From clever routing tools and deeply weird reverb pedals to portable hi-fi speakers, heavyweight subs and controllers dressed in colours loud enough to stop traffic, this year has already delivered plenty for producers, musicians and audio obsessives to get stuck into.
Here’s the best new gear of 2026 so far.
Softube’s new mixer ‘Console 1 Compact’ is a retro-compatible unit that features everything from Softube’s ‘Console 1 Channel’ and ‘Fader Mk III’ but in a more convenient, compact design. Following its counterparts, Console 1 Compact is compatible with all major DAWs. Its digital design gives it the ability to load in all your favorite Softube, Plugin Alliance, Brainworx, FabFilter, UAD, and other plug-ins for the Console 1 Mixing System. Replace any section with a Console 1-ready plug-in to create your custom console.
Every rotation of Compact’s touch-sensitive Analog Feel™ potentiometers gives you the sensation of the priciest outboard gear. Console 1 Compact also comes with Softtube’s Core Mixing Suite software, providing you with the award-winning sounds of Tape, FET Compressor Mk II, and more, in the versatile preamp, shape, equalization, and compression sections. Whether it’s your main unit or the unit you use when you’re on the go, Compact fits your workflow and your lifestyle. Just pack it up and go and everything will be waiting for you wherever you land.
The U 47 fet Bon Scott Edition celebrates the legacy of the legendary AC/DC frontman and one of the most iconic rock singers ever. The Neumann U 47 fet was the primary instrument used to immortalize Bon’s vocals on groundbreaking classics like Let There Be Rock. Today, the Neumann U 47 fet remains a staple in rock recordings globally, often cited by engineers who want to replicate that specific “Australian High-Voltage” sound. Capable of handling a massive amount of power, this “vintage” microphone has a dynamic range of 119 dB, making it the perfect choice for Bon Scott’s powerhouse vocals.
The U 47 fet Bon Scott Edition is a faithful reissue of Neumann’s legendary studio microphone, originally produced from 1972 to 1986. Compared to the standard model, the Bon Scott Edition comes in a matte black finish and adds iconic graphics as well as Bon Scott’s name and signature on the mic housing. The accompanying booklet features an interview with Harry Vanda, who produced early AC/DC albums alongside George Young. It uses the same K 47 large diaphragm condenser capsule and the same headgrille design as its tube operated predecessor, the legendary U 47. For sonic continuity, the U 47 fet uses a similarly oversized output transformer. Otherwise, its transistorized head amplifier is an amazingly advanced design and a testament to Neumann’s state of the art engineering. Part of the proceeds of this legendary microphone will also be donated to Support Act Australia Charity.
The Darkglass Anagram is a guitar multi-fx pedal loaded with a multitude of customisable effects. It contains a curated collection of preamps, a built in looper, tuner and more. This model combines an intuitive workflow with a convenient compact design that features flexible connectivity methods, making it a powerful and practical unit for live performance, studio work and home practice alike.
The Darkglass Anagram Guitar Multi-FX can run up to 24 simultaneous effects blocks to build complex, parallel signal chains with ultra-low latency, due to its six-core DSP architecture. You can also fine-tune your sounds with the six endless rotary knobs and three footswitches for more precise, hands-on control. This product is also integrated with Darkglass Suite where you can connect the pedal to upload and manage cabinet IRs and Neural models, refine presets and banks, plus share or download tones via the Preset Hub.
The IER-M500 is Sony’s newest model of in ear monitors built with a range of premium features such as a secure-fit system for stable and reliable wear, customizable eartips with multiple sizing options, flexible ear hangers for secure wearing during intense performances and a sealed structure that creates effective noise isolation for focused monitoring.
Through years of analyzing different ear shapes, Sony has created an ergonomic design and a comfortable fit for almost any performer. The IER-M500 includes five fitting supporters, promising a secure custom fit. Available in three colors, black, clear, and dual blue/red design, the in-ear monitors integrate seamlessly with on-stage styling, while clear left/right markings support a quick and accurate setup in low-light environments. Along with this the IER-M500 includes a cable clip to ensure minimal interference of performance and movement.
