The week before last, Glenn, Wayne, Mike and I headed out to Barcelona for another packed and productive week at ISE. As always, the schedule was stacked with back-to-back appointments with existing suppliers, conversations with new brands, and plenty of hands-on time with the latest tech hitting the pro AV market.
ISE never disappoints when it comes to new products, and 2026 was no exception. Here are our top product picks and general highlights from the show.
1. CHAUVET - NFC Touch Technology
Chauvet’s new NFC Touch Technology was one of those “why hasn’t this been done before?” moments. While continuing to innovate their LED technology, Chauvet are also thinking outside the box about how their fixtures can save hire production companies time and money.
Simply set up a profile in the smartphone app and tap your phone onto the NFC pad to configure compatible fixtures. This can be done even when they're powered off, meaning no more rigging adjustments at height just to tweak settings, no more powering up full systems for simple addressing changes, and far quicker prep in hire production environments.
For installers and production teams alike, this is a genuine workflow improvement, particularly on larger rigs where time really is money. We expect this to become a wider industry trend, so watch this space for more fixtures adopting the feature.
On display were four Maverick control panels, demonstrating how easily you can scan diagnostics and apply setup changes.
2. Shure SLXD+ Digital Wireless
Shure showcased their new SLX-D+ digital wireless system, following its debut at NAMM. This was our first opportunity to get hands-on with it, and it’s everything you’d expect from Shure: solid, intuitive and easy to use.
- Reduced latency (down from 3.2ms to 2.8ms)
- Wideband tuning range of 138 MHz for greater RF flexibility
- ShowLink® Ease - allowing remote frequency deployment, transmitter gain adjustment, lock/unlock control and firmware updates over-the-air from the receiver
- Shure’s Digital Feedback Reduction (DFR)
- AES-256 encryption for confidential corporate events
- Full-rack quad receivers to maximise channel count and minimise rack space
- Antenna cascading to reduce rack space and accessories
- Dante-ready quad receivers
- Plug-on transmitters for location sound applications
Thanks to these pro-level features, SLX-D+ sits at a very attractive price point in comparison to other models in its class.
3. RCF – EVOX J9 & Demo Room
ISE was the first time we heard the much-anticipated EVOX J9 series. And they didn’t disappoint!
They featured in RCF’s impressive demo suite alongside the TT+ Audio GTX line arrays, HDL-6A systems and SUB-AX subwoofers. The demonstration incorporated a laser positioned behind the audience, projecting effects onto an LED screen that interacted with the content. It began with a short video on the history of RCF, followed by a presentation from product specialist Lucio Boiardi Serri, who explained the thinking behind each system and supporting technologies such as ACE and the LiveRemote control app.
You really have to hear the new EVOX J series to appreciate how good they are. Unlike traditional two-way column systems, they deploy dedicated drivers for low, mid and high frequencies, helping vocals remain clear without pushing levels too hard.
With clean aesthetics and serious output, they would be a strong addition for any hire production company looking to bolster their stock.
4. Audio-Technica – ATDM-1012DAN & ATSP-30
This is one that could easily fly under the radar.
Jack from Audio-Technica highlighted the new ATDM-1012DAN SmartMixer and their networkable ceiling speaker, the ATSP-30. The speaker is network-ready and controlled using Audio-Technica’s LINK protocol. Sold in pairs (one active, one passive), they connect via a standard speaker cable and offer seamless integration with high fidelity for small- to medium-sized meeting rooms.
What makes this solution particularly clever is that you only need one Dante licence (well, this is licensed by the manufacturer and built into the cost of the item...), and that cost is built into the SmartMixer. The speakers use AT LINK rather than requiring their own Dante licences, meaning you get a networked installed audio system at a lower overall cost.
For installers working on meeting spaces, this is a neat, efficient solution.
5. Sennheiser x SoundBase – RF Management Tool
One of the most strategically interesting launches was SoundBase, an RF management platform recently acquired by Sennheiser.
Available in free (SE) and paid (Pro) versions, SoundBase offers real-time monitoring and management of devices across more than 20 wireless brands simultaneously, including Shure, Sennheiser, Wisycom and Sound Devices.
It provides a centralised control platform that hire production companies, AV installers and engineers will find invaluable in busy RF environments such as metropolitan areas, festivals and theatre districts.
Deliberately positioned next to a fully kitted display of various RF brands on the Sennheiser booth, pro audio specialist Kev gave us a full walkthrough of the SoundBase app. One standout feature was the real-time RF monitoring map - although we were in Barcelona, he switched the view to London to show an overview of systems deployed across the West End. The collaboration tools, including project-based chat and live notifications of changes, were also particularly impressive.
