9039 converters, ultra-low-noise OPA1602 and OPA1612 operational amplifiers, and hybrid analogue/digital PLL circuits for reliable jitter suppression and a stable stereo image.

Photo: official website audient

Audient Horizon 8P will be available for around $3,500.

Universal Audio LUNA 3.0 — an update to the free DAW

21 September 2026

Universal Audio has released an updated version of its digital audio workstation with many new features. The software supports Windows 10 or later and macOS 11 or later.

Photo: official website uaudio

New features include:

LUNA Play — a faster, simpler way to record songs, with automatic audio level adjustment and built-in UAD plugin presets;
Folder Tracks — convenient track organisation and routing through folders;
Piano Roll — more MIDI control with new tools and scale-aware editing;
Adaptive Grid — grid spacing adjusts to the zoom level for more efficient editing;
Clip Gain Automation — detailed control of audio clip levels before plugin processing;
Four-Track Stem Separation — splits a stereo mix into four stems for editing, remixing and creative sampling;
Voice Control — hands-free operation using voice commands to start and stop recording from anywhere in the studio.

Photo: official website uaudio

The update also adds Strip Silence, which detects active audio and removes silent sections, and Click Track Automation for full metronome control in complex recording sessions. Mono inputs can now feed stereo tracks, allowing mono sources to be recorded on stereo channels without extra routing.

Photo: official website uaudio

The Studio edition adds more UAD plugins, LUNA Extensions and new intelligent tools, including lyric recognition, chord detection and audio-to-MIDI conversion.

Photo: official website uaudio

The basic version of LUNA 3.0 is available as a free download from the official website Universal Audio. LUNA 3.0 Studio costs $200. The UAD Spark Studio subscription costs $20 per month or $150 per year and already includes the full version of LUNA Studio.

Arturia MiniFreak v5.0 — an update for the hybrid synthesizer

18 September 2026

Arturia has released updated firmware for its instrument, adding new functions and improvements.

Photo: official website arturia

Firmware 5.0 adds a feature users have long requested: loading their own samples and wavetables into the appropriate engines in both the software and hardware versions. There are also 23 new patches using these features. Users can drag a file into the engine or use the import button. The hardware MiniFreak and software MiniFreak V automatically convert and trim the file.

Photo: official website arturia

Custom samples can be imported in WAV, AIFF and FLAC formats. MiniFreak's sample engines, including granular synthesis, can transform them into unusual textures and original sounds. Users can also import mono wavetables from various libraries, including Pigments, and change them during playback with the Wavetable engine.

Photo: official website arturia

The version 5.0 update is a free download for all users of the Arturia MiniFreak hardware and software instruments. More information is available on the official website Arturia.

Edifier MR4.5 — active two-way studio monitors

17 September 2026

Edifier has expanded its MR range with an affordable studio monitor model for nearfield and midfield listening.

Photo: official website edifier

The monitors have MDF cabinets with rear bass-reflex ports, 4.5-inch midrange drivers and 1-inch silk-dome tweeters. An active crossover and bi-amplification provide a full, natural sound with a smooth transition between midrange and treble. Class D amplifiers deliver 80 W in total. A wide, even frequency response helps produce neutral, transparent sound.

Photo: official website edifier

Edifier MR4.5 specifications

Maximum sound pressure level: 98 dB
Frequency range: 50 Hz–40 kHz
Amplifier power: 30 W + 30 W (midrange), 10 W + 10 W (treble)
Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥89 dB(A)
Codecs: LDAC, SBC
Crossover frequency: 2,800 Hz
Dimensions: 14 × 24.4 × 22.9 cm
Weight: 6.63 kg.

The MR4.5 has built-in Bluetooth 6.0 for high-resolution 24-bit/96 kHz wireless audio. It supports two simultaneous device connections and LDAC at up to 990 kbit/s. Rear-panel controls adjust treble at 10 kHz and bass at 125 Hz, both by ±6 dB. The EDIFIER ConneX app offers further room-acoustics adjustments. Connections include balanced XLR and TRS inputs, RCA inputs, an AUX socket and a front-panel 3.5 mm headphone output.

