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MMR Staff

MMR Staff is a contributing journalist in the MMR archive, covering the music products industry for Musical Merchandise Review.

Recent reporting

K-array audio system enhances new york Flagship Store

A sophisticated sound system from K-array has been implemented at EDIKTED’s new flagship retail location in New York City, according to Installation. The store occupies space within the historic Charles…

Extron releases new USB-C transmitter for Extended Connectivity

Extron has introduced the DTP3 T 321 USB-C transmitter, designed to facilitate extended connectivity solutions, according to Installation International. The device allows for the transmission of video, audio, data, and…

Clair global supports Rüfüs du sol’s Record-Breaking Tour

Electronic music group Rüfüs Du Sol is currently undertaking an expansive tour, dubbed Inhale/Exhale, which represents a significant milestone for the band. According to LSi Online, the production is notable…

Neural amp Modeler A2 standard set to launch in 2026

An emerging, open- format for amp modeling, Neural Amp Modeler (NAM), is set to receive a significant upgrade in 2026. According to Gearnews.com, the format's plugin and training code operate…

PRS guitars selects d’addario australia as Exclusive Distributor

PRS Guitars has chosen D’Addario Australia to handle distribution of its instruments throughout Australia, according to Australian Musician Magazine. This arrangement marks a significant shift in how PRS products reach…

L-ISA audio system deployed at shenzhen’s antuoshan public Cultural Center

The Antuoshan Public Cultural Center, a new expansive complex in Shenzhen, China, recently opened its doors, marking a significant addition to the Futian District’s cultural landscape. The facility, spanning over…

DJ Michael Canitrot stages first-ever performance at Statue of Liberty

French artist and producer Michael Canitrot teamed with show director Romain Pissenem to deliver the inaugural DJ set on the Statue of Liberty, featuring a light and laser show called Liberty…

AlphaTheta warns of security flaw in PRO DJ LINK network

AlphaTheta disclosed a vulnerability in its PRO DJ LINK system that could let unauthorized users view data on computers and connected USB or SD cards, prompting update and security recommendations.

KHÔRA synth offers microtonal drone interface for Mac

Synthtopia reports that the new KHÔRA synthesizer for macOS provides a drone‑based, just‑intonation sound engine with a visual, label‑free control surface and five built‑in chord generators.

Khôra synthesizer brings microtonal soundscapes to Mac with abstract interface

Synthtopia reports that the new Mac application Khôra functions as a drone‑based harmonic instrument, offering musicians a distinctive, abstract visual layout for sound design. The software departs from conventional synthesizer…

Five synths stand out for their unconventional sound generation

Gearnews highlights five synthesizers that use atypical methods—metal tines, motors, and novel interfaces—to produce sounds that differ from traditional analog or digital instruments.

Steinberg releases free classics collection for 30th vst anniversary

Steinberg is marking the 30th anniversary of the VST standard by offering a free download of five updated classic plugins, including Neon, VB-1, and Model E, compatible with current operating…

Fretboard Journal shares excerpts from lengthy Bad Religion interview

The Fretboard Journal points out that many visitors are still operating with an outdated browser, and it urges them to upgrade for a better browsing experience. The call to refresh…

Coda audio USA expands sales network with five new representatives

CODA Audio USA has broadened its distribution footprint across the United States through partnerships with five newly appointed representative firms, according to an announcement released Tuesday. Mark Meding has recently…

Infinity chimp G3 lighting consoles highlight ParkCity Live 2026

ParkCity Live concluded its tenth straight year as a sold-out event, occurring over two days, July 4th and 5th, 2026, at Park Bekkerveld in Heerlen. According to LSi Online, Wesley…

Elation roadshow to visit kansas City August 19

Elation’s traveling showcase will make a stop in Kansas City on August 19, according to Elation Lighting. The event, which is open to industry professionals, will provide an opportunity to…

Bandit lites to provide lighting for jason aldean's Upcoming Tour

Lighting and gear provider Bandit Lites will be supporting Jason Aldean’s 2026 Songs About Us Tour, according to PLSN. The company is supplying the lighting equipment for the concerts, which…

SynthEdit 1.6 beta adds mac support after nearly four decades

Developer Jeff McClintock released SynthEdit 1.6 beta, extending the visual modular plugin builder to macOS and announcing a Linux version in development.

Proel Appoints Gösta Hjelmqvist as Country Manager for Sweden

Free software synth Altitude launches for Linux, Mac and Windows

Synthtopia reports that Altitude, a free software synthesizer combining subtractive, sampling and FM synthesis, is now available for download on Linux, Mac and Windows platforms.

