Stepping up and standing out
Christian Wissmuller connects the value of informed music retailers with step-up drum sales and the 2026 MMR Dealers’ Choice Awards.
MMR Industry Record
2026 Music Products Industry Archive — Products
Search and browse MMR’s music products industry reporting timeline, connecting companies, people, products, NAMM coverage and market developments across the digital archive.
290 matching published stories
Stepping up and standing out
Christian Wissmuller connects the value of informed music retailers with step-up drum sales and the 2026 MMR Dealers’ Choice Awards.
Fender releases new digital ecosystem to connect players and fans
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation unveiled a revamped Fender.com designed as a connected global digital platform rather than a standard ecommerce site. The update aims to deepen relationships with musicians and…
A step above: Acoustic drum kits for players ready for more
DW, TAMA, Yamaha and KHS discuss step-up acoustic drum kits, player expectations and how music retailers can guide the next upgrade.
HERCULES releases GS412BSW Auto-Grip Stand with swivel Yoke
Hercules Stands has introduced the GS412BSW Auto-Grip Guitar Stand, a new product designed to enhance stability and compatibility for diverse instrument shapes and sizes.
Audacity 4 rebuilds free audio editor with new tools
Audacity 4 launches as a major rebuild of the free, open-source audio editor, introducing a redesigned interface, new editing workflow, customizable workspaces, rebuilt effects and expanded plug-in support.
Atomix releases VirtualDJ 2026 with AI voiceovers and New FX Engine
Atomix Productions has released VirtualDJ 2026, introducing practical AI tools like ShoutOut for voiceovers and AI scripting for custom workflows, alongside a revamped effects engine and expanded controller compatibility.
Voidscan releases Parasite experimental FM synthesizer plugin
Voidscan has released Parasite, an experimental FM synthesizer plugin featuring three-operator synthesis and deliberate sound degradation for music producers.
BOSS releases EX-4 Effects Expander for pedalboard versatility
Roland division BOSS introduces the EX-4 Effects Expander, a compact processor designed to expand sonic options for musicians managing curated pedalboard setups. Priced at $299.99 with an October release, the…
Antares releases AutoTune Advanced with new Vibrato engine
Antares has released AutoTune Advanced, a flagship plugin featuring a rebuilt algorithm and DVA vibrato technology to preserve natural vocal character while offering precise creative control for producers.
Graph Tech adds two new 7-string Un-Lock Nuts
Graph Tech Guitar Labs has added two new models to its Un-Lock Nut line, designed specifically for seven-string electric guitars with double-locking tremolo systems.
PRS releases Limited Silver Sky Defender collection with Land Rover
PRS Guitars introduces the Silver Sky Defender Color Collection, a limited run of eight models created with Land Rover and John Mayer, available now via authorized dealers.
Flattley Pedals releases Reaper 10th Anniversary Edition distortion
Flattley Pedals has introduced the Reaper Dual Mode Distortion Anniversary Edition, a $319 stompbox celebrating the manufacturer's decade in business with updated clipping modes and premium components.
Hollyland releases scalable LARK M3 wireless mic system for pro audio
Hollyland introduced the Lark M3, a scalable wireless microphone system designed for multi-camera productions with advanced multi-track recording and AI noise cancellation features.
Fender releases SILENT SYSTEM to eliminate single-coil hum in new Limited models
Fender introduces a passive, battery-free Silent System in limited edition American Professional Classic Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars, aiming to solve the 80-year-old issue of pickup hum without compromising tone for…
Waves updates Tracks Live software with deep LV1 integration
Waves Audio has released Tracks Live 2.0, featuring deep eMotion LV1 integration and expanded channel capacity to streamline live recording workflows for engineers.
MAD PROFESSOR releases NEW MILESTONE germanium FUZZ PEDAL
Mad Professor Amplification has introduced the Milestone, a handwired germanium fuzz pedal designed for modern pedalboards and bass applications, with shipments scheduled for October 5.
dBTechnologies adds OPERA NONA 210 and 212 speakers
dBTechnologies launches the Opera Nona series, featuring dual-woofer active loudspeakers designed for performers with direct connectivity and flexible mounting options.
Eventide adds Immersive algorithms to H9000 Gen2
Eventide released a free software update for the H9000 Gen2 featuring new immersive processing tools including MicroPitch Immersive, Valley reverb, and upmixing capabilities for various multichannel formats.
Roland to open first North American flagship store in New York City
Roland Corp. will launch its first North American flagship retail location in Manhattan this October, consolidating Roland, BOSS and Drum Workshop brands under one roof to serve musicians and producers.