Photo: official website edifier

Edifier MR4.5 is available in black or white for $250.

Yamaha DM5C — a compact digital mixing system

16 September 2026

Yamaha has introduced a new DM mixing console range with Dante support, starting with the 48-input DM5C.

Photo: official website yamaha

The new model has 24 mix buses, 12 matrices, two stereo buses and a cue bus. It includes an 18-input/18-output USB audio interface, a tilted 13.3-inch multitouch display and an additional 4.3-inch multitouch display. The mixer provides 16 analogue inputs and 16 analogue outputs, 64 × 64 Dante channels, and thirteen (12+1) motorised 100 mm faders.

Photo: official website yamaha

The built-in channel strips allow flexible processing order. Available processors include classic compressor models, gates, de-essers, expanders and duckers. The equalizers offer real-time audio analysis and four algorithms: Precise, Aggressive, Smooth and Legacy.

Photo: official website yamaha

There are 43 built-in effects, including reverb, delay, modulation and saturation. An optional Yamaha PY-DSP expansion card adds a premium plugin collection; the card also works with DM7-series consoles. Dugan automatic mixing is included for 12 channels and can be expanded to 48 channels with a paid licence.

Photo: official website yamaha

Yamaha DM5C will be available for around $7,000.

The AUVIX stand at Light + Audio Tec 2026

15 September 2026

Light + Audio Tec 2026 takes place at Timiryazev Centre from 15 to 17 September. AUVIX invites visitors to stand 4A2 for a wide range of activities. Each day brings a full music programme, with performers including:

Burito
Sergey Tabachnikov
Pavel Stepanov
Dmitry Maksimov
Roman Alekseevnin and Tony Karapetyan
WALM
Nikolay Khomenko (illo.trio)

Photo: official website arturia_russia-light-audio-26

Artist performance schedule: https://vk.ru/@arturia_russia-light-audio-26

Visitors can see new products from Arturia, Antelope Audio, Axelvox, MOTU and iCON at the stand. There will also be prizes from Arturia, with a separate announcement in the ARTURIA Russia

Neumann KH 310 II — an active three-way monitor

14 September 2026

Neumann has released the second generation of its well-known three-way nearfield studio monitor. The updated model is designed for mixing, mastering and integration into immersive multichannel Dolby Atmos systems.

Photo: official website neumann

The monitor has an updated 8.25-inch woofer with ELFF (Extremely Linear Force Factor) technology to reduce distortion at high cone excursion. There is also a 3-inch dome midrange driver and a 1-inch tweeter. An optimised MMD (Mathematically Modeled Dispersion) waveguide provides wide horizontal and narrow vertical dispersion.

Photo: official website neumann

Class D amplifiers deliver a total of 585 W per monitor: 300 W for bass, 160 W for midrange and 125 W for treble. This power increase raises the system's maximum sound pressure level to 121.4 dB SPL. All internal processing now uses a 32-bit DSP, providing full hardware support for Neumann MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment room calibration.

Photo: official website neumann

The rear connection panel offers a standard balanced analogue XLR input and AES3id coaxial digital connections on BNC sockets. The monitor weighs 13.0 kg. Its cabinet dimensions match the previous generation, allowing easy replacement in existing studio monitor recesses and mounting systems.

Photo: official website neumann

Neumann KH 310 II will be available for around $3,000.

Light + Audio Tec 2026 — the Dialogues About Sound conference and practical workshops for sound engineers

12 September 2026

Sound engineers, music producers and everyone who enjoys quality sound are invited to join a professional discussion about audio.

Photo: official website light-audio-tec

15–17 September, ProAV Arena | Ground floor, Timiryazev Centre, Moscow

Admission is free, but exhibition registration is required.

Workshop programme:

15 September:

15:30–17:00 Andrey Levin: Basic Principles of Mixing Music for Film.