The Asparion D700 DAW Controller provides an all-purpose user interface for professional music production. Designed for maximum productivity, the unit can adapt to your needs unconditionally. With up to 64 motorized faders, countless LED push buttons and RGB rotary encoders there are no limits to your creativity. The D700 offers multiple connection options, like Midi, OSC and MQTT. The controller can function as anything from a DAW program to lighting software up to a music player and a smart home.
Connected via USB-C the D700 can send Midi messages to almost any device. From a computer to a tablet up to a smartphone. Apart from the universal Midi CC mode, the D700 is also compatible with Mackie and HUI protocol. With that you can not only connect to the predefined Software (Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Reaper, FL Studio etc.) but also to a wide variety of other software. The Multi-DAW support also enables you to connect the D700 to multiple DAWs simultaneously.
Via the software “Asparion Configurator” you can configure the smallest details and your D700 will then be customized to your personal needs without any limitations.
Timo Rozendal’s Filler is a hands-on Eurorack module for drum variation. It listens to your drum triggers, learns the rhythm, and adds fills, variations, transformations, and accents in sync with your clock.
Patch in your drum triggers, let Filler listen for a few bars, then press Fill to drop in a one-bar fill, variation, roll, mute, or database-matched transition. It is made for live performance: tight when you want it locked to the bar, immediate when you want to throw in a fill right now.
It comes in two versions: a full DIY kit and a pre-built module, meaning you can opt in to try the build yourself (and save money as well). It has multiple unique features including a Built-in fill library with 333 curated fill patterns organized in 41 banks, including classic, rock, metal, jazz, country, rolls, fast fills, and more.
It also has both a CV input and CV output. Route CV to the Fill Param or Drummer amount, and use the synchronized CV envelope output to control filters, VCAs, effects, or other modulation destinations.
Analogue Solutions Filtopia is a stereo analogue monosynth designed, built and tested in England. The Filtopia is unique in that its key feature is a bank of 5 analogue filters wired in parallel. Grandiose multi-band filter sweeps are possible, and with some tweaking you can also achieve vowel-type sounds.
When delving deeper into Filtopia’s functionality, you’ll notice that 5 filters doesn’t mean just 5 filters. Having offset filter-cutoff frequencies with some high resonance levels can mimic the way the human voice works.
This is something that can’t be done with a single filter. Aside from the uniqueness of a multi-channel filter bank for filtering, Filtopia is fully loaded with VCOs, LFOs, EGs and more. Limited to just 200 units, this synth is a rarity that delivers a plethora of new sonic possibilities.
The SHIK S32 is a standalone MIDI processor and macro controller built to turn your setup into a flexible, playable system. It puts your entire setup at your fingertips with advanced connectivity and the ability to build complex macros, apply real-time MIDI effects and LFO modulation, expand to CV, and enjoy flexible routing across all your gear. The S32 makes it seamless to route every MIDI message and effect exactly where you need it, with full control over your signal flow.
Its compact all-metal enclosure is built for both the studio and the stage, and everything is configured directly on the device with no computer required.
The unit also includes a powerful MIDI processing engine with stackable, customizable racks. Build dynamic sequences, add generative layers, or create custom MIDI paths tailored to your setup.
Parameters can be assigned easily and directly on the device while playing live, and any parameter in MIDI effects, connected devices, or internal LFOs can be assigned and controlled as a macro. With 16 built-in LFOs that are deeply adjustable, from waveform and rate to phase, offset, and depth, you can add movement to anything in your rig, even gear with no modulation of its own.
The Scala Utopia Evo M by Focal is a three-way floor-standing high-fidelity speaker fit for a premium home hi-fi experience. Designed and manufactured in France, this hi-fi loudspeaker delivers sound reproduction that is more expressive, detailed and balanced than ever. Along with this, the Scala Utopia Evo M has an iconic sculptural look with 5 different finishes so it can accessorise any room effortlessly.
The Scala Utopia Evo M features the M-profile W midrange driver, derived from the professional Utopia Main range. Its PRISM tweeter, combined with IAL technology, delivers treble reproduction of unmatched purity.
The fully redesigned W woofer delivers bass that is powerful and built to meet the demands of contemporary music. These innovations are completed by the OPC+™ crossover for precise bass and treble adjustment, and Focus Time™, which allows for perfect driver alignment towards the listener.