Google restructures Ai leadership amidst Operational Challenges

Following difficulties in attracting and retaining technology personnel, postponements of its upcoming primary model, and reports of declining employee satisfaction, Google has declared significant alterations to its artificial intelligence divisions.…

Integrator's firm leverages Trinnov technology for immersive audio experiences

De Opera Domotica, a company specializing in premium audio, video, and custom AV installations, has been delivering exceptional home entertainment solutions for nearly three decades. Founded by Jacco Troost, the…

Midwich to host tech xpo at Ascot Racecourse

Midwich is planning a technology showcase at Ascot Racecourse in October, according to Installation. The distributor’s Tech Xpo is positioned as a key event for the company, offering a broad…

NEXO sound system provides coverage for new Catalonia venue

A new multipurpose facility situated close to Girona, in Catalonia, Spain, has implemented a sound reinforcement system featuring NEXO loudspeakers. According to Installation International, the venue's design incorporates a range…

dBTechnologies provides audio for congress center Ramstein Anniversary

dBTechnologies lent its support to a recent anniversary celebration at the Congress Center Ramstein in Germany, according to ProSoundWeb. The event commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Congress Center itself.…

Solid state logic to debut compact system t tca tour at plasa show 2026

Group One Limited reported that Solid State Logic plans to unveil a suite of new live‑production tools during the PLASA Show 2026, occupying stand J6. Among the highlights are the…

Bose Professional acquires Fulcrum Acoustic, keeps brand separate

Bose Professional has bought Massachusetts‑based Fulcrum Acoustic, preserving its brand and product line while leveraging Bose’s global reach to expand the high‑performance audio maker’s market.

Martin audio system enhances historic Dance Venue

A Martin Audio sound system has been installed at the Ted Shawn Theatre, a venue with a long history of hosting dance performances. According to Installation International, the theatre, which…

PSNI global alliance appoints director for Vendor Partnerships

PSNI Global Alliance has announced the hiring of Han Dohmen as its new director of global vendor partnerships, according to Installation. Dohmen's responsibilities will include guiding the Preferred Vendor Partner…

Illformed releases Glitch 2 as free download in tribute to developer Kieran Foster

Illformed has made its Glitch 2 audio effect available for free on Linux, macOS and Windows, honoring the late developer Kieran Foster, according to a report from synthtopia.

Korg launches NTS‑4 performance mixer for $249.99

Korg’s new NTS‑4 Performance Mixer, a compact USB‑audio interface with multiple inputs and built‑in effects, is now available for $249.99, according to a review on Synthtopia.

HK Audio Appoints TR Electro Stereo as Distributor for Israel

Musictech details steps for independent music mastering

The final step in music production, mastering, involves refining the stereo file to achieve a polished sound, according to MusicTech. This process intends to ensure that a track is comparable…

Fender introduces motion controllers with studio Pro Integration

Fender has entered the performance pad controller market with a new product line called Fender Motion, according to MusicTech. The devices were initially previewed at the recent NAMM convention. MusicTech…

AtlasIED and A&L group form partnership to broaden Regional Reach

AtlasIED has announced a collaborative effort with A&L Group, designed to amplify AtlasIED’s market position within Malaysia and Vietnam, according to MONDO-DR. A&L Group, located in Selangor, Malaysia, brings to…

Audio-Technica selects wholesale partners to expand GCC reach

Audio-Technica has announced new wholesale partnerships to bolster its commercial audio offerings throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, according to Mondo Dr. AVenger Electronics and FVC will serve as…

TDC elevates chris fitzgerald to lead experiential and installations

TDC has announced the promotion of Chris Fitzgerald to the role of Head of Experiential & Installations, according to MONDO-DR. Fitzgerald, who has been a part of the TDC team…

Allen & heath selects seesound for Spanish Distribution

Allen & Heath has chosen SeeSound to serve as its official distribution partner within Spain, MONDO-DR reports. The agreement places SeeSound in charge of sales, customer support, and market expansion…

Sony updates pro BRAVIA displays for Retail Environments

Sony has introduced updates to its Pro BRAVIA display lineup, aiming to address the requirements of a demanding retail landscape, according to Installation International. Digital displays have become a crucial…

Biamp releases updated workplace Designer Software

Biamp has announced an update to its Workplace Designer software, designed to streamline the process of planning audio-visual systems for meeting spaces, according to Installation. According to Installation, the software’s…

Funktion-One audio systems power eight stages at Gottwood Festival

Audio Feed, a sound system provider, outfitted eight stages at the Gottwood Festival with Funktion-One audio systems. The Welsh festival, located on Anglesey, unfolded from Thursday evening through Monday morning,…

Sonos installs zoned audio system at Zurich’s Mews House boutique venue

Sonos equipped the newly opened Mews House in Zurich with a multi‑zone audio network that integrates with the building’s KNX controls and is managed from in‑room iPads.