16 September:

11:00–12:00 Ilya Dontsov: Sound Reinforcement for Acoustic Ensembles. Microphone Selection, Front-of-House Sound and Musician Monitoring Strategies.
12:15–13:45 Andrey Volkov: Running Large Outdoor Symphony Concerts.
14:00–15:30 Alexander 'Lev' Konovalov: Recording a Song: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Questions and Answers.
15:45–17:00 Andrey Aksenov: Open-Air Opera: From System Design to the Final Mix.

17 September:

11:00–12:30 Maxim Burachenok: Using OSM in Touring Sound Engineering. Target Trace and SLP.
12:45–14:15 Alexander Astakhov: A Modern Approach to Quality Live Sound: From Idea to Implementation.

Photo: official website light-audio-tec

Creative XF1 — desktop Hi-Res speakers

12 September 2026

Creative has introduced the XF1 desktop speaker system, designed to create a high-quality personal listening space at a desk.

Photo: official website creative

The model uses a conventional two-way design with separate amplification for each driver (bi-amping). Each speaker has a 3-inch woofer designed using finite element analysis (FEA) to minimise distortion, and a 0.74-inch tweeter. The built-in Class D Bi-Amp module delivers 72 W RMS in total: 52 W for bass and 20 W for treble. The system has MDF cabinets and a frequency range of 55 Hz to 40 kHz.

Photo: official website creative

The digital section uses built-in DSP and a DAC handling audio at up to 24-bit/96 kHz. Bluetooth 6.0 supports the high-bitrate LDAC codec, plus AAC and SBC. Wired connections include USB-C for direct connection to computers or consoles, a standard 3.5 mm AUX input and a dedicated Sub Out for an external active subwoofer, expanding the system to 2.1 channels.

Photo: official website creative

A front-panel knob on the right speaker controls volume. The Creative Nexus companion app adjusts tonal balance with a ten-band parametric equalizer and 120 genre presets. The simple cabinets measure 155 × 99 × 191 mm and come in black or white. The package includes two natural cork isolation stands. These tilt the speakers towards the listener's ears and reduce unwanted resonances.

Photo: official website creative

Creative XF1 is available for around $200.

Arturia AudioFuse Studio Rev2 — a USB audio interface

11 September 2026

Arturia has released the second generation of its premium 18 × 20 audio interface, with updated internal hardware.

Photo: official website arturia

The new model has redesigned circuitry for its four DiscretePRO microphone preamplifiers, offering up to 72 dB gain, a very low noise level of -129 dBu and a dynamic range of 119 dB. This provides a clean, high-quality signal even with low-output microphones. An improved built-in Bluetooth module supports more codecs, including AAC, aptX, aptX HD and aptX Low Latency.

Photo: official website arturia

Other improvements cover the internal clock system and power regulation circuitry. These provide more stable Word Clock synchronisation and more reliable computer connection with AudioFuse Control Center software. The updated version also fixes USB data transmission errors found in early batches of the original AudioFuse Studio.

Photo: official website arturia

Connections include 6.3 mm TRS outputs for two pairs of studio monitors, two pairs of 6.3 mm insert sockets, ADAT I/O, 3.5 mm MIDI connections, RCA phono/line inputs, a pair of 6.3 mm TRS AUX outputs (L/R), four XLR/TRS combo sockets, four 6.3 mm TRS line inputs, four headphone outputs (two 3.5 mm and two 6.3 mm), Word Clock–S/PDIF input and output, three USB-A hub ports and USB-C. The interface includes AudioFuse Creative Suite, a growing premium collection of software effects and instruments featuring products from FX Collection.

Photo: official website arturia

Arturia AudioFuse Studio Rev2 will be available for around $1,000.

Oktava DM to present its premium ECHO microphone at Light + Audio Tec 2026

9 September 2026

Russian manufacturer Oktava DM, a technology partner of Rostec, will present its new flagship product at Light + Audio Tec 2026 . The new microphone is designed for vocals, studio recording and live performance, and also suits home studios and content creation. It combines modern audio standards, a carefully selected accessory package and the engineering heritage of the Tula manufacturer. ECHO will be one of the main new products at the Oktava DM stand.