The Listen Inc Halo 6 is an innovative low-cost microphone array mount for in-car audio measurements. It represents the listener without requiring an artificial head. Including six precisely positioned microphone mounts in the configuration recommended by the Audio Engineering Society Technical Committee on Automotive Audio. The Halo 6 creates a standardised representation of the occupant listening space. This enables accurate, repeatable in-car acoustic measurements while dramatically reducing cost and complexity.
The microphone positions are numbered according to the TC-AA specification, and an optional braided cable for 6 SCM microphones is marked with the microphone number at each end for clear visual correlation of microphone position to input channel.
The mount is compatible with any microphone with a quarter-inch shaft. It comes in a classic black colourway for a sleek, professional look and a green colourway that contrasts against black car interiors for easier viewing. At just $650 USD, this Microphone array kit is far more affordable than other similar-functioning 6-microphone arrays that retail for more than $10,000.
To celebrate 80 years of Rhodes legacy, Rhodes Chief Product Officer Dan Goldman, along with the Rhodes Custom Shop team, have collaborated on the design of the new and exquisite strictly limited 80th Anniversary Edition MK8 piano.
Limited to 80 units worldwide, the MK8/80AE offers performers, enthusiasts and collectors alike the opportunity to own a once-in-a-lifetime instrument that marks eight decades of musical heritage, innovation and iconic design.
Following the immediate sell-out of the 75th Anniversary edition, demand for this release is expected to be equally exceptional.
The Rhodes MK8/ 80AE is packed with premium specifications, including the Rhodes custom stereo effect processor equipped with analogue compression, a phaser, chorus, and delay. It has a true bypass feature and an expression pedal that controls phaser speed, chorus speed, delay time, and delay feedback. There is also an expression pedal control for volume, mid sweep (wah), pan speed, and pan depth.
This Rhodes model comes with a custom analogue tri-band active equaliser (+/- 15db range) and furthermore, the MK8 has true analogue preamplification, volume, drive, and envelope controls. The Rhodes MK8/80AE is not only iconic in aesthetic but also in functionality, making it the holy grail of keyboards.
The Korg NTS-4 Mixer Kit brings the flexibility of the Nu:Tekt series to a more compact performance mixer kit designed for modern hardware setups. Once built, the NTS-4 provides real-world stability via its robust steel body.
Featuring six channels, built-in effects, and USB connectivity, the NTS-4 makes it seamless to mix and perform with Volca units, NTS instruments, modular gear, and other desktop synths in one spot, supporting up to 10 different audio signals in a singular setup.
The NTS-4 is designed to turn a collection of instruments and gadgets into a professional-grade creative hub.
Prior to completing the build, an internal attenuator can be switched between line-level and modular-level, allowing the mono inputs to integrate directly with Eurorack systems for even more versatility. Each channel also includes CUE and MUTE buttons fit for live mixing. The CUE system lets you monitor a channel privately through headphones before bringing it into the mix, while the MUTE buttons allow for quick cuts and dramatic breaks.
The NTS-4 utilises a USB Type-C connection to integrate perfectly with modern production and streaming workflows. Along with its support for both USB-C and AC bus power, the USB-C connection also enables high-quality 48 kHz / 24-bit digital audio transfer between the unit and your PC, Mac, or mobile devices, achieving true flexibility for whatever your setup requires.
Arturia’s KeyLab mk3 is back in a showstopping new colourway, with a striking ‘Ultra Orange’ finish. The KeyLab mk3 Ultra is the same known and loved premium MIDI controller, existing in 49 or 61-key options.
Its carefully created design is ideal for producers and performers who want KeyLab’s expressive playability, deep DAW control and studio-to-stage workflow with a bold, unmistakable style.
The mk3 range offers advanced connectivity with all major DAWs. It’s equipped with a professional semi-weighted keybed design, touch-sensitive controls and innovative creative features encased in a durable, high-quality shell. You can use the pads and sliders to trigger clips and control your mix in the moment, making it a keyboard built without compromise that you can rely on at every turn.
Each mk3 keyboard goes through 180 tests to ensure the professional quality and flawless finish your studio deserves. Constructed with high-density plastic and real wood panelling, the mk3 is made to stand the test of time.