Benedetto guitars mark five decades of jazz craftsmanship with online buying options

Benedetto Guitars says its archtop models carry a piece of living jazz heritage for owners. Robert Benedetto built his first archtop in 1968, and the workshop has spent more than…

Rhodes music releases clav pro Virtual Instrument

Rhodes Music has announced the availability of a new software instrument, the Rhodes Clav Pro plug-in, according to Music Instrument News. This virtual instrument aims to emulate the sound of…

McGrath guitars releases app for 12-way pickup selector

McGrath Guitars announced that its 12‑Way Rotary Pickup Selector and Tilt EQ preamp now come with a dedicated mobile application, expanding the instrument’s tonal flexibility. The company highlighted that the…

Ace frehley, kiss guitarist, dies at 74

Ace Frehley, a founding member and lead guitarist for the iconic rock band Kiss, has passed away. According to Vintage Guitar magazine, his death occurred on October 16. He was…

ADJ fixtures light Elzinga Groep’s 80th‑anniversary celebration

ADJ reported that the Elzinga Festival commemorated the eight‑decade milestone of Elzinga Groep, a collective of infrastructure firms based in the northern Netherlands. The two‑day event took place on the…

MIDI group drafts text‑based instrument tags to help blind musicians

The Music Accessibility Standard Special Interest Group (MASSIG) of the MIDI Association has started to examine whether the established MIDI protocol can be expanded to include written descriptions of an…

Billy Strings and Trey Anastasio perform at Manhattan pier, source audio reports

Audio president Roger Smith wrote a review of a recent concert that paired bluegrass virtuoso Billy Strings with jam-band guitarist Trey Anastasio. The show took place at Pier 17 on…

SSL introduces flagship odyssey console with ActiveAnalogue Technology

Solid State Logic has announced the arrival of its newest console, the Odyssey, marking a significant addition to their product line. According to Sound on Sound, the system incorporates ActiveAnalogue…

Waves Introduces Atlas Reverb Plug-in

Waves Audio has announced the availability of Atlas Reverb, a new algorithmic reverb plug-in intended for both studio and live applications. According to Waves, the plug-in draws inspiration from the…

Irish singer-songwriter glen hansard dies at 56

Irish musician Glen Hansard passed away in 2026, according to Music Instrument News. Born in 1970, Hansard left an indelible mark on the music world through his songwriting and performances.

Orange amplification introduces compact 'baby Terror' Amplifier

Orange Amplification has announced the arrival of a new amplifier, designated the “Baby Terror,” according to Music Instrument News. The device is a compact amplifier built around an analogue micro-lunchbox…

Origin effects introduces EQ DELUXE Studio Equaliser

Origin Effects has announced the arrival of their EQDELUXE Studio Equaliser & Drive, a new offering for bass and guitar players. According to Music Instrument News, the device is a…

M&W pro audio names jay schlabs chief Revenue Officer

M&W Pro Audio has announced the addition of Jay Schlabs as its Chief Revenue Officer, according to company officials. The move signals the company’s expansion of its leadership structure and…

TiME UK links UK schools with US music‑tech network

TiME UK, whose membership hovers around a thousand educators and specialists, is rolling out a suite of prominent music‑technology brands—such as Ableton, Yamaha, Sontronics, Woojer, Digit Music, Robkoo, Soundbeam and…

Showtools International Named ChamSys Australian Distributor

Study reveals audio tempo impacts hospitality dwell time and sales

New data from 1 SOUND highlights how background music tempo and sound levels influence guest behavior, dining duration, and revenue in hospitality venues.

Study links slower music and balanced sound levels to longer stays and higher sales in restaurants

According to 1 SOUND, slower background tracks can add roughly 40% more time to a guest’s visit. Data from a 2024 analysis revealed that patrons exposed to low‑tempo music lingered…

Genelec audio system enhances submarine exhibit at Technik Museum

The Technik Museum in Germany, which showcases more than 6,500 items across two sites, has incorporated an immersive audio experience into its U17 submarine display. According to Prosound South Africa,…

Showtools International becomes official ChamSys distributor in Australia

On June 5, 2026, Showtools International was appointed as the official distributor for ChamSys lighting products across Australia, according to ChamSys. The company announced the partnership in a release dated…

U.K. blues band the zac schulze gang Gains Recognition

The Zac Schulze Gang, a power trio, came together roughly five years ago in Gillingham, Kent, according to Vintage Guitar magazine. The group draws inspiration from iconic bands like Cream,…

Audio system for summer carnival emphasizes speech clarity and powerful bass

TWAUDiO reported that the summer carnival in the Niederrhein region featured a large roster of live performers drawn from the Cologne carnival tradition and the party‑schlager genre. Because the program…

Sound engineer angela gomez discusses broadcast Audio Challenges

Group One Limited, a provider of broadcast production services, recently featured an interview with Angela Gomez, a sound supervisor for Amazon Prime at Wimbledon. Gomez shared insights into her career…