Much like Chauvet’s NFC technology, this is a feature that sits alongside the core product but adds serious value by saving users time, reducing risk and improving efficiency.
6. Ampetronic x Listen Technologies – Auri 4-Transmitter Pack
This product is so new it doesn't have a name yet! But it’s a strong step forward in assistive listening.
The Auri 4-transmitter pack, complete with a 4-way charging station, offers a clean, scalable and easy-to-manage solution for venues looking to improve accessibility. With charging, storage and deployment designed as part of a single ecosystem, it simplifies what can often become a fragmented setup.
Accessibility is only becoming more important across corporate, education and public venues, and this feels like a practical, user-friendly evolution.
7. Yamaha – MGX Mixers & CC1
Another standout was Yamaha’s expanded pro-audio lineup, particularly the new MGX series digital mixers and the CC1 DAW control surface.
The MGX series brings Yamaha’s classic MG mixer design into the digital age, combining familiar layout and reliability with modern connectivity and functionality. Back in January, we sat down with product specialist Chris McIntyre for a Product Profile segment on our YouTube channel, where he explained the thinking behind the range in more detail.
Alongside the mixers was the CC1 USB controller - a compact but powerful DAW control surface featuring 12 assignable LCD keys, a 100mm touch-sensitive motorised fader and multi-function rotary control. Compatible with widely used DAWs and even integrating with tools like Elgato Streamdeck, it’s ideal for engineers running playback and recording in live environments, as well as creators in music production, streaming and podcasting.
8. Avolites - The Golden D3
One of the more eye-catching highlights of the show was Avolites celebrating 50 years of lighting control innovation.
To mark the milestone, they brought along the Golden D3 - a 24-carat gold-plated version of their popular D3 console. It was a real centrepiece on the stand and part of their Avo50 competition, which runs throughout the year. By engaging with Avolites - attending training, visiting them at trade shows and more - participants can collect points, with the highest scorers entering a draw to win this one-of-a-kind console.
A bold way to celebrate five decades in the industry.
The Demo Rooms – Where the Magic Really Happens
The show floor is great for first impressions, but the demo rooms are where products truly come to life. This year we made time for several standout demonstrations that gave us a deeper understanding of how these systems perform in real-world environments.
VOID – Passion, Materials & Sonic Identity
One of the most engaging sessions came from Void, led personally by founder Rog Mogale.
Rog walked us through the evolution of their systems - from the Venu series through to Cyclone and the iconic Air range - with his trademark energy and enthusiasm.
What makes Void different is their relentless experimentation. Rog shared fascinating insights into how the team tested countless materials and cabinet constructions before settling on the low-resonance carbon fibre designs they’re now known for, as well as some of the secrets behind the new Air 12.
Although instantly recognisable visually, it’s not just about aesthetics. The material choices reduce cabinet resonance and preserve audio clarity, contributing to the distinctive, hi-definition sound signature Void is known for in high-end hospitality, clubs and experiential venues. A technical, passionate and refreshingly human session.
Martin Audio & TiMax – An Immersive 360° Experience
Martin Audio took a completely different approach, delivering a fully immersive 360° audio journey powered by their spatial sound partner, TiMax.
Rather than a standard demo, we were taken through multiple simulated environments:
- A football stadium (Elland Road in Leeds, where Martin Audio recently supplied the TORUS system)
- A busy bar
- A live music venue
Each setting demonstrated how spatial audio and intelligent system design can transform audience perception, creating a far more immersive experience than traditional stereo setups.
Throughout the session they showcased a wide range of solutions including Blackline Q, Adorn, CDD, FlexPoint, TORUS and Wavefront Precision.
It felt remarkably realistic - movement across the sound field was natural and convincing. Spatial sound is clearly becoming more relevant across hospitality, live events and experiential spaces.
And a Few Things We Can't Fully Talk About... Yet 👀
There were also some very exciting conversations happening behind closed doors. Let's just say: stands involving beautifully engineered hardware solutions, eye-catching atmospheric effects and specialist RF problem-solving technology... We'll share more on that when we can, but there are some exciting developments on the horizon for our customers.
Final Thoughts
ISE always delivers, but this year felt particularly focused on smarter working.
Across lighting, audio and RF, the common theme wasn't just "bigger" or "louder", it was about efficiency, integration and control. The industry is clearly evolving toward solutions that make life easier for engineers, installers and production teams alike.
Of course, we only scratched the surface of what the show had to offer. We'd love to hear what you got up to at ISE and any new & interesting technologies that caught your eye. Let us know in the comments below!