Heritage Audio’s ‘Tubestrip’ is the outboard audio processing unit that can handle it all! Featuring premium-quality preamps, EQ, de-essers, and compression all in one, it’s designed to take any mic, instrument or line-level source and turn it into a fully shaped and controlled signal.
The unit is sturdy and versatile, delivering an efficient studio workflow to producers and engineers in a reliable package, providing professional signal processing without the need for overcrowded patch bays and complex signal flow chains.
The Heritage Audio Tubestrip begins with a tube-based amplifier for up to 60dB of voltage gain. It moves through to 3 different modes that allow you to choose the sonic personality of the preamp. Emphasise warmth and smoothness with the triode mode, give a little more bite with the pentode mode or use the morph section to blend the two to taste.
Tubestrip’s EQ and compression sections are based on popular favourites, with the EQ modelled off the late 60s Olympic Studios Type 69, and the Vari-Mu compressor based off Heritage Audio’s own LANG P.Lane design.
It also includes an optical compressor that can be turned into an organic de-esser for effortless vocal smoothing. The output includes an attenuator that covers a range of -14 to +6 dB for convenient adjustment, overall covering every stage of input processing with ease.
Marshall’s Milton A.N.C. headphones strike a sweet spot between everyday practicality and the brand’s unmistakable rock’n’roll aesthetic. Designed as a lightweight on-ear option, they deliver more than 50 hours of wireless playback with adaptive noise cancelling enabled, extending to a huge 80 hours with ANC switched off. T
hey also pack in adaptive noise cancelling, Transparency Mode, Bluetooth 6.0 support and Marshall’s new Soundstage spatial audio feature for a more immersive listening experience. Memory foam ear cushions and a foldable design make them easy to wear during long commutes, flights or workdays, while a redesigned driver system promises improved bass, clearer highs and more detailed sound.
Marshall has also focused on longevity, with a replaceable battery and a build made from 42% recycled materials by weight. If you’re after premium wireless headphones that look as good as they sound, the Milton A.N.C. is one of the standout releases of the year.
Heritage Audio’s Mix Buddy is a compact analogue line mixer and routing hub designed to bring order to increasingly complex hardware studios, giving producers a central place to connect synths, drum machines, samplers, grooveboxes and other outboard gear without the constant hassle of unplugging and re-patching cables.
Whether you’re producing in a hybrid DAW setup or performing completely DAWless, Mix Buddy keeps every instrument permanently connected and ready to play, encouraging a faster, more creative workflow.
Under the hood, Mix Buddy packs 19 analogue inputs and eight outputs, with four stereo channels featuring high-gain JFET-buffered inputs alongside three stereo unity-gain channels for flexible connectivity.
Dual stereo aux sends make it easy to integrate pedals and external effects, while dedicated master and headphone outputs provide convenient monitoring.
Keeping the entire signal path analogue, it’s built for producers who want intuitive hands-on control, flexible routing and seamless integration of an expanding collection of hardware instruments.
Strymon’s ‘Timeline MX’ is a multi-FX delay pedal created to bring studio-quality delays to the stage in a simple unit, giving guitarists easy access to a large variety of effects, from classic echoes to captivating modern sounds, without the need for an elaborate pedalboard adding excess weight to load-ins.
Every sound is carefully tuned to react musically to your playing, and every control has been calibrated for an intuitive feel and response. Timeline MX is an intuitive design equipped with a user-friendly navigation system, a bright OLED screen for those harsher stage conditions, and a tap tempo footswitch, making it a standout option for the working musician.
Beneath the surface, Timeline MX includes a stereo input and output with switchable I/O configurations for a normal, mono or stereo effects loop, with respective wet/dry and wet/dry/wet controls. It features premium analogue circuits with a discrete JFET input preamp and a low-impedance output section, as well as selectable input levels for instrument and line-level signals for greater control.
You can also utilise the analogue dry path for a zero-latency dry signal that is never converted to digital. Timeline MX comes with a USB-C jack that can be used for firmware updates and MIDI I/O, with compatibility for Strymon’s upcoming Nixie 2 editor. Futureproof and seamless, this carefully designed delay pedal is a valuable asset for busy guitarists worldwide.