Photo: official website oktavadm

The microphone offers controlled bass, natural midrange, a clear presence region and extended treble. ECHO uses Oktava DM's own dynamic capsule. Its distinctive metal body refers to the design of the Soviet MK-13M condenser microphone, produced at the Oktava factory in Tula from 1972. The engineers also drew on the company's MD-44 dynamic microphone, produced from 1963, when developing the internal design. ECHO is a modern product built to meet current professional requirements.

Oktava ECHO specifications

Polar pattern: cardioid
Frequency range: 50 Hz–18.5 kHz
Sensitivity: 1.7 mV/Pa
Maximum sound pressure level: 130 dB
Impedance: 200 ohms.

Visitors can also try other Oktava DM products. The company will present an ecosystem of digital solutions for events of different sizes. At its core is the OWS two-channel digital wireless system-U2200 PRO, which supports cascading up to four receivers. It provides reliable digital transmission with QPSK modulation, True Diversity and infrared synchronisation. Also on display will be the OWS-ALP antennas. Their optimised radiation pattern and standing wave ratio provide efficient reception and minimise losses. The OWS-ADS splitter is an active distribution system that stabilises and amplifies the antenna signal to compensate for cable losses.

Photo: official website oktavadm

Another product is the ZHUK wireless lavalier microphone. It consists of a microphone-transmitter and a compact receiver. The system connects to recording and broadcasting devices and works with iOS and Android. The stand will also show the ARD-4 standalone audio data recorder, designed to receive, process and record audio streams from digital USB microphones. The recorder supports transfer of dialogue recordings over a local network. It suits conferences, meetings and other events requiring quick speech recording. Visitors can try Oktava microphones, including the MK-115, MK-117 condenser models, the well-known MK-012 and the modular microphone range based on it. The range includes preamplifiers, capsules with different polar patterns, a filter and a pad. Interchangeable modules extend the microphone's uses and allow it to suit different tasks.

Photo: official website oktavadm

Another new product is the updated MD-307 professional microphone with a Mute function. A button on the body quickly silences the microphone during performances, rehearsals and events. The product is listed in the GISP register. The company will also present a handheld transmitter with interchangeable capsules for use with the OWS-U1200R and OWS-U2200 wireless receivers, plus a detachable dynamic capsule OWS-HC01.

The exhibition's Skolkovo hall will host the Theatre Forum on all three days. This annual industry event brings together theatre suppliers and customers. It is Russia's only forum dedicated to theatre technology, design and installations. The forum is supported by the State Academic Maly Theatre of Russia and the Theatre Union of Russia. Oktava DM's business programme speaker will be Pavel Belkov. He will join the session Replacing and Introducing Audio Equipment and Technologies to discuss modern solutions for equipping theatre venues.

Photo: official website oktavadm

The Light + Audio Tec 2026 exhibition takes place from 15 to 17 September at Timiryazev Centre in Moscow. Oktava DM stand: 7A7, Pavilion 2.

Arturia MiniLab 37 — MIDI controllers now on sale

8 September 2026

Arturia MiniLab 3 37 compact MIDI controllers are now available from authorised retailers. The new models have an extended keyboard and are designed as portable tools for studio production, arranging and live performance.

Photo: official website arturia

The instrument has 37 velocity-sensitive keys, giving more range for complex chords, melodies and two-handed parts. Despite the larger keyboard, the controller remains compact and fits easily into both a permanent workspace and a mobile setup.

Photo: official website arturia

Main features

37 velocity-sensitive slim keys;
Eight velocity-sensitive RGB pads;
Eight rotary controls and four faders;
Pitch Bend and Modulation touch strips;
Built-in arpeggiator, chord mode and Hold function;
Mini display with a rotary navigation control;
Integration with popular DAWs and Arturia instruments;
USB-C, MIDI Out and a pedal input.