HyperShop adds new case and privacy screen for MacBook Neo

HyperShop announced an expansion of its MacBook Neo accessories, introducing a clear protective case and a magnetic privacy screen designed for professionals, students and everyday Apple users. The company says…

IK multimedia expands TONEX with brown panel Signature Collection

IK Multimedia has introduced a new collection of Fender amplifier models to its TONEX platform. According to Sound on Sound, the Brown Panel Signature Collection brings the characteristics of vintage…

Sonuscore releases free version of Elysion 2 Instrument

Sonuscore has unveiled Elysion Elements, a complimentary offering derived from their established Elysion 2 virtual instrument, according to Sound on Sound. The new instrument provides users with a selection of…

Lighting designer adapts to varied rigs on fit for an Autopsy Tour

Lighting designer Vinny Shaw employed a ChamSys MagicQ MQ250M Stadium console during the recent Fit For An Autopsy tour, which served as a supporting act for Lamb of God. The…

New lec studios in miami features solid state Logic Console

LEC Studios, a new facility in the Miami metropolitan area, has commenced operations at the start of 2026. The studio complex, operated by Group One Limited, provides a range of…

ChamSys console facilitates lighting design for french Television Program

Lighting and scenography for the live television program, La CoLAB, on France 3 TV, are managed by Cyrille Dupont, also recognized as “6sou.” According to ChamSys, Dupont relies on a…

Soundcatchers enhances production audio with new equipment

Soundcatchers, a production sound team located in the United Kingdom, has upgraded its audio capabilities with equipment from Sound Devices and Astral Wireless, according to Group One Limited. The team,…

Dayton audio releases Apollo 8MB200N-8 Midbass woofer

Dayton Audio, a division of Parts Express, has emerged as a significant original equipment manufacturer within the loudspeaker sector. The company's offerings include a wide array of transducer product lines,…

Article series explores human hearing and High-End Audio

A new two-part article series, authored by Milind Kunchur, aims to clarify contentious points within the high-end audio community while delving into the complexities of human hearing. The article intends…

Bose updates iconic QuietComfort headphones with improved immersive audio and design

Bose has launched an update of its QuietComfort headphones, adding Bose TrueSpatial Technology and three immersive listening modes while keeping its signature noise cancellation and comfort.

Icon Pro Audio reports iControls launch with summer discount

Icon Pro Audio announced that the iControls unit will hit the market on July 14, 2026, offered at a limited‑time price of US$55, down from its standard US$75 tag. The…

MIDI innovations awards open for entries ahead of September deadline

The MIDI Innovations Awards 2026 announcement, released on 14 July 2026, notes that this is the sixth iteration of the competition, organized jointly by The MIDI Association, NAMM and Music…

Technical rehearsals prioritize judgment over speed, says lighting expert

In a July 2026 piece for Lighting Lounge, writer Jonah Camiel explains that the most successful moving‑light programming hinges on the programmer’s judgment rather than how quickly they can fire…

Galaxy Audio launches RM‑BT26 half‑rack Bluetooth receiver for professional sound systems

Galaxy Audio announced the RM‑BT26, a half‑rack Bluetooth 5.4 stereo receiver with balanced XLR, Euroblock and RCA outputs, user‑controlled pairing and a $249.99 street price, slated for release in September 2026.

Steinway pianos maintain reputation for enduring quality and value

For more than 170 years, Steinway grand pianos have been recognized as representing the highest level of piano making. According to Piano Planet Hawaii, these instruments are highly regarded for…

Church audio upgrades demand careful planning and modern gear

Investing in a new sound system represents a major financial commitment for many congregations, according to House of Worship, a SoundPro blog. Leaders are weighing the cost against the need…

Bundle Up: Recording Equipment Packages that Add Up

NAMM Show Buyer’s Guide: Part II

A New Year, A New Mix: Why 2026 Is Shaping Up to Be a Defining Moment

Reflections on the Women of NAMM Leadership Summit 2025

Getting the Most Out of The NAMM Show 2026

Hybrid Models, Intelligent Automation, and a New Generation of Music Makers in 2026

Forging Ahead with Partnerships at Music China 2025

The People’s Choice (and the Pulse of the Market)

Maxwell’s House of Music - ‘We Create Musicians!’

Expect The Unexpected

UpFront

Plugged-In Percussion

New Products

Head-On

Concerted Growth: How Concert Ukuleles Are Tuning Up Sales for Retailers

The Small Box Shops – and the Part We Play in the Bigger Picture

Riffs, Roots, and Resonance: The Fretted Instrument Market in 2025

2025 Holiday Buying Guide

Upfront

In Case You Missed It – Electric Guitar & Bass Cases and Gig Bags Sales Stay Strong in 2025