The Score Magazine

India’s professional audio, AV, lighting, and entertainment technology industry is entering one of its most exciting growth phases, and PALM AV-ICN Expo 2026 is gearing up to reflect exactly that momentum. Returning for its 24th edition from May 28 to 30, 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai, the expo is expected to once again bring together the country’s entire professional AV and entertainment technology ecosystem under one roof.

The powered speaker market has become more competitive than ever, but the Mackie Thump12V4 continues to prove why the Thump series remains a favourite among DJs, musicians, event professionals, and live performers worldwide. Built to deliver powerful sound, practical modern features, and reliable performance, the latest Thump12V4 takes the legacy forward with smarter functionality and improved versatility for today’s demanding audio environments.

Electronic drum kits have come a long way in recent years, and the new Alesis Nitro Ultimate XL proves just how advanced and accessible modern drumming technology has become. Built for beginners, intermediate players, home studio musicians, and even performing drummers, this latest addition to the Alesis lineup combines realistic feel, modern connectivity, and performance ready features into one impressive package.

On April 3, 2026, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma brought his Sitar for Mental Health tour to the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Badminton Academy, Chennai, and what unfolded over the next two and a half hours was nothing short of transformative. The Chennai stop was part of his wider India tour and carried the same promise of immersive, emotionally charged sonic healing that the tour has become known for. From the moment audiences arrived, the evening felt thoughtfully planned.

India’s pro audio landscape is about to get significantly louder. Mackie, one of the world’s most respected names in professional audio hardware, has announced a strategic distribution partnership with Music & More Distribution Co. Pvt. Ltd., marking a major step forward in expanding the brand’s presence across the Indian market.

Some instruments don’t need hype. You hear one note and you already know what it is. The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay is one of those rare basses. Fifty years on, it still sounds as bold, punchy, and unmistakable as it did when it first showed up and changed the game. When the StingRay arrived in the mid 1970s, it wasn’t trying to follow trends. It did the opposite.

Some gear makes a strong first impression not because it is flashy, but because it quietly solves problems musicians deal with every single day. The Samson Airline Micro Pro is exactly that kind of product. We discovered it on the show floor at the 125th anniversary edition of The NAMM Show, and it instantly stood out for one simple reason. It removes friction.

At The NAMM Show 2026 celebrating 125 years, Shure introduced the SLX-D+ digital wireless microphone system, a refined upgrade built for professionals and real-world users alike. Designed to balance high-end performance with everyday usability, SLX-D+ stood out on the show floor for doing something rare: making wireless audio simpler without compromising quality. SLX-D+ builds on the success of Shure’s SLX-D platform, expanding its capabilities while keeping the workflow intuitive.

By day two of The NAMM Show 2026, one thing becomes unmistakably clear: this is not just a trade show, it is a living, breathing ecosystem of sound, ideas, and ambition. With over 5,400 brands on the floor and nearly double the number of product launches compared to last year, the Anaheim Convention Center feels less like an exhibition space and more like a global music city in motion. Every aisle tells a different story.

The Score Magazine at The NAMM Show 2026 Guess what, music lovers? Bluey is back — and this time, he’s sitting at the piano. Yes, your favourite blue heeler from Bluey now has his very own piano book, and it’s designed especially for kids who are just starting their musical journey. If you’ve ever wanted to play music like the tunes you hear on the show, this is where the fun begins. The Bluey: First Ever Piano Book, released by Alfred Music, is all about turning learning into play.