MMR Industry Record
2026 Music Products Industry Archive
Search and browse MMR’s music products industry reporting timeline, connecting companies, people, products, NAMM coverage and market developments across the digital archive.
973 matching published stories
Waldorf increases Iridium Core voices with firmware update
A new firmware update raises the Waldorf Iridium Core polyphony from 12 to 16 voices, matching larger models.
Apple opens london venue with Spatial Audio and broadcast facilities
Apple has launched Apple Music Hall in London, featuring a spatial audio system, recording studios, and broadcast infrastructure within Battersea Power Station.
Trade Regrets: Mike Beigel
Mike Beigel, inventor of the Mu-Tron III and co-founder of Musitronics, has died at age 77.
Qualcomm releases two-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip lineup
Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and standard Gen 6 chips, offering a split 2nm platform strategy for flagship smartphones with varying AI and video capabilities.
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…
DRUMTEK hosts EXCLUSIVE ART CRUZ CLINIC during LAMB OF GOD tour
Melbourne retailer Drumtek will host an exclusive drum clinic featuring Lamb of God drummer Art Cruz on Oct. 5, coinciding with the band's Australian arena tour.
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.
DVLP Academy becomes first school to install SSL Oracle console
Denver's DVLP Academy has installed an SSL Oracle 24, marking the first deployment of the in-line mixing console in an educational facility. The installation highlights Solid State Logic's presence in…
HK Audio appoints Isabelle Wear to lead Emerging Markets Sales
HK Audio has appointed Isabelle Wear as Head of Sales Emerging Markets to strengthen its international team and expand presence in key regions including the Middle East, Africa, India, Australia,…
HK Audio releases DSP CONTROL 4.2 to streamline workflows
HK Audio reported the release of version 4.2 for its DSP Control software, featuring bulk updates, more preset slots, and new language options to assist audio professionals.
Apple Music Hall in London prioritizes recording over ticket sales
Apple has opened its first live music venue, Apple Music Hall, in London, a facility designed to prioritize high-fidelity recording and spatial audio production over traditional ticket revenue models.
EM Acoustics supplies Reference system for SSL demo facility
Solid State Logic replaced its 12-year-old portable audio system with EM Acoustics Reference Series loudspeakers at its Oxford headquarters to enhance live console demonstrations 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.
Vader Sound expands Veelah distribution with new V Series models
Vader Sound has expanded its distribution of Veelah guitars across the UK, Ireland and Benelux, adding multiple new acoustic and electro-acoustic models to the V Series lineup.
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.
DiCosimo Audio shrinks 360+ Bass Preamp for 2026 lineup
DiCosimo Audio has updated its 360+ Bass Preamp pedal, reducing its footprint while improving power efficiency without altering the core circuit or retail price.
Roland opens first standalone US retail store in New York City
Roland launches its first dedicated US retail location in Manhattan, marking a strategic shift from dealer distribution to direct sales with a large flagship store.
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.
Guitar Center removes false entries from Ed Sheeran contest
Guitar Center disqualified illegitimate submissions flooding its Open For Legends competition following political controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran's tour.
Reverend Guitars releases limited Billy Corgan Infinite Sadness models
Reverend Guitars has released a limited run of Billy Corgan signature instruments tied to the Smashing Pumpkins 30th anniversary tour, with specific production counts and street prices defined for the…
Open-Source Octabam project expands Elektron Octatrack capabilities
A new open-source firmware project called Octabam allows Elektron Octatrack owners to create custom OS versions with enhanced effects and MIDI features, presenting potential market implications for hardware longevity and…
Suno V6 launch sparks audio quality complaints amid licensing shifts
Users report degraded audio and creativity in Suno's new V6 model, which relies on licensed data from Warner, BMG and Believe while excluding unlicensed catalogs.
Smart Audio Plugins releases Timbral Box Parallel harmonic processor
Smart Audio Plugins has released Timbral Box, a new parallel harmonic processing plugin for mixing and mastering, offering distinct saturation modes and transformer-modeled summing at an introductory price point.
MOTU releases Digital Performer 12 with atmos and AI tools
MOTU releases Digital Performer 12, adding Dolby Atmos mixing and AI stem separation to update its digital audio workstation.
Gibson adopts L.R. Baggs HiFi DNA pickups for select acoustic models
Gibson integrates L.R. Baggs HiFi DNA technology into three acoustic models, utilizing a non-invasive sensor system to enhance tone and simplify installation for retailers.
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.
Ashdown secures exclusive US distribution via guitar Center
British amp maker Ashdown partners exclusively with Guitar Center and Musician's Friend to expand US retail footprint ahead of its 30th anniversary.
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…
Harley Benton adds Fishman Fluence Pickups to SC-550 line
Thomann retailer Harley Benton has expanded its entry-level single-cut guitar lineup with two new SC-550 Plus Fluence models featuring active Fishman pickups. Priced at 499 euros, these instruments represent a…
JET Guitars adds four new models to UK lineup
JET Guitars launches four new electric guitars ranging from £229 to £539, now shipping to UK retailers via distributor Almires UK.
Tanglewood taps Taigu for exclusive China distribution push
Tanglewood Guitars has appointed Taigu Musical Instruments as its exclusive partner for China, marking the brand's largest commercial distribution deal to drive global manufacturing growth and retail expansion.
Coffeeshopped releases Patch Base 4 for Mac with new MIDI features
Coffeeshopped has launched Patch Base 4, a software update for Mac users managing hardware synthesizers, introducing MIDI controller mapping and external keyboard support.
34audio releases GlitchShredder ios effect for $4.99
Developer 34Audio has released GlitchShredder, a new real-time glitch and stutter audio effect application for iPhone and iPad devices, expanding the mobile music production market.
ESP Guitars promotes four veteran staff members to new leadership roles
ESP Guitars has promoted Miguel Soto, Mike Brinker, Ryan Dominguez, and Tim Jennaway to key positions overseeing global sales, domestic distribution, manufacturing, and product operations.
Razer releases $99 Kraken V4 X Sensa HD Haptics headset for PC gamers
Razer introduced the wired Kraken V4 X Sensa HD Haptics headset at $99, bringing tactile feedback to over 100 PC games. The device targets budget-conscious gamers seeking haptic immersion without…
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.