Sadowsky releases MetroExpress Modern Fretless Bass series for retailers
Sadowsky announced the MetroExpress Modern Fretless bass series, featuring roasted maple fingerboards and active electronics, with shipping beginning soon at approximately $1,476.
Martin guitar releases refreshed 16 series with new finishes and electronics
C.F. Martin & Co. introduces the updated 16 Series, featuring all-solid-wood construction, bold gloss-top finishes, and standard L.R. Baggs electronics for the retail market.
Sonicware limits ELZ_1 core run to 50 units amid supply costs
Sonicware restricts production of its new ELZ_1 core sound module to 50 made-to-order units due to rising component costs, while Dirtywave and Amiteque announce upcoming hardware for the performance mixer…
Nopia MK1 harmony generator raises $1.4m on Kickstarter in 24 hours
The Nopia MK1, a semi-modular harmony generator, surpassed its crowdfunding goal within a day, signaling strong retail demand for innovative chord-producing instruments despite a 2027 shipping date.
Arturia updates MiniFreak with sample and wavetable import
Arturia released MiniFreak V 5.0, enabling user sample and wavetable imports for both hardware and software, potentially boosting retailer demand.
Universal Audio releases Luna 3.0 with AI tools and new subscription tier
Universal Audio released Luna 3.0, featuring AI stem separation, a simplified recording mode, and a new paid tier called Luna Studio alongside a plugin subscription plan.
Universal Audio releases LUNA 3.0 with AI stem separation and audio-to-MIDI
Universal Audio released LUNA 3.0, adding AI-powered stem separation and audio-to-MIDI tools to its DAW, with a free tier offering four-track separation and a paid Studio version providing advanced features…
Yorkville Sound releases ART PRO audio RPC Series Power Conditioners
Yorkville Sound introduces the ART Pro Audio RPC Series rackmount power conditioners, featuring nine outlets and USB charging across three tiers for retail distribution starting October 2026.
Mayer EMI releases major Aurora 5.0 firmware update for MD850 Vibes synth
Mayer EMI has launched the free Aurora 5.0 firmware update for its MD850 Vibes desktop synthesizer, adding cloud reverb, SFZ multisample support, and expanded controller mapping to enhance retail value.
Hammer releases Wave 2 portable speaker in india at rs 1,299
Indian lifestyle electronics brand Hammer has introduced the Wave 2, a 20W RMS portable Bluetooth speaker priced at Rs 1,299, featuring Bluetooth v6.0 and RGB lighting.
Audio-Technica releases BP880R Contact Transducer for immersive audio
Audio-Technica introduced the BP880R, a waterproof contact transducer designed to capture surface vibrations for sports broadcasting and production.
Audient releases Horizon Thunderbolt 3 interface range for pro studios
Audient introduces its flagship Horizon audio interface line, featuring three models with scalable I/O and native processing capabilities aimed at the professional studio market.
Audient releases Horizon Thunderbolt interfaces to challenge DSP ecosystems
Audient has introduced its new flagship Horizon range of Thunderbolt audio interfaces, featuring sub-millisecond latency and no onboard DSP to leverage modern host processing capabilities.
RockBoard releases Second Tiers expansion system for pedalboards
RockBoard introduces Second Tiers, a mounting accessory designed to expand pedalboard capacity for modelers and switchers, debuting at Guitar Summit 2026 with pre-orders open.
Glockenklang adds Acoustic 10-2 cabinet for Bass and Acoustic instruments
German manufacturer Glockenklang expands its Acoustic Series with the new 10-2 cabinet, offering a compact solution for double bass and electric bass players priced near $1,111.
Acon Digital releases AI-powered Acoustica 8 audio editor
Norwegian developer Acon Digital has released Acoustica 8, a major update to its audio editing suite featuring machine learning tools and immersive audio support for the professional market.
SolidGoldFX releases FUZZBOX pedal with Modern board compatibility
Audio Distribution Group announces the European release of SolidGoldFX's new FUZZBOX, a Tone Bender MK II-style silicon fuzz pedal designed for modern signal chains.
XILS-lab releases MemoryTone software synthesiser
XILS-lab has released MemoryTone, a plugin modeled on the Memorymoog with modern features like MPE support and 16-voice polyphony.
Covered Bridge Recording opens immersive studio with Genelec monitoring
Covered Bridge Recording has launched a new immersive audio facility near Nashville featuring a Genelec 9.1.4 monitoring system and API console, targeting diverse content creation needs.
Celemony adds upright bassist Paul Kleber to Tonalic library
Celemony has expanded its Tonalic plugin with new upright bass performances by Berlin musician Paul Kleber, offering dealers a new prepaid license option alongside subscriptions.