The controller includes a music production software bundle: Analog Lab Intro, Ableton Live Lite, Native Instruments Komplete 15 Select, Loopcloud content, Melodics lessons and MIDI Control Center.

Photo: official website light-audio-tec

Arturia MiniLab 37 is available in white and black. More information is available on the official website Arturia.

Light + Audio Tec 2026 — the Corporate Multimedia and IT Solutions conference

7 September 2026

Photo: official website light-audio-tec

Light + Audio Tec 2026 will host the Corporate Multimedia and IT Solutions conference for Pro AV and IT professionals.

Co-organiser: SpinetiX Russia & CIS.

The main topic is effective cooperation between integrators and customers in the changing conditions of 2026–2027.

15 September, 11:00–15:00, ProAV Arena, Ground floor, Timiryazev Centre, Moscow.

The programme has four sections:

Customer budgets and expectations, AI and process optimisation;
Corporate museums and communications;
Presales: how to reach a contract, and whether a creative department is needed;
A technical tour for customers, integrators, manufacturers and distributors.

Speakers include experts from ARIS, AV Academy, Avilex, Hi-Tech Media, IPmatika, Art Media Bureau, Vizhu, VK, Goznak, KinoProekt Group, GES-2, the Jewish Museum, IIS Plus, K2TECH, Kochubey Media, LANIT-Integration, Master Sound, the Mosenergo museum project, the Moscow Urban Economy Museum and Teatrium on Serpukhovka, among others.

Participation is free; registration.

Photo: official website light-audio-tec

Mackie Thrash12v2 — a two-way speaker system

4 September 2026

Mackie has released the second generation of its Thrash live speaker range, starting with the 12v2 model.

Photo: official website mackie

The new model has a durable frame, protective grille and carrying handles. It uses a 12-inch woofer, a 1-inch tweeter and a built-in 1,300 W Class D amplifier. Maximum sound pressure level is 129 dB SPL, with a frequency range of 46 Hz to 18 kHz (-10 dB). The main addition in the second generation is a full built-in DSP processor, previously found only in more expensive flagship ranges from the brand.

Photo: official website mackie

The DSP offers four EQ presets for different uses: Flat for neutral sound as a main speaker, DJ for boosted bass and treble, Live for a stronger vocal midrange, and Wedge for floor monitor use. A 12-band Feedback Eliminator activates with one button to suppress unwanted microphone feedback.

Photo: official website mackie

The Thrashv2 range supports Bluetooth playback from smartphones and laptops. Speaker Linking combines two speakers into a wireless stereo pair. Wired connections include one XLR/TRS combo microphone, line and instrument input and a balanced XLR Mix Out. The cabinet has angled sides for floor monitoring, weighs 13.9 kg and includes a standard 35 mm pole socket with a securing screw for tripod stands.

Photo: official website mackie

Mackie Thrash12v2 is available for $350.

Reason Studios Free — a free version of the Reason Rack plugin

1 September 2026

Reason Studios has announced a free plugin version of its self-contained software module.

Photo: official website reasonstudios

The plugin provides the full Reason Rack virtual modular environment with a fixed starter set of 15 instruments, effects and utilities. Four main instruments are included: the flagship Europa wavetable synthesizer with three spectral engines, the Kong drum machine, the Monotone bass monosynth and the basic ID-8 module. Five effects processors are included: Scream 4 distortion, The Echo textured delay, Audiomatic lo-fi saturation, RV7000 MkII reverb and the MClass Maximizer mastering limiter.

Photo: official website reasonstudios

The plugin also includes Scales & Chords for generating chords in key, the Combinator macro container, the Pulsar dual LFO and Spider signal-splitting utilities. The engine supports third-party Rack Extensions through the Reason store. Users can buy individual extensions and ReFill preset packs without buying the full application. The virtual modular system runs on Windows and macOS in VST3, AU and AAX formats.

Photo: official website reasonstudios

Reason Free is available as a free download from the official website Reason Studios.