Walrus Audio’s Lüm Texture Engine is a reverb pedal that provides a playground of three different modes, with granular and textural reverb sounds that allow players to blur the line between instruments and ambient sound design elements. Drawing from a few of Walrus Audio’s core collection reverbs, such as Slö Reverb, Lore Reverse Reverb and Fable Granular Generator, Lüm is the workhorse pedal that has it all in an optimal, compact design.
Mode I – ‘Grain Cloud’ – is a granular reverb texture with grain size controls via the X knob. Mode II – ‘Grain Verb’ – is a granular reverb that results in a dense, washed-out texture that is also a treat to put before high-gain pedals. Mode III – ‘Forward/Reverse Verb’ – is a forward reverb algorithm running into a reverse reverb algorithm. You can conveniently change how fast or slow this interaction is with the stretch knob and control the reverse reverb decay with the X knob. Lüm also includes the ‘Moment’ control, which allows you to automate any one of the five knobs by holding the Moment switch to glide to a defined target! With the Lüm pedal, there are endless possibilities that can fit into your back pocket.
The Numark Party Mix III is a two-deck DJ controller complete with LED lighting. It’s designed as an instinctive, user-friendly interface to help beginner DJs learn, practise and perform mixes using laptops, tablets or smartphones. The Party Mix III provides essential DJ tools in a compact format, making it ideal for casual performances, home use and small gatherings. With Party Mix III, you have the option to send audio to speakers via the main output or practise privately by using the headphone output to cue and monitor your mix.
Numark’s Party Mix III is lightweight and easily transportable, so you can mix in just about any location. It features a wireless MIDI connectivity function compatible with Bluetooth 4.2 and higher, plug-and-play connectivity with no driver installation required, and software compatibility with multiple programs such as Serato DJ Lite (included), Algoriddim djay (included) and VirtualDJ (licence required). Party Mix III is USB-powered with no requirement for external power; just connect it to your device and practise your DJ skills anytime, anywhere.
The Bose ShowTime STS118E Subwoofer is a passive 18-inch speaker crafted to match the scale and voicing of high-output Bose Professional loudspeaker systems. Extending down to 29 Hz, this subwoofer model delivers the professional low-frequency impact expected for music-forward and high-energy applications whilst retaining its practicality in permanent installations for both indoor and outdoor environments.
The STS118E is ideal for a ground stack, with integrated suspension points that allow live engineers to adapt speaker configurations based on individual room requirements.
To integrate the subwoofer into temporary applications, it includes a universal pole cup that supports both standard 35 mm poles and M20-threaded poles. The ShowTime STS118E has an IP55-rated construction that allows it to be used in exposed and semi-exposed locations across a variety of venues, like performance halls or outdoor sports facilities. Available in black or white, the ShowTime STS118E integrates seamlessly into a range of environments.
When paired with the speaker systems in the Bose Professional product range, this subwoofer provides a reliable low-frequency foundation that supports high-output systems with consistency, durability and predictable performance.
The Andover Audio Freeplay Stereo Speaker is a portable high-fidelity Bluetooth speaker with an optional 3.5 mm input, designed for easy transportation without compromising sound quality. It promises the same depth as a premium home audio system in an on-the-go environment.
The Freeplay has selectable modes for loudness, defaulting to a wide-range setting but including a Loud Mode 6 dB boost option for that extra outdoor push. Its Bluetooth LE 6.0 feature allows you to link up to 99 FreePlay units seamlessly for a massive, synchronised soundscape.
The unit also includes a top-deck wireless phone charging pad for iPhones, so you can stream seamlessly without draining your phone battery. The speaker has a battery life of 24+ hours of continuous playback at moderate listening levels, so you can soundtrack the entire day.
Elegantly engineered with an IP67 waterproof/dustproof enclosure that protects against the elements, it delivers rich, immersive warmth without sacrificing a refined design. FreePlay replaces the flat, distorted sound profiles of standard outdoor blasters with a true home-stereo scale, driven by the use of a true front-firing stereo array with a real rear passive radiator.
The design features two 5.25-inch aluminium cone woofers and twin 25 mm dome tweeters with neodymium magnets. Andover has taken the exact engineering from its award-winning indoor audio products and meticulously confined it to a portable chassis for unrivalled hi-fi portable audio.
The device includes a bidirectional USB-C wired port for fast-charging external devices on the go or for charging the speaker itself.
